Overview

Set against the rich but often troubled history of Blacklands, Texas, during an era of pandemic, scientific discovery, and social upheaval, the novel offers a unique—yet eerily familiar—backdrop to a universal tale of triumphing over loss. 

Even as dementia clouds other memories, eighty-three-year-old Leola can’t forget her father’s disappearance when she was sixteen. Now, as Papa appears in haunting visions, Leola relives the circumstances of that loss: the terrible accident that steals Papa’s livelihood, sending the family deeper into poverty; a scandal from Mama’s past that still wounds; and Leola’s growing unease with her brutally bigoted society. 

When Papa vanishes while seeking work in Houston and Mama dies in the “boomerang” Influenza outbreak of 1919, Leola and her young sisters are sent to an orphanage, where her exposure of a dark injustice means sacrificing a vital clue to Papa’s whereabouts. That decision echoes into the future, as new details about his disappearance suggest betrayal too painful to contemplate. Only in old age, as her visions of Papa grow more realistic, does Leola confront her long-buried grief, leading to a remarkable family discovery that could offer peace, at last.

Review

Leola is a young girl when her father has a tragic accident and loses his arm. Life changes immensely for her. Her father leaves to go to Houston to find a job then disappears, then her mother dies. She and her sisters are placed in an orphanage and Leola struggles overcome what life has thrown at her.

This story is full of loss, family secrets and strength of will. Leola is a character in which you root for incessantly. And life just keeps crashing down on her but her strength roars through these pages and she never gives up hope!

I could not help but be captivated by all the tragedy and the life situations surrounding this family. This novel had me crying and wanting to come through the pages and protect everyone involved!

Need a book which will have you thinking about it long after it is over…THIS IS IT ! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

Purchase Here

Amazon

BookBub