About:
When successful New York editor Jen Gibbs discovers a decaying slush-pile manuscript on her desk, she has no idea that the story of Sarra, a young mixed-race woman trapped in Appalachia at the turn of the twentieth century, will both take her on a journey and change her forever. Happy with her life in the city, and at the top of her career with a new job at Vida House Publishing, Jen has left her Appalachian past and twisted family ties far behind. But the search for the rest of the manuscript, and Jen’s suspicions about the identity of its unnamed author, will draw her into a mystery that leads back to the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains . . . and quite possibly through the doors she thought she had closed forever.
My thoughts and giveaway:
This was a book that I couldn’t wait to get back to. Lisa drew me into the story world of this book and I felt like I was a part of it.
This book isn’t high action, or anything like that but something drew me back time and again. I thought about the characters when I was away from the book and wondered about the their past.
Jen has run away from home for the most part. She really wants to forget her past but because of the story she finds on her desk she’s drawn back to the very place she said she would never go. I wanted to know more about her past, her family. But she’s like so many of us, thinking we can out run the past. The truth is you can never out run it, you can run from it, it won’t stop chasing you until you deal with it head on.
There is a slight mystery going on with this manuscript that keeps appearing and even following Jen. That alone will keep you wanting to read to see who is giving it to Jen.
Lisa has truly created a beautiful piece of art in this book, a lovely story that will speak to your heart on many levels.
Visit Lisa here.
Grab a copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com, Deeper Shopping or Books-A-Million.
Leave a comment by September 28th at 5:00 p.m to be entered to win a copy of your own. (U.S. residents only)
A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Genesis 5020 
Melissa, what an interesting book you’ve reviewed! I write and love stories set in the South. Thanks for your post.
Hi Jo-you’re welcome. It is a very unique book. Melissa Finnegan http://www.5020genesis.wordpress.com
After reading the review of The Story Keeper, I am wanting to read this intriguing book today. The mystery of the unfinished manuscript with Sarra set in 1900’s Appalachia sitting on Jen’s desk combined with Jen’s unfinished past with Appalachia makes for a delightful mystery. I am eager to read and review!
Roxanna-thanks for commenting and checking out the review. Hope you get a chance to read it!
What a fab post! Yay for Lisa and her release! 🙂
Campbellamyd at gmail dot com
Amy-Lisa is a great author, isn’t she?
I’ve been wanting to read this book ever since I read a wonderful review about it. Everything about this novel fascinates me. The manuscript from a previous time and the whole book world editor angle is interesting. The cover is also lovely! nina4sm/at/gmail/dot/com
Sylvia, I can see why it fascinates you, it is so good.
Your great review made me long to read this book. I was absolutely fascinated by the plot. Thank you for the opportunity to win this in the Giveaway this month.
You’re welcome 🙂
Reblogged this on faithdp24 and commented:
Fascinating plot makes me long to read it.
Please drop my name in the hat! I’d love to read this one.
Hi Anna-your name is dropped 🙂
Thanks Melissa for this review. Lisa’s book sounds very interesting. Please put my name in the drawing. Maxie
Hi Maxie-it’s great to see your name here. Your name is in the drawing.
I just finished another of Wingate’s books, “The Prayer Box”, with another mixed-race character. Your review makes me want to read this book, too. Please put my name in the drawing. Cheryl
Cheryl-I haven’t read that one yet, but it sounds good.
I don’t think I’ve ever read anything by Lisa, but this sounds very interesting! Thanks for the review and chance to win.
Patty-oh, I hope you get a chance to read something by Lisa, I am sure your will love her.
You know what is cool? That this is a book that caused you to care about the characters so much. I love when a book sticks with me in such a way that I feel like I have opened myself up to it. When you add a mystery to that, I can’t miss it! Thanks for sharing your review and thank you for the giveaway opportunity.
KellysShining(at)gmail(dot)com
Kelly-You are so right, I did care about the characters and learned something from them…that is good writing!
I haven’t read this book but sure would love to. Thanks for the opportunity