Veil of Pearls by M.L. Tyndall

Morgan and Adalia - the most ill suited, unlikely couple in Charleston. Perhaps they were brought together in order for Adalia to open Morgan's eyes to the horrors of slavery or was it a romance that bloomed where seeds should never have been sown? Morgan, son of a wealthy plantation owner, grew up thinking slavery was a necessary evil and was told the Negro was incapable of caring for himself.

Adalia was a runaway slave from Barbados now living in Charleston society. She was fair skinned, but one-quarter Negress and was being deceptive about her heritage. She had truly denied who she was and was living in a society whose perverted ideas said she was worthless. She felt she was intruding upon a dream being with Morgan. It was like a fairy tale where Morgan was the Prince and she the Princess, but would this fairy tale fade into oblivion or a life of opulence and ease?

This book is a rich blend of history and romance with period details that bring the past to vibrant life. From beginning to end, the story captured my excitement. I highly, highly recommend.