Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Before We Were Yours By Lisa Wingate



Two families, generations apart, are forever changed by a heartbreaking injustice in this poignant novel, inspired by a true story, for readers of Orphan Train and The Nightingale.
Memphis, 1939. Twelve-year-old Rill Foss and her four younger siblings live a magical life aboard their family's Mississippi River shantyboat. But when their father must rush their mother to the hospital one stormy night, Rill is left in charge--until strangers arrive in force. Wrenched from all that is familiar and thrown into a Tennessee Children's Home Society orphanage, the Foss children are assured that they will soon be returned to their parents--but they quickly realize the dark truth. At the mercy of the facility's cruel director, Rill fights to keep her sisters and brother together in a world of danger and uncertainty.

Aiken, South Carolina, present day. Born into wealth and privilege, Avery Stafford seems to have it all: a successful career as a federal prosecutor, a handsome fiancĂ©, 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.

Pick up your copy here...







Selected among BOOKLIST'S Top 10 for two years running, Lisa Wingate writes novels that Publisher's Weekly calls "Masterful" and ForeWord Magazine refers to as "Filled with lyrical prose, hope, and healing.” Lisa is a journalist, an inspirational speaker, and the author of a host of literary works. Her novels have garnered or been short-listed for many awards, including the Pat Conroy Southern Book Prize, the Oklahoma Book Award, the Utah Library Award, the LORIES Best Fiction Award, The Carol Award, the Christy Award, Family Fiction's Top 10, RT Booklover's Reviewer's Choice Award, and others. The group Americans for More Civility, a kindness watchdog organization, selected Lisa along with six others for the National Civies Award, which celebrates public figures who promote greater kindness and civility in American life. She’s been a writer since Mrs. Krackhardt’s first-grade class and still believes that stories have the power to change the world.

IN THE WRITER'S OWN WORDS: A special first grade teacher, Mrs. Krackhardt, made a writer out of me. That may sound unlikely, but it's true. It's possible to find a calling when you're still in pigtails and Mary Jane shoes, and to know it's your calling. I was halfway through the first grade when I landed in Mrs. Krackhardt's classroom. I was fairly convinced there wasn't anything all that special about me... and then, Mrs. Krackhardt stood over my desk and read a story I was writing. She said things like, "This is a great story! I wonder what happens next?"

It isn't every day a shy new kid gets that kind of attention. I rushed to finish the story, and when I wrote the last word, the teacher took the pages, straightened them on the desk, looked at me over the top, and said, "You are a wonderful writer!"

A dream was born. Over the years, other dreams bloomed and died tragic, untimely deaths. I planned to become an Olympic gymnast or win the National Finals Rodeo, but there was this matter of back flips on the balance beam and these parents who stubbornly refused to buy me a pony. Yet the writer dream remained. I always believed I could do it because... well... my first grade teacher told me so, and first grade teachers don't lie.

So, that is my story, and if you are a teacher, or know a teacher, or ever loved a special teacher, I salute you from afar and wish you days be filled with stories worth telling and stories worth reading.

My Review..

I love movies based on true stories, so a book based on a true story is just is good to me.
Before We Were Yours is based on a true story so you know I am going to tell you that all you don't want to miss this one. The book is based on the true story of Georgia Tann and her Tennessee Children's Home Society.
You see it play out just like watching it on a big screen. It was so real. The characters were so real and true.
A compelling and sad at times story. I wish that it had been longer. Wait I always say that about Wingates books.
I gave this book 5 stars two times. I highly recommend it.
I received this book from the Publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

32 comments:

  1. Sounds like a very emotional and touching read. Thank you for sharing.

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  2. I want to read this one really bad. What a sad story. Thanks Mary

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  3. Not sure if this one I want to go to the library and get or if I want to buy this one. It sounds really good and I may want to reread it and share it.

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    1. Skyler, You are the WINNER! I will get your book right out to you this week!

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  4. Sounds like a very intriguing read. Sign me up for this one for sure. I love Lisa's books a lot.

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  5. Some history not many people talk about in a fiction book. Wow this is going to be a powerful read. I'm very excited about this one.

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  6. The River people story, My Grandma called them the river kids of the depression. I will cherish this story and share it with many. Thank you for sharing it Mary I loved your review.

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  7. This sounds like a really sad story, but one I really want to read. Great review!

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  8. Wow. Not all of history is pretty, but there is always hope and possiblity for reconciliation.

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  9. I think this is going to be sad but really good. I bet the book brings some light to this forgotten and not talked about story.

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  10. Sounds like a book that is right up my alley! Adding it to my TBR list! Thanks for sharing!

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  11. I will be reading this one for sure. I loved your review of it.

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  12. Mary, I know exactly what you mean when you read a book that makes you feel like you're watching it on the big screen. Have been wanting to read this one!

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  13. Love it !!!!! Blessings ,DanaGirl

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  14. This is a book that I must read! It sounds like a "sitting up all nighter" book that I would have to finish before I put it down! Thank you for this great review Mary!

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  15. I can't wait to read this one! The cover is absolutely intriguing and would be blessed to win a copy.

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  16. I have read this book. A great story that will stay with me forever.

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  17. I haven't read this book, but have seen it quite a bit on social media sites. The cover is beautiful and so inviting.

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  18. I haven't heard of this true story. It sounds like a great book!
    susanlulu@yahoo.com

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  19. I have been hearing the buzz about this one and am anxious to read it. Thanks for the review.

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  20. Wow! I'm intrigued by this review and I can't wait to read this book! Great writing quality, keep up the fantastic work.

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  21. How do we try to win a copy of Lisa Wingate's new book and the book pictured.

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  22. History blended with a touching story and Lisa Wingate does it always with such talent. I want to read and savor and share this one!

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  23. Looking forward to reading this book!

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  24. It's amazing to me that people would have the audacity to just remove children from their families and take them off without any consideration of the affect the separation would have on the children and their parents.

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  25. I can hardly wait to read this book! I am so excited to get it this week.

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  26. I can tell you this from personal experience; if Lisa wrote it, you will find her heart and soul in it and you will be inspired by every word. She writes unforgettable books that are always worth every precious minute you spend reading them. So rejoice and be glad that you found this author and read all her books! Your life will be enriched by the experience. I promise. Mine certainly has.

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  27. What! I haven't signed up for this?? I have now. I hope you haven't picked yet. Would love to win a copy!! Kathleen

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  28. Thanks for your review and offering a giveaway. This book sounds so interesting, and it's wonderful it's receiving so much attention in the Christian fiction market as well as the "general" market.

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