Highlighting Facts Behind Voodoo in Bitter Bonds with Heather Osborne
Gris Gris-Amulets
Louisiana Voodoo, also known as New Orleans Voodoo, during the 1830s and 1840s on slave plantations is cloaked in mystery. It came about in the 1700s, when many slaves were transported to the colonies from West Africa. We believe it originated mainly with the Fon people, from what is now the Republic of Benin. Many voodoo rituals carried elements of Catholicism, but also focused on ritual creation of charms and amulets. (Gris-gris painting by Charles M. Gandolfo – New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum)
The loa, almost the equivalent of Catholic saints, were not only worshiped, but served. Each had distinct personalities and desires. For example, Mademoiselle Charlotte, mentioned in this novel, was based on a white mistress at a plantation. She spoke mainly French, and was hard to please, and only worked for people she fancied. She evolved from Haitian voodoo.
Slave Cabins
When the Embargo Act of 1804 ended the importation of slavery to the United States, however, there were many voodoo queens in Louisiana and New Orleans. Many earned their living dancing and selling herbs, and some experienced unprecedented freedoms in the Deep South. By 1840, even with the embargo, New Orleans was the biggest slave trade port in the United States. Slavery in the United States would not be abolished until Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation of 1863.
Voodoo practices still remain as a fascination even to this day. New Orleans has many museums dedicated to the practice, and the thriving tourist industry has capitalized on the trend. The New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum houses many artifacts, and still performs rituals and blessings to this day.
About the Book
Brutally torn between duty and his heart, Henri Du Cormier never expected to be completely enraptured with Adrienne Beaumont, the sister of his betrothed. As the new owner of St. Esprit, Henri knows he must work his way into a tight-knit society, and spurning his fiancée will do the complete opposite. However, there are hidden secrets, black magic, and voodoo entwined like poisonous vines into the Louisiana plantation. Will Henri end up cursing himself in life and love?
Adrienne Beaumont is anything but ordinary in a world of demure, Southern belles. Desiring little more than to be rid of a vengeful older sister, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to the mysterious Henri Du Cormier. As their lives grow increasingly entangled, will Adrienne give in to the burgeoning attraction, or will fate play another card?
Buy Links:
Bitter Destiny (prequel): http://mybook.to/BitterDestiny
Bitter Bonds: http://mybook.to/BitterBonds
About the Author
Heather Osborne was born and raised in California. She has a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Victimology. In 2009, she moved to Scotland. Along with her novels and short stories, Heather also has written and directed several plays. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing (of course!), and theatre, as well as caring for her young son. Among her published titles are: The Soldier’s Secret, a historical romance set during the American Civil War; Bitter Bonds, a tale of black magic in the deep South in the 1840s, and the Rae Hatting Mysteries series.
Find her on:
Website: www.heatherosborneauthor.com
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Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/heatherharbinger/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hosborneauthor