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The historical setting (1930s turpentine camp) was vividly rendered and was swept into the story. But the “good” characters were too good and the “evil” characters were outlandishly so. I was also troubled by how heterosexual white characters were used to illustrate experiences that were predominantly those of black men (horrid labor conditions at the camp) and queer women (violent homophobia/misogyny).

First time ever reading on my Kindle. I don‘t love it, but after moving recently and not having my TBR books around, this is my only option. I guess I have to take advantage of the free electronic copies on Amazon too! Cozy Fall Friday reading 🖤

Tackle the TBR 🤓📚
#boleybooks #thesaintsofswallowhill #DonnaEverhart #bookbeast #bookjoy #bookbuds
What are you reading? 😊

Happy Christmas book mail! ❤️📚 I missed out on all the Christmas swaps this year and was feeling pretty bummed until I went to the mailbox and found this book that I won in a #GoodreadsGiveaway.

This is the type of historical fiction that reminds you how hard life was for many less than a century ago and that teaches you some new things along the way as well. I‘m looking forward to #OverBookedClub discussion.

repost for sblbooks:

#OverbookedClub let me know if you plan to participate. Everyone welcome. Tagging anyone who wants to join in.

#OverbookedClub let me know if you plan to participate. Everyone welcome. @LitsyEvents @megnews @shellleigh33 @julieclair @TheBookHippie @Chrissyreadit @kdgordon88 @kspenmoll @Roary47 @Butterfinger @CoverToCoverGirl @catebutler @Crazeedi @melissajayne @Readswithcoffee and anyone else who wants to join in.

Seen this and thought I would share for those interested in joining September #Overbookedclub read. It‘s a kindle daily deal today

This was a read for one of my postal book clubs…the print copy could not keep my interest more than a few pages at a time. Audio to the rescue!

I just read Four Winds earlier this year & wasn‘t sure I could handle another sad Depression-era story, but there was enough light amongst all the sadness & cruel men to keep me going. I knew nothing about turpentine farming, so that was interesting. Good writing, & the end wasn‘t a gut punch.

⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

Good historical fiction about the Depression and turpentining. Good character development and pace of plot. Enjoyable read, but not cracking my top 10 of the year.

My book club meets later today to discuss this historical fiction novel set in southeastern America during the Depression. Told in alternating voices, Del and Rae Lynn eventually end up at the same turpentine farm in Georgia. The conditions seem like a law unto themselves as this opened up a previous-to-me unknown corner of history. I do wish that the characters were more deeply developed and for even more historical detail! Excited to discuss!

I hate to say it but this is the kind of midlist southern litfic that I just don't ever gel with. There's nothing wrong with the book. The writing is competent, but it just does nothing for me.

Of note, as I've been trying to think of how to review this book I keep singing that Rihanna song that goes "we found love in a hopeless place" over and over again. So I guess that's my review. And ya know, they did find love in a hopeless place!

I fell in love with Donna Everhart‘s writing style a couple of years ago when I read her book THE FORGIVING KIND. She captures the spirit of the American South in such a way that you can feel the torturous heat and humidity, taste the coolness of a glass of sweet tea, and hear the cicadas on a drowsy early evening.

A story of courage, survival, and friendship sure to linger in my mind for some time.

Review is up! This is a good one!

https://reecaspieces.com/2022/01/31/the-saints-of-swallow-hill-by-donna-everhart...

This is a wonderful historical fiction set in the American south during the Great Depression. We are introduced to the world of turpentine camps, often brutal workplaces where desperate people (usually black) found work. This is a story strong women and of survival, with a touch of romance. I really enjoyed it and gave it 4/5 stars.

THE SAINTS OF SWALLOW HILL
This book is another hit by Donna Everhart that will take your heart and soul on a ride you won't soon forget. The things that happened back during the depression and the people who worked the turpentine camps. What they endured. How things were done. How the whites and blacks were treated differently. How unfair life was to hard working people.
Full review here: https://tinyurl.com/sd3px7b8