About the Book

Book: Seeking Simon

Author: Susan Pope Sloan

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: November 26, 2024

When a mysterious stranger claims to be her fiancé, the fight to save her land turns into a battle for her heart.

Daviana Spalding dreams of leaving Georgia in search of a place where she can prove her worth as more than a claim to land. And when a handsome and kind stranger wanders onto the farm in need of help, she can’t help but see him in those dreams too. Yet those are only daydreams…until the Freedmen’s Bureau shows up threatening to take their land, and her guest steps forward claiming to be her betrothed.

Simon McNeil is a man haunted by his past and his time in a Confederate prison, seeking redemption and a fresh start back in Alabama. But his journey home is delayed when a bout of malaria keeps him bedridden, depending on strangers for help. As Daviana nurses him back to health, Simon is drawn to her strength and beauty, and when her home is threatened, he steps in to help.

When their fake engagement becomes real, Simon and Daviana must confront their feelings for one another as they face escalating threats that could tear them apart. And when a long-lost friend returns, all their plans could come crashing down.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

In Seeking Simon, we have the tale of two people who are in somewhat precarious positions after the Civil War. Simon's is heading home to his volatile family whom he loves very much. He is hoping that he will be accepted back.

Daviana is living with her father who is bound and determined to see her wed and the land that has been in his family protected for her and his future grandchildren. His son has already gone west, and her father does not know if he will ever come back.

Simon stops on his way back home at Daviana's home. He is just passing through but circumstances out of his control stops him in his tracks. As Daviana's nurses Simon back to health, feelings begin to develop. As they get to know one another, both wonder if there could be a future.

Times are changing, and the laws are different from state to state after the war, and Simon sees a way to not only help Daviana but also possibly explore their relationship more when the government comes knocking on her door.

This was a story that was quite riveting and really introduced the problems that people had to deal with after the Civil War. There is danger, family drama, romance, and so much more in this novel. It made for a quick read as I needed to know how things worked out for these two and their families.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Born into a family of storytellers, Susan Pope Sloan published her first articles in high school and continued writing sporadically for decades. Retirement provided the time to focus on writing and indulge her avid interest in history. Her Civil War series begins (and ultimately ends) in her home state of Georgia with references to lesser-known events of that period. She and husband Ricky live near Columbus where she participates in Word Weavers, ACFW, and Toastmasters.

More from Susan

When I started the series, I thought it would stop with the end of the war, but I became intrigued with the McNeil family who lived near the Alabama-Georgia line. (My family also is scattered on both sides of that state line, but farther south.)

Troy McNeil and his brothers had fought on opposing sides, which could lead to some tense moments. Simon became the prodigal son longing to go home after a long separation. This book delves into the relationships within the McNeil family and also with their former slaves. As a Southerner who grew up in the 1960’s, I’m well aware of the cultural distinctions that existed during that time, but I also know that relationships between individuals can emerge despite those distinctions. I believe the same could have happened in the previous century.

Seeking Simon also let me bring back that rascally Rufus Spalding from Loving Lydia. Rufus was a fun character to write, but I hadn’t paid much attention to his daughter, who was destined to become Simon’s love interest. Dottie/Daviana Spalding represents many women of the Civil War, who struggled within the confines of the old socio-economic system and longed for personal significance, symbolized here by the change in her name.

I pray that reading this book will encourage those who feel insignificant and long to matter in their world and also those who are praying for a prodigal to return. My favorite line from the book is “Every prodigal runs out of road sooner or later.”

Thank you for taking a look at Seeking Simon.