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I have read the first and third books in this series so I was long overdue to fill the gap. I can't say I remember everything from the one before, but I believe you can read any of these books in isolation as enough is always explained.

The writing style is simplistic but that's not really a problem. I do wonder whether people like Lisbeth really existed to challenge the prejudices of the South, and I hope these stories are not told through too much of a 21st century filter.

In Mustard Seed the Civil War is over and the slaves are free - or at least they should be. In reality, many are living exactly as they did before. Whilst technically not slaves, they're not paid either. Mattie's family from the North have travelled south to try to persuade an indentured cousin to return north with them. At the same time - and let's be honest, it's quite a coincidence - the white girl Mattie once cared for - Lisbeth - is also heading south to look after her dying family.

This is the type of writing where coincidences happen a lot. Despite that, I like the way these difficult topics are handled and I'm glad I've now completed the series.