Magnolia Dutchess by Beth White

Fiona Lanier is the only woman in the tiny Gulf Coast settlement of Navy Cove. While her shipbuilding family races to fill the demand for American ships brought by the War of 1812, Fiona tries to rescue her brother who was forced into service by the British Navy.

Lieutenant Charlie Kincaid has been undercover for six months, obtaining information vital to the planned British invasion of New Orleans. When a summer storm south of Mobile Bay wrecks his ship and scatters the crew, Charlie suffers a head injury, ultimately collapsing in the arms of a beautiful mermaid who seems eerily familiar. As Charlie's memory returns in agonizing jags and crashes, he and Fiona discover that falling in love may be as inevitable as the tide. But when political loyalties begin to collide, they'll each have to decide where their true heart lies.


My Review
This is the first book of Beth White's I've read and it certainly won't be my last. The rich historical detail, complex characters, and tough situations kept me turning the pages.

Fiona Lanier is content with her rather free-spirited life until a man's body washes up on the beach. She recognizes him as Charlie Kincaid, an acquaintance from years past. Problem is he has no memory of who he is or how he got there, her attraction to him is still strong, and he's currently the enemy--a British soldier during a time of war against America. 

As Charlie stays with the Lanier's, and falls deeper in love with Fiona, his memory slowly returns. Torn between duty and patriotism, war and love, Fiona and Charlie are forced to discover what they're made of--and God's will for their lives.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical romance. Clean read for all ages. I gave this book 5 stars!