Fascinating Historical Fiction

 

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson

Cussy Mary Carter, nineteen, of Troublesome Creek, is the last of the blue people in the hills of Kentucky.  She is also a pack horse librarian, charged with delivering reading materials to her patrons located throughout the sparsely populated region.  She loves her job and her patrons and does her best to meet the needs of the desperately poor people she serves.  She encounters challenges of many kinds, including the townspeople and head librarian who despise her because of her color.

When she becomes indebted to the local doctor, he asks for payment in the way of being able to examine her to see why she is blue.  Her father demands that she submit and she is carted away to Lexington to a hospital where they discover the cause of her condition.  An important enzyme is missing in her blood, which makes her skin appear blue.  The doctors offer her a way to become “white” and she eagerly accepts, hoping to at last be accepted by society.

I found much to admire in Cussy Mary’s character.  She was self-sacrificing and incredibly determined to help her patrons.  Although she was often feared or shunned, she never seemed to retaliate.   She was hard-working and fiercely loyal, seeking the best for those she served.   

This book is inspired by the blue-skinned people of Kentucky and Kentucky Pack Horse library service.  I found it fascinating.  It presents a revealing look at prejudice, hope, determination and courage.  For anyone who loves historical fiction, unusual characters and books, this story is inspiring.  I highly recommend it. 

Action Adventure with Murphy Shephard

 The Letter Keeper by Charles Martin 

 Murphy Shephard’s story continues with this book. He pursues the bad guys who are trying to traffic young people.  Only this time, it becomes very personal.  His wife and daughter are taken. 

 Along the way, the author fills us in on much of the history of the relationship between Murphy and Bones, a priest, as well as some of Murphy’s past.  After having read The Water Keeper, I appreciated having some of my questions answered.

 

For those who have not read the previous book, which I recommend, Murphy is a real hero, even better than James Bond.  He has the same kinds of resources, skills and abilities, but completes his missions with a pure heart to unselfishly help others.  In his spare time, he is a very popular author and loving father.  Ok, so maybe he is too good to be true, but this is fiction, after all! 

Charles Martin is at the top of his game with character development and plot pacing.     I must say that I could hardly believe how quickly I read this book!  The ending surprised me and left me with hope of a sequel.  If you are a Charles Martin fan, this one will not disappoint.   I am grateful to the publisher for a free copy in return for  my honest opinion.

 

Southern Fiction Featuring a Family of Color

 

‘Til I Want No More by Robin Pearson

 

Robin’s latest book focuses on a family facing a time of reckoning. The daughter, Maxine is engaged and writes about the wedding planning.  As she navigates the challenges of planning for a new life with her fiancé Teddy, she must confront her past.  Of course, like in real life, the confrontation gets messy.

 

What I liked about this book is that it features a family of color, which seems to be under-represented in Christian fiction that I have read.  I also enjoyed the appearance of characters from her previous book. I also found that the  author’s message of second chances and forgiveness was healing.  I think that there are readers who will identify with Maxine and gain courage from her experience.

 

Robin creates a world that a reader can readily step into and feel like the characters are family.  She creates characters that are likeable, ordinary and yes, flawed.  If you enjoy a visit to family, this book will take you there.  I am grateful to the publisher for a free copy for this, my honest review.