A companion volume to The Widow of the South, a novel which I very much enjoyed, this instalment takes the story on into the post-Civil War era. It’s not vital to have read the earlier book, but I would recommend it, as knowing the background definitely enhances the reading experience. Mariah Reddick, former slave to Carrie McGavock, is now a free woman, but her destiny is still bound up with Carrie and Carrie’s estate, Carnton. The slaves are now theoretically free, but prejudice, suspicion and hatred still abound. Now, however, the former slaves have started to oppose the old order whenever they can. When a tragedy occurs, Mariah feels empowered to seek justice and the novel traces her journey. It’s a story of race, motherhood, friendship and loss, an emotional story, and a little long and drawn out perhaps, but still a powerful and compelling tale about some interesting characters and their very real dilemmas about how to live in this new environment. An entertaining and absorbing read.

Although this story seemed to go slower than I would have liked, it turned out to be a story that will stay with me. When a child looses their parents they are an orphan, so what is a mother or father without their child? Sadly, this story showed me that the problems of the past are still the problems of the present and future.

Loved this book
Didn't want it to end
Highly recommended

I had the pleasure of meeting and hear the author speak about this book. I was worried it was going to be another one of "those black/white/racial" books. After hearing him speak, I knew it was going to be different.

We are taken into the lives of Mariah, a freed slave, whom is now a midwife. Tole, a black man whom fought in the war and carries the burden of the death of his wife and son, the men he's killed on the battle field and his alcoholism. Mariah brings life into the world (black and white) and wants to find the truth about the death of her son after he is beaten and shot.

Tole struggles with his alcoholism and demons daily. He's contracted to kill a white man on the square. While he is in position, with his gun ready, something goes terribly wrong. He is forced to make the decision to end the life of someone else. He's seen lots of violence and those so badly wounded, calling for death.

The story continues as Mariah searches for the truth and finds Tole, a possible love again. It is amazing to me that white man can write with such understanding and passion. He truly makes you think about humanity, what is morally right and what is just plain wrong. The story is so much more than just whites and blacks. It's about understanding that every life matters. That you are here for a purpose, big or small. That knowing you life is worth living and being remembered. It makes you think about forgiveness and what is worth fighting for.

How does a midwife who's birthed an entire town of babies reconcile when that very town slaughters what she holds most dear? How does a man with a spot on rifle shot reconcile himself to his past and the role he's played in this town? Both seek the same justice, yet go about it differently, as they would with someone who greets life and someone who takes it away. Not to mention it's Reconstruction era Tennessee and said characters are African American, one a former slave, one a born freeman; its mighty dicey for sure.
In fact finding, Mariah finds more than she bargained for, and realizes that facts aren't wisdom, and therefore aren't the finality that's sought.

The stronghold of hope weaves its way throughout the entire story, whether or not the situation is dire or not, it's all that's left to hold onto in life.
Hicks wields a powerful story of transformation and redemption through the eyes of a heartbroken, strong, former slave woman. The words he chooses to convey her story are full of strength and prose, relaying a full, ripe story that resonates with our human condition even today.