Gohlke’s efforts to address real-life issues and the evils of racism is laudable and shows religious truths in this Christian historical-fiction novel. It’s also about Lilliana's relationship with her great aunt Hyacinth, making new friends, feeling part of a community, her standing up against racism and discovering not all men are as nasty as her father and husband. I want women in similar situations to know that they are not alone, that God loves them so very dearly and that the condemnations of their oppressors do not come from Him. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

I will provide weekly (non-spoiler) historical trivia related to the book, as well as conversation prompts in our IG group.A sumptuous, textured ode to small-town relationships” ( Foreword Reviews) in the tradition of classics like Cold Sassy Tree and Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café. The rest of the cast of characters rounded out very nicely in a trying time just before war broke out, and when the sting of racism was still deeply hidden in the the hollows of No Creek, North Carolina. In No Creek Lilliana finds a freedom that she never knew existed, forming friendships, finding hope and a sense of purpose. This one covers all sorts of difficult topics, but mostly racial tensions and abusive relationships.

I have not been this emotionally invested in a book in ages, and the lack of sleep I suffered after staying up late to finish it was well worth it. The great potoo vocalizes mainly on moonlit nights, producing a "fairly loud, gruff BUAAaa" at well-spaced intervals, says zoologist Steven Hilty in the book "Birds of Venezuela. Abuse doesn't have to forever and Liliana, with the help of these wonderful friends, learns this with all the help with the community. I guess one of owls (Little or Tawny) is the most likely bird suspect but I can't find a recording that matches.Although the cast of characters depends on the time of year, there are usually plenty of species waiting in the wings for their big solo.