Welcome to the next stop on the Litfuse Publicity Group Blog Tour for Lucy Come Home written by Dave and Neta Jackson.
This book was sent to me free of cost by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Title: Lucy Come Home
Author: Dave and Neta Jackson
Published: 2012 Castle Rock Creative
Genre: Christian Fiction
Pages: 416
Source: Publisher
Description from book cover:
Fifteen-year-old Cindy worked long days beside her migrant worker family in Michigan's sugar beet fields in the early 1940s -- the "war years" -- until she met a dashing young man from a traveling carnival, bringing some joy and fun into her hard-scrabble life. But a tragic twist of fate -- and a dead field boss-- sent the two young people on the run, leaving behind family and everything she'd ever known.
Lucy Tucker, the crotchety old bag lady from the popular Yada Yada House of Hope series, is a veteran of Chicago streets and not about to give up her independence, even as she approaches her 80th birthday.
Until, that is, a young displaced woman with her gentle aging mother and a dog named Dandy seem to need her -- unsettling the secretive Lucy, who doesn't let anyone get too close. But just when it seems her past is catching up with her to bring her in out of the cold... Lucy disappears again. How these two tales intersect and intertwine between past and present gradually shines light into the dark corners of Lucy's murky past. But...why won't Lucy come home?
Lucy Tucker, the crotchety old bag lady from the popular Yada Yada House of Hope series, is a veteran of Chicago streets and not about to give up her independence, even as she approaches her 80th birthday.
Until, that is, a young displaced woman with her gentle aging mother and a dog named Dandy seem to need her -- unsettling the secretive Lucy, who doesn't let anyone get too close. But just when it seems her past is catching up with her to bring her in out of the cold... Lucy disappears again. How these two tales intersect and intertwine between past and present gradually shines light into the dark corners of Lucy's murky past. But...why won't Lucy come home?
My thoughts:
I would recommend this to readers who enjoy clean and uncomplicated stories. Christian fiction is not a genre that I typically read, but I wanted to try this one because I loved the story idea and wanted to learn just how this feisty yet kind eighty-year old homeless Lucinda had arrived at this point in her life. The book alternates between present day and Lucy's childhood/early adult years in the 1940's dust bowl era, as her own meaning of faith is evolving with life experience. I also found the carnival setting intriguing, back in the day when America was at war and families struggled to get by. Lending charm to the story, was Lucy's Arkansas family members southern accents and phraseology.
Favorite Quotes:
"Dust swirled through the open windows of the ancient car--a beauty in its day, but now held together by little more than baling wire and a prayer. A fine layer of grit settled into the ears, eyes, and hair of the family of nine--five children packed into the backseat, plus two more up front between their weary parents, with most of their worldly possessions strapped to the top, back, and running boards of the old jalopy."
"If his dad noticed, he'd be madder'n a bee with its stinger in backward."
"Cindy stared at the creature in amazement, a smile spreading across her thin face. But when she didn't deliver another treat, the dog sprang straight up into the air and did a backward sommersault, landing on its feet, head cocked, ear aflop, and mouth hanging open...expecting. 'Wonkers! You some kinda trick dog, that's for sure! Okay, here!' She tossed him another bite, which was gone in a snap."
"Banana! How had Ma squirreled away a couple of bananas while they traveled in that hot old car from the blueberry fields? But she'd done it. Ma always seemed to find a way to add special touches to their family life, even when they had nothing. Her singing and Bible reading and little traditions--like her special banana cake for every birthday--helped keep the family together."
"Far as I was concerned, it's one of those things best put outta your mind. And I got quite a few of those, though they always seem to come back to haunt me whether I want 'em to or not."
"...Jeb Bodeen pulled Bo off the carousel and gave him his big chance to operate the Ridee-O. He coached Bo what he'd learned about using the clutch to give the ride a smooth start and then how to pop it in and out to jerk the riders around a little. 'They love it, and this is one ride that'll shake some change out of their pockets, so check underneath after you close down. That's money we don't have to report to the Chief."
Dave and Neta Jackson are award-winning authors living in the Chicago area where their parallel novels from the Yada Yada House of Hope and Harry Bentley series are set. As a husband/wife writing team, Dave and Neta Jackson are enthusiastic about books, kids, walking with God, gospel music, and each other! Together they are the authors or coauthors of over 100 books.
Visit http://www.daveneta.com
for more info.
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