Book Review | Before We Were Yours

Book Review: "Before We Were Yours" by Lisa Wingate

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Hey there, fellow bookworms! Today, I'm excited to share my thoughts on a book that absolutely wrecked me—in the best possible way. Brace yourselves, because "Before We Were Yours" by Lisa Wingate is a rollercoaster of emotions that you won't soon forget.

Let me start by saying that I went into this book completely blind. I'll admit, I initially thought it was some sort of World War II story (spoiler alert: I was way off the mark!). But hey, sometimes the best reading experiences come when you least expect them, am I right? I was drawn to this book after seeing it repeatedly recommended in The Book Hangout group on Facebook, and let me tell you, those older ladies know what they're talking about. I trust an old lady opinion and vibe with it, so I decided to give it a shot—and boy, am I glad I did.

"Before We Were Yours" now holds a special place in my heart, right up there with other historical fiction favorites like "The Nightingale" and "The Rose Code." In fact, I think it might just be my favorite historical fiction read of 2023—and would you believe it's only January? Yeah, it's that good.

Now, let's dive into the synopsis, shall we? Set in Memphis, 1939, the story follows twelve-year-old Rill Foss and her four younger siblings, who live a seemingly idyllic life aboard their family's Mississippi River shantyboat. But when tragedy strikes and the children are forcibly separated from their parents and thrown into a Tennessee Children's Home Society orphanage, their world is turned upside down. Rill fights tooth and nail to keep her family together in the face of cruelty and uncertainty, and her journey is nothing short of heart-wrenching.

Fast forward to present-day Aiken, South Carolina, where we meet Avery Stafford, a successful federal prosecutor from a wealthy and privileged background. When Avery returns home to help her father during a health crisis, she stumbles upon a hidden family secret that sets her on a path of discovery—one that will ultimately lead her to confront the painful truths of her family's past.

"Before We Were Yours" is a story of resilience, courage, and the enduring power of family bonds. It's a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity, and it will leave you breathless, moved, and utterly captivated from start to finish.

So, if you're in the mood for a gripping historical fiction novel that will tug at your heartstrings and stay with you long after you've turned the final page, then look no further than "Before We Were Yours." Trust me, this is one book you won't want to miss. 📚✨