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Hush Now
When Rebecca Montgomery, daughter of wealthy plantation owner Grafton Montgomery, falls in love with Ruth, a slave, her life is turned upside down. Their journey of self-discovery takes place in a historical period of the imagination-one filled with vibrant characters, intrigue, danger, and the underlying theme of hope.
Touching and humorous, this story takes a look not at what was, but what might have been.
The seeds of this idea were planted at the Venetian hotel in Las Vegas. We looked out the window and tried to imagine a time in history when people chose to settle this rugged, Godforsaken terrain.
Enthralled by the enigmatic desert landscape, we began our fantastical adventure. The view inspired a conversation that evoked the question, what if? That question catapulted us to a place in history that provided an intriguing and complex backdrop for our story. What if you had been a slave and I a plantation owner's daughter? The thought was horrifying, yet intriguing.
Touching and humorous, this story takes a look not at what was, but what might have been.
The seeds of this idea were planted at the Venetian hotel in Las Vegas. We looked out the window and tried to imagine a time in history when people chose to settle this rugged, Godforsaken terrain.
Enthralled by the enigmatic desert landscape, we began our fantastical adventure. The view inspired a conversation that evoked the question, what if? That question catapulted us to a place in history that provided an intriguing and complex backdrop for our story. What if you had been a slave and I a plantation owner's daughter? The thought was horrifying, yet intriguing.
216 pages, Paperback
First published September 14, 2012
2 people are currently reading
1706 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 10, 2016
Great to read a book that is a "new" storyline. Versus same old story and new character names. Lots of food for thought. So many important social topics that are explored. The author(s) style completely engaged me in the characters lives and I wanted to spend more time reading about those social issues that were being explored. I hope to read more from this author and I hope she settles deeper into some of those important issues. Would be a great book club selection. Be prepared for a lot of conversation that will continue long after your group leaves for the night! Well done! More please!
March 2, 2013
What a delightful reading experience. Intriguing and heartwarming. This is a story of romance but the storyline is so out of the box...which makes the read fascinating and so very refreshing. The history and social issues that were touched upon intensified the story. Definitely some things that will make you say 'hmmm'. Although I experienced heartache along with the characters in this book, it's a feel-good story overall. Filled with love, passion and romance with the right touch of humor. I truly hated to see it come to an end. I hope there will be a sequel soon to come.
November 24, 2014
I won a copy of this book in a goodreads giveaway.
3 1/2 Stars
I'm not exactly sure what to say about this book. I did enjoy it overall, the idea behind the plot was extremely interesting, and Ruth was a pleasant surprise, from her ability to read to her bravery in the face of the adversity she met every day of her life. That being said. Rebecca often came off as immature and selfish, Grafton (Rebecca's father) was contradictory, there seemed to be huge holes all over the place throughout the books, details that could have made this book into a four and a half star rating. From the start, there were so many small and big details missing, beginning with when this happened. We never find out how old Ruth is, and I believe it was the end of chapter 12 that we find out how old Rebecca is. Oh! And throughout the book, from the first chapter to the last, Rebecca's father is plagued by some illness, but other than to say he was feeling poorly or feeling ill, we never got any indication if it was a stomach virus, a head cold or sinus infection or even cancer. He got better for a while, but then he was quite ill again. That's just about how it was said in the book too. I'm a detail oriented person, especially when it comes to books, and all these missing details drove me wild. Also the author's way of changing point of view constantly left me feeling confused. I was never 100% sure who was thinking what, or who was saying what at times, since the speaking parts were sometimes left to be associated with the thoughts.
Though it may seem that I have only negative thoughts about this book, I have plenty of positive as well. The relationship between R & R was sweet and loving throughout. The Montgomerys treated their slaves much better than any other plantation owner in their area, and as Rebecca's father liked to tell his card buddies, it showed in his profits. The relationship Rebecca had with all the slaves, even before she had her epiphany, went even further into treating them and respecting them as she would any other hard worker. After her epiphany, I believe she would have given every person on the plantation their freedom and given them a chance to work for pay, if only it had been up to her. Though there were a few tragedies, the book overall was a light, making it easy and quick to read.
Though I wasn't particularly happy with the way the book ended, it wasn't a completely unexpected outcome. Also, it left the ending open just enough for a possible sequel, which I'd be more than happy to read. I will say that I wish this had been categorized as a Young Adult lesbian love story rather than an adult, but I still thought it was pretty good. There seemed to be places that the author played it too safe, perhaps afraid to go further into controversial issues, though I'm not sure what's more controversial than a biracial lesbian couple during the times of slavery! Also, there were some conflicts that were resolved to easily or just dropped. One such conflict was with the overseer of one part of the plantation. Things like this made for a book that was less than what it could have been. Hopefully if my wish for a sequel is granted, the author will take it to the next level and make it an amazing book rather than just a good one.
3 1/2 Stars
I'm not exactly sure what to say about this book. I did enjoy it overall, the idea behind the plot was extremely interesting, and Ruth was a pleasant surprise, from her ability to read to her bravery in the face of the adversity she met every day of her life. That being said. Rebecca often came off as immature and selfish, Grafton (Rebecca's father) was contradictory, there seemed to be huge holes all over the place throughout the books, details that could have made this book into a four and a half star rating. From the start, there were so many small and big details missing, beginning with when this happened. We never find out how old Ruth is, and I believe it was the end of chapter 12 that we find out how old Rebecca is. Oh! And throughout the book, from the first chapter to the last, Rebecca's father is plagued by some illness, but other than to say he was feeling poorly or feeling ill, we never got any indication if it was a stomach virus, a head cold or sinus infection or even cancer. He got better for a while, but then he was quite ill again. That's just about how it was said in the book too. I'm a detail oriented person, especially when it comes to books, and all these missing details drove me wild. Also the author's way of changing point of view constantly left me feeling confused. I was never 100% sure who was thinking what, or who was saying what at times, since the speaking parts were sometimes left to be associated with the thoughts.
Though it may seem that I have only negative thoughts about this book, I have plenty of positive as well. The relationship between R & R was sweet and loving throughout. The Montgomerys treated their slaves much better than any other plantation owner in their area, and as Rebecca's father liked to tell his card buddies, it showed in his profits. The relationship Rebecca had with all the slaves, even before she had her epiphany, went even further into treating them and respecting them as she would any other hard worker. After her epiphany, I believe she would have given every person on the plantation their freedom and given them a chance to work for pay, if only it had been up to her. Though there were a few tragedies, the book overall was a light, making it easy and quick to read.
Though I wasn't particularly happy with the way the book ended, it wasn't a completely unexpected outcome. Also, it left the ending open just enough for a possible sequel, which I'd be more than happy to read. I will say that I wish this had been categorized as a Young Adult lesbian love story rather than an adult, but I still thought it was pretty good. There seemed to be places that the author played it too safe, perhaps afraid to go further into controversial issues, though I'm not sure what's more controversial than a biracial lesbian couple during the times of slavery! Also, there were some conflicts that were resolved to easily or just dropped. One such conflict was with the overseer of one part of the plantation. Things like this made for a book that was less than what it could have been. Hopefully if my wish for a sequel is granted, the author will take it to the next level and make it an amazing book rather than just a good one.
November 24, 2014
Synopsis: Young love in a time when it is not just impossible to be together do to how you were born(skin color). But because your sexual orientation isn't quite on the straight and narrow. And even to hold hands could be deemed a highly punishable offense. And you thought Romeo and Juliet had it bad. They have nothing on these two.
What I liked about the book:
-Love beating the odds in a world full of hang ups and misgivings. Something truly magical about that.
-The progressive thinking of the main character's father in running his plantation. Establishing a way in which his slaves could work towards their freedom as time went along and not being unnecessarily cruel to them.
-First story I ever read with a midwife for the female slaves back in the time of slavery. From how I gathered they had to labor in the fields along with getting the cotton. But see a midwife and even a little person assistant of sorts helping out was great.
-Also another first, seeing a early/back in the day gay bar/club. I'm sure they had them on the low of course all over. But good to get a sampling of it in this story.
-Finally coming across a story with a marriage convenience that I can get behind.
-And a really close bond between sisters that you don't often see in most books. Unless there is some major drama happening.
What I didn't like:
-LACK OF IN-DEPTH, FLESHED OUT, DETAILS!!! and the cojones to take the story THERE and be over the top. Although I enjoyed the story well enough. I felt like the author did not get in any research and just roughly worked off a general idea. Which is great, but without more info, I think she totally missed out on some great opportunities to take the story above and beyond and over the top.
Would I rec it?-Yep, but advise readers to try and enjoy the story for what it is instead of what the author wanted it to be.
What I liked about the book:
-Love beating the odds in a world full of hang ups and misgivings. Something truly magical about that.
-The progressive thinking of the main character's father in running his plantation. Establishing a way in which his slaves could work towards their freedom as time went along and not being unnecessarily cruel to them.
-First story I ever read with a midwife for the female slaves back in the time of slavery. From how I gathered they had to labor in the fields along with getting the cotton. But see a midwife and even a little person assistant of sorts helping out was great.
-Also another first, seeing a early/back in the day gay bar/club. I'm sure they had them on the low of course all over. But good to get a sampling of it in this story.
-Finally coming across a story with a marriage convenience that I can get behind.
-And a really close bond between sisters that you don't often see in most books. Unless there is some major drama happening.
What I didn't like:
-LACK OF IN-DEPTH, FLESHED OUT, DETAILS!!! and the cojones to take the story THERE and be over the top. Although I enjoyed the story well enough. I felt like the author did not get in any research and just roughly worked off a general idea. Which is great, but without more info, I think she totally missed out on some great opportunities to take the story above and beyond and over the top.
Would I rec it?-Yep, but advise readers to try and enjoy the story for what it is instead of what the author wanted it to be.
January 1, 2013
Beautiful love story and history lesson. It was wonderful to read something new! I hope to see a sequel in the future.
June 26, 2014
I loved the intrigue of the story and the spirit of the characters. The author takes you on a trip of the imagination but you know it probably happened just like it is told. We all struggle to become who we are but there were many who suffered the prejudices of the times they were born in. This is a wonderful historical view of secrets and passions that would never have been spoken of in real time. You certainly become invested in the outcome and form a real respect for what the characters represent. A good read.
December 1, 2013
4 1/2 stars- Kindle edition
My Review: http://bi-curious-romancenovel-chat.b...
I'm no longer posting reviews here due to GR policies. Am linking only from now on.
My Review: http://bi-curious-romancenovel-chat.b...
I'm no longer posting reviews here due to GR policies. Am linking only from now on.
April 21, 2013
I was up half the night reading this book. BRAVO to you, Bonnie Harrison. I cried, I laughed..this is a wonderful book!!! I recommend it to everyone on Goodread's!!!
February 28, 2018
Good book tell of true love and struggle between two women of different race and background.
January 20, 2014
The author's blurb says that Hush Now came out of "a conversation that evoked the question, what if?...What if you had been a slave and I a plantation owner's daughter?"
The main character, Rebecca Montgomery, is a plantation owner's daughter. At the beginning of the book she is sympathetic to the slaves that her family owns, but doesn't really question the institution of slavery. In the first scene she is wearing pants in order to ride horseback astride instead of sidesaddle. This illustrates that she is different from the accepted version of young womanhood at the time. Ruth is a young slave who is purchased to help out in the kitchen. The two women are mutually attracted to each other.
Although the book is set in the 1800s, I felt that it had a 21st century sensibility, and Rebecca was too much of a Mary-Sue character, based on the author trying to imagine herself as Rebecca.
I also was frustrated with the use of dialect for the black characters but no corresponding use of southern accent for the white characters. This might work in Gone with the Wind which doesn't pretend to be anti-slavery, but was bothersome in this book.
The above may appear to be very critical, but despite these issues I found this to be a good read, one that I enjoyed and appreciated finding. I also agree with the previous reviewer who suggested that this would be a good choice for a book club reading. It certainly raises issues that are worth discussing.
My 3 star rating is based on the GR scale (3 stars is "I liked it", although on other websites that rating may mean "OK" or "average") but I wasn't as excited as some of the other reviewers have been.
I received this book for free through the Goodreads First Reads Program.
The main character, Rebecca Montgomery, is a plantation owner's daughter. At the beginning of the book she is sympathetic to the slaves that her family owns, but doesn't really question the institution of slavery. In the first scene she is wearing pants in order to ride horseback astride instead of sidesaddle. This illustrates that she is different from the accepted version of young womanhood at the time. Ruth is a young slave who is purchased to help out in the kitchen. The two women are mutually attracted to each other.
Although the book is set in the 1800s, I felt that it had a 21st century sensibility, and Rebecca was too much of a Mary-Sue character, based on the author trying to imagine herself as Rebecca.
I also was frustrated with the use of dialect for the black characters but no corresponding use of southern accent for the white characters. This might work in Gone with the Wind which doesn't pretend to be anti-slavery, but was bothersome in this book.
The above may appear to be very critical, but despite these issues I found this to be a good read, one that I enjoyed and appreciated finding. I also agree with the previous reviewer who suggested that this would be a good choice for a book club reading. It certainly raises issues that are worth discussing.
My 3 star rating is based on the GR scale (3 stars is "I liked it", although on other websites that rating may mean "OK" or "average") but I wasn't as excited as some of the other reviewers have been.
I received this book for free through the Goodreads First Reads Program.
January 11, 2015
This was a such a great read. I haven't read a book set in this time period in a long time. Although it was set during a really horrible time, the story was incredibly lighthearted. It was so refreshing to read a book that had great feelings throughout. I kept waiting for something devastating to happen to ruin those good feelings but it left me just wanting more. I want to know what happens to Rebecca and Ruth!!
March 5, 2023
I've always been a fan of lesbian romance (even writing some stories myself) and this book was just so passionate and romantic that it inspired me to start writing again. I just couldn't put this book down once I picked it up. I really like the how out-of-the-box this story is which makes it such a refreshing read. I would definitely recommend this to any romance fans.
May 5, 2014
Absolutely loved this book!!! I was pleased the author didn't add a terrible tragedy for the couple, as everyday life was challenge enough. Wonderful, easy read. I laughed and cried and was very pleased overall. Thank you, L.A. Green!
November 22, 2014
This book was the first I have read in a long time that was set during the times of slavery. It was a little difficult for me to make out some of the language that the slaves speak. I enjoyed this book, but I felt that the ending was a last thought and very abrupt.
March 1, 2014
This was a beautiful novel and I'd love to read a sequel somehow, but I guess I'll have to settle for rereading it.
January 16, 2016
Really, 3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews