Best Women's Christian Fiction
A #1 New York Times bestseller, Wall Street Journal Best Book of the Year, and soon to be a major motion picture, this unforgettable novel of love and strength in the face of war has enthralled a generation. The Nightingale tells the stories of two sisters, separated by years and experience, by ideals, passion and circumstance, each embarking on her own dangerous path toward survival, love, and freedom in German-occupied, war-torn France—a heartbreakingly beautiful novel that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the durability of women. Miriam Klein Kassenoff, Director of the University of Miami Holocaust Teacher Institute. “A hauntingly rich WWII novel about courage, brutality, love, survival—and the essence of what makes us human.” — Family Circle. “Expect to devour The Nightingale in as few sittings as possible; the high-stakes plot and lovable characters won’t allow any rest until all of their fates are known.” — Shelf Awareness. The Amazon Spotlight Pick for February 2015: Kristin Hannah is a popular thriller writer with legions of fans, but her latest novel, The Nightingale , soars to new heights (sorry) and will earn her even more ecstatic readers. but a melodrama that combines historical accuracy (Hannah has said her inspiration for Isabelle was the real life story of a woman who led downed Allied soldiers on foot over the Pyrenees) and social/political activism is a hard one to resist. Hannah explores these questions with probing finesse and great heart.”—Lisa See, #1 New York Times bestseller author of Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. "In this epic novel, set in France in World War II, two sisters who live in a small village find themselves estranged when they disagree about the imminent threat of occupation. "A beautifully written and richly evocative examination of life, love, and the ravages of war, and the different ways people react to unthinkable situations—not to mention the terrible and mounting toll of keeping secrets. This powerhouse of a story is equally packed with action and emotion, and is sure to be another major hit.” –Sara Gruen, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Water for Elephants.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I searched and found the once read story of the Belgium, Andree de Jongh who actually did what the fictional character Isabelle did in the novel. Much, much, much of the book parallels de Jongh's true story - the description of the heroine; the number of people (118 by de Jongh and 117 by Isabelle) escorted through this escape route: this escape route having a code name (Nightingale in the book and Comet in real life); the description of the airmen's instructions on the train and staying behind the heroine when they walked in German occupied cities; de Jongh's/Isabelle father executed by firing squad; the reaction of the airmen to this female who was going to be the one who to lead them out of France; de Jongh's/Isabelle's invisibility to the Germans because she was "just" a woman: collaborating with the British to fund the escape of airmen from France; de Jongh's/Isabelle's capture in the Pyrenees by the Nazi's then interrogation and Nazi's disbelief and rejection of the idea that a woman was capable of doing this; and de Jongh's/Isabelle's imprisonment in Ravensbruck women's concentration camp. I searched the book, several interviews with the author and Ms. Hannah website and there was no mention of specific name "Andree de Jongh.""
"The Nightingale opens with this amazing first line: “If I have learned anything in this long life of mine, it is this: In love we find out who we want to be; in war we find out who we are.” - pg 1. This story is about what it’s like to be a woman during war. The author says on her website that “In war, women’s stories are all too often forgotten or overlooked.” I had never thought about how true that really was until I read this book. Andree de Jongh and her corresponding character in the book were themselves inspired by a real nurse named Edith Cavell who served during World War I. You should read about her too :). I love pictures and the author has some beautiful pictures of places that inspired the locations in her book."
"I read books about wars with much time between each one."
"This is the story (based on a true story) of a remarkable young woman who risked her life to help rescue and bring to safety US and British airman shot down in enemy territory (Germany and German occupied countries)."
When an opportunistic land developer threatens to seize The Hideaway, Sara is forced to make a choice—stay in Sweet Bay and fight for the house and the people she’s grown to love or leave again and return to her successful but solitary life in New Orleans. “Two endearing heroines and their poignant storylines of love lost and found make this the perfect book for an afternoon on the back porch with a glass of sweet tea.” — Karen White , New York Times bestselling author. 'Denton’s first novel charms readers with her idyllic settings and wonderful cast of characters, making Sweet Bay and the Hideaway places readers will dream about. Her exquisitely lyrical writing and character-driven story is a must-read, especially for those who loved Beth Moore’s The Undoing of St. Sylvanus.” ( Library Journal -- Starred Review, DEBUT OF THE MONTH ). In addition to her fiction, she writes a monthly newspaper column about life, faith, and how funny (and hard) it is to be a parent.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I enjoyed the parallel storylines in this book, and found these narratives to hit just the right balance of depth and lightness - illuminating the needs and desires of these two women, while revealing their quirks and - yes, even their playful sides, in a beautiful ode to the human experience."
"I loved this book."
"The characters are well developed and the story allows the reader to amble through two time periods seamlessly."
"I read this book in 2 days."
"I loved how the author came full circle and satisfyingly gave us a complete ending."
"..which made me a little sad."
"What a wonderful read for a cold, blustery winter’s day."
"This is a sweet story of finding one's place in the world, rediscovering history in a new light, and the joys of family...even if they're a family of "choice"."
From the author of the smash-hit bestseller Firefly Lane and True Colors comes Kristin Hannah's powerful, heartbreaking novel that illuminates the intricate mother-daughter bond and explores the enduring links between the present and the past Meredith and Nina Whitson are as different as sisters can be. After assuming responsibility for the family business, 40-year-old empty-nester Meredith finds it difficult to carry out her father's dying wish that she take care of her mother; Meredith's troubled marriage, her troubled relationship with her mother and her mother's increasingly troubled mind get in the way. Meredith, who runs the family business, and Nina, a photojournalist whose job takes her to war zones around the world, have never been able to connect with their cold, forbidding mother. When Anya begins to act strangely, Meredith thinks she belongs in a nursing home, but Nina decides to try to fulfill her father’s dying wish and get her mother to tell her and Meredith the elaborate fairy tales she used to share with them.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This is one of the best books I have had the pleasure of reading. This is a book that should be on everyone's MUST READ list!"
"You learn how to accept life and what you are giving to live with."
"We all read and enjoyed The Nightingale in a matter of a week (couldn't put it down) so I got Mom this one for Mother's Day - used - and it was perfect!"
"one of the better books I have read on the holocaust."
"Wow, loved this book."
"It was actually a story within a story."
"I haven't read all her books yet so I'll keep going, although after two in a row I think I'll switch it up a bit."
"I have read several of Kristin Hannah's books and thought there would never be one to live up to The Nightengale."
Best Christian Romance
When an opportunistic land developer threatens to seize The Hideaway, Sara is forced to make a choice—stay in Sweet Bay and fight for the house and the people she’s grown to love or leave again and return to her successful but solitary life in New Orleans. “Two endearing heroines and their poignant storylines of love lost and found make this the perfect book for an afternoon on the back porch with a glass of sweet tea.” — Karen White , New York Times bestselling author. 'Denton’s first novel charms readers with her idyllic settings and wonderful cast of characters, making Sweet Bay and the Hideaway places readers will dream about. Her exquisitely lyrical writing and character-driven story is a must-read, especially for those who loved Beth Moore’s The Undoing of St. Sylvanus.” ( Library Journal -- Starred Review, DEBUT OF THE MONTH ).
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I enjoyed the parallel storylines in this book, and found these narratives to hit just the right balance of depth and lightness - illuminating the needs and desires of these two women, while revealing their quirks and - yes, even their playful sides, in a beautiful ode to the human experience."
"Nice story about finding the past and how the memories of a little girl and what she thought change when she returns to the place of her childhood."
"There is a feeling of regret that runs through the book but mostly it’s light."
"I still enjoyed the book very much."
"I generally am not a romanticist, but the reality of feelings introduced into the story, and time I spent in small towns won the day."
"I loved this book."
"The characters are well developed and the story allows the reader to amble through two time periods seamlessly."
"I loved how the author came full circle and satisfyingly gave us a complete ending."
Best Clean & Wholesome Romance
When an opportunistic land developer threatens to seize The Hideaway, Sara is forced to make a choice—stay in Sweet Bay and fight for the house and the people she’s grown to love or leave again and return to her successful but solitary life in New Orleans. “Two endearing heroines and their poignant storylines of love lost and found make this the perfect book for an afternoon on the back porch with a glass of sweet tea.” — Karen White , New York Times bestselling author. 'Denton’s first novel charms readers with her idyllic settings and wonderful cast of characters, making Sweet Bay and the Hideaway places readers will dream about. Her exquisitely lyrical writing and character-driven story is a must-read, especially for those who loved Beth Moore’s The Undoing of St. Sylvanus.” ( Library Journal -- Starred Review, DEBUT OF THE MONTH ). In addition to her fiction, she writes a monthly newspaper column about life, faith, and how funny (and hard) it is to be a parent.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I enjoyed the parallel storylines in this book, and found these narratives to hit just the right balance of depth and lightness - illuminating the needs and desires of these two women, while revealing their quirks and - yes, even their playful sides, in a beautiful ode to the human experience."
"There is a feeling of regret that runs through the book but mostly it’s light."
"I still enjoyed the book very much."
"I generally am not a romanticist, but the reality of feelings introduced into the story, and time I spent in small towns won the day."
"I loved this book."
"The characters are well developed and the story allows the reader to amble through two time periods seamlessly."
"I loved how the author came full circle and satisfyingly gave us a complete ending."
"..which made me a little sad."
Best Women's Fantasy Fiction
“If you love the early Anita Blake novels by Laurel K. Hamilton, you will fall head over heels for The Rylee Adamson Series. Rylee is a complex character with a tough, kick-ass exterior, a sassy temperament and morals which she never deviates from. Get ready for a whole new take on Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance and be ready to be glued to the pages!”. -Just My Opinion Book Blog. From HiJinks Ink Publishing and Shannon Mayer comes The USA Today Bestselling RYLEE ADAMSON NOVELS beginning with PRICELESS (Book 1). Praise for Shannon Mayer and the Rylee Adamson series Steamy, action-packed, and full of heart. If you’re a fan of Ilona Andrews, you’ll love Rylee Adamson.”. New York Times bestselling author Deanna Chase. Many times, the heroines in urban fantasy novels tend to be so tough or snarky that they come off as unlikable. Priceless was one of those reads that just starts off running and doesn’t give too much time to breathe. I’m always looking for something to tide me over until the next Ilona Andrews or Patricia Briggs book comes out, but no matter how many recommendations I get nothing ever measures up. This was a wonderful debut in the Rylee Adamson series, and a creative twist on a genre that’s packed full of hard-as-nails heroines. Priceless did not disappoint with its colourful secondary characters, unique slant on the typical P.I.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The supernatural world of witches, werewolves, orcs, trolls, harpies, vampires, and unicorns is definitely memorable and highly entertaining. The first book in this series has a lot of promise and I'm anxious to follow along to see how the rest of the series develops. I would have liked to have seen the story and characters fleshed out a little bit more so we could get more into Rylee's head and really experience her emotions. I'm writing this review after I've already read the second book (and onto the third)... and I will say that the author's writing has improved since the first one."
"Priceless is the first installment in author Shannon Meyer's Rylee Adamson series. This story is set mostly in North Dakota, although there is a fair amount of time spent in New Mexico as well. In the series opener, Meyer's introduces readers to Rylee Adamson, a heroine who has a reputation for being stubborn as they come, but has never quit a job once she starts it. As a result of her sister disappearing, Rylee is being hounded by FBI Agent Liam O'Shea. In Priceless, Rylee takes a job finding a young girl by the name of India who has been missing for 6 months. I loved seeing the new world that Shannon Meyer has created with Harpies, werewolves, vampires, witches, Ogres, & unicorns. Ah, but let me now forget about the Arcane Division which makes its presence felt in a big way. I was kind of scared, to be honest, to start this series when I heard it was being compared to Anita Blake."
Best Women's Romance Fiction
Born into wealth and privilege, Avery Stafford seems to have it all: a successful career as a federal prosecutor, a handsome fiancé, and a lavish wedding on the horizon. But when Avery returns home to help her father weather a health crisis, a chance encounter leaves her with uncomfortable questions and compels her to take a journey through her family’s long-hidden history, on a path that will ultimately lead either to devastation or to redemption. Based on one of America’s most notorious real-life scandals—in which Georgia Tann, director of a Memphis-based adoption organization, kidnapped and sold poor children to wealthy families all over the country—Lisa Wingate’s riveting, wrenching, and ultimately uplifting tale reminds us how, even though the paths we take can lead to many places, the heart never forgets where we belong. Wingate is a master-storyteller, and you’ll find yourself pulled along as she reveals the wake of terror and heartache that is Georgia Tann’s legacy.” — Parade “One of the year’s best books . “Lisa Wingate takes an almost unthinkable chapter in our nation’s history and weaves a tale of enduring power.” —Paula McLain, New York Times bestselling author of Circling the Sun. A poignant, engrossing tale about sibling love and the toll of secrets.” — People “ Before We Were Yours is sure to be one of the most compelling books you pick up this year. [Lisa] Wingate is a master-storyteller, and you’ll find yourself pulled along as she reveals the wake of terror and heartache that is Georgia Tann’s legacy.” — Parade. It is almost a cliché to say a book is ‘lovingly written’ but that phrase applies clearly to Lisa Wingate’s latest novel, Before We Were Yours . This story about children taken from their parents through kidnapping or subterfuge and then placed for adoption, for a price, clearly pours out of Wingate’s heart. “This story is heartfelt and genuine, especially as Wingate explores the idea of home and family from a youngster’s point of view.” — Historical Novels Review. “Lisa Wingate takes an almost unthinkable chapter in our nation’s history and weaves a tale of enduring power. But the real feat of this stirring novel is how deeply Wingate plunges us into the heart and mind of twelve-year-old river gypsy Rill Foss. Rill’s utterly singular voice will stay with you long after the last page is turned, as will Wingate’s courage to follow her anywhere. I’m still basking in the afterglow, in shock at the true-crime elements, in awe at the journey of these characters who seem to have immortal souls.” —Jamie Ford, New York Times bestselling author of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"It follows the story of the Foss children in the '30s and Avery Stafford in present day, and brings to light a horrifying and shameful real-life scandal. Avery Stafford finds a puzzling photograph that leads her into an ever more confusing story of secrets and lies inside her upright, respected family."
"This is the first book I've ever read by Lisa Wingate, but having read it I will search through her other titles."
"The environments and characters come to life in this book based on the real-life scandal surrounding the Tennessee Children's Home Society from the 1930s until it was closed in 1950."
"Well written and very descriptive."
"This was a very interesting story."
"The story is well written."
"I found it somewhat difficult going to the present then back...the name changes were a challenge but I'm 81 yrs old and some things just don't come easily anymore."
"This was a very, very interesting book."
Best Women's Humorous Fiction
One simple act of kindness is about to shatter the walls Eleanor has built around herself. Now she must learn how to navigate the world that everyone else seems to take for granted – while searching for the courage to face the dark corners she’s avoided all her life. Skilled, perceptive , Eleanor's world will feel familiar to you from the very first page. --Jojo Moyes, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Me Before You "Like a contemporary Jane Eyre, Gail Honeyman's Eleanor Oliphant is a woman scarred by profound loneliness, and the shadow of a harrowing childhood she can't even bear to remember. --Fiona Barton, New York Times bestselling author of The Widow "Honeyman's debut is a stunner, as buoyant and charming as it is heartwrenching and emotionally sophisticated. --Jojo Moyes, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Me Before You "Like a contemporary Jane Eyre, Gail Honeyman's Eleanor Oliphant is a woman scarred by profound loneliness, and the shadow of a harrowing childhood she can't even bear to remember. --Fiona Barton, New York Times bestselling author of The Widow "Moving, hilarious, and intriguing, just like its unique, anti-social, anti-heroine.You will fallin love with Eleanor Oliphant." --J. Ryan Stradal, New York Times bestselling author of Kitchens of the Great Midwest "Honeyman's debut is a stunner, as buoyant and charming as it is heartwrenching and emotionally sophisticated. --Jojo Moyes, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Me Before You "Like a contemporary Jane Eyre, Gail Honeyman's Eleanor Oliphant is a woman scarred by profound loneliness, and the shadow of a harrowing childhood she can't even bear to remember. --J. Ryan Stradal, New York Times bestselling author of Kitchens of the Great Midwest "Honeyman's debut is a stunner, as buoyant and charming as it is heartwrenching and emotionally sophisticated.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"She lacks social skills and tends to spout off facts to people just having conversations. Things start to change in her life when her company’s IT guy, Raymond, and Eleanor help an old man who has passed out in the street. In the beginning, I thought that I didn’t care too much for her but as time went on and she opened up, well, I fell in love with her."
"There has been a wonderful glut recently of captivating book titles featuring quirky characters (A MAN CALLED OVE, THE CURIOUS CHARM OF ARTHUR PEPPER, LILLIAN BOXFISH TAKES A WALK, BRITT MARIE WAS HERE), a lot of which are of a similar genre that I love. There is dialogue between characters but the most insightful parts are when we are reading Eleanor's thoughts and see how, as the plot unfolds, she is faced with decisions and choices that upend her very existence."
"A strange situation, I kept thinking of “Miranda” the comedienne when I started the book, and it was very funny."
"I was completely captivated from the first few pages."
"This book gets better with each page."
"Started this due to an Amazon recommendation and just read it through all day until it was done."
"Eleanor Oliphant is wonderful ... strong, unique, a true survivor who is learning to let go and thrive."
"Great character development, not just Eleanor but all."
Best Women's Psychological Fiction
Though still the target of stalkers and Internet trolls who think she had something to do with her husband’s crimes, Gwen dares to think her kids can finally grow up in peace. Rachel Caine is the #1 internationally bestselling author of more than fifty novels, including the New York Times bestselling Morganville Vampires and The Great Library young adult series. She’s written suspense, mystery, paranormal suspense, urban fantasy, science fiction, and paranormal young adult fiction.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Her ability to weave suspense put me on edge, my muscles tense in anticipation. We rarely see things from the perspective of the killer's family in the aftermath of his destruction. This is a fascinating look at human nature, both in the family's desperation to come to terms with the new reality of their lives and in the way society judges, condemns, and persecutes them. Second, the entire plot relies on us believing that Gina never, not even once, stepped into her garage, which was her husband's workshop and, apparently, killing ground. I don't know whether this is coming from the publishers or a segment of authors trying to push the purchase of followup books. Cliffhangers feel too much like extortion - buy the next book or you'll never know what happens with these characters you're already invested in."
"Great opening scene, having Gina and her two young children in the car, unable to return home because their street is blocked by emergency vehicles. The children are scared when a policeman pulls their mom out the car. We watch as Gina, whose name is now Gwen, does everything possible to protect her children from knowing the depth of their father's depravity and how many sick people spew their hatred at Gwen on the internet years after she had been found innocent of any wrong doing."
"She spends a year fighting accomplice charges and then flees, having to move and uproot her children and constantly stay on the run to avoid the threats she continues to receive on a daily basis- against her and her children. People write nasty things of what they would do to her and her children and she has no choice but to reinvent herself and remain on the move."
"This was my Kindle First pick for June, and it is exactly what it claims to be - a psychological thriller."
Best Women's Action & Adventure Fiction
Darby Thorne is a college student stranded by a blizzard at a highway rest stop in the middle of nowhere. She’ll have to spend the night in the rest stop with four complete strangers. There is no cell phone reception, no telephone, no way out because of the snow, and she doesn’t know which one of the other travelers is the kidnapper. Full of shocking twists and turns, this beautifully written novel will have you on the edge of your seat. “ I found myself having to tell myself to stop read and just BLINK, and breathe, for crying out loud. Would have read it quicker if I could have hidden myself away from the rest of the world, but alas, there was no escape from reality! The suspense starts at the very first page and only becomes more compelling until the explosive ending.” Linda Strong. “Once starting this story I just could not put it down, call it engrossing, engaging, intriguing or whatever you’d like it truly turned into one of those reads that I couldn’t break away from and today I really need a nap.” Carrie Glover. OUR LAST NIGHT Dan Rupley has 24 hours to get his dead fiancée back.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Full of lots of twists and turns - keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish."
"Enjoyed the fast pace of the story."
"Slow start."
"I bought it last min before boarding a flight, I barely read the description- I was blown away."
"This was a well written book keeps you guessing and I really enjoyed it."
"Could not put it down."
"Kept me in suspense the whole book."
"This was one of the most gripping thriller I have ever read."
Best Women's New Adult & College Fiction
I only wanted to protect you... Luke Garrison is a hometown hero, a member of the National Guard ready to deploy again. One night of sleeping in the same bed turns into something much, much more... and soon Luke can't keep his mind off Harper's wide gray eyes, or his hands off of her luscious curves. The novel No More Secrets , book one of Lucy Score's new series Blue Moon , is included free! Beautiful Love Story !!! There was laughter, tears, banter ...oh the banter, suspense, and sex ...lots and lots of sex!! A happy ending had by all and the ride to get there was awesome (pun intended). A true love story that I won't be forgetting anytime soon. Great story! Loved the strong characters, great story and character development and well written!!"
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This is the first book I've read by this author, but after the enjoyment I received from this novel I will definitely be getting more! I think i fell in love with the book around chapter 20, when the dogs get added to the chaos!"
"I have read a few other books recently about fake relationships that develop into more, but I was pleasantly surprised that this seemed to be just the jumping off point for their story. One of my favorite parts of the book was all the secondary characters that made up the town of Benevolence."
"I seriously just couldn't stop reading this book."
"However, 30 minutes into the story and I realized I had found a real gem so I backtracked, purchased and made it one of my new favorites! Harper Wilde and Luke Garrison are a couple that meet by chance and both are at a crossroads in life."
"There was the small town atmosphere, strong families, past tragedies and heartbreak, evil lurking, but in the end Harper and Luke end up where they were destined to be, with each other!"
"I only have a few cons: there were a handful of grammatical errors, and the language Lucy used at some points in the story was a bit off putting."
"This was one of those stories where intellectually I figured they would most likely end up together, seeing as this IS a romance novel; I was still chewing my nails and at the edge of my seat when everything was up in the air. There are some trigger points here for some--if mentions of abuse and death are going to bother you, it's probably best not to pick up this Military romance."
Best Women's Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Fiction
A young woman is found brutally murdered, and the main suspect is the victim’s fiancé, a hideously scarred Iraq War vet known as the Burned Man. Do yourself a favor and give this bright talent a read.” —John Hart, multiple Edgar Award winner and New York Times bestselling author of Redemption Road. Barbara Nickless has written a twisting, tortured novel that speaks with brutal honesty of the lingering traumas of war, including and especially those wounds we cannot see. I fell hard for Parnell and her four-legged partner and can't wait to read more.” —Vicki Pettersson, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Swerve. Barbara Nickless has fashioned a beautifully drawn hero in take-charge, take-no-prisoners Sydney Parnell, former Marine and now a railway cop battling a deadly gang as she investigates their purported connection to a recent murder. Skilled in evoking emotion from the reader, Nickless is a master of the craft, a writer to keep your eyes on.” —Chris Goff, author of Dark Waters. “Barbara Nickless’s Blood on the Tracks is raw and authentic, plunging readers into the fascinating world of tough railroad cop Special Agent Sydney Rose Parnell and her Malinois sidekick, Clyde. Haunted by her military service in Iraq, Sydney Rose is brought in by the Denver Major Crimes unit to help solve a particularly brutal murder, leading her into a snake pit of hate and betrayal. Full of the suspense that holds you on the edge of your seat, it’s also replete with acts of bravery, moments of hope, and a host of feelings that keep the story’s intensity level high. An active member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime, she has given workshops and speeches at numerous writing conferences and book events.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Here's a quick rundown, without spoilers: THE HEROINE -- At first, it appeared this was going to be another female character who somehow seems to do everything right despite all the angst she has to lug around. Her scene descriptions are vivid, and the attention to the thoughts of her main character Sydney is wonderful. ADDITIONAL WRITING THOUGHT -- The author uses transcripts of the main character's notes, interviews, journals, etc. I don't subtract stars if an author chooses to include language or sex, just letting potential readers know both exist in this book. For me, I enjoy when an author drops clues throughout the book that add up to a strong justification when the murderer is finally revealed, and I personally thought this could have been handled a little better. HOWEVER...even with the "twists" issue, the story is excellent and I found myself really liking the character of Sydney Parnell."
"Since I enjoy reading police procedural novels, I didn’t need to go past the summary description that this one included a K-9 partner to immediately select it as my Kindle First choice. While this is an especially interesting police procedural story since Sydney Rose Parnell and Clyde are part of a railroad police force, it goes much deeper."
"Sydney Rose ex marine turned Railroad cop discovers that her best friend and cousin has been murdered. Elsie, Sydney's cousin has been in love with Tucker, who is a ex marine turned homeless and now a train hopper has been accused of her murder."
"I was hooked from the first chapter - drawn in by the main character, Sydney, who hides her complex and compassionate nature beneath a stoic exterior."
Best Women's Sagas
Born into wealth and privilege, Avery Stafford seems to have it all: a successful career as a federal prosecutor, a handsome fiancé, and a lavish wedding on the horizon. But when Avery returns home to help her father weather a health crisis, a chance encounter leaves her with uncomfortable questions and compels her to take a journey through her family’s long-hidden history, on a path that will ultimately lead either to devastation or to redemption. Based on one of America’s most notorious real-life scandals—in which Georgia Tann, director of a Memphis-based adoption organization, kidnapped and sold poor children to wealthy families all over the country—Lisa Wingate’s riveting, wrenching, and ultimately uplifting tale reminds us how, even though the paths we take can lead to many places, the heart never forgets where we belong. Wingate is a master-storyteller, and you’ll find yourself pulled along as she reveals the wake of terror and heartache that is Georgia Tann’s legacy.” — Parade “One of the year’s best books . “Lisa Wingate takes an almost unthinkable chapter in our nation’s history and weaves a tale of enduring power.” —Paula McLain, New York Times bestselling author of Circling the Sun. A poignant, engrossing tale about sibling love and the toll of secrets.” — People “ Before We Were Yours is sure to be one of the most compelling books you pick up this year. [Lisa] Wingate is a master-storyteller, and you’ll find yourself pulled along as she reveals the wake of terror and heartache that is Georgia Tann’s legacy.” — Parade. It is almost a cliché to say a book is ‘lovingly written’ but that phrase applies clearly to Lisa Wingate’s latest novel, Before We Were Yours . This story about children taken from their parents through kidnapping or subterfuge and then placed for adoption, for a price, clearly pours out of Wingate’s heart. “This story is heartfelt and genuine, especially as Wingate explores the idea of home and family from a youngster’s point of view.” — Historical Novels Review. “Lisa Wingate takes an almost unthinkable chapter in our nation’s history and weaves a tale of enduring power. But the real feat of this stirring novel is how deeply Wingate plunges us into the heart and mind of twelve-year-old river gypsy Rill Foss. Rill’s utterly singular voice will stay with you long after the last page is turned, as will Wingate’s courage to follow her anywhere. I’m still basking in the afterglow, in shock at the true-crime elements, in awe at the journey of these characters who seem to have immortal souls.” —Jamie Ford, New York Times bestselling author of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"It follows the story of the Foss children in the '30s and Avery Stafford in present day, and brings to light a horrifying and shameful real-life scandal. Avery Stafford finds a puzzling photograph that leads her into an ever more confusing story of secrets and lies inside her upright, respected family."
"This is the first book I've ever read by Lisa Wingate, but having read it I will search through her other titles."
"I couldn't put the book down after getting through the first chapter."
"This was a quick read."
"A book full of ups and downs."
"The women who opt to put their child up for adoption have to be among the most courageous women."
"What a great book!"
"Wonderfully told story."