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Before We Were Yours - a poignant, family story and New York Times bestseller
Before We Were Yours - a poignant, family story and New York Times bestseller | Lisa Wingate
A compelling, harrowing and utterly redemptive novel that reveals a family torn apart by a shocking betrayal. Based on real-life events of kidnap, illegal adoption and a corrupt orphanage, the fictional narrative brings alive deeply researched real-life events in the manner of Jodi Picoult and Caroline Overington. The multi-week USA TODAY BESTSELLER! Two families, generations apart, are forever changed by a heartbreaking injustice in this poignant novel, inspired by a true story, for readers of Orphan Train and The Nightingale. Born into a world of wealth and privilege, Avery Stafford seems to have it all. A loving daughter to her father, a US senator, with her own ambitious career as a lawyer and a handsome fianc waiting for her in Baltimore, she has lived a charmed life. But when Avery returns to Aiken to help her father weather a health crisis and a political attack, a chance encounter with May Crandall, an elderly woman she's never met before, leaves Avery deeply shaken. Avery's decision to learn more about May's life will take her on a journey through a hidden history of stolen children and illegal adoption. A journey that will reveal a secret that could lead to devastation...or redemption. Based on one of America's most notorious real-life scandals--in which Georgia Tann, director of a Memphis-based adoption organization, kidnapped and sold poor children to wealthy families all over the country--Lisa Wingate's riveting, wrenching, and ultimately uplifting tale reminds us how, even though the paths we take can lead to many places, the heart never forgets where we belong.
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JessBookNerd
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My heart 😞😞😞

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BoleyBooks
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Tackle the TBR 🤓📚💕
What are you reading?
#boleybooks #beforewewereyours #lisawingate #bookbeast #libby #bookbuds

28 likes1 stack add
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britt_brooke
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️ The fictionalization of a real-life villain and the adoption atrocities she committed. Georgia Tann, of the Tennessee Children's Home Society, stole children from the impoverished and sold them to wealthy folks who could not conceive. I‘m over dual timeline historical fiction, otherwise this was a solid #bookclub selection. Now, off to find a nonfiction account.

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britt_brooke
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My neighborhood is so pretty right now! 👟

#audiowalk #bookclub

LeahBergen Wow! 7mo
AmyG Just gorgeous ❤️ 7mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Beautiful 😍 7mo
maich Beautiful😍🥰 7mo
Cathythoughts Beautiful. 🤍🤍🤍 7mo
66 likes5 comments
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Melkyl
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Pickpick

This one was very good. Honestly, it is the best book I have read in a while. The story is very poignant, and is really that much more so when one considers that it is based on actual events. I had never heard of Georgia Tann, nor the Tennessee Children‘s Home Society orphanage. The story is both interesting and well told.

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GondorGirl
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What a great mail day! I received a moose from @TieDyeDude, a book from my wish list from @AmyG, and the wax warmer I ordered online (Walmart).

We've got crisp fall weather and it feels like the perfect afternoon to curl up on the porch with a book. 🥰

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I love the wax warmer!! I‘m so jealous about the weather! This book is so good! 🧡 13mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I‘m going to have to buy the wax warmer 🧡🖤 13mo
44 likes2 comments
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Lizwarnerpdx
Pickpick

Based on the true story of Georgia Tann, who stole poor children and sold them to prominent people as adoptions. The way the story is told is nice, the stories of what Ms. Tann did is atrocious. My grandpa & his siblings were poor & were separated and adopted out in the 1920‘s. Most of them were able to reunite decades later - but that helped bring the story to life for me.

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Martta
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Took some old books to used bookstore and picked up these in exchange. 😍

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JennF13
Pickpick

A bestseller for a reason! A moving, tragic story based on equally as moving and tragic real life events. The fact that evil people like Georgia Tann exist is something not to be forgotten. These children are not to be forgotten. The non-fiction “Before and After” is worth your time and attention also.

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Roary47
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Pickpick

4✨While this is a work of fiction it is based on true events. Children taken from their homes and taken to a home where they are sold to rich families. It follows 3 points of few. 1 from the past, and two in the present. It becomes clear there is a connection and part of it I suspected. However, there is a few mysteries that appeared I wasn‘t, and mysteries that still weren‘t solved. I like the author stuck to practically, but still a sad end.

15 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Roary47
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My #roll100 for January. The first is “Of Heaven and Earth by: David L Clark which is an LDS book. this year looks exciting! 😍 @PuddleJumper

PuddleJumper Good luck!
2y
10 likes1 comment
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BookDee
Les enfants du fleuve | Lisa Wingate
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Pickpick

Sad but a great read

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DanaR
Pickpick

This is a book that sticks with you. I can‘t stop thinking about it, and that - while the families were fictional - this was based on real events.

The fictional families were well-written, although I wish more time was spent with Avery, Judy, and May. Some things seemed rush.

But young Rill‘s story was the gem of the book, it was delicately written and her personality shines through.

Highly recommend this book!

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DanaR

Oh my goodness, I‘m only 20% through and I‘m just hooked!! A thoroughly engrossing book, such a contrast between the narration in the past and the future. I can‘t wait to see where this goes and who ends up being who!

kspenmoll This book was heartbreaking & wonderful. (edited) 2y
4 likes1 comment
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Eggs
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HF about kids being stolen away from parents, taken to crowded orphanages, then sold to #adoptivemoms.

#MayMoms @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

61 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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erickahhh
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Pickpick

This historical fiction hit me right in the feels. I have been obsessed with historical fiction lately, and this one did not disappoint.

I finished this in 2 days and the story stuck with me for days after. I found myself doing research on orphanages and reading stories of children who were ripped away from their loving families to be adopted out. This beautiful story shed light into a part of America's ugly past.

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Kgaudiuso
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Pickpick

Loved this book! What an interesting and heart breaking story. Reading the author‘s note at the end was eye opening, and made me so sad for all those families that lost children. I would highly recommend this for a book club read. The discussion and differing of opinions, thoughts and feelings would be so great, and I‘m looking forward to ours at the end of the month.

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BookBabe
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Decided to give this one a listen during housework and meals today. It seems familiar and I‘m wondering if I‘ve read it before but I honestly don‘t remember. And I can‘t check because I deleted my entire Goodreads and Litsy history so…🤷🏻‍♀️ anyway so far it‘s good and the sushi is great! 🍣 😋 #DinnerAndABook

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Looks delicious 😋 I enjoyed this one, just so very sad 😔 3y
Dragon The sushi 🍣 looks yummy! Enjoy! 3y
Ddzmini Yum 🤤 3y
41 likes1 stack add3 comments
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TheDaysGoBy
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Pickpick

My reading has really been slow going this year so far so I‘ve only just finished my #bookspin from January. I did enjoy this one a fair bit - wasn‘t my favorite but it was interesting for sure. The characters felt fresh and unique

@TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 3y
36 likes1 comment
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TJAhearne
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Book club choice😋Rereading it… I loved it the first time….

9 likes1 stack add
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rebbyj
Mehso-so

Interesting. Sad.

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Librarybelle
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#August #12BooksOf2021

It‘s a shame it took me so long to pick this one up, but I am so glad I read this one in 2021!

This heartbreaking story, yet with touches of hope, showcases a little known piece of American history. Children taken from their homes and adopted out to well to do families…ugh! Wingate tells the story with grace. It has made me want to read her other books!

Andrew65 A popular book 3y
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smmeldrum
Pickpick

This book has sparked my love of historical fiction. While based on upon a true setting, this book was heartbreaking, heart warming, educational, and so fulfilling. Easily one of my top three favorite books.

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Jess861
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Pickpick

Another pick - it started off slow but picked up as it went and was a great read. Once I got about halfway through it was hard to put down. Another sad story of history - this time about a family sent to the Tennessee Children‘s Home Society orphanage. What these orphanages (and the director Georgia Tann) got away with and what the wealthy let them get away with is heartbreaking.

#AVeryMerryReadathon #Readathon #Orphanage #Family @TheSpineView

TheSpineView Fantastic! 3y
Reecaspieces Fantastic book 3y
Krystle13 Loved this book! 3y
57 likes3 comments
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Jess861
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I know I've posted a bunch about this book as it's taking me forever to get through it (not the book but my time that is causing it)....but this is how I intend to spend the evening once the kiddos are asleep - popcorn and a book! Hopefully I can get some pages in!

#CurrentlyReading #Popcorn #SnackAndBook #Readathon #EveningReading

S3V3N I loved this book. 3y
Jess861 @BeaG I'm about half way through now and really getting into it! 3y
49 likes2 comments
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dainarmb
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Pickpick

Finished my November #bookspin and enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would- the back covet blurb didn't do it justice! @TheAromaofBooks I also kept track of holiday words for the #WGWordSearch. #TeamGameSleighers

TheAromaofBooks Yay!!! 3y
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dainarmb
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Recuperating from my booster shot 🤒 and partaking in the #WGWordSearch #WinterGames2021 #TeamGameSleighers @StayCurious

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dainarmb
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StayCurious Love the mug 3y
10 likes1 comment
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dainarmb
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Playing the #WGWordSearch as I'm #currentlyreading my #bookspin read. Wore green sweatpants and a red shirt and I'm using a red pencil to really dominate this #FestivePhotoChallenge entry. 😅❤💚 #WinterGames2021 #TeamGameSleighers

ChasingOm 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 3y
dainarmb @StayCurious I'm not sure if I'm supposed to tag you in every post? 😅 3y
StayCurious @dainarmb please do since you‘re on my team. I try to like and comment as much as I can 3y
dainarmb @StayCurious sounds good! 🥰 3y
20 likes4 comments
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dainarmb
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It's a travel home day! Woke up at 3 a.m. and slept on the first leg of my trip, so hoping to make a dent in this one on the shorter, second flight. 🤞🏽 #currentlyreading #bookspin

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Allthebookclubs
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Pickpick

I read this a couple of years ago, but wanted to read I again after some friends read it this year. It‘s sickening what the people of THS did to those families. Book #67 in 2021

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dainarmb
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I am #currentlyreading my #BookSpin for November but thinking ahead by posting my TBR early to also count towards #WinterGames2021 #TeamGameSleighers @TheAromaofBooks @StayCurious

PageShifter I have good memories from reading Let It Snow last christmas, I hope it gives you some christmas spirit too :) The Nightingale was something I accidentally read also when it was christmas: I was sick and could only read something that was easy to read :D It was perfect for that moment. I enjoyed The Love Hypothesis, hope you too. 3y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 3y
dainarmb @PageShifter so many on my tbr to look forward to 🥰🤩 3y
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StayCurious Looks great! 3y
IndoorDame Awesome list! I‘ve been wanting to read The Vanishing Half. I‘d love to hear what you think! 3y
MartinaLove The love hypothesis is really good! 3y
MartinaLove The People We Meet on Vacation and The Ex Hex are also really good. I want to read The Spanish Love Deception and The Holiday Swap in December also. 3y
19 likes7 comments
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LibraryCin
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Pickpick

I listened to the audio and I thought it started off pretty slow, so it took me a bit to get “into” it, and I might have missed a few things at the start. It did pick up, though, and I found myself more engaged. I actually ended with a couple of questions, though. I was glad there was an author‘s note at the end with more of the true story of the Home Society

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Jess861
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In between the start of school and skating for the little guy, planning a birthday party and being swamped at work I have had absolutely no time to read. I'm hoping the #OutstandingOctober #Readathon forces me to find some time for my books! Hoping to finish Before We Were Yours and get started on whatever book I choose to read next.

Thanks for hosting @Andrew65

Andrew65 Hope this helps for you. Good luck 😊👍 3y
27 likes1 comment
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MandyB
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Pickpick

What can I say about this book.....What a page turner, from start to finish it pulls you into the lives of its characters, you feel their pain and sadness, leaves you wishing you could leap into the pages and save them. It‘s so well writing it flows effortlessly , I highly recommend it.

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sleepy.ash87
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Pickpick

Wingate powerfully depicts the trauma experienced by children who were stolen from their families and placed in the Tennessee Children's Home Society, an adoption agency headed by the child trafficker, Georgia Tann, from the 1920s-1950s. I admit I had to shut off the narrative and play meditation music a few times just to get through. How is it that I had never heard of this horror? Right here, in America, not that long ago 😭

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TrishB
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Lovely #litsymail today- another book from Cindy and a lovely postcard from Helen. ❤️😁 thank you both so much - lovely to receive and definitely brightens the day 😘

Cinfhen I was thinking of you all day…hoping your mood is lightening a bit xx 3y
squirrelbrain Ooh, that‘s a great book… it‘s a bit 😢 though! 3y
TheReadingNurse I loved this book so much! 3y
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Louise Helen, you keep popping up in my Litsy feed! You sound like a wonderful person! 👑 🌟 @squirrelbrain 3y
squirrelbrain Oh @louise - now you‘ve made me blush! 😳 This card I sent to Trish was to thank her for a birthday present she sent to me recently - so you see there are very many lovely Littens on here! It‘s such a great place to hang out! 🥰 3y
TrishB @Cinfhen I‘m getting there (slowly!) 😘 3y
TrishB @squirrelbrain I may stick with murderers and serial killers for the time being then 😁 3y
TrishB @TheReadingNurse cool 👍🏻 3y
TrishB @Louise there are so many kind people on here ♥️ many times they‘ve made my day. 3y
Louise @squirrelbrain @TrishB I agree! So many nice people on Litsy—including both of you! Your names have popped up in my Litsy feed for years now, and it‘s great to have that kind of continuity in a reading community. 📚💗 3y
Cathythoughts ❤️ 3y
89 likes2 stack adds11 comments
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Jess861
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Not much time to read today but I'm going to sneak in a bit while I wake myself up with this #IcedCoffee. I'm excited to start the tagged book for my #bookspin . Side note: They are tearing down the forest behind our house for yet another housing development 😭 😭 😭 - We didn't move out to the country for them to take down all the green space!

#AnyWayYouReadathon #Readathon

@TheAromaofBooks @kimmypete1 @MidnightBookGirl @Eggbeater

Eggbeater That iced coffee looks good. I'm sorry they are tearing down all your green space. 😢 3y
BookDadGirlDad The book is heart-wrenchingly amazing. 3y
kimmypete1 That's so sad! I love being able to look out and see trees vs more houses. 3y
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Jess861 @Eggbeater Oh that iced coffee was delicious! 3y
Jess861 @BookDadGirlDad Good to know - I have only heard good things about it. I didn't get too far in today but seems like it just jumps right in. 3y
Jess861 @kimmypete1 Right?! I'm hoping they will maybe leave a treeline but I know the chances on that! I'll miss watching the deer eating the apples. 3y
Cortg Ugh. I'm sorry about your trees. That makes me sad. I hope you enjoy some reading time.
3y
DivineDiana Very sad to hear about the trees. 🌳😥🌳 3y
BiblioLitten Oh I‘m sorry to hear about the trees. Oh understand how you feel 😔 3y
52 likes9 comments
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Jess861
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My September #BookSpin and #DoubleSpin roll. Excited for both of these.

@TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! Good luck!! 3y
42 likes1 comment
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mcctrish
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Pickpick

This week has been crazy. We move my youngest to Toronto for uni tomorrow. This book has been buzzing in my brain all week while we knocked off errand after errand. Today was less fraught, car is packed for an early departure, so I could float and finish this before the rain hit. What a nightmare this story is based on ( Tennessee Children‘s Home Society) but this has a happier ending

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Krystle13
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Book 2 for August Book Club Read

RenePenn Loved this book! 3y
BookDadGirlDad This was a hard read for me having adopted 3 girls from foster care. Great book, though. 3y
Krystle13 I bet! 😪 3y
27 likes3 comments
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mcctrish
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Summer break is almost over ( we have another month of summer ) and I am maxing out my reading in the pool time. Next weekend we move my youngest into his uni apartment and the weekend after my oldest comes home from his job at camp and then we move him back to school. Empty nesting is approaching at a warp speed velocity

Tamra Today I saw pots of mums for sale at the grocery store. 😒 That‘s my signal that summer is ending soon. I‘m not ready! Good luck with the transitions! 3y
mcctrish @Tamra the early mums freak me out 🤣🤣 they have been forced to bloom and it‘s just too hot for for them here in London ON to survive for long. I‘m in no rush for Fall, bring on all the hazy, lazy days of summer ( the light in my yard is really changed cuz the sun is lower 😢😢) 3y
Tamra @mcctrish I hear you! I‘m in Minnesota and already late afternoon sun is lower, so when the temps are moderate and our deck is shaded so it can be comparatively chilly for my Happy Hour Reading…..like now! 3y
mcctrish @Tamra nooooo 3y
53 likes1 stack add4 comments
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Librarybelle
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Pickpick

I was a little reluctant to read this, given the subject matter - based on events surrounding the Tennessee Children‘s Home Society. I am so glad I did read this - it can be heavy with sadness, and yet have so much hope. Wingate writes a beautifully crafted dual narrative, with cliffhangers at the end of each chapter that kept me reading. I definitely plan to read more of her books!

DebbieGrillo If you loved this, I think you'll also love: Where the Crawdads Sing, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, All the Ugly and Wonderful Things. 3y
Librarybelle Thanks for the recommendations, @DebbieGrillo ! 3y
80 likes2 comments
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Carlie_jc
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Find the music of today 🎼 I loved this book! Such a great story.

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Sharpeipup
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I have the whole day to myself & I don‘t plan to leave this chair if I can help it. #weekendreads 📖

TrishB How lovely, enjoy ♥️ 3y
DinoMom That sounds like an amazing idea! 3y
Myhusbandhatesreading Nice!! Wish I could say the same. Enjoy your day!! 3y
See All 6 Comments
ju.ca.no Enjoy! Sounds lovely😁 3y
Tamra 👌🏾👌🏾 3y
Megabooks Enjoy!! The smoothie looks yummy! 3y
41 likes1 stack add6 comments
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wideeyedreader
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Pickpick

A soft pick from me, as I felt the story dragged in places towards the beginning. It was really good overall, and shines a much-needed light on the injustices of the TCHS. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#doublespin

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 3y
Jess861 I almost picked this book off my TBR as my next book. I'll have to read it soon! 3y
33 likes2 comments
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wideeyedreader
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“My story begins on a sweltering August night, in a place I will never set eyes upon.”
#firstlinefridays