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The Baker's Man
Jennifer Moorman
2023 Finalist
336 Pages
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Fiction - Southern
Reviewed by Shrabastee Chakraborty for Readers' Favorite
Baking had always been Anna’s passion, something she learned from her grandmother Beatrice at a young age. After her grandmother’s death, Anna decided to run Bea’s Bakery, her family legacy and a staple for the townspeople of Mystic Water. Yet, she could not let go of her dream of someday opening her beachside bakery. Following a breakup and in a drunken stupor, Anna created a dough boy using Beatrice’s secret ingredient. The next day, there was a handsome stranger at her bakery, serving customers with her and charming the entire town. Things became complicated when Anna’s best friend fell for him. Who was this mysterious guy? Can Anna cope with so many heartbreaks and what will happen to her dreams? Find out in The Baker’s Man, a novel by Jennifer Moorman.
As a magical realism aficionado, I can say that this novel catered to my tastes perfectly. If you are a fan of Heather Webber, Sarah Addison Allen, or Laura Esquivel, this book is guaranteed to be a great read. Jennifer Moorman invoked the southern magical charm found in Webber’s books, coated it with the culinary delights reminiscent of Garden Spells, and finally added a layer of romantic angst. Yet, her recipe is unique, creating a delicious treat brimful with love, magic, and baked goods. The literary references sprinkled throughout the narrative were like hidden gems. I rooted for Anna, who had a trusting, loving heart. I wished for her long-cherished dreams to come true, triumphing over all her indecision and insecurities. The solidarity of the friends and neighbors, who came together to help Anna at the moment of her most desperate need, moved me to tears. Moorman’s novel shows the importance of following your heart and creating your blazing trail, and believing that the puzzle pieces will eventually fall into place. I recommend The Baker’s Man to any reader who appreciates magical realism or a small-town romance.
Baking had always been Anna’s passion, something she learned from her grandmother Beatrice at a young age. After her grandmother’s death, Anna decided to run Bea’s Bakery, her family legacy and a staple for the townspeople of Mystic Water. Yet, she could not let go of her dream of someday opening her beachside bakery. Following a breakup and in a drunken stupor, Anna created a dough boy using Beatrice’s secret ingredient. The next day, there was a handsome stranger at her bakery, serving customers with her and charming the entire town. Things became complicated when Anna’s best friend fell for him. Who was this mysterious guy? Can Anna cope with so many heartbreaks and what will happen to her dreams? Find out in The Baker’s Man, a novel by Jennifer Moorman.
As a magical realism aficionado, I can say that this novel catered to my tastes perfectly. If you are a fan of Heather Webber, Sarah Addison Allen, or Laura Esquivel, this book is guaranteed to be a great read. Jennifer Moorman invoked the southern magical charm found in Webber’s books, coated it with the culinary delights reminiscent of Garden Spells, and finally added a layer of romantic angst. Yet, her recipe is unique, creating a delicious treat brimful with love, magic, and baked goods. The literary references sprinkled throughout the narrative were like hidden gems. I rooted for Anna, who had a trusting, loving heart. I wished for her long-cherished dreams to come true, triumphing over all her indecision and insecurities. The solidarity of the friends and neighbors, who came together to help Anna at the moment of her most desperate need, moved me to tears. Moorman’s novel shows the importance of following your heart and creating your blazing trail, and believing that the puzzle pieces will eventually fall into place. I recommend The Baker’s Man to any reader who appreciates magical realism or a small-town romance.
Recommend this book:
The Key to Circus-Mom Highway
Allyson Rice
2023 Honorable Mention
254 Pages
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Fiction - Southern
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
The Key to Circus-Mom Highway is a comedy-drama novel by Allyson Rice. Lives have turned out very differently for sisters Jennifer McMahon and Jesse Chasen. While Jennifer is a suburban wife and mom of two kids, Jesse struggles to make ends meet as a bartender and freelance tattoo artist. When the two sisters receive news of the death of their birth mother and discover that she has left them a sizeable inheritance, Jesse convinces Jennifer to take a trip with her to Florida. However, they soon learn that to receive their inheritance, the sisters have to embark on a specified road trip and learn about their mother's life. Along the way, they are accompanied by their brother, Jack, who they never even knew existed. As Jesse, Jennifer, and Jack learn more about their mother's tragic past, they form a bond that draws out each other's buried sorrows.
Filled with heart, humor, and sibling drama, The Key to Circus-Mom Highway is a humorous tale about three siblings taking a chaotic road trip to receive an unexpected inheritance, only to find themselves on the adventure of their lifetimes. Allyson Rice weaves a captivating character-driven drama following the misadventures of three adult siblings in search of their mother's past. Jesse, Jennifer, and Jack have grounded characters and act like people you may have met in real life. Their sibling dynamic feels genuine, and their constant back-and-forth banter was among the highlights of the book for me. There were multiple scenes where I found myself chuckling out loud. Recommended to readers who savor humor-filled character-driven dramas.
The Key to Circus-Mom Highway is a comedy-drama novel by Allyson Rice. Lives have turned out very differently for sisters Jennifer McMahon and Jesse Chasen. While Jennifer is a suburban wife and mom of two kids, Jesse struggles to make ends meet as a bartender and freelance tattoo artist. When the two sisters receive news of the death of their birth mother and discover that she has left them a sizeable inheritance, Jesse convinces Jennifer to take a trip with her to Florida. However, they soon learn that to receive their inheritance, the sisters have to embark on a specified road trip and learn about their mother's life. Along the way, they are accompanied by their brother, Jack, who they never even knew existed. As Jesse, Jennifer, and Jack learn more about their mother's tragic past, they form a bond that draws out each other's buried sorrows.
Filled with heart, humor, and sibling drama, The Key to Circus-Mom Highway is a humorous tale about three siblings taking a chaotic road trip to receive an unexpected inheritance, only to find themselves on the adventure of their lifetimes. Allyson Rice weaves a captivating character-driven drama following the misadventures of three adult siblings in search of their mother's past. Jesse, Jennifer, and Jack have grounded characters and act like people you may have met in real life. Their sibling dynamic feels genuine, and their constant back-and-forth banter was among the highlights of the book for me. There were multiple scenes where I found myself chuckling out loud. Recommended to readers who savor humor-filled character-driven dramas.
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The Knowing
A Bulwark Anthology
Brit Lunden
2023 Bronze Medal
106 Pages
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Fiction - Southern
Reviewed by K.J. Simmill for Readers' Favorite
JB had known from the moment his eyes first met Ellie's that they were meant to be together. His grandma had called what he experienced 'the knowing.' He was drawn to her beyond anything he had experienced before. She was a rich Yankee, he a poor peanut farmer with only the promise of an unfulfilled dream as a football star. He was talented, but was certain he was trapped, forever destined to remain a farmer. Ellie wouldn't listen as he told her to find someone better; she wanted only him, and would even defy her parents for his love. Fate, however, had other plans for the lovers.
The Knowing - JB Stratton's Story - is volume one in Brit Lunden's A Bulwark Anthology. It is a beautifully written love story encompassing the present, past, and even past lives. It is a romance with a hint of the supernatural. It is well written with a level of area building and character development often unseen in shorter books. It was easy to read this in one sitting; the story is sweet, intriguing, and sometimes moving. It has certainly piqued my interest in other books by this author, especially the Bulwark, from which this story stems. Intrigue, obstacles, fate, and the supernatural combine to present a gripping tale bound to satisfy anyone who enjoys a character-oriented, well-constructed read. There are little touches throughout which caught my interest, and have no doubt referenced events in the main book. I thought the conclusion of the book made the perfect ending to a tightly-knit tale. I look forward to reading more work from this author.
JB had known from the moment his eyes first met Ellie's that they were meant to be together. His grandma had called what he experienced 'the knowing.' He was drawn to her beyond anything he had experienced before. She was a rich Yankee, he a poor peanut farmer with only the promise of an unfulfilled dream as a football star. He was talented, but was certain he was trapped, forever destined to remain a farmer. Ellie wouldn't listen as he told her to find someone better; she wanted only him, and would even defy her parents for his love. Fate, however, had other plans for the lovers.
The Knowing - JB Stratton's Story - is volume one in Brit Lunden's A Bulwark Anthology. It is a beautifully written love story encompassing the present, past, and even past lives. It is a romance with a hint of the supernatural. It is well written with a level of area building and character development often unseen in shorter books. It was easy to read this in one sitting; the story is sweet, intriguing, and sometimes moving. It has certainly piqued my interest in other books by this author, especially the Bulwark, from which this story stems. Intrigue, obstacles, fate, and the supernatural combine to present a gripping tale bound to satisfy anyone who enjoys a character-oriented, well-constructed read. There are little touches throughout which caught my interest, and have no doubt referenced events in the main book. I thought the conclusion of the book made the perfect ending to a tightly-knit tale. I look forward to reading more work from this author.
Recommend this book:
39
Your Last Birthday
Timothy Gene Sojka
2023 Silver Medal
277 Pages
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Fiction - Southern
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Timothy Gene Sojka's novel, 39, is a literary fiction story about Stephen Detals, a former professional baseball player who faces a range of existential struggles, including alcoholism, abandonment, and suicidal thoughts. As Stephen's 39th birthday approaches, he feels the weight of an ominous fate that has plagued his family for generations: his father and grandfather both committed suicide on the same day. The narrative covers eight days leading up to Stephen's birthday, during which he confronts his addiction and navigates a return to his former hometown in Southeast Texas. On this journey, he encounters Rose Petal Detals, the enigmatic matriarch of his family who is suspected, with some decent reasoning, to be an alleged murderess. Stephen's return to his hometown after twenty years away also prompts him to uncover the dark secrets that have long haunted his family.
Timothy Gene Sojka's 39 offers an authentic depiction of what I have personally seen someone I care about go through, at least as far as addiction goes, as Stephen struggles to find meaning and purpose amidst a tragic legacy, exploring the intricate interplay between familial trauma and addiction. Sojka's writing style is evocative and engaging, providing a compelling reflection on the human condition, with themes of mortality, destiny, and the complexity of personal relationships. Despite a slow start, the plot picks up the pace as Stephen's journey becomes more pressing and he begins to confront his addiction head-on. The characters are well-developed and realistic, adding to the gripping and sometimes chilling reading experience, and an occasional writing style that resembles a stream of consciousness. Overall, 39 is a novel that delves deep into the human psyche and the complexities of personal relationships, providing an intimate and emotional exploration of addiction, familial trauma, and the search for meaning. Very highly recommended.
Timothy Gene Sojka's novel, 39, is a literary fiction story about Stephen Detals, a former professional baseball player who faces a range of existential struggles, including alcoholism, abandonment, and suicidal thoughts. As Stephen's 39th birthday approaches, he feels the weight of an ominous fate that has plagued his family for generations: his father and grandfather both committed suicide on the same day. The narrative covers eight days leading up to Stephen's birthday, during which he confronts his addiction and navigates a return to his former hometown in Southeast Texas. On this journey, he encounters Rose Petal Detals, the enigmatic matriarch of his family who is suspected, with some decent reasoning, to be an alleged murderess. Stephen's return to his hometown after twenty years away also prompts him to uncover the dark secrets that have long haunted his family.
Timothy Gene Sojka's 39 offers an authentic depiction of what I have personally seen someone I care about go through, at least as far as addiction goes, as Stephen struggles to find meaning and purpose amidst a tragic legacy, exploring the intricate interplay between familial trauma and addiction. Sojka's writing style is evocative and engaging, providing a compelling reflection on the human condition, with themes of mortality, destiny, and the complexity of personal relationships. Despite a slow start, the plot picks up the pace as Stephen's journey becomes more pressing and he begins to confront his addiction head-on. The characters are well-developed and realistic, adding to the gripping and sometimes chilling reading experience, and an occasional writing style that resembles a stream of consciousness. Overall, 39 is a novel that delves deep into the human psyche and the complexities of personal relationships, providing an intimate and emotional exploration of addiction, familial trauma, and the search for meaning. Very highly recommended.
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The Palms
Clay Anderson
2023 Gold Medal
264 Pages
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Fiction - Southern
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
The Palms by Clay Anderson is about a Vietnam veteran who spent thirty-six years of his life in prison for a senseless murder. Ronnie Wells had learned to kill effectively in Vietnam but in prison, he learned to think things through before acting. Ronnie made friends with his neighbor Clara and her daughter Mary. Clara did not trust Ronnie and resisted the friendship. Clara was used to being abused and was not familiar with kindness. Ronnie helped Clara in her frantic attempt to get away from her boyfriend and pimp Joe and stood by her while she battled addiction. Ronnie's and Clara’s worlds were turned upside down when Mary was kidnapped. If Ronnie wants to protect Mary from traffickers and sexual predators, he must decide whether or not to use violence, which he has pledged never to do.
The Palms by Clay Anderson is a heartbreaking story of redemption in the middle of a world heading toward chaos. I was hooked on the first sentence and could not turn the pages fast enough. It was a compelling read, and the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. It was fast-paced and full of action. The characters were well-developed. Their backgrounds added depth to the plot, and the characters grew throughout the story. I was rooting for Ronnie to win for a change, despite the odds stacked against him. At times, it was hard to read about Clara and Mary’s struggles. The story is well-written and entertaining to read. It exceeded my expectations by far, and the ending was a big surprise.
The Palms by Clay Anderson is about a Vietnam veteran who spent thirty-six years of his life in prison for a senseless murder. Ronnie Wells had learned to kill effectively in Vietnam but in prison, he learned to think things through before acting. Ronnie made friends with his neighbor Clara and her daughter Mary. Clara did not trust Ronnie and resisted the friendship. Clara was used to being abused and was not familiar with kindness. Ronnie helped Clara in her frantic attempt to get away from her boyfriend and pimp Joe and stood by her while she battled addiction. Ronnie's and Clara’s worlds were turned upside down when Mary was kidnapped. If Ronnie wants to protect Mary from traffickers and sexual predators, he must decide whether or not to use violence, which he has pledged never to do.
The Palms by Clay Anderson is a heartbreaking story of redemption in the middle of a world heading toward chaos. I was hooked on the first sentence and could not turn the pages fast enough. It was a compelling read, and the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. It was fast-paced and full of action. The characters were well-developed. Their backgrounds added depth to the plot, and the characters grew throughout the story. I was rooting for Ronnie to win for a change, despite the odds stacked against him. At times, it was hard to read about Clara and Mary’s struggles. The story is well-written and entertaining to read. It exceeded my expectations by far, and the ending was a big surprise.
Recommend this book:
Lady of the Plantation
Adrian Heflin
2023 Gold Medal
179 Pages
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Fiction - Southern
Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite
Lady of the Plantation by Adrian Heflin is an extraordinary story of love, slavery, survival, and a craving for freedom. It showcases the pain and harsh realities of living a life of oppression on a tobacco plantation. Sylvia's story starts near Charlottesville, Virginia, on the Owensby Plantation. She is a beautiful and intelligent mulatto child born into slavery. Despite the differences in age and race, Sylvia and Ethel, her owner's daughter, are incredibly close. Due to an unfortunate event, Sylvia loses her mother but gains a new friend. Things become more complicated when the Owensby family decides to move to Georgia in the early 1800s. The story follows Sylvia and Ethel into adulthood and motherhood. Through trial and tribulation, they both fight for their families and dreams.
It was impossible not to admire Sylvia's intelligence, inner strength, and ambition to pursue a life that was denied to her. Her story is heartbreaking and inspiring. From start to finish, Lady of the Plantation by Adrian Heflin is powerful, intimate, and emotionally wrenching. It is an extraordinary must-read historical romance novel about slavery. This impressive tale told with empathy and heart, lets us experience the unfairness of slavery on an intimate, personal level. It perfectly captures the irony of underestimating an entire race. It is also an unforgettable tale of motherhood, ambition, sacrifice, hope, and the heartache of forbidden love. I recommend it to anyone looking for a beautifully written and essential novel on slavery.
Lady of the Plantation by Adrian Heflin is an extraordinary story of love, slavery, survival, and a craving for freedom. It showcases the pain and harsh realities of living a life of oppression on a tobacco plantation. Sylvia's story starts near Charlottesville, Virginia, on the Owensby Plantation. She is a beautiful and intelligent mulatto child born into slavery. Despite the differences in age and race, Sylvia and Ethel, her owner's daughter, are incredibly close. Due to an unfortunate event, Sylvia loses her mother but gains a new friend. Things become more complicated when the Owensby family decides to move to Georgia in the early 1800s. The story follows Sylvia and Ethel into adulthood and motherhood. Through trial and tribulation, they both fight for their families and dreams.
It was impossible not to admire Sylvia's intelligence, inner strength, and ambition to pursue a life that was denied to her. Her story is heartbreaking and inspiring. From start to finish, Lady of the Plantation by Adrian Heflin is powerful, intimate, and emotionally wrenching. It is an extraordinary must-read historical romance novel about slavery. This impressive tale told with empathy and heart, lets us experience the unfairness of slavery on an intimate, personal level. It perfectly captures the irony of underestimating an entire race. It is also an unforgettable tale of motherhood, ambition, sacrifice, hope, and the heartache of forbidden love. I recommend it to anyone looking for a beautifully written and essential novel on slavery.
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Tapestry
A Lowcountry Rapunzel
Sophia Alexander
2022 Finalist
303 Pages
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Fiction - Southern
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
Tapestry: A Lowcountry Rapunzel by Sophia Alexander takes place in Greeleyville, SC in 1918. Gaynelle was always the first to rise and it was her favorite time of day when the world belonged to her alone. She enjoyed reading and her Aunt Anna sent her books, which she had to hide. Gaynelle’s sister Vivian was sick most of the time and could not go to school. She fell unconscious one night because of her illness and her father, Clayton, took her to the doctor. Gaynelle and Vivian’s stepmother Jessie always wanted a child of her own but suffered a few miscarriages. Vivian was her favorite and Gaynelle had to do all the chores in and around the house after school. She even had to help her father in the field and could not attend school for a few days. Jessie suggested that Clayton hire a boy to help in the field, which would allow Gaynelle to return to school.
Tapestry by Sophia Alexander has an uncomplicated plot that is easy to follow. The story was well written and the chapters just flow into one other. There was little action, but I enjoyed reading it. The characters were brilliantly developed and had personalities. They were introduced one at a time and I felt that I knew them before I was introduced to the next character. I could feel their love, happiness, and pain. The Southern dialect was very interesting and I was introduced to something new and fascinating. I just loved Gaynelle, her fondness for reading, the way she fell in love, and her innocence. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy love stories, with a stepmother to make events more interesting.
Tapestry: A Lowcountry Rapunzel by Sophia Alexander takes place in Greeleyville, SC in 1918. Gaynelle was always the first to rise and it was her favorite time of day when the world belonged to her alone. She enjoyed reading and her Aunt Anna sent her books, which she had to hide. Gaynelle’s sister Vivian was sick most of the time and could not go to school. She fell unconscious one night because of her illness and her father, Clayton, took her to the doctor. Gaynelle and Vivian’s stepmother Jessie always wanted a child of her own but suffered a few miscarriages. Vivian was her favorite and Gaynelle had to do all the chores in and around the house after school. She even had to help her father in the field and could not attend school for a few days. Jessie suggested that Clayton hire a boy to help in the field, which would allow Gaynelle to return to school.
Tapestry by Sophia Alexander has an uncomplicated plot that is easy to follow. The story was well written and the chapters just flow into one other. There was little action, but I enjoyed reading it. The characters were brilliantly developed and had personalities. They were introduced one at a time and I felt that I knew them before I was introduced to the next character. I could feel their love, happiness, and pain. The Southern dialect was very interesting and I was introduced to something new and fascinating. I just loved Gaynelle, her fondness for reading, the way she fell in love, and her innocence. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy love stories, with a stepmother to make events more interesting.
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, and George (GH), wait until interest in their raid on the Northern Army gold has faded. Recruited by General Thomas Ewing, investigations lead the Pinkerton detective Agent Tucker and his eight...){kind=link}
Justice
The McCoys Before The Feud, Vol. 4
Thomas Allan McCoy
2022 Honorable Mention
301 Pages
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Fiction - Southern
Reviewed by Natalie Soine for Readers' Favorite
Justice: The McCoys Before the Feud by Thomas Allan McCoy is an adventurous, suspenseful story set in the 1860s. The McCoys, Willy, Bill, Billy, George (G), and George (GH), wait until interest in their raid on the Northern Army gold has faded. Recruited by General Thomas Ewing, investigations lead the Pinkerton detective Agent Tucker and his eight deputies to Kansas. The McCoys enlist the help of Dusty Trails to guide them on the best route out of the area and away from the investigation. Through a tragic twist of fate, the Pinkerton detectives follow a new lead on the gold. Sheriff Dodd together with Willy, Billy, James, Festus, Junior, and Jonesy pursue Big John and his bandits, Hank and Slim, to Glasgow and St. Louis. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Willy and Festus befriend Clara and Sarah Bell Braxton. Is it possible that the McCoys will finally find peace?
Thomas Allan McCoy is a fantastic author who keeps the reader enthralled in this story from beginning to end. The wide variety of characters include bandits, investigators, and townsfolk who are all interesting yet easy to relate to. The scenes, locations, and events are all vividly described and create a feeling of living in the time of the great Westerns. The story is well-written, fast-paced, and comfortable to read. McCoy has a delightful writing style, exciting and succinct. I recommend Justice: The McCoys Before the Feud to all adults, young and old. An absolute treasure that belongs on every bookshelf.
Justice: The McCoys Before the Feud by Thomas Allan McCoy is an adventurous, suspenseful story set in the 1860s. The McCoys, Willy, Bill, Billy, George (G), and George (GH), wait until interest in their raid on the Northern Army gold has faded. Recruited by General Thomas Ewing, investigations lead the Pinkerton detective Agent Tucker and his eight deputies to Kansas. The McCoys enlist the help of Dusty Trails to guide them on the best route out of the area and away from the investigation. Through a tragic twist of fate, the Pinkerton detectives follow a new lead on the gold. Sheriff Dodd together with Willy, Billy, James, Festus, Junior, and Jonesy pursue Big John and his bandits, Hank and Slim, to Glasgow and St. Louis. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Willy and Festus befriend Clara and Sarah Bell Braxton. Is it possible that the McCoys will finally find peace?
Thomas Allan McCoy is a fantastic author who keeps the reader enthralled in this story from beginning to end. The wide variety of characters include bandits, investigators, and townsfolk who are all interesting yet easy to relate to. The scenes, locations, and events are all vividly described and create a feeling of living in the time of the great Westerns. The story is well-written, fast-paced, and comfortable to read. McCoy has a delightful writing style, exciting and succinct. I recommend Justice: The McCoys Before the Feud to all adults, young and old. An absolute treasure that belongs on every bookshelf.
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Westland
Essie's Roses Book 2
Michelle Muriel
2022 Bronze Medal
408 Pages
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Fiction - Southern
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Westland is the second novel in the Essie's Roses series by Michelle Muriel. Set in the years after the Civil War, the novel continues the story of Evie and Essie Mae. The two girls, now women, come back to their plantation, to Miss Katie and to the place they call home. While the plantation is now unproductive, it is still a place where they feel the safest. However, that safety is threatened once again when James receives threatening letters targeting Essie and Westland. Although James is ready to do whatever it takes to keep everyone safe, fate has other plans. Before they know it, someone very dangerous from the past is back, knocking on their door, and it looks like their peaceful family will be tested. With the rebels destroying everything and everyone in sight, Essie, Evie, and everyone at the plantation will have to stick together to survive.
Author Michelle Muriel has done a fantastic job of describing the fear and uncertainty Essie, Evie, and the rest of the people at Westland felt when their security was threatened. Emotions are running high from the very beginning and you can feel the tension between Evie and Essie. Even though Essie is a freed slave, the shadowy past of being a slave still has an impact on her. She is independent, smart, and can definitely make decisions for herself, but she still doubts herself from time to time. Evie, on the other hand, is just unsure of her abilities. While she does grow a lot and becomes a well-rounded character toward the end, she has a learning curve that feels very human and relatable. The actual plot of the story is fantastic. It has just the right amount of twists, action, and suspense to keep the story flowing seamlessly. What more can a reader ask for?
Westland is the second novel in the Essie's Roses series by Michelle Muriel. Set in the years after the Civil War, the novel continues the story of Evie and Essie Mae. The two girls, now women, come back to their plantation, to Miss Katie and to the place they call home. While the plantation is now unproductive, it is still a place where they feel the safest. However, that safety is threatened once again when James receives threatening letters targeting Essie and Westland. Although James is ready to do whatever it takes to keep everyone safe, fate has other plans. Before they know it, someone very dangerous from the past is back, knocking on their door, and it looks like their peaceful family will be tested. With the rebels destroying everything and everyone in sight, Essie, Evie, and everyone at the plantation will have to stick together to survive.
Author Michelle Muriel has done a fantastic job of describing the fear and uncertainty Essie, Evie, and the rest of the people at Westland felt when their security was threatened. Emotions are running high from the very beginning and you can feel the tension between Evie and Essie. Even though Essie is a freed slave, the shadowy past of being a slave still has an impact on her. She is independent, smart, and can definitely make decisions for herself, but she still doubts herself from time to time. Evie, on the other hand, is just unsure of her abilities. While she does grow a lot and becomes a well-rounded character toward the end, she has a learning curve that feels very human and relatable. The actual plot of the story is fantastic. It has just the right amount of twists, action, and suspense to keep the story flowing seamlessly. What more can a reader ask for?
Recommend this book:
When I Last Saw You
Bette Lee Crosby
2022 Silver Medal
360 Pages
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Fiction - Southern
Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite
When I Last Saw You by Bette Lee Crosby is the life story of Margaret Rose living in Georgia in 1968 and her mother Eliza Hobbs who lived in West Virginia in the 1900s. Margaret’s husband, whom she has been married to for many, many years, has just died and without ever having any children, she is feeling very alone. As time passes and events occur, she decides it is time to look for the siblings she has not seen in over 50 years. She hires Tom, a retired private investigator, and together the two travel the South looking for her brothers and sisters. At the same time, we are introduced to Margaret’s mother, Eliza. Eliza tells of the husband who was rarely home and when he was, he was not the nicest of men, hurting her both emotionally and physically. Eliza tells of the hard times they had and how she kept her family together with only a little money but a lot of love. In the end, Eliza had to send each of the children to a different place and the older ones off to survive on their own. Margaret and Tom’s journey finds them in different towns, searching, and also sharing some good times along the way.
It was very easy to be pulled into the lives of Margaret and Eliza and feel their pain, joy, love, and sorrow. When I Last Saw You is a story starting with a woman and going back to her childhood. This book gives readers an epic tale of heartbreak, hope, disappointment, and love, brilliantly told by Bette Lee Crosby with feeling, understanding, and a beautiful touch of reality. When I Last Saw You combines history, family relationships, love, romance and so much more and is based on a true story. This is a must-read book.
When I Last Saw You by Bette Lee Crosby is the life story of Margaret Rose living in Georgia in 1968 and her mother Eliza Hobbs who lived in West Virginia in the 1900s. Margaret’s husband, whom she has been married to for many, many years, has just died and without ever having any children, she is feeling very alone. As time passes and events occur, she decides it is time to look for the siblings she has not seen in over 50 years. She hires Tom, a retired private investigator, and together the two travel the South looking for her brothers and sisters. At the same time, we are introduced to Margaret’s mother, Eliza. Eliza tells of the husband who was rarely home and when he was, he was not the nicest of men, hurting her both emotionally and physically. Eliza tells of the hard times they had and how she kept her family together with only a little money but a lot of love. In the end, Eliza had to send each of the children to a different place and the older ones off to survive on their own. Margaret and Tom’s journey finds them in different towns, searching, and also sharing some good times along the way.
It was very easy to be pulled into the lives of Margaret and Eliza and feel their pain, joy, love, and sorrow. When I Last Saw You is a story starting with a woman and going back to her childhood. This book gives readers an epic tale of heartbreak, hope, disappointment, and love, brilliantly told by Bette Lee Crosby with feeling, understanding, and a beautiful touch of reality. When I Last Saw You combines history, family relationships, love, romance and so much more and is based on a true story. This is a must-read book.
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