Pamela Browning, Down Home Dixie

Down Home Dixie

Pamela Browning

Harlequin American, Apr 2008, $4.99

ISBN: 9780373752126

In Yewville, South Carolina Union soldier Kyle Sherman of Ohio is 'shot' while performing at a Civil War reenactment extravaganza. When he meets Dixie Lee Smith, he finds himself attracted to the steel 'Jessamine'. She is confused because she reciprocates making her traitor to her home state and the Daughters of the Confederacy as she shelters a Sherman descendant even if he is the first farrier she ever met.

As they fall in love, but struggle with trust issues having been hurt and betrayed in relationships before, their mutual pasts arrive. She displays southern hospitality offering a room in her home to his northern belle. However, although Dixie Lee assumes her beloved Yankee will leave town with his former girlfriend, he will not escape without a fight as she vows the south will rise.

DOWN HOME DIXIE is an intriguing look at the War Between the States still fought in 2008 in Dixie Lee's home; as each combatant struggles with giving the peace offering of their respective heart. The story line is fun to follow especially during the heat of battle although the hostilities seem to end with sexual encounters and nothing resolved. Still readers will enjoy the gender fight between Ohio and South Carolina in which love makes for a lasting peace.

Harriet Klausner