When Sounds Collide is the first book I have read by this author. I received a complimentary copy of this novel through Netgalley and was blown away by the quality of both the story and the writing. This is an epic story set in America in the late 1800s spanning 80 years. It follows the life of Custis, a smart black boy living in poverty with his mother. He has dreams and wants to receive a good education. He lives in a prejudiced world and faces plenty of obstacles and heartbreak. But he is resilient and never gives up, managing to inspire many others along the way. He also encounters plenty of good people along his journey who believe in him and put themselves at risk to help him. The story is an incredible one and moves along at a great pace. I never really knew what was coming next and what direction the story was going to take. It was one of those books that I found hard to put down when life got in the way, and then I couldn’t wait to get back to it. At times the book got technical dealing with science/physics but it never became bogged down. It was apparent that the author conducted a great deal of research to get this information accurate. Throughout the book the most wonderful love story also took place. I think this story would actually make an amazing movie. I highly recommend it.

Strongly recommended read!
This is my 1st book by M. Day Hampton and it begins in the late 1800s and continues into the mid-1950s. I was hooked by the opening with 10 year old Custis being chased by 3 town bullies and how he was found by Sarah Tennison (also 10) and taken in to the household by her father, Martin. The story then follows Sarah's and Custis lives, both together and separately, from their childhood and into adulthood.
Custis, brilliant and determined, goes away to school and works on X-ray/ ultrasound type machines to improve care while Sarah continues to explores a variety of farming techniques on the ranch with her father. They become aware of their changing relationship and they try to navigate the various legal and cultural challenges.
It addresses racism in society, in educational institutions and the variation throughout the country as well as love, loyalty and friendship. The historical thread throughout was also well written. There are twists and sub plots that keep the reader engaged, sometimes tragic and heartbreaking as well as demonstrably tenacious and uplifting as he overcomes terrible circumstances . While there were a few instances that were a bit uneven, overall the story was a lovely read.
There was some violence that was appropriate for the time, non-graphic physical intimacy and some language that was historically used .
Overall, a beautifully written story that I highly recommend for anyone looking for historical read that will stay with you long after you finished the book.
A big note of appreciation to River Grove Books and NetGalley for the privilege of the ARC, all opinions expressed are my own.

First I must say I found this book a rather long read but having said that I can't praise it highly enough as it is a fantastic read. The period of the story and the characters came to life (the author has done such a great job that the story really did leap off the pages) and the beauty of the descriptions, people and places, had me imagining it all in my head.

This is a wonderful story and although it took a while to read it was well worth it. It is rich in history and is a powerful book that will get right to your heart. I will give it 4 1/2 stars and I highly recommend it.

Thank you NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

I am new to Netgalley. I never expected that the very first book I reviewed on this platform would be worthy of 5 stars. But this book truly deserves it. I will never forget Custis and the full-circle that his life’s journey took me - pulling me through every spectrum of emotions along the way. Thank you for sharing his story with me, and for allowing me to share my honest review. This book deeply touched me. Highly recommended!

I liked this novel.
I really enjoyed in getting to know Custis. He was a good man and only wanted what everyone else does in life.
I loved that He worked with horses and I learned a lot. Some of it was even a refresher for me.
Sarah is an excellent character. I loved her patience with Custis and their friendship...well, I liked where they went with it above all odds.
The author described everything so well that I felt like I was there. I enjoy traveling back in time and to see and feel what these fictional people might be like in real.life.
I hated to say goodbye. I finished this book in one evening because it was very good. Custis wouldn't let me put his story down until I finished. What a story it was!
5 stars for keeping me interested all the way through. I highly recommend this.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

This was my first NetGalley book. And I was pleasantly surprised.
I loved the characters, it was refreshing to have some good people in a book that covered this period of history.
Everything was so beautifully described without being overdone. I truly feel like I watched a movie not read a book.
I struggled with understanding how a man that passed for years was immediately told to step off the sidewalk the moment he arrived in North Carolina? I finally justified it by deciding New York was more diverse in foreign ethnicities, and didn’t see everyone as black or white. And perhaps Custis reverted to carrying himself poorly after the dejection?
I am definitely searching out the author’s first book to read next.
This new book is not in Goodreads database, but when it is added I will certainly share my review there.