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The Angels of Morgan Hill
Jane Gable thinks 1947 will be like every other year in Morgan Hill, Tennessee but but it's the year everything changes. Jane first lays eyes on young Milo Turner the day that her abusive, alcoholic father is buried in the Morgan Hill cemetery. The Turners are the first black family ever to move into the area, and while their presence challenges the comfort of many in the small, tight-knit community, Jane and her brother, John, have found new friends.
Then tragedy strikes the Turner household, and the Gable family is asked to make a decision that could rip their world apart. One path might open up a whole new world and bring them closer than ever. Or it might bring them nothing but trouble and heartache. On their journey, Jane discovers that angels are all around us, every day, in the most extraordinary--and ordinary--ways.
Then tragedy strikes the Turner household, and the Gable family is asked to make a decision that could rip their world apart. One path might open up a whole new world and bring them closer than ever. Or it might bring them nothing but trouble and heartache. On their journey, Jane discovers that angels are all around us, every day, in the most extraordinary--and ordinary--ways.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published October 17, 2006
57 people are currently reading
1185 people want to read
About the author
Donna VanLiere
77 books1,326 followersDonna is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. She's an in-demand conference speaker and gifted teacher and has 14 published books including four that have been adapted into movies.
Donna is the recipient of multiple industry awards including a Retailer's Choice Award for Fiction, a Dove Award, a Silver Angel Award, two Audie Awards for best inspirational fiction, a nominee for a Gold Medallion Book of the Year and is an inductee in the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges Hall of Excellence joining such luminaries as Coretta Scott King, Hugh Downs, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale and Senator John Glenn.
Learn more about Donna by visiting www.DonnaVanLiere.com and stay up-to-date and in-touch by subscribing to her free Friendship List.
Donna is the recipient of multiple industry awards including a Retailer's Choice Award for Fiction, a Dove Award, a Silver Angel Award, two Audie Awards for best inspirational fiction, a nominee for a Gold Medallion Book of the Year and is an inductee in the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges Hall of Excellence joining such luminaries as Coretta Scott King, Hugh Downs, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale and Senator John Glenn.
Learn more about Donna by visiting www.DonnaVanLiere.com and stay up-to-date and in-touch by subscribing to her free Friendship List.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 367 reviews
July 6, 2015
This is the prequel to The Good Dream (great book, comprehensible as a stand-alone). Nice to see so much of Henry Walker and his wife Loretta, favorite characters in The Good Dream, but why didn't we see more of his sister, Sarah Ivorie Walker?
Compared to The Good Dream, there is slightly more romance woven into this plot, but nonetheless this is primarily a post-war historical about a few white families uniting to help an orphaned homeless black boy (little Milo). It's a heartwarming, heartbreaking, and fairly credible portrayal of racial segregation and intolerance in small-town Tennessee. There is a slight religious message, too.
The story is set in 1947, seven years before the Supreme Court ruling on Brown vs Board of Education. So, in 1947, each state could decide for itself how it would handle school segregation. In Tennessee, the state law required "separate but equal" schools -- blacks and whites could not attend the same school. I liked the scenes that led to an avalanche for change, but the legal requirement was too easily pushed aside and the conflict too easily resolved. At least the principal kept some documentation to show the courts, if it comes to that.
I didn't predict the plot twist regarding the poisoned animal -- didn't expect that person to be the villain, and not sure I buy it (but okay). There was plenty of tension across the book as I feared for Milo, a black boy adopted into a white family (the widow Fran Gable and her children, Jane and John). Tension also came from the three thugs, Beef (Jeff), Clyde, and Eddy. Eddy had his evil eye on the pretty widow. Then there was the tension about Joe Cannon, hoping he'd not go back to Atlanta. Hoping he'd stay for Fran and her children.
Quibbles: On the down side, some key areas were not developed enough to move me. For example, I couldn't "feel" the bond of friendship between Fran and Addy -- she died too soon. Also, I couldn't really feel the love between Fran and Joe -- they needed to spend more time together. If these areas were more thoroughly developed, it could be a 4 or 5 star story.
Again, as occurred in The Good Dream (excellent book!) the villains got away with too much. Does this author think punishment fitting the crime is inconsistent with inspirational fiction?
Excellent writing. I love the metaphors, the analogies, the dialogue. Some groan-worthy jokes, too. Henry, discussing the heat and the drought: "How dry is it? So dry the tree is bribing the dog for it."
Great narration by the author herself. Superb performance!
Compared to The Good Dream, there is slightly more romance woven into this plot, but nonetheless this is primarily a post-war historical about a few white families uniting to help an orphaned homeless black boy (little Milo). It's a heartwarming, heartbreaking, and fairly credible portrayal of racial segregation and intolerance in small-town Tennessee. There is a slight religious message, too.
The story is set in 1947, seven years before the Supreme Court ruling on Brown vs Board of Education. So, in 1947, each state could decide for itself how it would handle school segregation. In Tennessee, the state law required "separate but equal" schools -- blacks and whites could not attend the same school. I liked the scenes that led to an avalanche for change, but the legal requirement was too easily pushed aside and the conflict too easily resolved. At least the principal kept some documentation to show the courts, if it comes to that.
I didn't predict the plot twist regarding the poisoned animal -- didn't expect that person to be the villain, and not sure I buy it (but okay). There was plenty of tension across the book as I feared for Milo, a black boy adopted into a white family (the widow Fran Gable and her children, Jane and John). Tension also came from the three thugs, Beef (Jeff), Clyde, and Eddy. Eddy had his evil eye on the pretty widow. Then there was the tension about Joe Cannon, hoping he'd not go back to Atlanta. Hoping he'd stay for Fran and her children.
Quibbles: On the down side, some key areas were not developed enough to move me. For example, I couldn't "feel" the bond of friendship between Fran and Addy -- she died too soon. Also, I couldn't really feel the love between Fran and Joe -- they needed to spend more time together. If these areas were more thoroughly developed, it could be a 4 or 5 star story.
Again, as occurred in The Good Dream (excellent book!) the villains got away with too much. Does this author think punishment fitting the crime is inconsistent with inspirational fiction?
Excellent writing. I love the metaphors, the analogies, the dialogue. Some groan-worthy jokes, too. Henry, discussing the heat and the drought: "How dry is it? So dry the tree is bribing the dog for it."
Great narration by the author herself. Superb performance!
December 12, 2018
I have seen this book so many times on Goodreads that I decided that I needed to read it. I laughed, I cried and I loved it. There are some very sad parts of the book, and I don't recommend it to readers under 14 because of the subject matter, unless they are very emotionally mature readers.
The characters are very real and it tells a story that could have very well happened. I didn't want to put it down once I started reading it. It's good to the very end - and there's a nice little surprise at the end, too.
The main character is Jane Gable and the year is 1947 and the location is Morgan Hill, Tennessee. I love books that are written about the south because I lived there and loved it. I can to relate to these stories. I also like stories in which the main character looks back on a significant place in their life and reflects on what happened and what they learned. This is exactly that type of book and the reflections are so real you feel like you're right there with the author.
The characters are very real and it tells a story that could have very well happened. I didn't want to put it down once I started reading it. It's good to the very end - and there's a nice little surprise at the end, too.
The main character is Jane Gable and the year is 1947 and the location is Morgan Hill, Tennessee. I love books that are written about the south because I lived there and loved it. I can to relate to these stories. I also like stories in which the main character looks back on a significant place in their life and reflects on what happened and what they learned. This is exactly that type of book and the reflections are so real you feel like you're right there with the author.
November 6, 2015
This was a very good book ... takes place during the summer of 1947. Jane Gable meets a sharecropper family by the name of Turner ... who by the way are the first black people to setting in Morgan Hill, Tennessee. Then an incident happens that upsets everyone's lives and Jane's family has to make a decision how to handle it ... they do with the help of the "angels" of Morgan Hill. This is a feel good book full of warmth, humor and family unity. VanLiere did a wonderful job writing this.
February 6, 2024
I didn’t expect to like this as much as I did and it’s the first I’ve read by this author. Beautiful written. She worded things in a way that made me think. And yes, I cried. I thought I was getting by without the tears but the epilogue got me right down to the last sentence.
July 30, 2012
My daughter, Christa called and told me I could download this book on my nook. She had previouly suggested I purchase Donna VanLiere Christmas books for my library. They have always circulated well, so I quickly downloaded this novel. It did not disappoint!
Jane Gable thinks 1947 will be like every other year in Morgan Hill. However, her normal consists of an abusive, alcoholic father, a precocious brother (John) and a pregnant mother (Fran), who is resigned to their less than pleasant life. Jane meets her first African American when a sharecropper family arrives in Morgan Hill, coinciding with her father’s funeral. Although her father’s death dispels a suffocating darkness, it also creates additional financial woes. Despite the disapproval of many in her small Tennessee town, Fran befriends sharecropper wife, Addy Turner. When a suspicious fire takes the lives of Addy’s family, Fran garners her inner strength, taking in, and finally adopting the only survivor, young Milo. Family friends step up to help Fran and her children battle bigotry, poverty, and some dangerous situations. The characters and circumstances are authentic. The storyline is unadulterated for the time, with a forceful lesson on tolerance and true courage. Truly an addictive read!
Jane Gable thinks 1947 will be like every other year in Morgan Hill. However, her normal consists of an abusive, alcoholic father, a precocious brother (John) and a pregnant mother (Fran), who is resigned to their less than pleasant life. Jane meets her first African American when a sharecropper family arrives in Morgan Hill, coinciding with her father’s funeral. Although her father’s death dispels a suffocating darkness, it also creates additional financial woes. Despite the disapproval of many in her small Tennessee town, Fran befriends sharecropper wife, Addy Turner. When a suspicious fire takes the lives of Addy’s family, Fran garners her inner strength, taking in, and finally adopting the only survivor, young Milo. Family friends step up to help Fran and her children battle bigotry, poverty, and some dangerous situations. The characters and circumstances are authentic. The storyline is unadulterated for the time, with a forceful lesson on tolerance and true courage. Truly an addictive read!
May 14, 2010
I have read one other of Donna VanLiere's works, and though this is most definitely a fiction tale, I couldn't help but wonder how things would turn out for this young fella Milo. Best start in the beginning; It starts when Jane and her brother is burying their father (who died at age 29 from alcohol related diabetes) sadly none of the members are sad that he is gone since he was more trouble than he was worth; It also happens to be the same day that Milo and his family, the Turners come to town to help farm the tobacco crop for the Crandles, making them the first Negro family to move into town; Considering the time this happened, 1947, a lot of folks are not happy on that. Yet, Fran and her kids welcome them along with others but some do have something to say on things no matter what. And in time, tragedy hits the Turners doorstep one night with all but Milo perishing; Addy hung in there a bit but asked Fran to take her son, and though she has her own load with another to come, she takes him in in spite of others feeling she shouldn't and the community is forced to take a stand as to whether they let tradition stand or help a little boy who lost his own? lovely novel.
August 19, 2011
I picked up this book because of the word Angels in the title, knowing nothing about the author or her other works. After the opening paragraph, however, I was hooked.
Set in Tennessee during the 1950s, Jane Gable (the 9-year old narrator) tells the story of the day her daddy was buried and how she and her younger brother saw their first black family. Through humorous anecdotes of life in the South, we learn of the contempt of some for the 'colored' sharecroppers and how far these folks would go to get rid of them. When Milo (the young black child) loses his family in a fire, it is Jane's pregnant mother who takes him in as she tries to keep a deathbed promise to Milo's mother. Through trials and tribulation, Jane's mother stands firm in her resolve but it is Jane herself that pushes the town to action when she refuses to attend school because Milo isn't allowed into an all-white school. What happens after that is purely heartwrenching and heartwarming at the same time.
A captivating read that will have some reaching for the tissue box.
Set in Tennessee during the 1950s, Jane Gable (the 9-year old narrator) tells the story of the day her daddy was buried and how she and her younger brother saw their first black family. Through humorous anecdotes of life in the South, we learn of the contempt of some for the 'colored' sharecroppers and how far these folks would go to get rid of them. When Milo (the young black child) loses his family in a fire, it is Jane's pregnant mother who takes him in as she tries to keep a deathbed promise to Milo's mother. Through trials and tribulation, Jane's mother stands firm in her resolve but it is Jane herself that pushes the town to action when she refuses to attend school because Milo isn't allowed into an all-white school. What happens after that is purely heartwrenching and heartwarming at the same time.
A captivating read that will have some reaching for the tissue box.
May 23, 2008
This is a great book about race relations. It was a very heartwarming and sweet story where the goodness of humankind triumphs!
December 4, 2011
If you like southern writers, and stories of the Jim Crow era you might like this book about a little boy trying to fit into a poor, fatherless white family who's adopted him and the struggles the family deals with regarding poverty and racism.
There are heart-touching moments with the mother and Milo, the little boy, and with Fran and Joe, some lovely writing regarding Henry, quite possibly the biggest saint in Morgan Hill.
But there was also some editing that needed to be done prior to publication, for example, the friendship isn't built up long enough between her and Addy in the beginning before Addy dies, so we don't feel the loss of Addy as much as we need to feel to carry the gravity of Fran's decision whether or not to keep Milo. The plotting drags midway--too much emphasis is put on the "Will Milo stay or go?" when another plot point OR speeding that segment of the novel up would have kept it from dragging.
Also, I would have liked to see the love relationship between Joe and Fran develop more. By chapter 8, the pacing was dragging so badly that I skipped to the end and read the last 10 pages and epilogue.
The characters were sweet, and the storyline compelling. But I wonder what the editor at St. Martins was thinking. Sometimes, I think editors are too hard on first novels, then once an author has made them some money, they sort of abandon their job, which is to help authors speed up the pacing when it's dragging. Not that all novels need speeding up or heavy editing--but this one did. Just my two cents.
There are heart-touching moments with the mother and Milo, the little boy, and with Fran and Joe, some lovely writing regarding Henry, quite possibly the biggest saint in Morgan Hill.
But there was also some editing that needed to be done prior to publication, for example, the friendship isn't built up long enough between her and Addy in the beginning before Addy dies, so we don't feel the loss of Addy as much as we need to feel to carry the gravity of Fran's decision whether or not to keep Milo. The plotting drags midway--too much emphasis is put on the "Will Milo stay or go?" when another plot point OR speeding that segment of the novel up would have kept it from dragging.
Also, I would have liked to see the love relationship between Joe and Fran develop more. By chapter 8, the pacing was dragging so badly that I skipped to the end and read the last 10 pages and epilogue.
The characters were sweet, and the storyline compelling. But I wonder what the editor at St. Martins was thinking. Sometimes, I think editors are too hard on first novels, then once an author has made them some money, they sort of abandon their job, which is to help authors speed up the pacing when it's dragging. Not that all novels need speeding up or heavy editing--but this one did. Just my two cents.
August 18, 2009
A good story. As I predicted, I cried throughout the whole thing. I can't stop myself from crying for children put in such sad circumstances with good people who just can't catch a break.
It's hard to know what some people mean by a clean read. This story had a truly sweet romance element. But it also had despicable people in it, one of which made a despicable attempt. Not terribly graphic in details, but enough to get my heart pumping in concern for the female character. (Just a warning that you might want to read it for yourself before you decide to let your kids read it.)
It's hard to know what some people mean by a clean read. This story had a truly sweet romance element. But it also had despicable people in it, one of which made a despicable attempt. Not terribly graphic in details, but enough to get my heart pumping in concern for the female character. (Just a warning that you might want to read it for yourself before you decide to let your kids read it.)
November 14, 2009
A very touching story that takes place in Tennessee back in 1947 - A nine year old's story of how her family (white) and another family (black) get through the madness and meanness surrounding them that try keep them from being friends and at last trying to be family when a tragedy occurs.
Donna VanLiere once again delivers a great story just like she did with her other book "The Christmas Shoes".
Donna VanLiere once again delivers a great story just like she did with her other book "The Christmas Shoes".
May 11, 2010
so glad I read this, and I am so happy that people are if not less judgemental a little less openly judgemental. It was hard to read parts of it because it hurt so much to read about how horribly people will treat others, but then It ended very nice and happy, maybe almost too well depending on the type of reader you are.
Great book, I really enjoyed it.
Great book, I really enjoyed it.
October 18, 2013
I have read most or all of Donna VanLiere's Christmas books.
This is not one of them.
Donna really dealt with the issue of racism back in the 40's and 50's
Donna has a wonderful way of making her story characters so real, three dimensional, flawed but hearts that can be filled with courage, caring, compassion and willing at all costs to stand up what they believe.
From the first page of the story, I was in love, in awe, connected to each character.
Small town, poor in things, but rich in the good friendships, love and care that a tight community can provide.
With that smallness sometime comes minds that are set in their ways, even if in the wrong ways, what has always been is the rule, or is it?
With this story, the rules are tested, stretched, when a black family moves in.
Fran is a woman of no means, abused by her husband, struggling to be the mom she wants to be to her two children, and then tragedy strikes, and she is given the opportunity to grow beyond what even she believes herself capable of.
That is where the story completely captured my heart, as we see a mom, a wife, a true friend persevere to do the right thing. Life is not an easy journey, but this book shows that we can accomplish things that are incredible, we can bear through the pain, and change people's lives, as these characters do, for a lost little boy named Milo.
It is an inspirational story that should not be missed.
Wisdom, perseverance, inspiration, all lie within the story of survival in a small Tennessee town named Morgan Hill.
This is not one of them.
Donna really dealt with the issue of racism back in the 40's and 50's
Donna has a wonderful way of making her story characters so real, three dimensional, flawed but hearts that can be filled with courage, caring, compassion and willing at all costs to stand up what they believe.
From the first page of the story, I was in love, in awe, connected to each character.
Small town, poor in things, but rich in the good friendships, love and care that a tight community can provide.
With that smallness sometime comes minds that are set in their ways, even if in the wrong ways, what has always been is the rule, or is it?
With this story, the rules are tested, stretched, when a black family moves in.
Fran is a woman of no means, abused by her husband, struggling to be the mom she wants to be to her two children, and then tragedy strikes, and she is given the opportunity to grow beyond what even she believes herself capable of.
That is where the story completely captured my heart, as we see a mom, a wife, a true friend persevere to do the right thing. Life is not an easy journey, but this book shows that we can accomplish things that are incredible, we can bear through the pain, and change people's lives, as these characters do, for a lost little boy named Milo.
It is an inspirational story that should not be missed.
Wisdom, perseverance, inspiration, all lie within the story of survival in a small Tennessee town named Morgan Hill.
January 27, 2016
OMG! I loved this book! I really enjoyed all of VanLiere's Christmas themed books, but this book has moved up to the top of my list as my favorite by this author. Sometimes when I read a book that has moved me emotionally, I become confused that a book like this has gotten so little attention. A sweet and moving story like this would make a wonderful movie. This is also a book that would be a good recommendation for students to read. If you loved "The Help", "Mudbound" or "Calling Me Home", then this similar themed story (race relations in the South) should be on your TBR list.
It was not far into the story (Chapter 3) before tragedy struck. I was shocked and heartbroken by the quick turn of events. This tragedy ended up bringing out the best in some of the residents of Morgan Hill. These residents were the true Angels of Morgan Hill. You will be moved by the struggles and tenacity of the Gable family. Fran Gable is a strong character that I had sympathy and admiration for. The decisions she had to make for her family and others must have been hard choices for a woman in 1947, but she was strong even when she seemed to be at her weakest moments. Also, the Epilogue was one of the best I have ever read in a book. The ending jumped over 40 years into the future, but it wrapped up the story in a way that gave a fitting ending to all the characters. I highly recommend this book!
It was not far into the story (Chapter 3) before tragedy struck. I was shocked and heartbroken by the quick turn of events. This tragedy ended up bringing out the best in some of the residents of Morgan Hill. These residents were the true Angels of Morgan Hill. You will be moved by the struggles and tenacity of the Gable family. Fran Gable is a strong character that I had sympathy and admiration for. The decisions she had to make for her family and others must have been hard choices for a woman in 1947, but she was strong even when she seemed to be at her weakest moments. Also, the Epilogue was one of the best I have ever read in a book. The ending jumped over 40 years into the future, but it wrapped up the story in a way that gave a fitting ending to all the characters. I highly recommend this book!
October 23, 2019
This was an incredibly satisfying read. At times heartbreaking; but, always good. I cried. I smiled. I reminisced about my own life and childhood. This book, overall, is good for your soul. Soul food. Worthy of 5 stars.
In "The Angels of Morgan Hill", one of the main characters is a man named Henry. Not only is he a gentleman but he's also a gentle man. Words are life changing When you say them right they help gift value, confidence, and blessings into other people's lives. Henry speaks life into Jane, this book's narrator, everytime he sees her by affectionately calling her, "Pretty Girl".
Henry reminded me a great deal of my Uncle Delmer who was born and raised in the foothills of TN. To this day, he has never called me anything but, "Precious". (I wrote briefly about the impact his words have always had on me here: MomPro.com/blogs/news/17451360-precious).
I've been reading a lot of Christmasey things as of late. This book encompasses far more than just a season; but, I mention Christmas because it's a particularly good read for this time of year. In the end, when all is said and done, it's a storyline that radiates with hope.
It also teaches the importance of integrity and doing what's right for the sake of doing what's right. It brings you back to basics. Good and wholesome basics that seem to get lost within the noise of today's world.
This book comes to life, pulls you in, and makes you feel; again, a 5 star read.
In "The Angels of Morgan Hill", one of the main characters is a man named Henry. Not only is he a gentleman but he's also a gentle man. Words are life changing When you say them right they help gift value, confidence, and blessings into other people's lives. Henry speaks life into Jane, this book's narrator, everytime he sees her by affectionately calling her, "Pretty Girl".
Henry reminded me a great deal of my Uncle Delmer who was born and raised in the foothills of TN. To this day, he has never called me anything but, "Precious". (I wrote briefly about the impact his words have always had on me here: MomPro.com/blogs/news/17451360-precious).
I've been reading a lot of Christmasey things as of late. This book encompasses far more than just a season; but, I mention Christmas because it's a particularly good read for this time of year. In the end, when all is said and done, it's a storyline that radiates with hope.
It also teaches the importance of integrity and doing what's right for the sake of doing what's right. It brings you back to basics. Good and wholesome basics that seem to get lost within the noise of today's world.
This book comes to life, pulls you in, and makes you feel; again, a 5 star read.
August 4, 2008
It's 1947 and the Turners (Willie Dean, his wife, Addy and their children, Milo and Rose) are the first black family to move to Morgan Hill. The Gables (Fran and her children, Jane and John) are kind, hard-working people who don't have much. Despite the disapproval of her friend, Margaret, Fran becomes friends with Addy Turner. Tragedy strikes and Fran makes a promise to Addy that she intends to keep no matter what Margaret and other narrow-minded, prejudiced people in town have to say about it. Difficult circumstances cause Fran to question her choice for a time, but she knows that although change isn't always easy, God and His angels are always around.
To have to read the words "nigger boy" numerous times was bothersome, but it wasn't unexpected. I'm just glad there were parts in the story that made me giggle. As a whole, The Angels of Morgan Hill was a good read, and the epilogue was touching.
To have to read the words "nigger boy" numerous times was bothersome, but it wasn't unexpected. I'm just glad there were parts in the story that made me giggle. As a whole, The Angels of Morgan Hill was a good read, and the epilogue was touching.
April 24, 2017
The Angels of Morgan Hill was an extraordinary read about ordinary people. The story will make you laugh, make you think and make you cry. After accepting a job, Mr. Turner moved his family, wife, daughter and son to small town Morgan Hill, Tennessee and became Morgan Hill’s first black family. They were shunned by some folks when Mr. Turner’s boss and wife took the Turner family to their church. Mrs. Turner was befriended by a local woman who saw Mrs. Turner as a person and not a color. A fire broke out in the Turners home killing everyone but the son. With her last breath, Mrs. Turner asked her friend to take her son and raise him as her own and she did. The woman’s daughter and son welcomed their new brother with open arms.
The reminder of the story is about the adversities they overcome with the help of their neighbors. Donna VanLiere told the story with vigor.
The reminder of the story is about the adversities they overcome with the help of their neighbors. Donna VanLiere told the story with vigor.
June 9, 2017
My first by Donna Vanliere, more shall definitely follow. I like her style, quite like some other writers from the Southern part of the US. It reminds one of 'To Kill a mocking bird' and 'The Help' and yet is distinctive and interesting in its own way. Touching .... moves one to tears many times. The righteousness and innocence of children, the struggle and triumph of goodness and humanity are heart warming indeed. One is hooked on to the book right from the beginning and then it stays and lingers on in ones mind even after it ends. I believe there is a sequel to it and It does go up on my 'to read' list.
September 13, 2013
This is a wonderful book! It was hard. But this is a wonderful book!
The setting is the small southern town of Morgan Hill, Tennessee. It’s 1947, “the year everything changes”. A black family moves in. Everyone in town has to decide how to deal with this fact.
The book ends with a funeral. I believe that was my favorite part.
Here’s a quote to remember. It was posted on the side of the cash register in Henry’s general store. “Character is found in how you treat people who can’t do anything for you.”
This is a wonderful book! Fairly short, and I highly recommend it.
The setting is the small southern town of Morgan Hill, Tennessee. It’s 1947, “the year everything changes”. A black family moves in. Everyone in town has to decide how to deal with this fact.
The book ends with a funeral. I believe that was my favorite part.
Here’s a quote to remember. It was posted on the side of the cash register in Henry’s general store. “Character is found in how you treat people who can’t do anything for you.”
This is a wonderful book! Fairly short, and I highly recommend it.
July 23, 2014
This short little book moved me to tears at the end. Set in rural East Tennessee, 1947, Jane Gable's life is changed forever when a young black family moves to town. Tragically, they are lost in a suspicious fire, and only, six-year old Milo lives. Fran Gable then has to make a decision whether to keep her deathbed promise to Milo's mother or let him move in with a black family. Milo decides.
Read this book in (2) nights. Pick it up!
Read this book in (2) nights. Pick it up!
December 27, 2009
A very gripping story told through the eyes of a girl, starting in 1947 when she was nine years old. The day her abusive alcoholic father was buried she sees her first black person. Her world is full of strong wonderful characters, and neighbors who look out for each other.
This master story teller has hit the bulls eye, showing us that even in our darkest hours, we are never truly alone.
This master story teller has hit the bulls eye, showing us that even in our darkest hours, we are never truly alone.
September 29, 2017
Received this book as a gift many years ago but never thought of reading it until now. It's a nice book to read for children, set in post-world war 2 era . The story circles around the theme of racism, care, kindness and most of all the angels in our society. The people who are sent into this world to make it nothing but a better place . A better place for themselves and for others.
November 4, 2021
Ever since I accidently stumbled upon Donna VanLiere, I've been truly enjoying her stories. Again we find ourselves in the South and amidst regular and hardworking country people, which is a backdrop I am most fond of.
I like it when an author is subtle with what she's trying to bring across to her readers. The message is one of tolerance and good neighboring and I am behind that.
What I am most amazed about is how great a narrator Donna VanLiere is; she truly embodies her characters, and actually the children are the most amazing in character and in speech. Stories like these are treasures.
I like it when an author is subtle with what she's trying to bring across to her readers. The message is one of tolerance and good neighboring and I am behind that.
What I am most amazed about is how great a narrator Donna VanLiere is; she truly embodies her characters, and actually the children are the most amazing in character and in speech. Stories like these are treasures.
January 26, 2021
This is one of the most touching books I’ve listened to in a long time, accentuated by the author’s emotion expressed so deeply in her narration. There are many life lessons about loving people well, caring for your neighbor, and living a meaningful life between the pages. I may try to make this a yearly read!
November 15, 2024
This was the sweetest book club pick. The length was perfect, it was a quick read, and so many cozy feelings. I was rooting with the sweetest family struggling through life/death and segregation. And the epilogue was icing on the cake to the ending. Big fat tears fell.
November 18, 2020
A very interesting story of a 9 year old girl’s life in 1947. So good! A quick read with characters you learn to know so well, you keep thinking about them.
June 12, 2022
A heartwarming story of a promise by Fran to raise a negro boy after his parents died in a house fire.
Milo Turner would be the only negro boy in the local school, when some of the children refused to attend school unless Milo was included.
Fran kept her promise. Daughter Jane told Milo there were angels all around them to keep them safe.
Milo Turner would be the only negro boy in the local school, when some of the children refused to attend school unless Milo was included.
Fran kept her promise. Daughter Jane told Milo there were angels all around them to keep them safe.
June 12, 2023
3.75 Stars
March 13, 2025
Be ready to sob and hurt and love. Great read! Anyone and everyone should love this book.
January 30, 2018
Beauty in words
Everything about this book spoke to my heart. I am almost 60 and am an avid reader. One week ago I discovered this author and have read two of her books. The writing is simply beauty in words. The toils, the friendships the strong women who have to make difficult choices. I have enjoyed every line and am blessed by the stories!
Everything about this book spoke to my heart. I am almost 60 and am an avid reader. One week ago I discovered this author and have read two of her books. The writing is simply beauty in words. The toils, the friendships the strong women who have to make difficult choices. I have enjoyed every line and am blessed by the stories!
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