The debut from author Erin Bartels, this novel is incredibly thought provoking and engaging.
Alternating between three points of view and two primary locations (Detroit and Lapeer County, Michigan) we meet present day, Elizabeth Balsam; her aunt, Nora Balsam both present day and 1963; and their ancestor Mary Balsam, 1861-1975.
Elizabeth Balsam is a reporter who was recently fired for something beyond her control. Finding herself at loose ends and wondering what she will do next, she is commissioned to connect with her distant Aunt Nora by a man who wants to return something he knows Nora won't accept from him. Elizabeth, sensing a link to a story that could be her breakthrough, goes to stay with Aunt Nora - both to help her in any way she can and also take some time to figure out her next steps. Nora (both present day and 1963) has quite a layered history, and lives in the family estate in Lapeer County.
Mary Balsam's husband Nathaniel is determined to fight for the Union in the Civil War, even though his wife is pregnant and they have a farm to run. He leaves for long periods of time. Although Nathaniel and Mary are both are committed to the cause and passionate about freedom, this decision ultimately kicks off a complicated series of events. These events are at best heartbreaking and at worst, dangerous.
Although I initially wondered if I would truly be able to clearly follow bouncing back and forth between times and still connect the dots on who is related to who and how it all fit together....I know now that the author did an excellent job of linking people and time frames to create a cohesive and meaningful picture. There are surprises, heartbreaks, challenges, and more. This story provides believable glimpses into poignant and important times in our country's history.
I cannot say enough good things about this book.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
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