Beneath a Golden Veil by Melanie Dobson was a wonderful, interesting historical fiction. Taking place during the gold rush in California, this book explores the affects and aftermath of slavery, reinvention of one’s self, and the evil grips of prejudice. Thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher for the review copy. All opinions are my own.

This novel is a compelling read about the dignity of a person and the right to a freedom - for every person independent of the colour of her skin.

It's the year of 1853 and the lives of beautiful hotel proprietor in Sacramento and the abolitionist from South starts to intertwine. Isabelle Labrie prepares to marry only to realize that the guy in question is not who he seems to be. Well, one can live with a disappointment, when there is a higher calling to do - to help the runaway slaves. That's why she takes an instant dislike to Alden Payne, as the young man is accompanied with a 12-year-old slave. Little does she know that Alden is trying to save the child! And that they have the same enemy, a twisted man who once abused a young slave girl and who is sickly fancying his son.

I find this very emotional read, describing the horrors of slavery well. The individual histories of people abused by the slavery' powers can powerfully reveal the very wrong ideas behind owning the other people. I applaud Ms Dobson for not being afraid to speak about the sexual abuse of female slaves by their owners - and also (in the lesser account, yet impactfully) how can these practices twisted all the dynamics that should be normal (I mean the slave owners families and the whole society).
While I have a neutral stand towards Isaac, I very much like Isabelle. How good for her to meet the loving people helping her to overcome her past experience! (And how sad that not everyone has this "luck" in life). To rise above the past is not easy, even with all the help. But it is possible. And this is one of the strongest messages from this book - that freedom and dignity are our true rights, even if all seems (or is) dark.

Melanie Dobson has a new Historical, Romantic Fiction book out called Beneath a Golden Veil. This story takes you back in time to a place when slaves where nothing more than property and sentenced to a life of hardship. It tells a story of bravery during a time where the color of your skin meant you were nothing, and where people tried to fight against this injustice and make things free for all Americans.

Truthfully, I had a hard time at the beginning keeping all the different people straight in my mind. There are two different stories going on at the beginning of the book and I had to keep looking back to previously read material to remember who was who. The story does eventually merg all the characters together, but it was a rough start for me as a reader. The history concerning California and slavery I found quite interesting, and I liked how the story included harboring runaway slaves and fighting for their freedom. Overall, this story was just okay for me and not one I would say is a must read.

***I received this e-book from the author through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

This is the first book I've read by Melanie Dobson and I really enjoyed it. I'm a big fan of antebellum historical fiction but this is the first I've read that takes place mostly in California. I had never really thought about the gold rush taking place less than a decade before the start of the civil war. The writing was compelling, the story was captivating, and I'm a sucker for happy endings.

Historical fiction is one of my all time favourite genres and really enjoyed this novel. This is the first time that i have read any novels by this author and shall be looking out in the local library for more.

Love the writings of Melanie Dobson...This book was magical. Have shared it w/ all of my friends. Thank you for the privilege of reading it.

Melanie Dobson is one of my favorite Christian authors and this book was no exception., Although it is deeply disturbing at times reading about how slaves were treated this book gives a more realistic account of a very troubling time. Filled with amazing characters that really grow and develop this book is an extraordinary read!

I have come to expect compelling, quality writing when I start a new Melanie Dobson novel, and Beneath a Golden Veil completely meets those expectations. I’ve not read many novels that talk about California in this time in history that pay more attention to slavery rather than the Gold Rush. While that is portrayed as well, the foggy nature of California law regarding slavery is the more unique aspect of this novel, one that is brought vibrantly to life.

Though California was a free state in the 1850s, those that owned slaves could certainly still visit and conduct business there without repercussion and, sadly, of course, could still own another person as “property.” Isabelle Labrie, owner and proprietor of an upscale hotel in the city, knows that even though slavery isn’t legal there, there is still a huge risk in helping runaways on their way to freedom. She is a woman beyond her time, but not unrealistically so. Her demeanor fits the time period, yet her bravery is inspiring.

California provides a strong comparison to Scott’s Grove in Virginia, where Alden Payne can’t condone his family’s actions as slave owners. As a law student and firm believer in the liberty of all, he rescues a young slave, Isaac, from his family plantation, fearing that Isaac would face the same fate as his childhood best friend. California appears to be a beacon of hope, and his journey there is fraught with danger and uncertainty. On top of this already harrowing journey, there is someone tracking them – Isaac’s former owner, who has allowed a near delusion to take over in his mind in his manic search.

The past and present of each character intersect vividly, and though some pieces begin to come together throughout the story, exactly how they are all connected does not become clear until the end. Isabelle’s true bravery is not fully realized until the latter half of the story, though there are certain hints that led me to realize it beforehand. Alden perhaps undergoes the biggest development throughout the story, making many personal sacrifices in order to do the right thing. That Dobson chooses to base the key characters on real-life historical figures only adds to the realism of their actions.

Since this is a story about slavery, there are several scenes and things spoken about that will sadden any reader. The author does not sugarcoat or make things appear pleasant when they shouldn’t appear so. I never thought that the language pushed too far, but rather it provides an authenticity to the narrative. The story testifies to the horror of slavery, paying homage to those that fought against it and honoring those that had to live through it. Through these characters, I both saw and mourned the loss of lives, liberty and untapped merit of those who never got to live in freedom.

Though this new novel didn’t replace my favorite Dobson novel just yet (that remains to be Chateau of Secrets), it is so worth the read. The only way that history will not repeat itself is by not allowing ourselves to forget it and by remembering and honoring those who lived through these horrific times. I appreciate that she tackles a bleak time in United States history with both sensitivity and realism. And definitely don’t skip out on the Author’s Note – it truly adds the richness of her research and the historical figures paid homage in the story. Melanie Dobson has a fan for life in this reader, and I eagerly await her 2017 release.

Isabelle has come to California to start a new life, will events in this new life bring her freedom? Or will events take her freedom away, and those she loves?

Wow. I had not read a book by Melanie Dobson yet and I have to say I have found a new favorite author.
I don’t even know where to begin with this book. My daughter asked me about it and I honestly didn’t even know what to tell her because there are so many layers that can be confusing but when you’re reading it makes perfect sense.
This story takes you places that aren’t comfortable to go to or think about but it is a truth in our history.
Melanie did a great job of revealing information slowly and my eyes opening to what was happening and how lives were intertwining.
Isabelle is a wonderful heroine and Alden is a great hero. Both of them are trying to escape their pasts and make their own way.
This was a book I carved time out to read because I had to see what happened next, there truly was never a dull moment. If you are intrigued by our country’s past with slavery I have no doubt you will love this book.

A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley.com. All opinions are my own.