Story of a Southern Family

The Big House #2

by J. Keck

In 1928, Minnie's mother, Nora, arrives at her nursing college after abandoning Minnie as a child. What does Nora want?
An unexpected visit to Grandpa and Marie at The Big House offers Minnie shelter and refuge, but not the carefree days of her youthful experiences. There, she discovers secrets. Shrewd and hidden manipulations of power insure the survival of The Big House in this small Southern town, where a smile can mask suppressed rage and hostility.
A power struggle ensues between Minnie and Nora when honor, wealth and influence are risked by young love. Both will have their say, but only one will prevail.
Guns and violence become signs of a new era. The 1929 Great Depression explodes, engulfing everyone. Minnie and the family must confront the Depression, as well as threats to the land from those who would rob them.
Driven by her own convictions and courage, Minnie refuses to give in to chaos and fear. While poverty and cruelty surround her, Minnie's spirit, character and hard-won experience prepare her to survive and keep her values. Will the past and her circumstances overwhelm Minnie, or will she embrace the future and triumph?

459 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 29, 2015

About the author

Coming of age in California, J. Keck grew up with a Southern heritage inside the house, and a West Coast identity outside of what the family called the Big House. The home was a gathering place for extended family and friends many of whom were expatriate Southerners.
Between the warmth and storytelling of the home, J. Keck has been inspired by the culture and tales of many fine and memorable characters. Numerous trips and stays to visit relatives and family holdings, along with a nearly three-year stay in Texas, further deepened his appreciation and understanding of the culture.
Attending both Texas and West Coast colleges and university, J. Keck received a degree in journalism, and an advanced degree in psychology. Minors in business, anthropology and geography.
Once having entered business, writing became a pastime for personal pleasure until the publication of one of his short stories in a cultural magazine.
Additional pulications of his writings followed: the short story, "The Dark Forest"; his novella, "Homeless: The Dollmaker's Web"; and his novels "The Big House: Story of a Southern Family series." Currently, J. Keck is writing book III of the series, which will be released in June 2016.
The joy and challenge of writing has propelled J. Keck into a new and rewarding career: author.
Having visited Europe for extended periods during his youth, travel has always been an abiding interest. Other interest include: reading, classical music, art, tea culture and tea drinking, walking and good, spirited conversations. Writing is a passion. Family, good food, good friends an absolute necessity.

Reviews

[shirley carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful Story

This book has been very suspenseful and a true page turner. The story puts you right in that era.Minnie has really been a real stand up person and forgiving to the ones that has let her down.I can't wait to get started on Book 3.

[rebecca Bank · Rating 5 out of 5]

could not put this book down. It seems like Minnie's vile mother goes out of her way to use her daughter.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved!