I was born in a rundown house in a small parish outside of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, during one of the worst storms on record. It rained so much the banks of the Mississippi overflowed. For most families, bringing a new life into the world should be a time of great celebration. But giving birth to a girl was not a joyful occasion in my home.
My condition was fragile because I had come more than a … more than a month early. Mama never said, but I suspected her injuries and premature labor were the result of Daddy’s fists.
Not expecting me to live, the midwife cleaned me up, wrapped me in an old tea towel, and placed me in a knitting basket beside the wood-burning stove. According to Mama, the storm raged until morning, but I never made one sound. So, hours later, when they peeked in at me, they were surprised to see me sucking my thumb, staring up at them with eyes the color of bluebells.
Mama told me, that’s when she cried.
See, she hadn’t shed a single tear during the harsh pain of giving birth or out of fear of the horrible storm taking the house and her with it, but she sobbed when she saw me. To her, it would have been better for all of us if I’d passed on in the night, carried off on the wings of angels, never to suffer the evils of this world. And sometimes, I wondered if she hadn’t been right.
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This book was a hard one to read. Not because it was bad (It was not), because there is a lot to unpack within the first 40 pages. Beware, you will go on an emotional journey with this book. This book does contain instances of violent acts and sexual assault – However it is handled with amazing faith filled Grace. This is set in 1930’s. This book starts out with the birth of a child that is not expected to live. The child was not wanted and grew up in a household with a lot of abuse. This was where the book got me – I was told my entire life that I was not wanted (by my mother) I was told that she wanted to have an abortion – but my father saved me. This has caused a very broken relationship with my Mother which God and I deal with on a daily basis. Thayer King was a local tycoon in the area – and sees Mississippi heading to the story – she gets in his car – and they start up a conversation. This is a turning point in her life.
This book is filled with God’s grace, forgiveness and healing. It is a powerful novel. There are the triggers that I stated above, but overall it is a fantastic read. This author has a real talent. I hope to read more from her.
I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program – all thoughts are my own
Going into this story I didn’t really know what to expect. This was a new to me author and the back blurb only talks about Mississippi’s birth. And what a scene that was. So going into this story was a treat and a lovely surprise.
Mississippi, so named because the river flooded when she was born, has lived in an abusive, dirty shack of a home her whole life. At seventeen she is smart enough to know that when her father comes home drunk with her brothers and their friends, it is time for her to hide. Her mother having died when Mississippi was 14, was the only other female and both of them took plenty of physical abuse.
Then one day things change for Mercy. She meets a man by the name of Mr. King. Now, I don’t want to say anything more, but from that moment on I was reading and flipping pages as quickly as possible as I was very invested in her life now. This story is very drama filled and a bit of a roller coaster of a ride. I will say that that this is a clean read, but there is abuse and a horrific sexual abuse encounter. But overall, this story is a redemptive piece about one woman’s life who most people thought she was better off dying in infancy and how she overcomes her circumstances to find true love, family, and a God who sees her. And to forgive.
This is the first time I have read author Lane. I went searching for her previous works and they are all in my wish list now. I look forward to more of her storytelling.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
The Sinner in Mississippi is my introduction to D L Lane’s writing. After reading this one, it will definitely not be the last. I thought this was a great story. I loved getting to know Mississippi. She was a fun and entertaining character. It was great taking the adventure with her. This is one of those tales that will make a reader laugh at one moment and grabbing a tissue the next. I was engaged from the start to finish and had the whole book read in just a few hours.
I am giving The Sinner in Mississippi four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy clean historical romance. They will definitely want to take a journey with Mississippi very soon. I would love to read more by this author in the near future.
I received The Sinner in Mississippi from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
The Sinner in Mississippi by author D.L. Lane is a Christian historical romantic fiction. It is set in the mid 1930’s and about the life of Mississippi Singleton. There is emotional depth, spiritual growth, sad scenes, some humor, and so much that made this a roller coaster read of ups and downs.
This is not a sweet love story, but the gritty tale of a girl whole life was full of misery and strife from day one. My emotions were raw by the time I finished the book. I am still pondering if I liked it or not even after finishing it days ago. Obviously the book is one that stays with readers.
Mississippi was born into a family that saw no worth in girls. She was basically on her own until the town rich man Thayer Drayton King, took her under his wing. He is a man full of grace and bestows blessings on the underdogs.
Even though they are not graphic, I found the abuse and violence in the book unsettling. A brief glance was all I could offer them. My version of watching those scenes in a movies through all but closed fingers. The beautiful parts in the story are mesmerizing. Author Lane immediately had me invested in the story even though I could only handle small doses at a time.
The spiritual message is magnificent. This is a true beauty from ashes story. The life lessons are timeless. In some parts I found myself nodding as I read.
I do think many people will enjoy this book. It is engaging and moves along without a lull in the story. It would make for a deep discussion in any adult book club. It gets a 4 out of 5 star rating from me. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit, but these are my own, honest words.
This is the most difficult book that I’ve read this year. To be honest, had I not signed up to review it, I probably would have put it down after the first 30 pages because the subject material is difficult. BUT I am glad that I persevered and gave it a chance because the story reeled me in and I ended up not wanting to pause in my reading. It reminded me somewhat of Maya Angelou’s “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” and although it is fictional, it has a very authentic ambiance that sets it apart as unique.
“The Sinner in Mississippi” by D.L. Lane is a transformative novel, a journey through the evils of the world to the grace of God. The title itself is polysemous; it can mean and refer to several different things within the story. Most of the story is narrated by Mississippi Singleton, with a few interludes by Thayer Drayton King. Mississippi is an underprivileged 17-year-old girl who lives with her abusive father and likewise violent brothers and whose future seems predictable until an encounter with tycoon Thayer King. While this is not a suspense novel, Lane has a way of writing that clutches the reader and doesn’t let go until the final page. There is a trigger warning by the author for violence and sexual assault, which are not graphic but are still disturbing and would be traumatic for sensitive readers. There is, I think, one instance of cursing toward the beginning of the story. However, there are welcome respites between the more painful scenes, and Lane draws it all together to demonstrate the impact and reason of the bigger picture.
What is most intriguing about “The Sinner in Mississippi” is the faith aspect. In the beginning, this does not seem like a Christian novel, and I would venture to say that this is intentional on the author’s part, which is also why I would encourage potential readers to press on. There is a slow, mostly subtle faith build throughout the narrative, and to depict it otherwise would ruin the work, in my opinion. This story features two people who are not Christians, although one acts as the Good Samaritan, and the series of events which befall them, ultimately leading them to Christ. Thayer’s metanoia begins slightly earlier, at a turning point in the novel: “How arrogant had I been to believe, for one single moment, there wasn’t a much higher power than me? God was real, and he heard my plea. He’d saved her. Mississippi was alive.” Whereas Mississippi has a moment of revelation while reading the Bible: “I didn’t realize it at the time, but looking back, I know what it was—God’s love. It started small, pushing back against the walls I’d built around me, until one day they cracked and a trickle ran down them, then a drip, drip, drip.” Because they each work out their faith both separately and together, it comes across as natural and genuine, a result of healing, love, and even pain, too.
In the end, I think that Mississippi’s words from a bit earlier in the text epitomize this eye-opening novel: “There are moments in our lives that seemed to leave everlasting impressions—memories, either good or bad, that will stay forever with us.” I, for one, know that “The Sinner in Mississippi” and its lessons in compassion, faith, and endurance will stay with me for years to come. Love never fails because God never fails.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
I loved this novel! It has the right mix of faith struggles, historical flavor, and family drama. The primary characters are very appealing, and those driven by greed and evil are well-portrayed. I appreciate the trigger at the beginning of the novel, for those who could be affected by “violent acts and sexual assault”. While there were pages that were challenging reading, the author still allowed dignity for the victim. If one is more sensitive to either, however, the alert is warranted.
Sippi’s (Mississippi) mama cried when she saw this premature girl survived the night of her birth, as she knew it would be better had she died than be a girl in this family. She was only 14 when her mama died, telling Sippi she would have to be strong now. Sippi turned seventeen in July 1936 and was sent to the grocer to pick up beer and tobacco for her father, brother, and their friends. It was a long, hot walk for the father who thought she was useless. A Duesenberg pulled up behind her, and the most handsome man she had ever seen invited her to ride to town with him. Thayer Drayton King was a local tycoon in the area, but she thought he would be a much older man.
Thayer knew who her family was, as the menfolk were a bit notorious around town. She finally got in the car, against her better judgment. One of the things they talked about was God, and how Thayer doesn’t believe in Him. Sippi believes in God, but “she and God are not on speaking terms at the moment”. Thayer went into the grocer’s with her to buy them a couple cold Cokes. Rather than let Sippi take care of her father’s tab with the creepy grocer, he paid it. Thayer began to teach her that day, telling her to never stare at the floor again, and to hold her head high.
Thayer took her home, and Sippi’s daddy assumed Thayer was there to collect what he owed to him. One of the men waiting for the beer suggested trading the useless Mississippi to Thayer in payment of her daddy’s debt. Horrified, she ran – and fell. Two days later she came to at Thayer’s home with two sets of stitches, also recovering from being dehydrated and malnourished. Little did she know how much her life would change as a result of that ride on her seventeenth birthday and the woman she would become!
Despite the potential trigger scenes, this is a fabulous novel. There are valuable spiritual lessons, demonstrating what happens when one starts talking with the Lord again, and what happens when one realizes they can do nothing without God. We see Sippi’s introduction to the other side of the tracks, to education, to kindness. There is sweet romance, love lost and found, even a real friend. She also learns what happens if one tries to go back home again to protect her new friends. Sippi’s struggles could make or break her, and seeing her choices is a true, heartwarming experience. I highly recommend this author’s debut Christian novel to fans of Christian historical women’s fiction, a saga of a woman of God, and spiritual lessons we can all find value in.
From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this novel from Celebrate Lit, and this is my honest review.
This book is now in my list as one of my favorites for the year. The emotional journey the author takes us on is one I will not forget. A little baby born into a family that didn’t want her was where we start our ride. Mississippi was raised in a home where violence and abuse was her everyday life. Her father didn’t want her and made her life horrible everyday. I could feel the pain as Mississippi thought she was no better than trash in a garbage can. I loved her unwavering faith and hope that someday her life would be better.
Thayer was the person who Mississippi needed to rescue her from a life that was filled with pain and sorrow. His kindness was overwhelming and I loved how he stood up for her when people said ugly things about her. The relationship that develops between them is slow as Mississippi learns to trust. Her past has made some people call her names that hurt but Thayer saw a woman who had value. The author delivers a story that is deep with raw emotions as we experience the unthinkable violence Mississippi endures. It was hard to read but it shows how Thayer never gave up on Mississippi. His unconditional love for her overflows as he protects her and gives her a place to stay.
I liked how the author took us from the beginning of Mississippi’s life and gives us a glimpse of God’s plan for her life. The relationship she had with her father was hard but at some point she knows she has to forgive him. I think the part in the story where Mississippi goes to her mon’s grave and cries out to God is one of my favorite scenes in the book. Her need to forgive and find peace was something she desired in order to be free. The other scene I found very emotional is when Mississippi goes to her father after many years apart. The moment she walks into her old home and sees her daddy made me cry.
The story had moments where it was hard to read but the author does a great job of allowing us to see that what the enemy meant for bad, God used for good. God was there when Mississippi felt abandoned, abused and hopeless. He gave her strength to hold her head up and follow her destiny. The story spans over many years as we see the path that Mississippi takes to help others.
“When we do something from the heart and follow God’s plan , He makes our tasks less of a challenge.”
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Renews my faith in mankind!
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you….. Isaiah 41:10
I would consider this a life verse for Mississippi. Born too early, left to die – a miracle in the making! Growing up in an environment of abuse, never losing her positive attitude, she always continued on in spite of the pain. Until one day, when she was rescued from it all…
Thayer Drayton King, a businessman, became her knight in shining armor. Living in comfort allows her to regain her health and become the person she was meant to be. Setbacks don’t take away the knowledge that God is with her and will never leave her. Anger and hate have no place in her world.
This historical romance renewed my faith in the goodness of people, those who want nothing in return for the help they give. I received an ARC of this book through Faith Publishing and CelebrateLit. The comments and impressions given are my own, and were in no way solicited.
The description if this book is of a baby being born, and her mother knowing how hard her life was going to be. We follow this baby through her life, and we walk in Mississippi’s shoes as she journeys, you will laugh, cry, and cringe at some of the happenings.
We see God’s hand on her and see beyond the pain and hurt to the many blessings offered here.
You will be page-turning looking for answers and hoping for the best, and surprises abound, along with a lot of love.
I received this book through Celebrate Lit. and was not required to give a positive review.
I didn’t know what to expect going into this book, I’ve never read this author before, and her books are quite new to me. But this beautiful historical romance blew me away and got me out of a reading slump that had me dreading picking up new books.
Though set in America during the middle of the 1930’s, it does not rely heavily on the time period or current events for the plot, and is more specifically a Christian romance, which in some ways reminded me of books by Lori Wick. Mississippi Singleton is a character that sticks with you, spunky and outspoken, she isn’t afraid to say things like they are, and has a hunger for learning. Her charm is that she doesn’t have a cultivated or calculated charm, she’s just Mississippi. She comes from a hardscrabble. abusive background, she doesn’t expect kindness, and has a world weariness about her.
Thayer Drayton King is a tycoon of sorts, the wealthiest man around, a genuine knight in shining armor. He is a man of character and integrity, willing to stand up for those who can’t stand for themselves, he is also fair and willing to extend grace. He has presence and a natural leadership.
This is an engaging read, there was not a point in this book where I felt that it ever lagged in pace, in fact I didn’t want to put it down. My heart went out to Mississippi and I admired her strength, she was someone that I could cheer for all the way through. While some aspects of this story were unrealistic by some standards, I think that it worked in this story and I didn’t mind as I knew that this leaned more romance. One of my favorite things about this book was that it would start setting up in a way that in other books I just find infuriating, but this book swerved and proved me wrong, and it made me admire Thayer even more. This was a highly enjoyable read, and I’m so glad that I gave it a chance!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Unfamiliar with this author I was not sure what to expect when I requested The Sinner in Mississippi to review. It looked interesting so I did expect an enjoyable story. Then I began to see warnings that there were scenes that might be triggers for some people and I began to doubt my choice. Thankfully, I did decide to read this book. Although there were definitely some difficult scenes that could truly be triggers to those who have suffered similar situations, each was presented with restraint.
The heroine of this narrative is Mississippi, a young woman living in poverty with a father and two brothers who neglected and abused her. Rescued from that life by an honorable businessman who took her into his home and provided everything she needed and offered her a fresh start in life. Mississippi experienced what might be called the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of life which tended to make her doubt that God cared for her. Through the care and love of Thayer, Mississippi eventually realizes that she has been in God’s hands all along.
Vivid imagery and character descriptions (even the bad ones) worked together to make this book difficult to close. Its strong story of forgiveness gave just the right tone to a book that will be long remembered by most readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
The Sinner in Mississippi is a wonderful read. It’s a historical fiction novel with a love story thrown in. It is a bit hard to read in bits as it does have some violence and sexual assault. Nothing graphic but it is good to know if that is a trigger of yours.
Mississippi is a young 17-year-old girl in this book. She has had a very hard life. In fact, her mother told her that she actually hoped she wouldn’t survive being born as that would have been better for her. And in some ways, she may have been right.
Homelife is not good for Mississippi. Her father and brothers are abusive and she has a hard life. She’s poor as well and the setting is the 1930’s.
But life will change for Mississippi as she finds the love of God and the love of a good man who wants to take her away from her dreadful home life.
This was a good book to read. It wasn’t a suspense book but it did read steady and I was drawn to the characters. There was just something about Mississippi that kept you coming back to keep reading.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.