This week I’m reviewing a book you may have read. Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate. It’s a New York Times Best Seller, and I don’t know why I’m just learning about it! Here’s the back cover copy:
Memphis, 1939. Twelve-year-old Rill Foss and her four younger siblings live a magical life aboard their family’s Mississippi River shantyboat. But when their father must rush their mother to the hospital one stormy night, Rill is left in charge—until strangers arrive in force. Wrenched from all that is familiar and thrown into a Tennessee Children’s Home Society orphanage, the Foss children are assured that they will soon be returned to their parents—but they quickly realize the dark truth. At the mercy of the facility’s cruel director, Rill fights to keep her sisters and brother together in a world of danger and uncertainty.
Aiken, South Carolina, present day. Born into wealth and privilege, Avery Stafford seems to have it all: a successful career as a federal prosecutor, a handsome fiancé, and a lavish wedding on the horizon. But when Avery returns home to help her father weather a health crisis, a chance encounter leaves her with uncomfortable questions and compels her to take a journey through her family’s long-hidden history, on a path that will ultimately lead either to devastation or to 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.
My Take:
While this book isn’t published by a Christian publisher, it does have a Christian worldview.
Before We Were Yours had an extra meaning for me. I was born in Memphis and could have easily been one of the babies she procured from a poor, down-on-her-luck new mother. Only by the grace of God did I escape that fate. But many did not, and this story, while fiction, will captivate you.
This was another book that kept me up until two in the morning, so I suggest you start reading early. It will capture your attention and keep you turning pages. I was drawn to Rill Foss from the get-go. She had such an imagination and the picture Wingate paints of life on the shanty almost made me want to be a part of it. Almost. It was the 30s and even though they were dirt poor, (Can you be dirt-poor on a boat?) Rill’s parents were fun-loving and different. There was almost something magical about their lives.
Rill will capture your heart from the beginning and the reader can sense her determination and heart. Parts of the story are heartbreaking when you realize that even though it is fiction, the things Wingate writes about really happened. It’s a time-slip with part of the story in the present day. Wingate does a great job weaving the two stories together. I really liked Avery, the present-day heroine. I enjoyed her independence and that she stood for what was right. If you haven’t read this story, it’s one you’ll really like. And won’t soon be forgetting.
Leave a comment and let me know if you’ve read Before We Were Yours and I’ll enter you in a drawing for a book from my library. The drawing will be the Friday after Thanksgiving. Winner of October’s drawing is Jeanna!
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Comments 49
Yes, yes, yes! I could not stop talking about this book everythime I think about the plot I get so emotional! I love Lisa Wingate and she just went into an even greater level with this one. I’ve been recommending this book to everyone. Best sister book ever. I sobbed like a baby, and cracked up on other areas. She always has well balanced books that make you laugh and cry! Last I heard she was nominated for Goodreads reward for this gem. I can’t express how much this book moved me!
Author
So agree, Jessica! This was such a moving book. Thanks for commenting!
I was slow to hear about this book, too, but absolutely loved it. It reaches a high point in beautiful and skilled historical writing. This story and message are one I will always remember.
Author
And I want to thank you for directing my attention to this book Delores! It was such a good book. Thanks for stopping by and commenting every week!
In the past year I’ve heard so many good things about Before We Were Yours. It’s probably time I read it!
Author
Definitely, Priscilla! This is such a good book. Thanks for dropping by and commenting.
I had never heard of it. It sounds interesting.
Author
Oh, Christine, it is a great book! And tells about one of the vilest women of our time. She was so greedy she didn’t care about anyone. Thanks for dropping by and commenting.
I read it and even went out and bought my own copy. I think lisa did a fantastic job writing the book.
Author
Totally understand doing that, Kim! Thanks for stopping by!
Haven’t read it but will need to soon!
Author
Yes, you do, Mindy!! 🙂 I think you will really enjoy reading it. Thanks for dropping by and commenting.
I haven’t read it yet, but I will put it on my TBR list!
Author
Great, Mary! I don’t know why it took me so long to discover it. Thanks for dropping by and commenting.
This would be a great book for a book group! Thank you for sharing your review. It really gave me a personal insight that made me want to check it out.
Author
Yes, it’d make a good book for a club, Vickie! Thanks for dropping by and commenting.
Actually, this is one of hers I have not read yet. But wow, this is my sister-in-law’s real-life story from Central AR. Uncle Mac was the director, laye 40’s & 50’s
Author
I’m afraid it was the story for a lot of children, Lisa. It is amazing that the baby selling went on for so long. Thanks for dropping by and commenting.
I loved Before We Were Yours! I had never heard of anything like Georgia Tann’s operation previously and the book inspired me to dive into some research about it.
Author
It’s hard to believe that really happened, Elizabeth. And for so long. But it took not just Georgia Tann, but crooked politicians and others to make it happen. Thanks for dropping by and commenting.
Yes, I’ve read it! Loved it as I do all of Lisa’s books. And I have read all of them!
Author
Jackie, I can’t believe this is the first Lisa Wingate book I’ve read. Will have to check out the others. Thanks for dropping by and commenting.
I have heard about the book, but have not had a chance to read it. It sounds like a keeper!
Author
Definitely a keeper, Betti! Thanks for dropping by and commenting.
Yes, I have read this book and loved it! It was both mesmerizing and frightening that something like this could happen here.
Author
It was very frightening, Linda. I wonder if it could happen again? Probably not on that scale, but as bad as it is to believe, I think baby selling still goes on. Thanks for dropping by and commenting.
I haven’t read this book but I’m sure I have it on my kindle. I have a huge selection there. However you have made me want to dig it out and read it.
I haven’t read this one but sounds good!
Author
It is, Shelia, it is! Thanks for stopping by.
I haven’t read it, but I’ve heard about it! I’ll be looking!
Author
Oh, Regina, it’s a great book! One of those that I wish I’d written! :-)Thanks for stopping by.
I have not read Before We were Yours but I’ve heard so much about it that it is on my TBR list.
Author
I think you will really enjoy it, Joan! Thanks for stopping by.
I have not read this book, but it sounds like one I would enjoy. I just located it on our library’s website and placed a hold on it. Thanks for telling us about it.
Author
I think you’ll really enjoy it, Edward. It is an amazing story based on fact. Thanks for dropping by.
I have not yet read “Before We Were Yours,” but it has been on my TBR list since it was published. I look forward to eventually reading it.
Author
I believe you will enjoy the book, Mallori. I don’t know what took me so long to get around to reading it! Except my TBR table is sagging. lol
I haven’t read this book, but it sounds like a good one!
Author
It is a good one, Diane! Thanks for stopping by.
I have this book on my wish list but don’t have it yet. Thank you for sharing.
Author
Lucy, it’s a great book! One I think you will enjoy. Thanks for stopping by.
Pat, this was one of the best books I read last year, & I’m a big reader. She’s a terrific writer & this is one of her best books.
I saw her speak about this book at the Memphis library before I read it.
Two of my friends were Georgis Tann babies so the subject has always fascinated me.
Do not miss this terrific novel based on history & beautifully written.
Author
I would love to have heard her, Ellen! And this subject has fascinated me for a long time. thanks for stopping by and commenting!
I won! Thanks so much! I’m looking forward to reading Justice Betrayed. Before We Were Yours sounds like yet another book for my TBR pile. Thanks again!
Author
And your book should be winging it’s way to you now! Thanks for stopping by each week and commenting, Jeanna!
Yes, this was one of my top reads of 2017!! I first discovered Lisa Wingates writing when I found her book The Story Keeper at my library. I always know I’m in for a good read with her writing. She brought out all the feels with this one 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoyed it just as much Patricia!
Author
Hi Trixi! You’re absolutely right about her bringing out all the feels with this one. I really did enjoy this book! Thanks for stopping by!
I enjoyed Before We Were Yours!
Me, too, Caryl, me, too. Thanks for stopping by.