When Silly’s family home burns down she find herself without and home…and a family. Her mom runs off to Cleveland with her siblings and everyone else is left to fend for themselves. Silly has to pay the Goetz’s one dollar a week to stay with them even though Mr Goetz isn’t fond on the idea at first.

I really enjoyed this story and the character development throughout the book. The characters really formed a bond through tough times and you could feel the fondness they had for each other by the end.

I loved this Depression-era story. There is heartbreak, healing, mysterious events, 4-H clubs, and so much more. I did not want to put this book down. The story is told in such a heartfelt manner right from the first page.

I haven’t read many books set in the Great Depression but this lived up to my expectations. I loved getting different perspectives, one being from a child. The characters don’t always make the best decisions but they all grew on me. I loved Silly’s determination and the lessons she learned on her own and with Edna. Every character had an obstacle to overcome and the growth was great. I loved the direction the plot took and it kept me interested til the end.

Thank you @charlottewhitney65 @suzyapprovedbooktours @netgalley and the publisher for the gifted copy.

A very enduring story. This one captures a human's ability to learn how to give. How to be kind in the face of hardships. To be compassionate even when they fight it wthl all they have. To grow in ways they didn't think possible.

This is the story of two high school girls who were left by their parents to do the best they can. I know the synopsis sets this one about one girl but it's about two actually. Sisters. The parents abandoned them after their house burned down. Their father took off to unknown places. Their mother too the two youngest, both boys, and told her oldest daughter that her and her young sister, Silly, would have to figure out a way to get by. A way to survive. Her two other daughters, twins, were left with an aunt.

The youngest girl, Silstice Trayson, has always had it kind of hard. Being a middle child she was basically ignored by her parents. The parents both had problems with caring about their children. Their dad was abusive and drank. Their mother would hide in her bedroom if she was needed for anything concerning her children. She was about as useless as a mother can be.

After the house fire Edna Goetz, the 4-H leader for girls in the area, wanted to take Silstice in and care for her. Her husband Vernon said a flat out no. He was not going to have it. He let her stay a night or two but then she had to get out. It was freezing cold but he didn't care. She was a thirteen year old child but he didn't care. Vernon was a bit on the stingy side and thought men superior to women. He was in charge of everything and barely allowed his wife money for things they needed to get by.

Edna was able to help Silstice though. Unbeknownst to her husband she had a little money she gave Silly so she could in turn give it to Vernon for room and board. Of course he snapped that right up.

A lot goes on in this story and it was very well told. Very well written with the exception of some things being overtold. The prostitution ring parts for example. A couple of mentions would have been enough to get you where you needed to be before Vernon started helping. But it seemed to come every chapter if not sooner. Mentions from the sheriff that they were there but moved so they could not find them to take them out. Little young girls were kidnapped and sold into prostitution. Young boys too.

Silly and her sister Alberta were both doing all they could to keep a roof over their heads while worrying about their siblings. You get a good feel for what is going on with their brothers but not much about their sisters. A little bit though. These kids have been through so much and even the so called christians didn't offer any help. After all they were the trashy Traysons. I'll never understand how people claim to be christians and still turn their backs on children. But it happened then and it happens now...

This book takes you through quite a few things but it's very easy to follow. It's told from Sciltise, Edna and Vernon's POVs. Through a lot of ups and downs. I have to admit that Vernon did finally grow on me. The ending was great and shows you how much you better appreciate the people in your life before they leave you. Don't take them for granted. Don't treat people bad. Be kind...

Thank you #SheWritesPress, #NetGalley, for this ARC.

In 1934 rural Michigan, during the Great Depression, thirteen-year-old Silstice (nickname "Silly") Trayson finds herself homeless, abandoned by her parents after a devastating house fire. Nearby, aging midwestern farmers Edna and Vernon Goetz are pillars of the community, but when do-gooder Edna takes up Silstice’s cause, Vernon digs in his heels, displaying his true nature as an ornery curmudgeon. Narrated by Silstice, Vernon, and Edna, "A Tiny Piece of Blue" sets the customs and traditions of rural Michigan against a backdrop of thievery, bribery, and child-trafficking.

I was immersed in this story from the beginning and I loved the main characters, even curmudgeonly Vernon by the last half of the book. I really don't know how to describe the writing - it's almost YA but with appeal to an adult audience. Some of the passages are simple and uncomplicated and yet resonated deeply with me. Heartbreaking? Yes. Heartwarming? Also yes. This was such a tough time in history but with people like Silstice, Alberta, Edna, Vernon and others in the mix it gives the reader hope for the future of these characters. And how about that eye-catching cover?!

I wish to thank the author, Charlotte Whitney, for reaching out to ask if I'd be interested in reading this novel - definitely yes! I'd also like to thank Caitlin Hamilton Marketing for She Writes Press, via Netgalley, for offering me access to the ARC of the novel. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: February 18, 2025

If only there were more Edna’s in this world! Charlotte Whitney transports us back in time to a rural farm community during the depression. Silstice, a young girl growing up as one of the Trashy Traysons, is struggling with life in her family and has joined a 4-H group that a local farmers wife runs. Edna's heart goes out to Silstice and when a devastating event occurs, she takes her in, despite her husband’s repeated demands that she leave. Charlotte Whitney weaves in the overwhelming hardships on rural America during the depression with the determination of both Edna and Silstice to rise above the challenges Silstice faces.
I had never thought about the role of trafficking young children during this time frame and was so disheartened to think of the poor innocent children faced with extreme poverty also having to deal with that.
Silstice was such an incredible young woman in spite of her parent’s lack of involvement. Her love for her siblings was so endearing. Edna’s kindness and strength were pivotal in making a difference in the lives of young girls, particularly Silstice.
So loved Vernon’s gradual acceptance of Silstice and her family. So very heartwarming.
Many many thanks to Charlotte Whitney, She Writes Press, and NetGalley for providing me with an arc of this engrossing read, published on February 18th.

This is my second Dust Bowl/Great Depression era book this month, and they are both high on the 'book of the year' list for me.

This is the story of people and survival. Edna and Vernon Goetz are a childless couple who run the 4-H program in a small rural community. Solstice (Silly) is the youngest of her family and soon becomes homeless when her home is destroyed by fire and her family scatters. Edna takes in Silly, much to Vernon's chagrin, promising it's only 4 weeks.

Stories of child trafficking, forced labor, and prostitution reach the community, and Silly and her sister, Alberta, worry about their younger siblings. They naively plot out their future, but obstacles slow their way. The girls continue to work to bring back their family.

Charlotte Whitney has written a lovely book about family, community, and resistance.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review.

"A Tiny Piece of Blue" opens at the end of the summer of 1934 in Calhoun County, Michigan. At the height of the Great Depression, thirteen-year-old Silstice "Silly" Trayson is about to start high school as a social outcast with a difficult family life. With a runaway father and a neglectful mother, Silstice's only friend is her older sister Alberta, Their family has next to nothing even for Great Depression standards, and they are treated like trash by the neighbors in their rural community. The one exception is kind-hearted Edna Goetz, a farmer's wife with no children of her own who mentors girls through the 4-H program. When a house fire tears Silstice's family apart and her mother abandons her to fend for herself, Edna takes the girl in despite the protests of her husband Vernon.

Told from three points of view - young Silstice, Edna Goetz and Vernon Goetz - a tug-of-war between Edna and Vernon unfolds, with her fighting to keep Silstice homed and fed, and Vernon insisting that they cannot afford to be kind to others in times when they barely have enough for themselves. Tension mounts as marital secrets rise to the surface, and in the midst of it all is Silstice, forced to grow up faster than any child should, and develop a resourcefulness and resilience beyond her years - but will it be enough to melt Vernon's heart and secure her future? Adding to the plot is a rumored child-trafficking ring operating in the quiet community, which adds an element of mystery and makes the circumstances even more dire for the characters, with another danger that lurks in the shadows.

The richness and complexity of the characters truly stand out in the desperate situations they have to go through. The way Silstice's loneliness and abandonment are portrayed is so gut-wrenchingly real, her desperation is palpable through the pages. The stark contrast between Alberta's dreams of moving to New York to become rich and the horrifying reality of her situation is heartbreaking. The sisterly love between Silstice and Alberta is beautiful, and the scenes between them are especially tender, whether they're sharing a sandwich they snuck or discussing their escape to a better life. Edna is such a light, with her selflessness and hopefulness, but is never portrayed one-dimensionally and instead given her own demons to fight. It's beautiful to have her voice through the entire novel as a guiding light, the voice of hope. Vernon's character arc is such an emotional journey as personal tragedy forces him to reconsider things in his life he took for granted and assumes the role of a hero and protector.

As always with Charlotte Whitney's novels, there is so much to learn about life in rural Michigan, as historical details are seamlessly woven into the narrative to flesh the story out. The element of crime and mystery makes for a winning combination, but this time it's done differently than in "The Unveiling of Polly Forrest", with the interpersonal and psychological drama taking center stage and different kinds of conflicts being explored. There is also the motif of women doing what is typically considered a man's work, with characters challenging the status quo and breaking the mold in amazing ways for the age they live in.

"A Tiny Piece of Blue" is a beautiful story about hope and redemption against seemingly impossible odds. With strong themes of found family, resilience and justice, at times shocking and uncomfortable, it is ultimately heartwarming and profound as the characters grow and change and make the best out of their harsh reality.

This beautifully written novel takes place in rural Michigan during the Depression. Everyone is struggling to survive especially in rural areas and this story is about a young girl who is without options after her father leaves the family and a fire destroys her home. After the fire thirteen year old Silstice is told by her mother that she's on her own. With few friends and no family, she is facing a desperate life. When she goes to a 4H class taught by a local farm wife, Edna feels the need to help her. Her husband Vernon is totally opposed to helping anyone because they are in debt and may lose their farm. He feels that they can't afford to feed anyone else and forbids his wife from helping the young girl. Edna can manage her husband and works out a temporary plan for Silstice to live with them. The story is told in alternating chapters by Silstice, Edna and Vernon and gives a clear look at what life was like for people when there was no money and minimal food during the Depression. To make matters worse, there was a group of kidnappers in the area who were exploiting children by either putting them to work in factories or making them participate in prostitution.

Silstice is so well written that the reader can feel her pain. She's only 13 but is forced out of her home after the fire. She does have an older sister and they are very close but Alberta is able to stay with a friend in town and even though she worries about her sister, there is nothing she can do to help. Silstice goes to a 4H meeting to try to learn how to make a dress. She is shy around the young girls at the meeting but she has big plans for her future and with the help and encouragement of Edna, she begins to come out of her shell. Despite her upbringing, she is a hard worker and soon takes over much of the work in the house and with the animals. Edna is a happy woman who enjoys reading her Bible and writing poetry. She feels that she needs to help Silstice out of her dead end life and to help her become successful. Vernon is a negative guy no matter what is going on. He loves his wife and gives in just a little bit about Silstice staying with them. He put a time limit on how much time she could spend with them and was adamant that once the time was up, he would turn her out on the streets to make her own way. The three of them are all characters that I won't soon forget.

A Tiny Piece of Blue is a emotional story and your heart goes out to Silstice who is trying so hard and keeps hitting major snags in her plans for the future. The author did a lot of research about what life was like in this rural area of Michigan during the Depression. This is a story about hunger and despair, the importance of helping other survive and thrive. The characters were beautifully written and while there may be tears as you read it, the final message is one of family hope and love not by family joined by blood but the family created of the people you love and want to take care of. The title of the book represents a small glimmer of hope in the midst of a challenging situation.

Charlotte Whitney is a new author for me but based on how much I enjoyed this book, I've just ordered several of her older books.

I would like to start off this review by thanking Caitlin Hamilton Marketing & Publicity for She Writes Press and author Charlotte Whitney for allowing me to read this novel, A Tiny Piece of Blue, via #netgalley. All opinions following are my own.

This historical fiction novel follows two sisters, Alberta and Silstice Trayson, through the eyes of Silstice after they are left homeless and destitute at seventeen and thirteen years old, respectively, in the throes of the Great Depression.

After her family's house burns down completely, Silstice is abandoned by both her parents. Alberta is able to stay with her best friend's family, but Silstice has no one to call a friend. Luckily, Edna Goetz, her new 4-H Club Leader, takes her in, much to the chagrin of her miserly husband, Vernon. Once this happens, the book is told through the eyes of three different narrators: Silstice, Edna, and Vernon.

While Silstice is worrying about where she will go when Vernon inevitably kicks her out because she can no longer pay him rent, their seemingly quiet town in Michigan is going through its own crisis as a child trafficking ring is discovered and must be brought down.

When Silstice and Alberta's young brothers become victims of the child trafficking ring, they'll work together with the unlikeliest of allies to save them.

This book was good. It was a fast read. I don't have any complaints. I'm just not sure the story will necessarily stick with me. I ultimately gave it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, though, because it caused me to reflect, and I would recommend it to others who enjoy historical fiction novels.

#brenbreathesbooks #brenreviewsbooks #netgalleyreviewer #ARC #historicalfiction #atinypieceofblue #charlottewhitney #comingsoon #februaryreads #goodreadschallenge #bookish #booksofinstagram #bookstagramcommunity #bookcommunity #bookworm #booknerd #reader #readerlife #shewritespress #4starreads

I loved this historical fiction story of a young girl living in the 1930’s and the heartbreaking events that shaped her life. I think this book would make a great addition to our middle school library. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this advanced reader’s copy.

A TINY PIECE OF BLUE by Charlotte Whitney

This is a remarkable coming of age story set during the Depression Era in rural Michigan.

Thirteen year old, Silstice “Silly” Trayson, has been split up from her five siblings and abandoned by her mother after their home burns down. Silstice is taken in by Edna Goetz her 4H teacher and her cranky husband, Vernon. As Silstice “earns her keep” by helping the couple out, she discovers a love for a life she didn’t think she could have.

I loved the rotating POVs of the three main characters. In fact, these characters were so richly crafted with fully developed arcs that were believable and compelling.

This would be a good candidate for a book club selection. It deals with topics (poverty, sexism, prejudice, resilience and perseverance) that would generate lively discussions.

Recommend if you’re in need of something heartwarming, but not sappy.

Rating: 4/5 ⭐️

Pub Date: 02.18.25

**ARC courtesy of Netgalley & SheWritesPress

I really enjoyed A Tiny Piece of Blue. Silstice (whose mother misspelled "Solstice" when she named her) is the 4th of 6 children of an abusive father and depressed, neglectful mother. Silstice starts spending time with her 4-H leader and the woman's grumpy, selfish husband. As things take a turn, she ends up living there (paying $1/week). Her sister is living w/ another family nearby, so Silstice and her sister meet up regularly to figure out ways to improve their lives. There are many ups and downs over the year or so the book covers. Overall I liked it, but there was no conclusion to the twins born in between Silstice and her oldest sister. It would be nice to know what happened to them. Also, regarding the raid at the end of the book, what happened to the kids who were there? Definitely some plot holes.

I do think whoever writes the blurbs for Goodreads, Amazon, etc., didn't read the book. This sentence, "Silstice and her two spirited young brothers soon find themselves in the sights of a ring of kidnappers that’s exploiting local children into forced labor—and worse." is not something that happens until the very end of the book. I also feel like the blurb shouldn't give away that there's a heartwarming ending.

Thank you to NetGalley for this free copy in exchange of an honest review. This book is promoted for readers of Kristin Hannah and Lisa Wingate and that absolutely rings true. This book written about children of The Great Depression of 1934 is both hopeful and heartbreaking. There were some new elements that I was unfamiliar with that clearly demonstrate just how vulnerable children are and how important our safety nets are too. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it.

Set in rural Michigan in Calhoun County during the Great Depression, Charlotte Whitney’s latest historical fiction novel, A Tiny Piece of Blue, is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching. It pulls on the emotions and quickly has readers hoping for a positive outcome. Thirteen-year-old Silstice Trayson finds herself homeless and abandoned by her parents after a fire destroyed their home.

Farmers Edna and Vernon Goetz are active in the community and Silstice is one of the girls in Edna’s 4-H sewing class. She takes up Silstice’s cause, much to the dismay and distain of Vernon. Poverty and hunger are widespread and many are losing their farms through foreclosures. Criminal activity has picked in the surrounding area, including child trafficking, forced labor, and worse. At the same time, Vernon realizes he is at risk of losing everything.

The story is narrated by three individuals, Silstice, Edna, and Vernon. Silstice is tentative, shy, lacks self-confidence, a planner, and wants to learn. She has been ignored at home by everyone except her seventeen-year-old sister Alberta. Edna is patient, kind-hearted, writes original poetry and favorite religious quotes in a notebook, and has a calmness about her. Vernon is contentious, stubborn, easily agitated, and leader of the county-wide 4-H Beef Club. He prefers working with animals, not people, and tends to be frugal.

The author does a great job of painting a picture of the lives of the three main characters as well as the surrounding community. The characterization is excellent with multiple transformations, including an exploration of the roles of women and men. Ms. Whitney obviously did a lot of research to ensure historical accuracy for the time-period. This story has a mystery as well as criminals, struggles for survival, and is suspenseful. It also pulls on the emotions and is a story that will linger in my mind. Themes include despair, theft, poverty, hunger, crowded conditions, kidnapping, bribery, secrets, family, found family, friendship, survival, community, hope, and redemption.

Overall, this engrossing, emotion-pulling novel is excellent and the best one I have read by this author. I loved it and I’m looking forward to reading my next intense novel by her. I recommend it to those who enjoy historical fiction that pulls on the heart strings.

Caitlin Hamilton Marketing & Publicity, for She Writes Press and Charlotte Whitney provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for February 18, 2025.

Set in Michigan during the Depression. A family with 6 children split up and the 2 oldest have to find their own place to stay. Alberta and Silly work hard to survive and make a better life for themselves. Silly finds a way to stay with farmer Vernon and wife Edna.. Alberta stays with a friend. County fair, 4H, child trafficking, poverty, etc are part of the story.
Beautiful ending. Story told from Silly, Vernon, and Edna’s view. Excellent.

The story is told through three perspectives in a small town in Michigan in the 1930s. Silly is left to fend for herself at the age of 13 and ends up as a farmhand for Edna and Vernon Goetz. At first, the characters seemed predictable, although I still enjoyed reading about their daily lives. However, as the story progressed with these three main characters, their unique qualities shone through every page. By the end of the book, I was in tears as I realized there is a common bond in all of us of wanting a safe space, and sometimes that involves building your community. This book is perfect for historical fiction fans, coming-of-age story fans, and anyone who enjoys multiple main characters.

Thank you to She Writes Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

1934 Calhoun County, Michigan. The depression was slowly affecting everyone. Some still had their farms, but many had lost that as well. Some families never had much to start with. Pa was gone and Ma was emotionally unavailable. Then a fire came and took what little they had, leaving Silstice and Alberta to fend for themselves. The rest were farmed out between relatives. 4H became the saving grace for Silstice and eventually Alberta as well.

This is a story of survival and holding on to hope that life would improve. Add a little intrigue and even some human trafficking and you have a story you will not put aside until you know the young ladies will be ok.

A copy was received through NetGalley. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.

I loved this story! It’s told in the voices of the characters and this format is one I like and it was easy to follow.
A story of heartbreak, compassion and fear, all wrapped up with good storytelling and love.

Charlotte Whitney has quickly become a favourite author of mine and I actively sort out "A Tiny Piece of Blue" to devour.
Charlotte grew up hearing stories of depression times and coupled with her indepth research (in this case such resources as farming almanacs and county fair documents were used), a truely accurate picture is painted of deprivation, hunger and despair in the rural Calhoun County, Michigan.
The title alludes to their being a tiny patch of hope in a dark time. And Silstice "Silly" Trayson needs it! A poor rural family, tragic house fire and disfunctional parents, leave Silly looking for a new safe place. An angel by the name of Edna Goetz sees the potential in Silly, and ignoring labels such as Trashy Trayson, and her husbands harsh words, Edna finds a way to support Silly. Her husband, Vernon Goetz's journey of self discovery from an "ornery curmudgeon" is a hard one, but he proves that an example set, can be followed, with mercy and ultimately love.
In the background Silly's siblings were not doing so well. Child trafficking was rife during the Great Depression. Families weren't able to support all their children.....sometimes even sold them! Resources to solve such crime was also limited.
Narrated by Silstice, Vernon, and Edna, "A Tiny Piece of Blue" follows the day to day life of rural Michigan but is interspersed by high drama as villains target our characters in many ways, creating a suspenseful aspect that kept me coming back for more and falling in love with Silly Girl and Vernon also.
Silly's willingness for hardwork and inquisitive nature leads me to believe she will become the farmer she hopes to be, in proof that hope and redemption do play out to those with resilience.
Thanks to NetGalley, Charlotte Whitney and Caitlin Hamilton Marketing & Publicity, for She Writes Press | She Writes Press for my copy. I cannot wait for Charlotte's next book (no pressure Charlotte!)