Zeal - a multigenerational love story set in the post-Civil War South and modern-day New York City.

It's 2019, and Oliver Benjamin, a physician, and Ardelia Gibbs are celebrating their engagement in New York City. As a testament to their love, Oliver presents Ardelia with a treasured family heirloom: a letter written in 1865 by Tirzah to her great love, Harrison. The story shifts to post-Civil War Mississippi, and the formerly enslaved couple has been separated. Tirzah is now living in Louisiana. They seek help from the Freedmen’s Bureau to find one another. While they have their freedom, they have to deal with resentment and hatred from the former Confederates. When the story returns to the present day, Oliver and Ardelia are impacted by the pandemic. As Oliver dedicates himself to saving lives, Ardelia uses her time to research her family history. She uncovers a complicated story that had been kept hidden. 

Zeal, by Morgan Jerkins, is an epic love story. It explores the devastating effects of slavery while highlighting the strength of love and the resilience of the human spirit. The period after emancipation was particularly hard for Black communities in the South, and this book illustrates the arduous journey toward genuine freedom. The characters are complex and unforgettable. This multigenerational story is one to put on your list.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Historical & Contemporary Fiction.

Publication Date: April 22, 2025.

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