Fascinating historical fiction set in West Virginia

When Silence Sings by Sarah Loudin Thomas

I loved so many things about this book:  its setting, characters, plot, and writing.  Being a West Virginia girl, I enjoyed the story taking place in some historic towns in West Virginia, not too far from where I grew up.  The author admits to bending history a little to fit her story, but I think it is fascinating to read about a place near to your heart.

 The characters were complex, intriguing and well-written.  I loved that they grew and changed within the pages of the novel.  My favorite was Ivy, or maybe it was Coleman or Serepta.  They were all so interesting.

The plot was well-paced and kept me involved.  There were some surprises, and one disappointment to me:  Charlie.  I missed his presence in the story.  I found myself hoping that a sequel will follow and allow Charlie to re-enter the lives of the characters.

The writing was vaguely reminiscent of some of Billy Coffey’s southern fiction that has a pinch of the supernatural in it.  I was always weighing the events to see if they could be “real” or not.

This book grabbed my interest for all the reasons I mentioned above.  I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy historical fiction or southern fiction.  I am grateful to the publisher for a complimentary copy in return for this, my honest review. 

Elizabeth Musser's latest novel

When I Close My Eyes by Elizabeth Musser

I have read some of Elizabeth Musser’s other novels, including her acclaimed The Swan House.  This is her latest novel, featuring Josephine, a writer, and her family.  Josephine is a gifted author, but suffers from depression.  The author relates her story, switching from different character viewpoints to give the reader the complete picture.  The depression, coupled with family secrets, threatens to overtake Josephine.  However, satisfyingly enough, the truth wins out.

This novel deals with some gritty issues including depression and suicide, but is laced with a silver thread of hope.  The author admits to struggling with depression herself and bravely writes about it in the epilogue of the book.  I believe that readers who also suffer from depression will find some hope and practical help here.

The characters were well-written easily garnered my sympathy.  I found myself wondering how they were doing even after I finished the book.  Even though Josephine so obviously struggled with her demons, I admired her faith and tenacity.  It is a sign of good writing that I found myself rooting for Henry, “the villain,” to come to a true experience of faith.  I also found myself wanting to read Josephine’s novels—they sounded so compelling!

The plot was written so well that I had a hard time putting down this book.  It unfolded at a good pace and had some twists that surprised me.

I really enjoyed this book and think other readers will, too, especially those who enjoy contemporary women’s fiction with some substance and hope.  Many thanks to Elizabeth Musser, who created a work that will help readers even while it entertains them.  I am grateful to the publisher for this free copy of the book in exchange for this, my honest review.