Benton continues her saga of the Cameron family in this enjoyable follow-up to Mountain Laurel. In the 1790s, Ian Cameron, a plantation owner in North Carolina, freed his light-skinned mixed-race lover, Seona, along with their son and Seona's mother, and sent them to live as free citizens with his family in Boston. When Ian's wife dies in childbirth, he frees the rest of his slaves and resolves to court the woman he loves. On his way to Boston, Ian helps out Judge William Cooper, who offers Ian the opportunity to settle in the outskirts of Cooperstown, N.Y. In his short time in Boston, he begins to rebuild his relationship with Seona, but leaves to establish a home in the foothills and convinces Seona and her family to join him. Seona struggles with her newfound freedom and trusting in God now that she has to make decisions for herself. She also worries about how the people of New York will treat her and her illegitimate son. Seona's mother and another former enslaved person teach her that she needs to count her blessings and rely on God. While it can be read as a standalone, readers will want to check out Benton's full series to get the most out of this impeccable work. (Oct.)

With this novel that picks up after the events of Mountain Laurel, Benton continues the story of Ian Cameron and his loved ones, particularly his beloved Seona, a woman recently freed from slavery on the Cameron family plantation and the mother of his son Gabriel. Ian and Seona were forced apart in the first novel, and Seona, her mother, and Gabriel moved to Boston while Ian stayed behind with his wife in North Carolina. After Ian's wife dies in childbirth, he and some formerly enslaved people from the Cameron plantation journey to reunite with Seona. On the way, Ian is presented with an opportunity to start a new life in New York, but how will Seona and Gabriel fit into his plans? Those who haven't read the first book will need to familiarize themselves with the characters' relationships quickly in order to follow the story. Unfortunately, the novel leans on several racist stereotypes including that of the white savior (Ian), the mystical Black person (Malcolm), and the noble Native American (Joseph Tames-His-Horse). The plot moves slowly for the first two-thirds of the book but gains speed when the characters are reunited. VERDICT A pass except where fans of the first book need to know what happens next.--Heather Webb, Worthington Libs., OH