THE BLOCKBUSTER HIT—Over two million copies sold! A New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Publishers Weekly Bestseller“Poignant, engrossing.”—People • “Lisa Wingate takes an almost unthinkable chapter in our nation’s history and weaves a tale of enduring power.”—Paula McLain Memphis, 1939. Twelve-year-old Rill Foss and her four younger siblings live a magical life aboard their … 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.
Publishers Weekly’s #3 Longest-Running Bestseller of 2017 • Winner of the Southern Book Prize • If All Arkansas Read the Same Book Selection
“Sure to be one of the most compelling books you pick up this year. . . . Wingate is a master-storyteller, and you’ll find yourself pulled along as she reveals the wake of terror and heartache that is Georgia Tann’s legacy.”—Parade
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Interesting use of the history of 1930’s Tennessee Children’s Home Scandal with great characters, well portrayed!
Great book.
Historical novel regarding the despicable Georgia Tann who set up an adoption service in he 1930’s. Sounds meritorious, right? Well, no. She bamboozled people when they were immersed in tragic circumstances and proceed to steal children who were poor waifs and seek to find wealthy people to adopt them. You will find the book, inspiring, shocking, tragic etc. A very well written book Highly recommend.
One of the best historical fiction books I have read—I could not put this book down…
It’s sad that this book had to be based on a true story. Sad that any family was taken advantage by the cruel caretaker.
Great book.
Best book I have read by Lisa Wingate.
I learned this novel is based on a true, terrible story of an abuse of power and greed. The tale of children kidnapped from their families and sold into “adoptions“.
I was shocked to find out that this story is based on facts!
I really enjoyed this book. The story was well told and the plot was tragic but at times uplifting. It reminded me a bit of Orphan Train.
This book starts out slow, so if you don’t like it at first, stick with it. It gets really, really good after about the first fourth of the book.
The story was great and the fact that part of the story took place in my new home town of Aiken, SC, made it especially interesting. I believe this type of child placement took place much more than we will ever know.
A true time and situation in history written about. Amazing story. Such a great read.
Wonderful book, I would highly recommend reading this book, it really makes you think a lot about what went on in this Country growing up, especially if you are a baby boomer.
One of the best books I have read in a long time. Couldn’t put it down. Fictional characters based on true events. Makes you wonder how things like that could have happened.
A well crafted story that touches your heart.
One of those stories that you wish never ended!
Although the book started slowly, once I got into it I couldn’t put it down.
One of the greatest stories I’ve ever read.
A view of what goes on in the world of child trafficking, A real eye opener.