An edgy novel that runs many parallels with the current day tragedy of Katrina to the aftermath of the Civil War. Moreover, this gritty novel from a gifted writer addressees the greater healing that begins in life, when we are courageous enough to lay aside our preconceived notions and personal prejudices. The Civil War is over; Elizabeth wants to help the South heal and repent of its past... Andre swears never to forgive the North for what they did to his family. Elizabeth has traveled to this war-ravaged city to minister to the people devastated by the conflict -having been a strict abolitionist who was part of the Underground Railroad- she seeks to help the South understand the transgression of slavery. Andre and Elizabeth's attraction is immediate and obvious, but they quickly discover how diverse two people can be in their values and beliefs. Even in the midst of their warring points of view, Andre cannot help but notice Elizabeth's courage and resilience - and remarkable impact- in the face of fierce opposition. Through the commitment of three former slaves, he discovers secrets from his family's past that force him to face head-on his own views of the intrinsic worth and dignity of all people.

The Civil War is over. She wants to get far away from her cruel former mistress, but the world beyond the plantation is a frightening, unknown wilderness. He has fought the good fight in Union blue; now he must fight his way home through a hostile, defeated South. Delia was born a slave and then physically and emotionally battered all of her seventeen years. Finally free, she strikes out on her own, making friends with a little band of former slaves and a handsome black soldier, Ezra Johns. Certain that God has brought Delia into his life, Ezra wonders how he can help her realize her true value. Delia's heart feels drawn to Ezra, but she struggles for feelings of worth and happiness. A long and arduous journey takes this rag-tag band of survivors through a violent flood, bitter southerners, hunger and exhaustion under a blazing summer sun, and even a murder charge and near-lynching. With the help of two humble white farmers, they at last earn train fare to Boston. Back in his home city, Ezra completes his education. However, he discovers that despite his service to his country, black men still must struggle for respect and a place in American society. His only hope for a promising future is to go West. But now that Delia has found her own success in the city, will she leave her new found happiness, and go with Ezra into the wilderness? A story of courage and resilience in the face of fierce opposition and the triumphant dignity of the human spirit

In Then Came Love, Louise M. Gouge has masterfully woven unforgettable characters into a tale of forgiveness and grace that will touch your heart and keep you thinking long after you have turned the final page. Set during the Reconstruction Era following the Civil War, the message of this story remains significant today. Judith Miller, best-selling author of the Home to Amana series and The Brickmaker’s Bride. Louise M. Gouge made me care deeply about all her characters from the first page. I began reading Then Came Love and was pulled in and couldn’t look away as the story unfolded with Gouge’s trademark captivating, heart-wrenching human drama. So wonderful, gripping, and engrossing! Mary Connealy, author of Tried and True. Love does not seek what it can get but what it can give, which is everything. “And now abideth faith, hope, and love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” I Corinthians 13:13 (KJV) Louisa Maria Downs has waited three long years for her soldier-sweetheart’s homecoming. But when he returns, John Jacobs stands aloof, his deep blue eyes revealing his longing for her, but his lips strangely silent. Convinced it is God’s will for them to marry, Louisa defies decorum and pursues the man who has owned her heart since she was twelve years old. John Jacobs has spent three years fighting to keep the Union intact. Now back home, he longs to marry the young woman he has admired since boyhood. But shattering memories of what he did during the war magnify the bloodstains on his hands. He awakens each day more certain than ever that he is not worthy of the love of a decent woman, much less the love of God. Torn apart by the Civil War, two young couples find restoration through love, grace, and forgiveness.