What a heart-wrenching story! I had heard of Georgia Tann before, but did not realize the degree of misery she inflicted. As a mom I found this a hard book to read, but Lisa did a great job.

I hadn't heard of Lisa Wingate and not really being familiar with historical novels, I did my research. The synopsis states that this novel is "based on one of America’s most notorious real-life scandals—in which Georgia Tann, director of a Memphis-based adoption organization, kidnapped and sold poor children to wealthy families all over the country". I knew of the Orphan Trains, but that little gem escaped me.

Once I started reading 'Before We Were Yours' I could not set it down. Fascinating, enthralling, mesmerizing and so very sad at times. Sometimes, I just can't believe some of the things we humans do to each other in the name of greed. I don't cry easily, I can count one hand the number of times a book has brought tears to my eyes. This is one that did. Poignant and powerful story and mind blowing. Very impactful and very well written. Wingate has a true gift for reporting/story telling.

I encourage sharing this book, it's beyond compelling.

Thanks to Lisa Wingate and Random House for a free Advance Reader's Edition for my review.

Have you ever had a novel hangover? Where you feel like you just can’t move on to another novel? Where you wonder what happens to the characters after you’ve finished the last page? Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate was this for me. I loved this book!

As I read about the life Rill, her siblings, Queenie and Briny lived my heart went out to them. I could visualize the shanty they lived on, and their surroundings. Lisa Wingate writes in such a way that you find yourself right there on the river bank with them, locked in the basement of the orphanage with them, and then the mansions too.

The fast-moving plot ranges from magical to evil, and then lovely. It is sad to say that many of the orphans that went to the Tennessee Children’s Home did not have the same results as little orphan Annie. I read this whole book before realizing that it was partially a true story. Georgia Tann was real, and real children were kidnapped and then basically sold to the highest bidder.

This novel would make a great Hallmark movie! It has a little bit of everything… family secrets, a touch of romance, hope and a mystery.

This novel will be released June 6, 2017, so put this title on your to be read (TBR) list. I will remind you when it is available. But while you wait, you should also check out Lisa Wingate’s book, The Prayer Box.

Thanks go out to Netgalley and publisher for providing me with a copy of this title in exchange for my honest opinion.

Every once in a great while a book you are reading captivates you so much that you just can’t put it down, and it reaches in and touches your heart and changes this way you look at the world. “Before We Were Yours” is one of those books for me…I have just finished reading it, and I am haunted. As a mother, a sister, and a daughter I was able to feel this story on so many levels. If you are thinking about picking up this book and reading it, DO IT - I am so glad I did!

I don’t want to share a lot of details, because the beauty of it lies in the gradual unfolding of the story. This perspective alternates between Avery Stafford’s in the present day and Rill Foss’s from the past. Avery’s life is filled with family expectations and politics, nieces and nephews she dearly loves, and a fiancé with whom she has yet to finalize wedding plans. Avery gives you a much-needed break from the emotionally charged story from the past. Rill’s family is the polar opposite of Avery’s and the lives they lead are so different, but from the beginning you know they intersect at some point in time, and when they do it is in a way that mirrors the way life is; not everything can be tied up neatly.

Before reading this book I had never heard of Georgia Tann and the Tennessee Children’s Home Society, and if you have not, I recommend NOT looking them up before reading this book – let this book introduce you to them and look it up online later.

Georgia Tann and her Memphis Tennessee Children’s Home Society are another one of those dark spots in our country's history. From the 1920's until 1950, Miss Tann's endeavors were seen as the pinnacle of caring and compassionate orphan care. What was really happening is beyond comprehension. Destitute women, still under sedation from giving birth, were tricked into signing away their children. Whole families of siblings were virtually kidnapped because their parents were poor and powerless. Lies were told to adoptive families, abuse abounded within the homes that housed the "orphans," nonthriving babies were allowed to die without care. The cutest kids, the ones with curly blonde hair and blue eyes (think Shirley Temple look-alikes) were sent to powerful political and Hollywood families at a premium price. When Tann's dark secrets were finally revealed, no formal charges were pursued. She was only days from a cancer death, and her secrets meant that others who conspired with her (hospitals, police, and politicians) and wealthy clients who simply did not ask questions would also be revealed. I hope that someone writes a nonfiction expose about Tann and her wicked world (I don't think anyone has yet), but until then I strongly recommend Lisa Wingate's sensitive fictional novel telling how Rill and her river rat siblings are kidnapped while their parents are absent from the houseboat they call home. The oldest, Rill, remains determined to flee the "home" they are taken to, but she knows she must stay close to the little ones and protect them the best she can. Soon she realizes that lies and abuse are rampant at the Tann home, and that she cannot believe anything she is told about her parents.

Rill's story is alternately told alternately with a contemporary story about Avery, a prominent lawyer who is being groomed to someday take her father's seat in the Senate. During a press opportunity at a nursing home, Avery captures the attention of an elderly woman, May, who mistakes Avery for the woman's sister Fern. Not content to brush off the woman's distress, Avery visits her again, and that visit begins a quest to learn more about her own grandmother, a woman now locked away in the dementia's cruel prison.

BEFORE WE WERE YOURS is a powerful stories of forgotten pasts, fabricated lives, chosen paths, secrets held, and family ties that will not die. Be prepared to be drawn into this book; once I started I did not want to quit reading. Last night, with 150 pages left, I put aside all thoughts of sleep until I knew what happened to Rill and why May felt a connection to Avery. Wingate is a masterful storyteller; she creates a perfect 12 year old Rill, old enough to be apprehensive of what is happening around her, but still childlike enough to have limited understanding of the greed and evil that has taken over her life. Wingate then chooses to make modern tale story quiet, while revealing. There is plenty of tension and suspense in the secret story that Avery discovers; I like that Wingate chooses to have this discovery happen in a quiet, steady way -- no car chases, clandestine meetings, or suspicious people following her every move -- just a determined woman's to find some answers. I received an ARC copy from Netgalley. All opinions are mine NOTE: I have submitted a review to Christian Books website and it is waiting for approval. I tried to post to Amazon but they are not accepting reviews until publication date. I will try again.

A truly heartbreaking and and at the same time a loving book based on true events. This book first and foremost is about family and the love you have for your family. This book has dual story lines and in the past Rill is the main character and in the present it's Avery. I loved Rill and her courage, her love for her sisters and brother, and her amazing strength. Avery is a lawyer and is being groomed to take over her Dad's senate seat and she would do anything for her family. She has a deep love for them. This is a story of hope, family, and love. This is a book that will stay with you for a long time. I loved the characters and the descriptions of the scenery make you feel like you are right there with them. Thank you so much to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.

A beautifully written, informative book about a fictitious family and real events that occurred as a result of the children being taken by the Tennessee Children's Home Society, a society that existed between 1920 and 1950. The story is based on truths of the atrocities that children in this society's care were subjected to and the long-term implications that occurred as a result. The story is so beautifully told that it encompasses the reader and even now, a week later, it still haunts me. It was hard to put the book down, even after I completed reading all the author had written. I wanted to know more. I shared the fear and suffering these children and their families experienced at the hands of those who manipulated their families and changed the course of their futures. At first, I plunged forward in hopes of good changes and then to find out the connection to the elderly adults whose story lines were woven throughout the book.

This was my first Lisa Wingate novel and I hope it won't be my last. I received this ARC from NetGalley and Ballantine Books in exchange for an unbiased review.

Thank you Random house Publishing and Netgalley for this ARC!
I am new to this author, but absolutely loved this book - one of my favorite reads so far this year!! I love books that go back and forth in time, connecting the past to the present. Many other reviewers say it is similar to Orphan train, and I will agree with that.
This story is based on true events that happened from the 1920's- 1950's & revolves around 2 sisters lives... First with their biological family, living like gypsies on the river and second when they were abruptly taken away to the Tennessee Children's home.
What a powerful story that truly captivated me. I felt the characters fear and anguish!! At times I was so angry with what was happening to those children, who many times had parents who wanted them- but were either tricked or too poor and didn't have the resources to get them back.
I found this book to be both heart-wrenching and uplifting and in the end, the power of sisterhood prevails and leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy! Highly recommend.

One of my new favorites! I LOVE Lisa Wingate, but this may be her best novel yet.

Another deeply moving novel by one of the best. This book brings to life a tragic time that really happened. I had never heard of kids from poorer families getting kidnapped and being adopted out to the wealthy but it was awful! With engaging characters and moving dialogue this book was an excellent, albeit very sad read.

This book is hard to put down. Read it in one day. You get totally involved in the lives of the children in this story. About what went on with buying children and stealing them from the poor so that childless rich people could have children.

I have always been a fan of Lisa Wingate’s books. This book was based on events so appalling that it feels inappropriate to say I “loved” Before We were Yours. But this was written in the same quality expected from Lisa Wingate books and I am glad I had the opportunity to read it.

The novel is centered on Georgia Tann and her Memphis Tennessee Children’s Home. It is about children wrenched from their homes and sold to the highest bidders. Before We were Yours was written in the first person. While I tend to avoid this style of writing, it was appropriate. It added so much intensity and emotion to read this story through the eyes of a twelve year old girl who lived this horrific nightmare. I found myself unable to put Before we were Yours down until the last page was turned. While the characters were made up, their stories were not. This was not an easy book to read and filled with emotion.

Before We were Yours alternates between the past and the present. It is full of secrets and lies that leave the reader uncertain how the story will end. And it demands answers that may or may not be there. Kleenex is a requirement when reading this book. I received a copy of Before We Were Yours in exchange for my honest review

Lisa Wingate has been my favorite author for some time. She writes stories with heart and creates characters with such depth that I feel their absence when I’ve turned the last page. It seems like each new book of hers becomes a favorite.

I finished Before We Were Yours yesterday, and I’m already in serious withdrawal. If there isn’t a sequel planned for this book, I’ll be willing to get on my knees and beg for one to make it happen. I’ve grown so attached to these characters. I want them back!

Ms. Wingate does a superb job of melding dual time periods, dual stories, into one cohesive book. I love both the present day story and the one that is drawn from the past. As in all her books, I’m mostly pulled into the characters of the past, as in this story, drawn into the mind of young Rill Foss.

Rill, her siblings, and parents have seared permanent memories in my heart. They have few worldly possessions, but carry immeasurable love in their souls. I laughed with them, feared for them, and cried over their hardships. I was drawn in even deeper to their stories by knowing that many elements mirrored true-life events. I became Rill, saw the world through her young eyes, cried her tears, and dreamed her dreams.

The present-day main character, Avery Stafford, has a heart of gold. She’s empathetic, curious, and willing to follow unknown paths to find the truth, even if the truth could change her life, and the life of others, forever.

Beautiful babies, ugly babies; brilliant babies, dull babies; healthy babies, sick, handicapped babies; babies with blue eyes, brown eyes, black eyes; with golden hair, black hair, curly-locked and straight; babies thin and babies fat; babies three days old, three months or years old, and all the way stations in between; babies with full family histories and babies with no family history; without age, name or birth certificate, unknown waifs tossed into alleyways or dumped into garbage cans… Baby girls are more feminine, alluring; they are grand little self-advertisers and they know instinctively how to strut their stuff…Women and strong men grow mad, become besotted with adoration and want to kidnap them on the spot. ~From the article “The Baby Market” The Saturday Evening Post, February 1930

It’s so difficult for me to pick a favorite book. I love books for many different reasons. The Little House, Trixie Belden, and Nancy Drew series gave me a fun sense of adventure. To Kill a Mockingbird made me see the world as it was, rather than the way I wished it to be. Gone With the Wind provided an escape through some tough times in my life…

Before We Were Yours caused every nerve ending in my body to prickle, and gave my soul the major f-e-e-l-s. With vivid scenes, remarkable characters, a momentous historical scandal, and lessons of faith, family, friendship, and freedom, this book tops my list of the most memorable, heart-searing books I’ve read. I can’t imagine anything topping it.

5 Huge Stars!


Cover: Love
Title: Love
Pages: 352
Publisher: Ballantine Books
ISBN: 978-0425284681
I received a complimentary copy.

This was an intriguing book based upon dark Tennessee history. The children stole my heart.

I am a true fan of Ms Wingate. Her stories are so genuinely written. I haven't found a book yet that I didn't love and this was no exception If you have a free afternoon do yourself a favor and read this book. You will not be disappointed

Before We Were Yours is a good book that was inspired by a true story. The plot is unique and refreshing. I had no idea about the history of orphanages, particularly the Tennessee Children's Home Society. So heartbreaking and sad what the children went through during those times.
I would give this book 4 1/2 stars and recommend it.
Please note that within these pages of this book, there are scenes of child abuse. Some sensitive readers should use caution when deciding to read this story.
I received this book from NetGalley, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

I've never read anything written by this author before but I did have the pleasure of hearing Lisa Wingate discuss this book recently. When she spoke of the background history of this novel, I was absolutely horrified to hear that these events actually happened. Her fictionalized story chronicles the abuse that took place within the Tennessee Children's Homes. Told in in both historical and contemporary time periods, we have the story of the Foss children who were put into the foster system. An absolutely amazing story that is all the more heartbreaking because it is based on real events. In fact it makes me wonder, just how far the corruption and depravity of Georgia Tann went and whether anyone will ever know the true extent of her crimes. Incredible work of historical fiction that would be perfect for your next book club read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.

A well-written story based on tragic real life events, this heart-wrenching novel left me in a book hangover for days. The author takes you to the edge, then puts just enough hope in to keep the reader from despair. A story that needed to be told, with implications for generations. I really liked the present day end of the tale, with the added romance and intertwining of the two main stories.
Recommend to readers who like southern fiction with difficult subjects, like poverty, child abuse, human trafficking, political corruption, and alcoholism.
4.5 stars