You can always come back home to me

Pearl Spence has finally settled into a routine in Bliss, Michigan, far from her home in River, Oklahoma. Like all the other kids, she goes to school each day, plays in the woods, and does her chores. But there’s one big difference: Mama is still gone, and doesn’t seem to have a thought for the family she’s left behind. Escaping from her worries is another part of Pearl’s new routine, whether that’s running to Aunt Carrie’s farm, listening to the radio with Ray, or losing herself in a book. In fact, a chair in the stacks, surrounded by books, might be her favorite place on earth–until she discovers swing dancing. The music transports Pearl to a whole other world. When Mama unexpectedly returns, it isn’t the happy occasion Pearl had imagined. Mama is distant and Pearl can’t figure out how to please her. And the horrible way she treats Daddy is more than Pearl can bear. Seems life would be better if Mama would just stay away.

My Review:

All I can say is WOW. This book was so good.  I had the pleaseure of meeting Susie at a Christian Reader’s retreat last August. She was such a sweet lady! I enjoyed visiting with her and hearing about her books. I had not read them then but they quickly went to the top of my TBR pile. Written in first person, you get to experience life during the 30s through the eyes of Pearl Spence. Pearl is such a spunky girl who’s life has not been easy but perseveres through these difficult days.  I loved how realistic this book was and that it clearly protrayed life doing that time.  It was tough but also good. I enjoyed learning about this time period. Susie Finkbeiner writes in a way that I can clearly see what’s happening in my mind’s eye.  I didn’t want the book to end.  I had fallen in love with all the character’s in the previous books and couldn’t wait to see what happened next.  Susie Finkbeiner weaves such a great message of forgiveness, love and hope throughout this book.  I love how it’s a story based on Susie’s grandmother.  Family history is fascinating and I enjoy hearing about their lives. I wish that there was more books in this series.  I look forward to reading more from Susie!

I recommend this book to my family and friends.

I received this book from the publisher to review and give my honest opinion.

Purchase your copy here:

Powells Books * Lighthouse Book and Bible * Amazon

About the Author:

Susie Finkbeiner is the bestselling author of A Cup of Dust: A Novel of the Dust Bowl (Kregel,2015) and A Trail of Crumbs: A Novel of the Great Depression (Kregel, 2017) and A Song of Home: A Novel of the Swing Era as well as My Mother’s Chamomile (WhiteFire, 2014) and Paint Chips (WhiteFire, 2013).  Susie is a wife, mother of three, and avid reader. She enjoys time with her family, coffee dates with her good friends, and quiet moments to read and write.

Connect with Susie here:

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