From award-winning author Cathy Gohlke, whose novels have been called “haunting” (Library Journal on Saving Amelie) and “page-turning” (Francine Rivers on Secrets She Kept), comes a historical fiction story of courage and transformation set in rural Appalachia on the eve of WWII.
When Lilliana Swope’s beloved mother dies, Lilliana gathers her last ounce of courage and flees her abusive husband for the home of her only living relative in the foothills of No Creek, North Carolina. Though Hyacinth Belvidere hasn’t seen Lilliana since she was five, she offers her cherished great-niece a safe harbor. Their joyful reunion inspires plans to revive Aunt Hyacinth’s estate and open a public library where everyone is welcome, no matter the color of their skin.
Slowly Lilliana finds revival and friendship in No Creek—with precocious eleven-year-old Celia Percy, with kindhearted Reverend Jesse Willard, and with Ruby Lynne Wishon, a young woman whose secrets could destroy both them and the town. When the plans for the library also incite the wrath of the Klan, the dangers of Lilliana’s past and present threaten to topple her before she’s learned to stand.
With war brewing for the nation and for her newfound community, Lilliana must overcome a hard truth voiced by her young friend Celia: Wishing comes easy. Change don’t.
From the first few pages, I was instantly pulled into Lilliana's heart and mind. My heart ached for her situation as I tried to put myself into her shoes. I imagine that I would have been thrown into an institution for being an "unruly wife". Cathy Gohlke did an amazing job of transporting us back to a different time -- one that I have never experienced.
Reading about abuse, rape, and racially-charged situations are never easy; however, Gohlke excelled at keeping my attention without making me feel too queasy to continue reading. Each character has a strong, deep background that you quickly begin to care about them. This encourages your empathy to climb as they experience the dark and difficult situations.
I adored most of the characters (the good ones!) and enjoyed traveling through their experiences. Each one perfectly played their role. I cried, laughed, and felt fear and anger with them. The fact that Lilliana didn't feel worthy of God's love was something I connected with from the start. I understood how she could feel that way after enduring the emotional/mental abuse that she suffered. It made her stronger than she knew -- and I was pleased to see that shine as the book continued.
The only complaint I have is that I wanted more after finishing. I needed to know what happened to everyone as they go in their own direction. They all came together in such a beautiful way that is bound to have a lasting impression on the future they choose.
Absolutely one of my all-time favorite books now! HIGHLY-recommended and earned a permanent place on my bookshelf. Looking forward to reading more titles from Cathy Gohlke!
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About the Author
Four-time Christy and two-time Carol and INSPY Award–winning and bestselling author Cathy Gohlke writes novels steeped with inspirational lessons, speaking of world and life events through the lens of history. She champions the battle against oppression, celebrating the freedom found only in Christ. Cathy has worked as a school librarian, drama director, and director of children's and education ministries. When not traveling to historic sites for research, she and her husband, Dan, divide their time between northern Virginia and the Jersey Shore, enjoying time with their grown children and grandchildren. Visit her website at www.cathygohlke.com and find her on Facebook at CathyGohlkeBooks and Bookbub (@CathyGohlke).