Caste structure is rather well defined in the early 1800's and no where more so then New Orleans. Even the slaves exist in a sub-structure of house slaves and field slaves. House slaves enjoy the advantage of protection against at least part of the cruelty visited upon lesser slaves, of course depending on the household and overseer. They are the still the property of the plantation owners but seem to be treated with more care then the more common field slaves -- perhaps more simply stated -- more humanely treated. But even those under this special protection live in mortal fear outside the confines of the house and owners watchful eye. Citizens of New Orleans fall into two categories, Cajuns and Creoles. They live in very different economic and social conditions. Somehow though catastrophe; economic, personal and climatic blurs those lines.

Josephine Tassin heir apparent to Toulouse Plantation has lived a protected albeit troubled life with her beloved father Emile, mentally distraught mother Celine and demanding grandmother. Josie's self-esteem is always at the center of how she copes with everyday occurrences. In her mind she never quite measures up. There is great conflict in the Tassin household between house slave Bibi and the mistress of the house. There is evidently a strong attraction and perhaps more between Bibi and Emile while apparently an absence of affection between Emile and Celine. Josie is placed in the middle of this turmoil when her father gives her Bibi's daughter Cleo as her very own slave with instructions to take good care of her; Cleo who seems to have more confidence than Josie and who has a special bond with papa. The once special friendship between Josie and Cleo comes under great scrutiny as Josie matures. Her world becomes far more complicated as she struggles with life and death issues and comes face to face with the realities of her world past and future. The foundation of ALWAYS AND FOREVER is the story of Josie and Cleo as they, in their own unique fashion, carve out a place and learn to survive in the ever changing world around them.

Categorizing this book as Historical Romance greatly minimizes its impact. This is a powerful story that is reminiscent of the great epic novels of early writers such as Mitchell and Steinbeck. This is Gretchen Craig's first published book and it will certainly win her acclaim. Through the eyes of Josie, Cleo, Phanor and Bertrand we are treated to a visual panoramic of life in the 1800's. It depicts the human aspect of slaves and their relationship with their owners and overseers. At times this story is quite realistically raw but never disappointing. Craig is all ready working on the next installment of this story and I for one can't wait.