PAULA'S REVIEW
A stunning story that takes place in Alabama in the early 1900s. The author tells s compelling story of a close knit, hardworking family who are God-fearing and live out their Christian Faith. Dialogue steeped in Southern Charm brought a smile to my face and the poignant tale brought tears to my eyes.
It was a story of the South being pulled from the bigotry of the past into a form of equality of the future. Difficult to say the least. Christian values were used to explain and temper strange happenings such as seeing visions.
This was an absorbing story of sisters Emmy and Callie and their loves Knox and Solomon. True Southern ladies wooed by true gentlemen. Solomon was a favorite character. His steadfastness, work ethic and humor shone through.
With not a typical happy ending, this story was filled with mystery, intrigue and a few sad points that showed life’s ebb and flow. I am always in awe when my favorite scripture, Romans 8:38 & 39 are shared by the main character. That was a welcome bonus and encouragement.
I wholeheartedly recommend this wonderful book.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.* Beyond 5 stars and a strong faith thread
REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Hepsy would say this was one of those nights 'when you got to do like Paul in the Bible- drop your anchors and pray for daylight'."
"Callie would be praying that prayer." Her comfortable, predictable life had just taken a more dramatic turn; trouble had been unleashed in the form of a man with unbridled passions and a noticeable lack of conscience. Fortunately, Callie and her sister Emmy had managed to rescue a young woman from his clutches, but it wasn't the first time and it surely wouldn't be the last. In fact, what happened on Bullock property one fateful evening would leave one sister with a severe injury and the other with secrets best left untold.
Separated due to less than ideal circumstances, it would require letters between the two to eventually reveal the truth of the matter.
A lovely example of Southern fiction exploring the sweet coming of age relationship between two sisters with totally different personalities and inclinations, yet sharing the same fierce love for everyone they considered family.
*I received a copy of this book from Baker Publishing through Interviews and Reviews. The opinions stated are entirely my own. 3.5 stars
BackCover Blurb
Two Sisters. One Single Event. A Family Changed Forever.
At the turn of the twentieth century, sisters Emmy and Callie Bullock are living a privileged life as the only daughters of a wealthy Alabama cotton farmer when their well-ordered household gets turned upside down by the arrival of Lily McGee. Arrestingly beautiful, Lily quickly--and innocently--draws the wrong kind of attention. Meanwhile, Callie meets a man who offers her the freedom to abandon social constraints and discover her truest self.
After Lily has a baby, Callie witnesses something she was never meant to see--or did she? Her memory is a haze, just an image in her mind of Emmy standing on a darkened riverbank and cradling Lily's missing baby girl. Only when the sisters are separated does the truth slowly come to light through their letters--including a revelation that will shape the rest of Callie's life.
Bestselling author Valerie Fraser Luesse weaves a complex and suspenseful tale dripping with intrigue, romance, and Southern charm.
Revell Publishing, August 15, 2023
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