The Magnolia Duchess (#03 in Gulf Coast Chronicles Series)

This was a fantastic read. I enjoyed both of the preceding novels in this series, but in my humble opinion, Beth White has saved the best for last. There is something particularly compelling about a story in which political loyalties conflict with personal affections, but the way it unfolds in this novel - the complexity of the characters' motivations, their actions and their reactions, the twists and turns in the plot - it was a potent combination that provided more than one surprise and maintained a finely tuned tension that made it difficult to put this book down. In Charlie and Fiona, Beth White has created strong, principled characters who walk a fine line between loyalty to their country and family, and love for each other. I loved Fiona's spunk and Charlie's irrepressible sense of humour (even in the most unlikely situations), but most of all, I loved their abiding love for one another in spite of the obstacles in their way. There is so much more I want to say, but it's difficult to do so without spoiling some part of the plot; and really, seeing what happens next is a big part of this novel's attraction - even if the eleventh-hour complication did feel a little contrived for maximum dramatic impact. A well-written, action-packed, and thoroughly enjoyable read.