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by Malika J. Stevely (Author)
Inspired by true events and celebrated by book clubs, Song of Redemption is a riveting saga that uncovers the life and tragic mystery of Danielle, an enslaved songstress whose remains are found within the walls of a Louisiana mansion once owned by a powerful Creole sugar and rum dynasty. Captivating media attention, a cascade of devastating secrets is revealed when one of the last survivors from the French and English-speaking sugar plantation, steps forward to share eyewitness accounts with reporters.
For over 70 years, Alette Dubois has been tortured by the mysterious disappearance of her beloved teen sister, Danielle, known across the Soileau plantation and throughout Lafayette Parish for her haunting soprano voice that "could make even the toughest of admirals cry." Often leased to sing at grand dinner parties, Danielle is applauded for her voice and recognized for her depiction in advertisements for Soileau & Sons sugar and rum products.
An accidental assignment to perform and serve at the Santee home for a party of "les noirs libres," and other free Black families in the community leads Danielle to unexpectedly reunite with Alphonse Santee, a young nautical entrepreneur she tried to forget in the past. Alphonse, who fights against love and vows never to marry, is tormented by the direction in which his heart is leading him which is to Danielle. Despite warnings to avoid the pursuit of the songstress due to her lascivious master, Demetre Soileau, Alphonse's determination to have Danielle and help mend her broken family takes him on a journey that divinely leads him to a greater cause.
Caught between love and obligation, Danielle grapples with the safety of her family and the future of the child she carries.
Song of Redemption masterfully evokes the cultural richness of the multi-parish region west of the Mississippi. It reveals rarely told aspects of pre-Civil War life for communities of color and beautifully highlights the language of Louisiana Creole. This powerful blend of suspense, romance, and family devotion invites readers into an unforgettable journey through history that will captivate hearts and minds across generations.
