First of all, let's be real.
Seems like every romance novel that tackles a historical romance is full of languid descriptions of the main characters' dresses, long flowing (pick your color) hair and sitting room room furnishings.
While Son of A PreacherMan has some of all that, it really took me down a road that was far less traveled in the historical romance genre. That is, the author took the reader into a story that offered solid historical references about the African-American experience in the United States, and offered a glimpse into an extremely interesting time and place.
Set in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the story fools you into thinking this is all about a romance between the Son of a PreacherMan, Billy Ray, and a young woman named Benny (short for Benjamina). But this story is a well woven tale that involves several families, their hopes and dreams, their devotion and love for each other and clearly their strong faith in Jesus Christ.
But, what I liked most about this book, was the flaws that each character carried along the story with them. These were real people, real problems and not once did the circumstances strike me as fiction (although yes, I realize it's fiction). They all were caught in what real life offers us -the good and the bad- and while the romance works out in the end, it certainly was a battle to get through, given the individuals needs of propriety while trying to pray through what life handed them.
I liked the dance between all of the characters, sometimes providing a complex moment of thought provoking stillness...to think the situation out. I didn't like "joining" in the meetings of the White Glove folks, but I realize it was a necessary evil to get to a latter part of what happens in the story. I found the whole dealings with "those people" distasteful and disconcerting...and I guess that was the whole point.
This was an excellent source of the fictionalization of historical events that were happening in this time period. I actually felt I was there, walking alongside each person, feeling their hurts and celebrating their victories, albeit sometimes small ones, and I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys unexpected twists and turns while on their field trip at the museum.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher Moody Publishers at NetGallery.com. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."