About the Book
From
a distance, the Harlans appear to be the perfect Southern family.
Wealth and local fame mask the drama and dysfunction swirling through
their family line. But as the summer heats up, a flood tide of long
hidden secrets surface.
Devastation from a rape followed by the murder of two
family members brings three generations of the Harlans together on their
pecan plantation in Bay Spring, Alabama. Chief among them is Anniston,
who by the time she turned thirteen thought she’d seen it all. But as
her heart awakens to the possibility of love, she begins to deal with
her loneliness and grief.
This tender coming-of-age tale, inspired by the story
of Tamar in 2 Samuel 13, shows how true healing and hope comes only from
God. Though our earthly family can wound and disappoint, our heavenly
Father brings freedom to those long held captive through His mercy and
grace.
If you would like to read the first chapter of
How Sweet the Sound, go
HERE.
My Review
What a fantastic read! I really had no idea what to expect from this debut author. Usually the setting of the 1970s is not my favorite to read about but this book blew me away. The characters are very well developed and I felt like I knew them personally. The main focus is on Comfort and Anniston who are related but have experienced very different lives. The secondary characters tested my patience but in the end I really enjoyed what each person brought to the story line. I don't want to give anything away but this story is based off the story of Tamar in the Bible who is raped by her brother. This book does not shy away from the realities of rape, death, and hardship.
How Sweet the Sound is on my favorite shelf and I give it five plus stars.
If you are looking for a book with deeper meaning and strong characters this is the book for you!
"I received this book from CFBA for free in exchange for an honest review."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
An Indianapolis native and graduate of DePauw University, Amy lives with her husband, three boys and a gaggle of golden retrievers in central Indiana. After writing and editing for her college newspaper, she combined a nursing degree with journalism and creative writing, which led to publishing and editing a wide array of medical and nursing writing and multimedia projects over the past 21 years, a position as director of communications of her church’s children’s ministry, as well as a weekly column for a local newspaper which ran from 2009-2012. She has been a two-time semi-finalist for the ACFW Genesis awards, and was the winner of the 2011 Women of Faith writing contest.
When she’s not reading or writing, Amy loves spending time with her three sons; spicy lunches and art gallery walks with her husband; digging in her garden sans gloves; walking her dogs; up-cycling old furniture and junk; photography; and friends.
