It is 1791, in Natchez, Mississippi. Rugged, handsome Irishman, Connor O'Shea, green eyes flashing stands tall and proud on the auction block. He has just been sold to Isabella Bartholomew, owner of Breeze Hill Plantation. Connor apprenticed for renowned master craftsman John W. Benson until his death. His indenture papers now belong to the mistress of Breeze Hill Plantation where he will work in exchange for passage from Ireland for his four brothers to the States.

A fire burned the cotton crop, half of the existing building and injured her father seriously. Soon after her brother was murdered on the Natchez Trace by highwaymen. It is the responsibility of Isabella to rebuild her home and is hopeful that Connor will help. He is not pleased to be working for a woman, having been masterfully manipulated, then dropped by a beautiful mistress of a plantation in Ireland. He must guard his feelings to prevent that from happening again. He works hard at the restoration of Breeze Hill, is accepted by Mr. Bartholomew and a strong attraction develops between he and Isabella.

THE PROMISE OF BREEZE HILL is a historical mystery with a delicious touch of romance, which is a nice combo. Pam Hillman paints a picture of a time under Spanish control filled with lawlessness which is shown by her extensive vivid imagery of the locale. Dangerous times filled with hardships and struggles, this inspirational tale introduces characters that you will love and root for. Collin is a swoon-worthy hero and Isabella, a gutsy heroine that will do anything to save her family and Breeze Hill. Slavery, danger from the highwaymen who roam and terrorize people without a thought, class struggles rife with prejudices and who is out to destroy the Bartholomew's? The villain is a next door neighbor who begins courting Isabella with a plan to become the Owner of Breeze Hill and use her to improve his social status. He is an imposter, a killer, and is easy to hate. Collin is a protector of Isabella and soon it is obvious that she is in love with him and must make a decision.

THE PROMISE OF BREEZE HILL is my first book from Pam Hillman and I look forward to her next in the Natchez Trace series. It is an interesting time in Southern history and Ms. Hillman is a gifted writer with a genuine feel for that time in our history. Her characters and sub-characters are very real and the story is filled with excitement, mystery, a sweet romance with many kisses, and an ending that is the icing on the cake. You will love Isabella and Connor's story! I did.

Book Summary

Natchez, MS; 1791

Anxious for his brothers to join him on the rugged frontier along the Mississippi River, Connor O’Shea has no choice but to indenture himself as a carpenter in exchange for their passage from Ireland. But when he’s sold to Isabella Bartholomew of Breeze Hill Plantation, Connor fears he’ll repeat past mistakes and vows not to be tempted by the lovely lady.

The responsibilities of running Breeze Hill have fallen on Isabella’s shoulders after her brother was found dead in the swamps along the Natchez Trace and a suspicious fire devastated their crops, almost destroyed their home, and left her father seriously injured. Even with Connor’s help, Isabella fears she’ll lose her family’s plantation. Despite her growing feelings for the handsome Irish carpenter, she seriously considers accepting her wealthy and influential neighbor’s proposal of marriage.

Soon, though, Connor realizes someone is out to eliminate the Bartholomew family. Can he set aside his own feelings to keep Isabella safe?