This was a beautifully done novel, I was invested in what was happening with Bailey and getting to learn about her aunt in this novel. The storyline worked well overall and was engaged with what was happening. Catherine Mann was able to create unique characters and make them real in the story.

well, this is exactly what a 4-star read offers in my eyes

continuously asked myself how things would go on in the book when i couldn’t read due to no time

also there seems to be a trend in fiction right now that follows the stories of the women who came before us

and what we’ll do with that inheritance?

what does it mean to be related by blood and why can we feel bonds with people simply made with love?

From the very first pages, I was captivated by this fascinating and heartfelt story. Eloise Carlisle Curtis comes from a prominent Southern family and marries well. However, as the years go by, her husband begins to make her doubt her own sanity, leading Eloise to question herself. Phillip ultimately institutionalizes her, subjecting her to electroshock therapy. Eloise suspects that he intended to leave her there indefinitely while he seized all her money and possessions.
Determined to regain control of her life, Eloise manages to escape from the hospital, leaving her trust fund behind. She adopts a new identity as Winnie Ballard and takes a job at the paper mill in Bent Oak, South Carolina. Winnie dedicates herself to helping other women who are struggling or in crisis. She provides them not only a safe haven but also the opportunity to rebuild their lives, including choosing new names. The women become her family, especially Bailey Rae, a neglected child abandoned by her addict mother. While Bailey Rae calls her Aunt Winnie, Winnie considers her as a daughter.
Fifty years pass since Winnie first arrived in Bent Oak. The love of her life has passed away, and Bailey Rae has grown into a smart, capable young woman. After Winnie’s death, Bailey Rae begins to clean out her house with plans to move to the coast. However, she uncovers a number of shocking secrets that date back even before Winnie came to Bent Oak.
The characters in this heartfelt story are delightful, lovable, and unforgettable. The book is truly hard to put down.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and all comments and opinions are my own.

When Bailey Rae’s Aunt Winnie disappears and is presumed dead, she takes it as an opportunity to pull up stakes and make a fresh start away from the small town she’s known since she was a young child. Her first task is to clean out decades of living from Winnie’s house. She’s distracted, however, by a couple of things. A young woman, clearly in need of help, appears looking for Winnie and somehow is under the impression that Bailey can help her. Adding to the puzzle is the discovery of some strange things hidden around the house. And then there are the seemingly random comments made by a few of Winnie’s friends. As she digs deeper, Bailey realizes that her aunt was part of a network that helped women escape troubled home lives and start anew. The question she must answer is, how does she fit into this? I loved this book. The author does a great job of telling Winnie’s story from multiple timelines. And it sheds a light on a problem that sadly still occurs today.

I liked this book! I loved how there were old secrets uncovered from the past, and how they related to even present tense issues of our main character. I liked the themes of secrets, womanhood, sisterhood/female friendships, and love were discussed

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

This was such a sweet story. Shedding light on the struggle women faced in the 70s. It also highlighted the challenge for interracial relationships. Loved the characters and really connected with the whole cast!

Secrets and story’s that can change someone are what this woman encounters. It was just a beautiful story to see how she handles what life threw her way.

I just read a great work of fiction. Lightening in a Mason Jar by Catherine Mann was such a good book.

At first I was hesitant in choosing this novel and now.im glad I did!
Such a moving and powerful novel that will sometimes move you to tears and at other times find yourself rooting for the people in the story.
A dual timeline that works well for this novel. These are another favorite of mine in books.
This novel is set in North Carolina. The way the author has described this book I felt like I was there. I've been there and that's one of the reasons I was able to connect with these characters. I didn't want to leave. I feel that these characters have more to tell.
I'll not forget this story anytime soon. It left me feeling full and satisfied. My favorite thing thing about a book.
This new to me author has done her job in making me happy.
I finished this delightful novel in one afternoon. It was very good!
5 stars from me. I highly recommend.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

This novel was set in South Carolina, a woman discovers her aunt’s secrets and explores themes including trauma, survival, and female friendship. I really enjoyed it.

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union for the opportunity to read Lightning in a Mason Jar by Catherine Mann - a very moving novel.

A good read. I enjoyed all of the characters as well as the dual timeline story. Overall, this was a heartwarming read.