Necessary Sins

Written by Elizabeth Bell

Narrated by Dallin Bradford

In 19th-century Charleston, a Catholic priest grapples with his secret African ancestry and his love for a slaveholder’s wife.

Joseph Lazare grows up believing his black hair and olive skin come from a Spanish grandmother, and he’s shocked to learn she was an enslaved African. At thirteen, Joseph allows racial prejudice to limit his future and chooses the seminary. At twenty-three, he is ordained “a priest forever.”

When he meets Tessa Conley, a devout Irish immigrant who shares his passions for music and botany, Joseph’s ordered world cracks at its foundation. He must conceal his true feelings as Tessa marries another man—a plantation owner who treats her like property.

Acting on their love could ruin Joseph and Tessa in this world and damn them in the next. Can two broken people heal each other and find heaven on earth—or will there be hell to pay?

Necessary Sins is the first book in the Lazare Family Saga quartet. If you like character-rich dramas, vivid period detail, and heart-wrenching choices, then you’ll be swept away by this epic series, perfect for fans of The Thorn Birds and Outlander.

Contains mature themes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Claire-Voie Books
• Release date: May 12, 2022
• ISBN: 9781737037460

Reviews for Necessary Sins

[thepageladies · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

There are a lot of things going on in this book: forbidden love, secrets and drama. The book is beautifully written and well researched. The plot is complex and the descriptions are vivid making the time period really come to life. The pace moves perfectly with the story! I had no problem getting lost in this book! There are some events some may find shocking and hard to read at times but it is a fantastic story. The characters are real and flawed! Such a great start to a new historical fiction series I can't wait to see what the next book brings us! Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours and Elizabeth Bell for sharing this wonderful book with me!

[geauxgetlit · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

4.5 Stars to this deep dive into culture, community, Catholicism, slavery in the Carolinas from one of the most revolutionary historical periods known in the 19th century!

Historical Fiction readers this is a must read for you!!