A Kindle Unlimited All-Star Winner from the author of Surviving Valencia and The Woman America Loves a Latte. Perfect for fans of Karen Russell, Fannie Flagg, and Delia Owens.“Holly Tierney-Bedord’s multi-generational story invites the reader to fall in love with the ladies of the Busey clan. Told in multiple points of view, the author developed a book with a heartwarming story that evoked many … heartwarming story that evoked many emotions.”
–Terri A. Wilson
“With a writing style reminiscent of Flannery O’Connor, Tierney-Bedord weaves a compelling saga rich with passion, angst, humor, and hope. A must-read that won’t let you go, even after the last page.”
–Award-winning author Geralyn Corcillo
As part of a family where life happens to you, fifteen-year-old Carasine Busey is devastated but not surprised when her family drops everything in Sweet Hollow, Louisiana to follow her dad’s shaky career as a welder. It’s not especially shocking, either, when he abandons them all shortly after they settle into their new home in the city.
Carasine, her mom Rhonda, and the rest of the Busey clan have adapted to roll with the punches. From Rhonda’s secret broken heart to Great-Great-Grandpa Jimbo’s eccentric failed dreams, Carasine and her family are used to disappointment.
It’s not until Carasine gets a second chance with an unlikely pair of long-lost relatives that she realizes her path in life might be up to her to navigate. Being their flesh and blood convinces her that there may be some hope for her after all.
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H.T.-Bedord’s Sweet Hollow Women explores the relationships between the women in five generations of one southern family between the years of 1949 and 2015. It also dealt with class distinctions and pride. Each chapter title included the place, person and year it took place, without that I would have been lost reading this novel. All the characters in each generation made it somewhat confusing until I finally made a list and got them sorted out. It was worth the effort; the characters are well developed and the plot twists keep the reader turning pages.
Carasine Busey is the main protagonist. Her mother, Rhonda, was only sixteen years old when Carasine was born. Rhonda left Carasine in her mother, Maggie’s care for her early years, then abruptly re-claimed her child when she finally married Carasine’s father ten years later; they had several more children in rapid secession. He had never wanted Carasine, and treated her with the contempt of an unwanted step-child. These three generations existed on and below the poverty line; classic depictions of the working poor with no long-term goals, living from one pay check to the next are spot on.
At age fifteen, Carasine was forced out of her parent’s home and to move in with her great grandparents, Louisa and Walt, whom she barely knows. Shortly before this event, she asks Rhonda why she named her Carasine. Rhonda laughs, “I named you Caroline, but the nurses couldn’t read my writing. So you were stuck with Carasine!”
The overall sense of hopelessness for the future, and the need to settle with unhappy marriages to keep a roof over their heads and food on their tables made for an unforgettable novel. As Carasine finally broke free of the cycle of poverty, leaving me with a sense of wonder, is anything as it really seems?
Sweet Hollow Women is a great story, which encompasses different point of views from different women.
This book had me drawn straight in from the first chapter, the emotion written for each character was refreshing and different from any book I have read over the last couple of months.
I felt these characters are so relatable and felt real while reading each wonderful story, my only problem was the book was over to quick.
This is the first book I have read by this author and found the writing eloquently and full of love for these characters, I can’t wait to read more books by this wonderful author.
Sweet Hollow Women by Holly Tierney-Bedord is a story of multi-generational women sharing their lives, dreams and love. The story shares how choices can affect one’s life. The story takes place in Sweet Hallow where things begin and end. You definitely will be taken on an emotional roller coaster ride.
Ms. Tierney-Bedord kept you engaged from the first page till the last. Her writing flowed and was told from multiple points of view. Which added depth to the story and made it even better. The characters were well developed and very believable. I highly recommend reading Sweet Hollow Women you will not be disappointed.
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book like this and I’m glad I read this book. Sweet Hollow Women is written by Holly Tierney-Bedford and this story is definitely a must read! It’s a great book that follows four generations of women that have grown up in Sweet Hollow, LA. Each chapter is narrated by each one of these women with exceptions from Big Daddy. Starting from the top there is Louisa, Maggie, Rhonda and Carasine. They are all so young and start their lives including having children very young. For some of them, that’s just how it was in their time. For others…it’s just what happens in the rural south. It’s always so mesmerizing to read about generations. All the stories are completely different but when you think about it later…they are all the same. Each one of these women has an amazing and different story. All of their stories intertwine and I liked how the author would jump back and forth between all of them, which helps develop all of the stories. You have to pay attention or you will get a little bit lost. All in all it’s a really great book and one that I believe that all mothers and daughters could read together. I’m definitely going to have my mom read this book and tell me what she thinks. If I had a teenage daughter I would do the same. There are a lot of lessons to be learned from this book but it’s also such an entertaining book because it’s so real.
Sweet Hollow Women by Holly Tierney-Bedord
5 out of 5 stars
I am a southern woman. I must say that not only did i love this book but I appreciated this book. When i was first reading reviews on this book, other reviewers were calling this thought-provoking and I have now come to realize that, that has got to be the single most accurate way to describe this book. This book has soul. A soul that only a southern woman has. This book follows the lives of 5 generations of 5 Southern women and while the story line was a bit hard to follow at first, once I understood what the author was trying to do, I fell so deep into this book.
This multigenerational story will have you laughing, grieving, holding your breath, and hoping for the best. If you are looking for a book that will stretch you both as a person and as reader, then I recommend this book.
Sweet Hollow Women by Holly Tierney-Bedord is a book that I just couldn’t put down. Following the story of one family and the lives of strong women that hooked me from page one. Going from generation to generation, the reader gets to see strong, independent and unique women who all just happen to be from the same family. Reading the stories of Carasine, her and her mother Rhonda. Carasine is not afraid to run into her life, a headstrong woman to the core, she is willing to do anything for the experience. When her love life starts to fall apart, spiraling out into her whole life, she finds that returning home to Sweet Hollow, Louisiana may be the best thing that she needs. Her character is one that I fell in love with, her stamina and grit really made her a unique read. Getting to meet her mother Rhonda, who taught Carasine to be the woman that she is, help her to stand back up and be the woman that she knows her daughter can be, was beautiful to watch. Having a story about women lifting up other women, really made this a feel good read. Sweet Hollow Women is a feel good story with lots of ups and downs, romance and heartbreak but the story leaves you will a great sense of respect and appreciation for family and women. Tierney-Bedord is a new to me author, and I am so happy that I picked this one up. If you are looking for a great story that will stay with you for long after the book is done than this is the one for you!
Sweet Hollow Women By Holly Tierney-Bedord. This story captured my attention on page one. We go on quite the journey with several women of different generations. Each character bringing something different and incredible to the story. You do so character and time jumps which can be confusing in books but to me the author does a wonderful job of making sure you know when you’re jumping. This story is in my opinion a jack of all trades with it’s suspense, romance, history and much more. You are pulled into the lives of each character so fuller that you forget it’s a book. I love a book that can have so much going on but make it all run together smoothly. It’s a well written thought out story. I’m giving this book a five star review and highly recommend it.
A great read about not giving up. carasine is upset when he family ups and moves without notice to a new town when she’s in love with a boy. When she discovers new love in a friend, will the past repeat itself once again?
a great read. Well developed plot. well developed characters like Carasine dreaming of a better tomorrow while standing up for herself or Andrew being kind while still going after what he wants. I loved the visual detail throughout the novel making it feel as if you were there in small details of the houses or the library. The use of lots of characters created the feel of a large family all together which was a lovely touch.the only issue I would raise is that sometimes the transitions between time period was abrupt and hard to follow. Overall, a great read and I would give it four stars.
Sweet Hollow Women by Holly Tierney-Bedord is a generational book that has several women within one family. I was intrigued from the start of the book. Holly Tierney-bedord has fully developed characters that you ride their emotions throughout the story. I found I identified with Carasine. She has a determination about her that is enduring. She is an independent, strong, and enduring female, but on the other hand her life is a mess. She wants to go home but does not want to have others to treat her differently. I saw myself yelling, crying, and arguing with Carasine. The other characters are just as intriguing as Carasine.
I have read a couple of books from this talented author and she continues to blow my mind. I love her writing style. She gives you twists and turns you don’t see coming. I was hooked on this book from the first page. It only took me a few hour to devour this book.
This book follows multi-generations through the same family tree. I got some Gilmore Girl vibes from the story line with out the comedy. This story is very heartbreaking at times. Carasine had to move to a small town for her father’s job. She is very upset that she had to leave the love of her life. Carasine doesn’t like her new life at all and she can’t wait to leave. She was not shocked when her father leaves them one day. Carasine knew it was coming but she just didn’t know when. Her mother Rhonda helps her get through all the hard times in her life because she has been through some as well. Carasine finds out some secrets of the family that could change her life forever. Will Carasine find hope in this new town or will it bring her even more despair?
This is a very touching story. The storyline has it all heartbreak, struggles, and healing. You will fall in love with these characters especially Carasine. She is just a teen but she is very smart for her age. Carasine does have a sassy side to her that every teenager has. This story goes back and forth in time and might confuse some readers. The story begins a little slow but the ending wil make you glad you read it. This talented author will keep you at the edge of your seat. I can’t wait to see what this author will write about next.
Sweet Hollow Women by Holly Tierney-Bedford. This was the best book. I started it and finished it in one sitting. It’s the story of several generations of women in the Busey family. Carisine Busey is a 15 year old girl who is in love with a boy in Sweet Hollow Louisiana and is crushed when her family moves to follow her flaky fathers welding career. Her mom Rhonda is left heartbroken when he leaves them shortly after the move. Carisine takes care of her brother and sisters and tries to remain a teenager. This story will make you laugh and cry. You will feel part of the Busey clan before the book is done. They are used to being let down and getting the short end of the stick when some long lost relatives come into the picture Carasine may have a second chance at getting out of the hole that’s her life. Read Sweet Hollow Women by Holly Tierney-Bedord you won’t be disappointed!
Sweet Hollow Women by Holly Tierney-Bedord was an interesting read. This was my first book by this author, and let’s just say that I was surprised by this storyline and the characters.
In this book, we get to meet several different characters throughout a couple of generations, more specifically – the woman in this family. We get to experience the trials that they all go through, and see how they work those trials out. I have to say that I’m looking forward to reading more from this author. This was a 4 Star Book for me.
Sweet Hollow Women
By Holly Tierney-Bedord
4 stars
I enjoyed this read by Holly Tierney-Bedord. I have read a few books by her now and I am always taken with how well she writes and develops her characters. They are always well thought out and I always enjoy reading about them. Her storylines are always strong and have a good pace and flow to them. In all honesty this is probably not one of my favourites by her however it was still a nice read.
I think the one thing I loved about this book was really the characters. I love the way they all fitted and connected together, each person point of view was well written and I felt like I really got to know them all.
I particularly liked Carasine; there was just something about her that I admired. She was strong, tenacious and wasn’t afraid to say how she was really thinking or feeling. Her chapters were probably my favourite to read.
The author put a lot of emotion in Rhonda’s character and I could really feel that.
Overall a nice read and I look forward to more from Ms Tierney-Bedord in the future.
A “coming of age” book. I personally got into the story and was kept there till the end although there are multiple opinions out there. Told from 4 point of views by women from different generations, I had as favourite each one of the main characters only to change my mind again and again.
What these once young and smart women have in common? As sexist as it might sound, their poor choice in men 🙂 And I believe that’s why most of the readers, predominantly women, couldn’t like these characters. Because they put themselves in their shoes and maybe they would have chosen differently. You want to scream at each one of them to wake and grow up and stop making the same mistakes the women from their family made. But I believe this is the beauty of it, that gets out of you these reactions and feelings. I personally enjoyed it.
This book fascinated me immediately as it followed four generations of southern women. Although the chapters clearly stated where and when the plot was occurring, I did find myself taking a few extra moments to understand the transitions. Overall I enjoyed the characters and the storyline. All of the pieces and generational ties come together by the end – it is worth reading to the last page. I enjoyed this book very much.
Sweet Hollow Women a four-star read that will challenge you. This wasn’t my favourite story by this author, it was well written and had a great plot, but missed some of the sparkle that I’ve seen in the other books I’ve read by this author. I don’t know if it was the jumps between characters and time that meant I couldn’t get as fully into it as I wanted or what. If you are in the mood for a deep and meaningful read that will challenge you and make you care about characters then this is one for you,
This novel from Holly Tierney-Bedord had a lot of potential going for it. It was a strong concept to want to bring to life the ideal of Sweet Hollow Women. I got what the author was going for, but I don’t feel like it quite got there. I wanted to enjoy this book, I really did. Historical fiction isn’t my go-to but when they cover the era and demographics that this one did, it is usually an ace in the hole for me. I believe what it boiled down to for me was this was just too, too, long. There were parts that were over told and could have been adapted to a more concise package. I think that is what ultimately kept me from finding my groove with the novel. Otherwise this book was a good idea, great concept and, had that endearing quality that is necessary when you are bringing to life southern women. I would maybe just edit it a bit more.
In Sweet Hollow Women we get the story of four generations of women and their lives. We see how choices made by the older generation has affected the younger ones now. This delves into the topics of poverty and struggling to make ends meet. It will tear at your heartstrings in that sense. The ending will somehow find a way to put your tears at ease and have a feel-good effect to it. Like I said, strong idea, just not a fully developed package to really drive home the novel. Overall, I would love to see this edited and re-read it later on down the road. I know some authors do choose to do that, and I think this one would be a good candidate for that. I look forward to seeing what else is available by Holly Tierney-Bedord.
I started this book and put it down a few times because it was one of those books that I hard a hard time “getting into”. It was me, not the story. I’m glad I picked it up and started from the beginning again.
Sweet Hollow Women is a multi-generational story full of heart break and trials and tribulations. It also has emotions and humor and a deep, underlying moral.
The characters are not all likeable all the time. Much like life, decisions are not always made for the best reasons and yet they are for the “right reasons”.
Characters are well developed and the story moves along at a decent pace.
The story was enjoyable and I would recommend it.
This is my favorite by this author yet. I have read other books by her but this one is a little different, not as funny, more serious. This is a story that takes us on a journey through generations of Sweet Hallow women. We get to see their trials, choices and their mistakes. I love these characters as they each brought something to this story. They are lovable and relateable. They brought the story to life and made me feel compassion and a laugh or two. I highly recommend this book.
5 Star
Sweet Hallow Women by Holly Tierney-Bedord is a book I most definitely won’t be forgetting anytime soon. I loved this book and the fact it was the story of several women in one family but different generations. My emotions were all over the place. If the characters were sad so was I they were happy I felt it also.i had a hard time putting this down once I started reading. I love that there is romance and even some heartbreak There are choices made that effect not only one making the choice but others as well.I often found myself thinking “what would you do if you were in same situation “?I highly recommended this book especially if you want to know what happens. I can’t wait to read more from this author.