In the 1960s, Edenville, North Carolina is full of rules. Sagging under the weight of racism and segregation the small community finds itself at a dangerous tipping point. Eleven-year-old Betty Grafton believes the world is fair. She knows there are worse places to live than Edenville. Unaware of the wars waging around her, she spends her days patting horses in the field and running errands for … errands for her mother. The world she doesn’t see, full of turmoil and unrest, is hiding just below the surface. One day, she has no choice but to see what’s been right in front of her all along.
Alma knows where to walk. She knows who to talk to and which fountain she can drink out of. Her mother, Winnie, spares no opportunity to remind her how dangerous it is to be a little black girl in the South.
When a chance encounter puts Betty face to face with the peril that exists in her own hometown, everything she knows turns upside down. The world isn’t as fair or safe as she’d imagined. Her family is the Klan. Her friends are the enemy. And nothing makes sense anymore.
Although the world demands they stay apart, Alma and Betty forge a secret friendship. One that could cost them their lives.
The Edenville Series:
Book 1: Flowers in the Snow
Book 2: Kiss in the Wind
Book 3: Stars in a Bottle
Book 4: Fire in the Heart
more
Well written
Good read. We should all remember how difficult it could be for blacks in the south during this time. We all need to treat all as equals.
So many things I loved about this book. First compare it to “The Help”. Beautiful and tragic at the same time. The ending was certainly surprising and wonderful. Please read this book. It won’t disappoint.
This book was informative, and it drew me in. It prompts the question, “what would I do, and how would I handle these experiences?”
The subject matter was hard, but the ending was very good.
Enjoyed this book even with the theme that was covered.
Sped through this poignant, no profanities book, because I couldnt stop. Great Job Danielle.
Incredible book. Takes us back to the days of the KKK. A must read.
Really great book, you won’t put it down. Fantastic characters,setting and story. Takes you there, with out overwhelmingly detail . Read in one day and I’m getting the other stories in the series
very moving way to reflect on a sad period in recent history
This is a story that will stay with you for along time. I read this book a while back, but think about it often. I recommend it to everyone I know!
Even thought I was a young teenager in the early 60’s , I did not know about all that happened in the South. Very informative.
Enjoyable, surprise ending
I unexpectedly loved it . I downloaded it as it was free and for some reason thought it would be a silly romance.It sure wasn’t. It turned out to be very topical for what our country is going through right now .
Very interesting story.
This is an incredible book that I have read twice. The story line is so original and compelling. The characters are well-drawn and compelling. The story is evocative and thoughtful. I highly recommend this amazing book.
loved this book, learned a lot ,opened my eyes to what was going on in the U.S in the southern states and how black people were treated.
Highly recommend, very entertaining.
I’m so glad this book found me…
A wonderful story of love triumphing over pure evil. Simple children. Difficult circumstances. Horrific experiences. Love’s redeeming power. I am so fortunate to have found this book.
Amazing emotional read of race relations in the 1960’s in a small town in North Carolina.