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Migrations of the Heart #2
A Most Precious Pearl
They re cut from different cloths but their hearts are a perfect fit.
Migrations of the Heart, Book 2
Asa Caldwell returned from the Great War with nothing to show for it as in nothing below his left knee. Forget about the journalism career he loved. His story is over. Done.
Yet he finds the strength to journey to Winslow, Georgia, to get Ruby Bledsoe Morson s sister out of trouble. Before he can bring Mags Bledsoe home, though, a spate of mysterious attacks reawakens his investigative instincts.
During the war, Mags did her duty to God and country by stepping into a management role at the textile mill. Now she s been shuffled back to the rank and file and Asa has her hard-earned job. Not only is the infernal man doing "everything" wrong, her plan for revenge against the mill owner who lynched her childhood sweetheart is farther out of reach than ever.
As they clash over almost everything, Mags begins to set fire to Asa s soul, bright enough to dim the memory of the killing fields of France. Enough to give him a new mission in life to make her feel the same way.
Contains a wounded warrior who's done with fighting and one feisty woman who makes him snap to attention.
Migrations of the Heart, Book 2
Asa Caldwell returned from the Great War with nothing to show for it as in nothing below his left knee. Forget about the journalism career he loved. His story is over. Done.
Yet he finds the strength to journey to Winslow, Georgia, to get Ruby Bledsoe Morson s sister out of trouble. Before he can bring Mags Bledsoe home, though, a spate of mysterious attacks reawakens his investigative instincts.
During the war, Mags did her duty to God and country by stepping into a management role at the textile mill. Now she s been shuffled back to the rank and file and Asa has her hard-earned job. Not only is the infernal man doing "everything" wrong, her plan for revenge against the mill owner who lynched her childhood sweetheart is farther out of reach than ever.
As they clash over almost everything, Mags begins to set fire to Asa s soul, bright enough to dim the memory of the killing fields of France. Enough to give him a new mission in life to make her feel the same way.
Contains a wounded warrior who's done with fighting and one feisty woman who makes him snap to attention.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 28, 2015
Beginning with one of the most heartrending openings I've read in a while, Piper Huguley's latest book left me teary and hopeful at the same time. Her second title in her Migrations of the Heart series explores the effects of WWI on African American veterans who came back changed by their experience overseas and on homefront women who took their jobs but were forced to leave them when the vets returned (just as in WWII). Huguley artfully gives us a story about racism, colorism, the increase in lynching and workers' rights of the time - all the while threading history through the sweet and spicy romance between Mags, Ruby Bledsoe's sister and ex- factory manager, and Asa Caldwell, a journalist sent to Winslow, GA to investigate violence and injustice for an African American newspaper. Both the hero and heroine suffer from insecurities, Mags based on her skin color and Asa, a WWI veteran who is missing a leg. Both are willing to fight for what they believe in. Both of them won this reader's heart from the outset, through their struggles, to the satisfying end.
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October 16, 2015I love this series. The history seems to be really well researched (not my period but the author evidently knows her stuff) and it's just so atmospheric. The series is very much informed by Christian faith, which isn't my cup of tea, but is absolutely essential to the characters and setting though, by its nature, it's not a conflict I bought into emotionally in quite the same way I did A Virtuous Ruby. A writer going places, and I am totally sticking with this series. A Treasure of Gold up in November!
October 25, 2016
Beautiful. Poignant. Thought provoking. These are all words I would use to describe this second story in the Migrations of the Heart series. From the journeys of self worth that both the heroine and hero find themselves, to the racial battles and injustices they both face I was riveted by Mags and Asa's story. I thought they were well matched for each other and I enjoyed their blossoming romance. I love how in all of Piper's stories she addresses important issues while reminding us all of important faith really is. 5 stars. I loved it.
June 24, 2017
Asa was injured in the war and now he's home and depressed. Asa goes to Georgia to save a friends sister who's in trouble. Mags is head strong and has her mind made up about how to exact revenge on the mill owner. As Mags and Asa journey to love there are a lot of obstacles being thrown in their way. The characters are well written and the story is also well written. I really enjoyed this story.
September 5, 2015
After thoroughly enjoying the first book in this series, A Virtuous Ruby, I was keen to read the second Bledsoe sister’s story. Mags is the quiet sister who keeps her head down and does all the hard work, even if she isn’t always given credit for it. Yet she surprised her entire family when she opted to work in the town mill, especially considering all the bad history between her family and the mill owner. But just because Mags is quiet, doesn’t mean she doesn’t have plans – and she’s definitely got something in mind for Paul Winslow. That is until Asa shows up and steals her job.
While the first book in this series was more heavily influenced by the politics and prejudices of 1915 Georgia, with an added touch of romance, the romance felt stronger for me in this story. There is still plenty of history too, of course, especially with Asa being a journalist finding out as much as he can about the lynchings and other unrest in the South, but because both Mags and Asa know exactly who they are there was less talk of race here than with the light-skinned Ruby and Adam. It is still an issue, of course, but less personal and more societal.
Instead both characters are plagued with self-doubt – Mags doesn’t believe she is pretty enough or clever enough to deserve love, while Asa’s insecurities are strongly tied to his lost leg and his unhappy return from the war. I really liked Mags. She’s a strong woman who isn’t afraid of hard work, but she’s not as fiery as her sister, Ruby. Instead she’s thoughtful and willing to take a long time to wreak revenge upon Paul Winslow. I liked Asa too, even if he does have a lot to learn. Thankfully Mags is just the woman to teach him.
The historical setting is excellent, giving a real sense of time and place and the discriminations and divisions not just in society, but in the US as a whole, with the South doing things a very particular way, and the North offering more freedoms for all. Yet there are good things about Mags’ life in Georgia, not least her family – and particularly her father. I love her father. There are also friends and community spirit, that help make life worth living. Of course there are cracks and fractures in all of this, since this was a very volatile period, full of violence and injustice, where bullies literally got away with murder. This book never shies away from the darker aspects, but the romance between Asa and Mags has occasional moments of sweetness to balance it all out.
Overall this is a good read. The historical setting feels natural, the characters are deep and interesting and the issues it raises are as important now as they have ever been. If you like historical romances, then you should give this a try – especially if you like strong characters, a compelling plot and a satisfying romance, or have never tried an African American historical before. I look forward to reading more about the Bledsoe family soon.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
While the first book in this series was more heavily influenced by the politics and prejudices of 1915 Georgia, with an added touch of romance, the romance felt stronger for me in this story. There is still plenty of history too, of course, especially with Asa being a journalist finding out as much as he can about the lynchings and other unrest in the South, but because both Mags and Asa know exactly who they are there was less talk of race here than with the light-skinned Ruby and Adam. It is still an issue, of course, but less personal and more societal.
Instead both characters are plagued with self-doubt – Mags doesn’t believe she is pretty enough or clever enough to deserve love, while Asa’s insecurities are strongly tied to his lost leg and his unhappy return from the war. I really liked Mags. She’s a strong woman who isn’t afraid of hard work, but she’s not as fiery as her sister, Ruby. Instead she’s thoughtful and willing to take a long time to wreak revenge upon Paul Winslow. I liked Asa too, even if he does have a lot to learn. Thankfully Mags is just the woman to teach him.
The historical setting is excellent, giving a real sense of time and place and the discriminations and divisions not just in society, but in the US as a whole, with the South doing things a very particular way, and the North offering more freedoms for all. Yet there are good things about Mags’ life in Georgia, not least her family – and particularly her father. I love her father. There are also friends and community spirit, that help make life worth living. Of course there are cracks and fractures in all of this, since this was a very volatile period, full of violence and injustice, where bullies literally got away with murder. This book never shies away from the darker aspects, but the romance between Asa and Mags has occasional moments of sweetness to balance it all out.
Overall this is a good read. The historical setting feels natural, the characters are deep and interesting and the issues it raises are as important now as they have ever been. If you like historical romances, then you should give this a try – especially if you like strong characters, a compelling plot and a satisfying romance, or have never tried an African American historical before. I look forward to reading more about the Bledsoe family soon.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
September 21, 2015
It's ridiculous how long it took me to read this book given she short length and my extreme interest in this author and this series. Let's hope my distractions can be kept at bay!
A Most Precious Pearl takes us back to Winslow, Georgia, where Mags has been working in the local mill, earning $5 a week to help her family. Like Ruby, Mags is a spitfire, misses and loves her Uncle Arlo and her now-dead fiancee, both who died in lynchings for speaking their minds.
Winslow Newcomer Asa Thomas arrives to take Mags' job, seeing as how he is a man, but taking the job is a cover for his real mission: He's been sent by Ruby to a) deliver Mags to her, as she is pregnant and in need of help and b) write about the injustices that are going on in Winslow and report back for the newly formed NAACP.
Asa has some demons of his own, namely a missing leg lost in the war, not through valor but simply because a white man didn't like him asking questions. When he lost the love of his life via an influenza outbreak, Asa is sure his life is over, not worth living. Until Ruby challenges him to get up and get on with his life.
I loved reading about Margaret and her journey from a determined, stubborn girl to a courageous woman in love. I was specifically tickled by her anger and jealous that Asa has been engaged to a white, french woman. As a dark skinned black American, she supposed that Asa would never deem her worthy. While nothing could be further from the truth, Asa's missing leg made him feel like he could never be a whole man to Mags. *Cue the BIG MISUNDERSTANDING!*
Simply put, I enjoyed this novel SO MUCH! Ruby is still my heart but snappy, able bodied, 'let's whip this thing into shape' Mags (Pearl) is a loveable character in a family full of young women who each have a purpose and a duty. I REALLY can't wait to see what Piper Huguley has in store for the rest of the Bledsoe Jewels.
A Most Precious Pearl takes us back to Winslow, Georgia, where Mags has been working in the local mill, earning $5 a week to help her family. Like Ruby, Mags is a spitfire, misses and loves her Uncle Arlo and her now-dead fiancee, both who died in lynchings for speaking their minds.
Winslow Newcomer Asa Thomas arrives to take Mags' job, seeing as how he is a man, but taking the job is a cover for his real mission: He's been sent by Ruby to a) deliver Mags to her, as she is pregnant and in need of help and b) write about the injustices that are going on in Winslow and report back for the newly formed NAACP.
Asa has some demons of his own, namely a missing leg lost in the war, not through valor but simply because a white man didn't like him asking questions. When he lost the love of his life via an influenza outbreak, Asa is sure his life is over, not worth living. Until Ruby challenges him to get up and get on with his life.
I loved reading about Margaret and her journey from a determined, stubborn girl to a courageous woman in love. I was specifically tickled by her anger and jealous that Asa has been engaged to a white, french woman. As a dark skinned black American, she supposed that Asa would never deem her worthy. While nothing could be further from the truth, Asa's missing leg made him feel like he could never be a whole man to Mags. *Cue the BIG MISUNDERSTANDING!*
Simply put, I enjoyed this novel SO MUCH! Ruby is still my heart but snappy, able bodied, 'let's whip this thing into shape' Mags (Pearl) is a loveable character in a family full of young women who each have a purpose and a duty. I REALLY can't wait to see what Piper Huguley has in store for the rest of the Bledsoe Jewels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2016
The kind of read that kept me fuming and swooning in equal measures. And what a fascinating historical backdrop! 1919 is a time of change. The war is over and men are making their way back home and into jobs that women have been holding for years. I'm still grinning over the righteously indignant Mags as she watches a stranger from the north take over her management position. Poor Asa -- not the way to endear himself to the fiery woman. In fact, I adored the dynamics between these two -- Asa, teasing and watchful; Mags all prickly and affronted. Goodness, but she can hold a grudge and pick a quarrel at the drop of a hat! Much to Asa's delight...and frustration.
But there's even more going on in Winslow, Georgia -- and right across the south. African American men who have fought in the war have returned with greater expectations than ever before. They want more of that freedom they risked their lives fighting for. But instead of greater freedom they encounter intimidation and oppression and constant threats of violence.
Asa and Mags join forces to expose injustice which leads to some heart-pounding scenes. But it also serves to draw them together as they fumble their way towards a happily ever after they hardly dare dream of. There were times when Asa's tender yearning made my heart ache. And the story around Mags name and his subsequent nickname for her? Be. Still. My. Heart. Thud.
And through it all, they both cling to the Lord with very little understanding of how good could be worked from so much evil. But they hang on anyway, bearing witness of God's hand in their lives even during the darkest hours.
This is the kind of book you could discuss for hours -- there are so many aspects I haven't even touched on. It would make a wonderful book club selection. Emotionally charged and soul satisfying -- and enthralling read from beginning to end.
But there's even more going on in Winslow, Georgia -- and right across the south. African American men who have fought in the war have returned with greater expectations than ever before. They want more of that freedom they risked their lives fighting for. But instead of greater freedom they encounter intimidation and oppression and constant threats of violence.
Asa and Mags join forces to expose injustice which leads to some heart-pounding scenes. But it also serves to draw them together as they fumble their way towards a happily ever after they hardly dare dream of. There were times when Asa's tender yearning made my heart ache. And the story around Mags name and his subsequent nickname for her? Be. Still. My. Heart. Thud.
And through it all, they both cling to the Lord with very little understanding of how good could be worked from so much evil. But they hang on anyway, bearing witness of God's hand in their lives even during the darkest hours.
This is the kind of book you could discuss for hours -- there are so many aspects I haven't even touched on. It would make a wonderful book club selection. Emotionally charged and soul satisfying -- and enthralling read from beginning to end.
September 7, 2015
I first became acquainted with Piper through her book, A Virtuous Ruby which was released earlier this year. After reading it I knew I would read the next book in the series, A Most Precious Pearl. This book is about Ruby's sister Mags. She isn't quite the "troublemaker" that Ruby is in the fight for equal rights, but she does have a plan for change. A kink develops in her plan when disabled veteran Asa comes to town at the request of Ruby.
Who was this man coming along and changing the world she knew, shaking things up?
Asa makes Mags question her approach to revenge and he makes her question how she feels about the concept of love. A Most Precious Pearl just like A Virtuous Ruby gives us insight into the plight of black people living in the south from an earlier time. Of course, these are works of fiction but somehow they give a face and emotion to things we have may have learned about in history books and/or documentaries.
When it comes down to it A Most Precious Pearl is a love story. It is one that is complex and full of many layers. It is a love story between a man and a woman. It is a love story between a woman and her community. Most importantly, it is a love story about a woman who becomes comfortable in her own skin. And, I believe the dedication summarizes this best:
To all young women who believe themselves to be ugly ducklings. Know that you are a swan in one way or another. Believe in yourself and you will fly.
I was late to the Piper Huguley party, but I promise I will not miss another one. Her writing style definitely takes me to another place and time as if I am on the journey myself. She is very descriptive, talented, and an author that everyone should know!
Who was this man coming along and changing the world she knew, shaking things up?
Asa makes Mags question her approach to revenge and he makes her question how she feels about the concept of love. A Most Precious Pearl just like A Virtuous Ruby gives us insight into the plight of black people living in the south from an earlier time. Of course, these are works of fiction but somehow they give a face and emotion to things we have may have learned about in history books and/or documentaries.
When it comes down to it A Most Precious Pearl is a love story. It is one that is complex and full of many layers. It is a love story between a man and a woman. It is a love story between a woman and her community. Most importantly, it is a love story about a woman who becomes comfortable in her own skin. And, I believe the dedication summarizes this best:
To all young women who believe themselves to be ugly ducklings. Know that you are a swan in one way or another. Believe in yourself and you will fly.
I was late to the Piper Huguley party, but I promise I will not miss another one. Her writing style definitely takes me to another place and time as if I am on the journey myself. She is very descriptive, talented, and an author that everyone should know!
September 17, 2015
Ms. Huguley's tales are rich in history and I find myself drawn to the past of my ancestors in this book and find myself grateful to come from such a stock of people who had to fight all kinds of hardships.
Mags and Asa story is wrought with tension both internally and externally. Right after the WWI, Black soldiers wanted to be better treated and were killed for their pains. No good deed goes unpunished. I think Asa's predicament grabbed me the most because I think of our soldiers who are maimed for our country so we can keep our way of life and get treated like leftover food. His bitterness is something any Veteran can relate to. Dealing with his perceived sense of loss manhood, Mags is just the right one to bring it back to life.
Mags' issues of self worth are displayed with unerring accuracy in the way she views herself as the lesser of the sisters. Even then, you can start to see the whole light skinned, dark skinned drama that has plagued the black community begin here. However, it wasn't as pronounced but I got to thinking just wait ya'll. It's coming. I love her display of efficiency because I bet a whole lot of women had to be that way during this time.
The romance was stronger in this book which I adored. Asa was a wonderful hero in the desire for his woman. I liked that a lot. I look forward to the next offering in this series from Ms. Huguley
Mags and Asa story is wrought with tension both internally and externally. Right after the WWI, Black soldiers wanted to be better treated and were killed for their pains. No good deed goes unpunished. I think Asa's predicament grabbed me the most because I think of our soldiers who are maimed for our country so we can keep our way of life and get treated like leftover food. His bitterness is something any Veteran can relate to. Dealing with his perceived sense of loss manhood, Mags is just the right one to bring it back to life.
Mags' issues of self worth are displayed with unerring accuracy in the way she views herself as the lesser of the sisters. Even then, you can start to see the whole light skinned, dark skinned drama that has plagued the black community begin here. However, it wasn't as pronounced but I got to thinking just wait ya'll. It's coming. I love her display of efficiency because I bet a whole lot of women had to be that way during this time.
The romance was stronger in this book which I adored. Asa was a wonderful hero in the desire for his woman. I liked that a lot. I look forward to the next offering in this series from Ms. Huguley
August 18, 2015
I was given an advanced copy from netgalley and Samhain Publishing for a honest review. Well with a sister's interference Mags(Margaret) and Asa story begins, a journey of healing of the soul. This is my first read by this author. It was also my first African American historical romance. What I loved about the book was the author's ability to share the rich history of the african american experience of those times. If you had not read the first book the author did a masterful job of letting you know the back story without feeling lost. I also loved the strength and fight of the heroine. What I disliked was her nickname MAGS, it reminded me of the term Hag and all the work she did in the household and mill for her family. Pearl did for everyone and neglected herself in some cases. The sacrifices sometimes at risk to her safety, I felt like she lacked confidence in herself as a woman by her description of the shade of her skin and womanhood. The hero battling his own demons and trying to see himself as a whole man to his own journey of self-discovery.I loved Ruby and her take charge attitude and her her resiliency. I must say it was an enjoyable read in which I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried something new.
December 31, 2015
Great story!
I felt that the author did an excellent job of writing about race and relations in the 1920. She got you involved in the story.
I felt that the author did an excellent job of writing about race and relations in the 1920. She got you involved in the story.
March 3, 2016
Great Book!
A page turner and a true testament of the turmoil in the south for African Americans and how they survived. A wonderful love story of two people amidst the turmoil.
A page turner and a true testament of the turmoil in the south for African Americans and how they survived. A wonderful love story of two people amidst the turmoil.
March 14, 2016
Excellent
I loved the story. It is sad that people still have issue with your skin color. It is a wonderful to know that the Lord is always there when we need him.
I loved the story. It is sad that people still have issue with your skin color. It is a wonderful to know that the Lord is always there when we need him.
Shelved as 'put-aside'
May 31, 2018I'm loving the history and characters but people's motivations seem jumbled to me. Then again, I have migraine brain so it may just be a case of right book, wrong time. Putting aside for now.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews