Dorothy Love – författare

Acclaimed historical novelist Dorothy Love brings to life an extraordinary true story of friendship, courage, and loyalty in Mrs. Lee and Mrs. Gray. Inspired by real historical figures and set against the sweeping backdrop of the American Civil War, this richly detailed novel explores a remarkable bond that crosses lines of race, class, and culture--illuminating the complex human relationships behind one of the most turbulent eras in American history.Mary Anna Custis Lee is a great-granddaughter of Martha Washington, wife of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, and heiress to Virginia's storied Arlington house and General Washington's personal belongings.Born in bondage at Arlington, Selina Norris Gray learns to read and write in the schoolroom Mary and her mother keep for the enslaved children and eventually becomes Mary's housekeeper and confidante. As Mary's health declines, Selina becomes her personal maid, strengthening a bond that lasts until death parts them.Forced to flee Arlington at the start of the Civil War, Mary entrusts the keys to her beloved home to no one but Selina. When Union troops begin looting the house, it is Selina who confronts their commander and saves many of its historic treasures.Mrs. Lee and Mrs. Gray tells a powerful, well-researched, deeply human story about loyalty, courage, and the unexpected relationships that shape history. Perfect for fans of historical reads or anyone who enjoys reading about unexpected, but powerful, friendships.

When India Hartley is accused of murder, she must uncover the deceptions of others to save herself.India Hartley, a famous and beautiful actress, is now alone after her father’s death and embarks upon a tour of theaters across the South. Her first stop is Savannah’s Southern Palace. On the eve of the second night’s performance, something goes horribly wrong. Her co-star, Arthur Sterling, is shot dead on stage in front of a packed house, and India is arrested and accused of the crime.A benefactor hires Philip Sinclair, the best—and handsomest—lawyer in Savannah to defend India. A widower, Philip is struggling to reinvent his worn-out plantation on St. Simons Island. He needs to increase his income from his law practice in order to restore Indigo Point, and hardly anything will bring him more new clients than successfully defending a famous actress on a murder charge.Because India can’t go anywhere in town without being mobbed, Philip persuades the judge handling her case to let him take her to Indigo Point until her trial date. India is charmed by the beauty of the Georgia lowcountry and is increasingly drawn to Philip. But a locked room that appears to be a shrine to Philip’s dead wife and the unsolved disappearance of a former slave girl raise troubling questions. Piecing together clues in an abandoned boat and a burned-out chapel, India discovers a trail of dark secrets that lead back to Philip, secrets that ultimately may hold the key to her freedom. If only he will believe her.

Acclaimed historical novelist Dorothy Love brings the post-Civil War South to vivid life in Carolina Gold, a richly layered historical romance. Set in the hauntingly beautiful South Carolina Lowcountry, this atmospheric novel blends second-chance romance, historical mystery, and the fight to rebuild after the devastation of war.After her father's death, Charlotte Fraser returns home to Fairhaven, her family's once-thriving rice plantation, but the war has left the estate in ruins. Determined to restore her family's legacy, Charlotte sets her sights on reviving the prized strain of rice known as Carolina Gold, even as financial hardship and social upheaval threaten to overwhelm her efforts.To help keep Fairhaven afloat, Charlotte reluctantly agrees to tutor the young daughters of her widowed neighbor, Nicholas Betancourt, heir to nearby Willowood Plantation. As Charlotte and Nick grow closer, their friendship begins to blossom into something deeper. But Nick's quest to prove his rightful claim to Willowood sends Charlotte on a dangerous search for answers--one that uncovers a long-hidden family secret capable of changing both their futures.Inspired by the real-life story of a nineteenth-century woman rice farmer, Carolina Gold is a compelling tale of resilience and love. Rich with historical detail and Lowcountry atmosphere, Dorothy Love's novel captures the beauty and complexity of a region struggling to redefine itself after war.

“You don’t have to be a fan of Southern fiction or historical fiction to appreciate and enjoy the fabulous storytelling in this collection.” —4½ stars, RT Book ReviewsIn the most turbulent decade of our nation's history, four Southern women—destinies forged by birth, hearts steeled by war—face near impossible choices on their journeys in life . . . and in love.To Mend a Dream by Tamera AlexanderSavannah Darby would do almost anything to revisit her family home. So when new owner, Aidan Bedford, a Boston attorney and former Union soldier, seeks to redecorate the house for his fiancée, Savannah jumps at the opportunity. But the clock is ticking. Can she find the box her father supposedly hid there during the war before her assignment is completed? And before she sees yet another battle lost on the home front? This time, one of the heart.An Outlaw's Heart by Shelley GrayWhen Russell Stark returns to Fort Worth, he's determined to begin a new life. But when he arrives at his mother's homestead, he discovers she's very ill, and the woman he loved is still as beautiful and sweet as he remembered. With time running out, Russell must come to terms with both his future and his past.A Heart So True by Dorothy LoveAbigail knows all too well what is expected of her: to marry her distant cousin Charles and take her place in society. But her heart belongs to another—and a terrible incident forces Abby to choose between love and duty.Love Beyond Limits by Elizabeth MusserEmily has a secret: She's in love with one of the freedmen on her family's plantation. Meanwhile, another man declares his love for her. Emily realizes some things are not as they seem and secrets must be kept in order to keep those she loves safe.“Four intriguing novellas rich in historical detail, with unique settings and surprising premises—each filled with romance and heartbreak, pain and redemption. This collection set in the nineteenth century took me home to times and places in the Deep South I’ve visited only in my dreams. An absolute pleasure to read.” —Cathy Gohlke, bestselling author of Secrets She Kept and Saving Amelie“Among the Fair Magnolias will sweep you into the past, carrying you into the beauty and battles of the Old South. You will love, laugh, and lament as your heart is inspired to face life with courage and live it more fully.” —Cindy Woodsmall, New York Times and CBA bestselling author

Beyond All Measure by acclaimed historical novelist Dorothy Love is a moving post-Civil War romance about healing after heartbreak, rediscovering faith, and daring to trust love again. Featuring a guarded heroine, a steadfast small-town hero, and the hope of new beginnings in the Smoky Mountain foothills, this heartfelt novel explores how even the deepest wounds can give way to unexpected grace."This winning debut will be a hit with fans of Gilbert Morris and Lauraine Snelling." --Library JournalAda Wentworth may be young, but she's seen enough of life to know she can only rely on herself. Everyone including God it seems, has let her down. Having lost her family, her fiancé, and her fortune, Ada journeys from Boston to Hickory Ridge, Tennessee, to take a position as a lady's companion. Though initially charmed by the pretty little Southern town tucked into the foothills of the great Smokies, Ada plans to stay only until she can earn enough to establish a millinery shop.Her employer, Wyatt Caldwell, the local lumber mill owner, is easily the kindest, most attractive man Ada has met in Hickory Ridge. He believes Providence has brought her to town and into his life. But how, after so many betrayals, can she ever trust again? Besides, Wyatt has a dream of his own. A dream that will one day take him far from Hickory Ridge.As the South struggles to heal in the aftermath of the Civil War, one woman must let go of her painful past in order to embrace God's plans for her. Can she trust Him, and Wyatt, with her future and her heart?Warm, uplifting, and rich with historical detail, Beyond All Measure is an inspiring story about faith restored, love rediscovered, and the courage it takes to believe in God's plans--even after everything has been lost.

Acclaimed historical novelist Dorothy Love's Beauty for Ashes; a tender post-Civil War romance about grief, second chances, and the courage to love again. Featuring a young widow heroine, a wandering Southern gentleman, and a small-town community, this heartfelt historical novel explores how faith can bring healing after heartbreak.Carrie Daly has already endured more loss than most women her age. Widowed during the Civil War, she fears the family she once dreamed of may never become a reality. In practical-minded Nate Chastain, Carrie believes she has found a safe and sensible future--one built on stability rather than romance--even if she isn't quite ready to set a wedding date.Griff Rutledge once belonged to Charleston's elite society but has spent years wandering far from home after a painful estrangement from his family. Determined never to settle down, Griff prefers a life of travel and adventure. But when he arrives in Hickory Ridge to train a Thoroughbred for an upcoming race, he finds himself unexpectedly drawn to the quiet strength and kindness of Carrie Daly.Despite whispers from the townsfolk and Carrie's own fears that happiness has passed her by, a friendship begins to grow between them. As their bond deepens, both Carrie and Griff must confront the wounds of their pasts and decide whether they're willing to risk their hearts again.Rich with Southern charm, faith, and the promise of redemption, Beauty for Ashes is an inspiring story about discovering hope after loss--and trusting that even the deepest sorrow can give way to new beginnings.