The Bracelet by Dorothy Love

Author Dorothy Love scores a major hit with The Bracelet, a novel set in pre-Civil War Savannah, Georgia.  Heroine Celia Browning donates time and resources to the Female Asylum to help homeless women.  She also assists her father with his prosperous shipping business, plans parties, and befriends her orphaned cousin, Ivy.  But her major desire is to become the wife of her longtime suitor, Sutton Mackay.  Strife between the North and South may delay their marriage plans—as also might a mysterious stranger with supposed knowledge of family secrets.  Mysterious clues such as a jeweled bracelet add to the intrigue.  The author presents here a masterful writing job.  In addition to telling a great story, she knows how to pique the reader’s curiosity and interest.  She tells us just enough so that we must read on.  As a reader, I became so involved in Celia’s story.  I anticipated her moves and tried to analyze the clues.  This novel was never boring or formulaic.  The setting in Savannah is colorful and realistic for the time period.  The characters are delightful, notably Mrs. Maguire, the housekeeper who serves up meals and mothers Celia with great humor. This is a fast paced historical love story with depth and suspense; I highly recommend The Bracelet.   I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.  I was not required to write a positive review; the words here are my own.