★★★★★ 5
So Good!
Format: Hardcover
Some parts of this are reminiscent of The Help, but it is a brand new story. Even though it appears to be a LONG book (650 pages), it goes fast and is hard to put down. The story takes place in Mississippi in the 1930's. 24 year old Birdie travels to see her married sister in Oxford for the purpose of getting some financial help for her family. Her sister Frances married into a seemingly wealthy family, which for reasons that soon become clear, has now fallen on hard times. Eleven year old Meg lives in an orphanage and is treated badly by the volunteers that staff it. If her mom isn't going to come back and get her, then she wants to be adopted as soon as possible, but most people want babies, not older children. Charlie turns up at the house where Birdie is staying with her sister's family. She's bright and helpful, but what's her real story? How are they all connected? This story is at times hilarious and at other times heartbreaking. It has its share of villains, but most of the characters are likeable and you want them to succeed. Just HOW they succeed is the heart of the book, and I won't tell you and spoil the surprise. This is well worth reading, though, and I strongly recommend it.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2026

