is not prepared for marriage life on many levels. She has certain weaknesses which makes Andr's life very difficult. He keeps her many problem a secret and occasionally goes on business trips for respite ... The author does a superb job of describing how this couple's ideal life unravels and how most people around them have no clue as to what their personal problems really are. There are several surprises in store for the reader with an unexpected twist or two that pulls together the plot and story in a most unusual fashion. The story is well written, totally engaging and difficult to put down once it is started. Erika Borsos [pepper flower] I found this book fascinating from the "get, go". I felt it for exceeded other historical/fictions on story intrigue, explaining slavery and the slaves mind set, plantation life, and New Orleans culture and customs. The details of life on a plantation were far more complex from the layout of buildings (a village) to slave purchase, and the abilities of slaves in so many areas including their learning of musical instruments so as they performed music for balls. The description of hair styles, clothes designs, fabrics, and jewelry were a picture in words. The furnishings and reasons for the layout of the main house for a plantation were truly the most explicit and interesting I've found. The knowledge of this author amazed me. Where most books end, this author continues with more twists, turns, and revelations. I felt