Lynn A. Coleman. Key West. Barbour. 2000-2002.

Key West is a collection of 4 novels dealing with building a community and love. The stories are all based in Key West Florida in the time period following the civil war. Lynn A. Coleman wrote these novels over a three year time period. She demonstrates her ability to spin a wonderful love story making the characters appear so real you almost feel like you are talking with them in person. Their Christian beliefs are readily apparent in their lifestyles.

A Time to Embrace

Thousands of children were orphaned during the Civil War. This is the story of just one such child being taken to Key West to live with his Uncle after his own father was killed in the war. You'll learn of the northern-born nanny's reaction to the Deep South and to his Uncle. The Uncle owns a sponging business, an occupation unique to a few that live along our coastlines. Race is also an issue dealt with in this story. Key West was unique in the south because it chose to align itself with the Union during the Civil War.

Lizzy's Hope

This was my favorite of the 4 novels in this book. Mo, a former slave, has physical and emotional scars. This is the story of him adapting to Key West society and eventually falling in love with a woman who had not been a slave. It revealed a lot of good information on how African Americans were treated during this historical period.

Southern Treasures

Peg is the victim of an untruthful doctor. She moved to Key West to hide and run from her past. As a pregnant, single young person, she was told that her baby died at birth. Matt, a visitor from Savannah, Georgia has gone to Key West specifically to find Peg and tell her about what had really happened to her baby. This is a riveting story full of human emotion.

One Man's Honor

This novel teaches you about a young Cuban woman, still being raised in her cultures traditions even though the family had moved to Key West. You'll learn much of her culture and how her culture is merged with American practices. I can't help but wonder how much of this culture still exists among our Cuban refugees today.

Recommendation

I couldn't put this book down until I had read all 4 stories. In fact, I read it through twice! It opened my eyes to what American culture was like after the slaves had been freed and how immigrant families must struggle with their home culture and their new culture. It is definitely one of those books that keep you reading to see what happens next. If you like historical fiction intertwined with love stories, you'll definitely love Key West. Purchase the book at Amazon.com.

Copyrighted by Diana Pederson, 2005-2009