Gone South in Christian Fiction Devourers

Jul 18, 2013 Iola rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2013, kindle, netgalley, contemporary-romance

Tish makes an impuse decision to leave her home in Michigan and buy the old McComb house in Noble, Alabama, the house the original Leticia McComb lived in with her husband in the 1870’s. But she hasn’t bargained on being the town pariah the minute she arrives—it seems that her father’s telling of the family history has missed a few things out. And things get more difficult when she takes in the homeless Mel Hamilton, the town bad girl who has been kicked out by her parents. Tish soon meets Georg ...more

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Jul 04, 2013 E.A. West rated it really liked it

Tish McComb grew up in Michigan, but her ancestors have ties to Noble, Alabama. Proud of her McComb heritage, she’s thrilled when the house her ancestors built comes up for sale at an affordable price. After all, what could be better than a McComb owning the McComb house once more? It doesn’t take Tish long to realize that not every Yankee is welcome in the south, and that not everyone remembers what happened in the good ol’ days of yesteryear the same way. Add in the town outcast, a local antiq Tish McComb grew up in Michigan, but her ancestors have ties to Noble, Alabama. Proud of her McComb heritage, she’s thrilled when the house her ancestors built comes up for sale at an affordable price. After all, what could be better than a McComb owning the McComb house once more? It doesn’t take Tish long to realize that not every Yankee is welcome in the south, and that not everyone remembers what happened in the good ol’ days of yesteryear the same way. Add in the town outcast, a local antique dealer, and a tiny dog that can’t seem to remember where home is, and you have a fast-paced story filled with long memories and small town drama.

Gone South is a wonderful blend of Yankee straightforwardness and southern charm, while not shying away from some of the less pleasant parts of small town life. Judgmental attitudes threaten relationships and hurt more than they help. Stories from the bleak days after the end of the Civil War may not be as accurate as everyone believes. Rumors spread like wildfire and taint possible relationships before they even begin.

Yet Ms. Moseley managed to weave a thread of hope throughout even the darkest parts of the book, keeping up the cheerful outlook Tish brings to the story. On the rare occasions Tish’s optimism slips, someone else is right there to pick it up. George, in particular, complements Tish nicely. When one is feeling pessimistic, the other offers a reason to hope. The balance between them is handled beautifully, but there are enough bumps in the road to make the friendship believable. Mel has a humongous chip on her shoulder, but not without good reason. As she tries to find her place in the world, it becomes clear that this young woman has endured a lot in her life. The challenges she faces are realistically portrayed, which adds to the depth and drama of the story.

If you love books with small town settings and plenty of drama to keep you turning the pages, I recommend Gone South.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This review is based solely on the contents of the book and my experience reading it. ...more

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Apr 19, 2013 writer... added it

Shelves: ereads

Does anyone else ever get so frustrated with a book character you just have to put the book down and distract yourself elsewhere? Especially when it's an adult that you thought would have more wisdom than is being displayed...
hoping there will be some upcoming good news to make this frustration pay off!
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Unfortunately, it only got worse...

Great cover and book premise that drew me to select it for reading. I loved the protagonist's sense of adventure, dream of a new beginning, willingness to Does anyone else ever get so frustrated with a book character you just have to put the book down and distract yourself elsewhere? Especially when it's an adult that you thought would have more wisdom than is being displayed...
hoping there will be some upcoming good news to make this frustration pay off!
____

Unfortunately, it only got worse...

Great cover and book premise that drew me to select it for reading. I loved the protagonist's sense of adventure, dream of a new beginning, willingness to step into the unknown. Sadly, it didn't remain true throughout the story...

Once Trish takes in the town's likeable miscreant, Mel, Trish's true colours of control are revealed. Mel is almost 21, so an adult for several years, yet she is continually disbelieved and treated as a disobedient child to be kept under surveillance, to be reported and worse, to have her will and wishes trampled on by Trish. All this, supposedly in Mel's best interests. Why? Because Trish says so. This is unconscionable treatment of a young, impressionable, and vulnerable woman. Any apology for these thoughts and actions? No. It's all treated as acceptable.

I was so frustrated by Trish's disregard for the will and person of Mel, I actually had to put the book down and walk away. The frustration included the fact that Trish is set as the Christian adult who doesn't show a personal lifestyle that follows the influence of Christ, yet Mel prays constantly, voicing her acknowledgement, dependence and longing for God.

I can't in any way accept the actions Trish takes in opposition to Mel's will; forcing her own will on another and over another's. Unkind, selfish, lacking in wisdom and not asking God or others for wise counsel, she just barrels on her way without thought for consequences that will inevitably affect them. Where and how does this example Christ? It doesn't. It showed clear and consistent disregard rather than the honouring of others that Christ calls us to; to see Christ in another, not looking down from some lofty self-made perch.

At the very least, discussion with a lawyer would have cleared up Mel's claims and satisfied any concerns Trish had. Most likely it would have brought wise and proper resolution to the entire situation. It wasn't even an option in any character's thoughts or conversation throughout the novel.

In other aspects, the book presented seemingly important inclusions to the story's outcome which are later swept aside as of nominal value without any further reference to the plot. What!? All that information on boxes of wills and deeds is just fill? Then why include it at all? What about the truth of Letitia and Nathaniel? I'm still left in the dark after completing the book.

To wrap up- Final analysis? Not at all what I'd expected. The book didn't live up to its promo. And the ending is nothing short of disappointing. ...more

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May 02, 2013 Beth rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, tbr-pile-challenges, abc-challenges, christian-fiction, won, 2013, buddy-read

Tish McComb has moved to the home of her ancestors, Nathan and Letitia McComb, in Noble, Alabama. Unfortunately, that fact that she is not only a Yankee, but also a McComb does not endear her to the residents of Noble. When she takes in the town's troublemaker, Melanie Hamilton, things gets messy.

I really enjoyed Tish's character. She was so endearing and charming, yet came across as realistic. I loved the interplay between her and Melanie. She doesn't really trust Melanie, but gives her a chanc ...more

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