Kentucky Home

In a strong, leisurely opening, Receveur reintroduces Kitty Gentry of Oh, Kentucky!, who in 1825 is an old woman given to reminiscence. Kitty continues her recollections in 1792, when she, her beloved second husband, Roman, and their four children are on the brink of a new life in the nation's then capital, Philadelphia, where Roman will begin his term as Kentucky's first senator. Kitty finds things very different from what she's used to and is slow to adjust to Philadelphia's social mores. Eventually she adapts but never stops longing for home. Aaron Burr's political ambitions and treasonous activities become a wonderfully interesting and involving subplot that causes all the Gentrys much grief. Lawyer Henry Clay and woodsman Daniel Boone have small but significant roles that embellish the already fascinating historical detail, which Receveur handles with skill and knowledge. And Receveur does it without being boring--she can be unexpectedly funny, thrilling, truly romantic and sad--but never boring. Though this is a sequel, the novel stands completely on its own. (June)