The Fabled Earth

Kimberly Brock writes a gorgeous story and The Fabled Earth is her latest book. The story is told in dual timelines of 1932 and 1959 and tells the story of Cleo Woodbine. In 1959 she has lived pretty much as a recluse since the happenings on a night in 1932 changed the lives of all involved forever. When Frances comes to town all of the secrets and mysteries start to be uncovered.

Beautiful settings, beautiful writing and amazing characters. The audio is narrated by Cassandra Campbell and is perfection!!!

5 huge stars for another Kim Brock masterpiece!!! Thank you Netgalley and Harper Muse for the honor to read and review this book.

The Fabled Earth
Kimberly Brock
The setting is both 1932 and 1959, Cumberland Island is Southern Georgia.
“Everyone of us has a library we’re carrying around right inside us. All those stories just waiting…Did you know that’s why all stories are ghost stories?”
1952: Audrey Howell was still a newlywed when her husband was killed. She was trying to run the local inn. She took a photograph and accidentally double exposed it, making it look as if a ghost of someone missing since 1932 was standing in the background.
Cleo Woodbine was an artist that preferred to live in isolation on Kingdom Come, a narrow marshy strip of land where the servants of the mansions on Cumberland Island lived. She creates art inspired by her grandfather. She gathered the fruit from the old trees and bushes and traded it for her needs. She felt guilty over something that happened in 1932. Her life has never been the same. A man from her past showed up unexpectedly. He saved her life nearly thirty years ago but his return awakened tales that some would prefer to remain asleep.
Cleo has been warned to leave Kingdom Come. The ground under her cabin is eroding. They warned her of a severe storm looming. She refused to listen, claiming to have heard it all before. Folklorist, Frances Flood came to town researching a local legend and seeking information about her mother who was on the island in 1932. Her presence gave Cleo a new outlook on life. Frances was estranged from her mother at her time of death. She wanted know more about her mother’s life; what she found challenged
The death of a woman who was there that fateful night in 1932, has rekindled talk about the past, the bonfire and the death.
This is the type of book you want to savor. There are tales, folk tales, history, secrets, treachery and fear. In many ways this is a love story. There is a large cast in this tale making it a bit difficult to keep up with who is talking. Each character had their own story to tell, many of them a tragedy. Often the story as we see it is different from reality. The story moves in and out on a dual timeline. This is a beautiful tale filled with relationships, traditional stories and family drama.
Thank you NetGalley for the review copy.

I was lucky enough to be able to listen to Favled Earth. This was a phenomenal book that everyone should read!

A beautiful dual time line story telling us about Cleo Woodbine.
In 1932 something happened which made Cleo a recluse. That night changed for many. Someone knew comes to town and the mystery of that night will be revealed. Brock a way of weaving a beautiful, heartfelt novel. Cumberland Island in Georgia is on my bucket list. The characters are complex and the area sounds gorgeous.

Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse books for this ARC for review. This was a beautiful and enchanting novel that sweeps back in forth in time between what happens in 1932 and what happens in 1959. As the story weaves itself together, you find out how Cleo has come to where she is and what happened to her and around her to make her the recluse she is now. This story was both beautiful and heartbreaking as secrets are revealed and lives were lost. This was my first Kimberly Brock novel, but it will not be my last.

Set on a remote island off the coast of Georgia, this novel deals with a set of young friends who met there in the 1930's and have never come to terms with "what happened" during their youth. The main character is an older woman who lives by herself and works as an artist on a spit of land off Cumberland Island. She had stayed there as a young girl to be a companion to a young guest of a wealthy family living on the island. Years later, the daughter of this guest appears out of the blue, along with other descendants of the group of friends from decades ago. The plot of the novel keeps you guessing as to "what really happened" all those years ago.

The novel has a nice, slow pace and is a relaxing read. The prose is beautifully written, and the characters well drawn and authentic to the South. This would be a good novel for those interested in fairly recent American historical fiction and/or interested in novels set in the Southeast.

The Fabled Earth is a wonderful novel that involves the challenges of relationships and the power of memories from the past. There are many characters in this dual timeline story that continue to draw you in even deeper into the story.

The story centers around multiple characters but focusing on Cleo and Joanna from the past and then Cleo and Joanna's daughter in the present. Joanna's daughter delves into her mothers life and secrets as she uncovers much about her own past that will shape her future. The novel involves many generations, and how the past has such impact on the present.

Kimberly Brock's writing is poetic and magical and truly brings you right into the setting of Revery and Cumblerland Island. The Fabled Earth is a beautifully written novel that offers a look at the bonds that tie us to our families and the land. This book is a wonderful and draws you in from the start. I found it hard to put down and highly recommend it.

I listened to the audo version which was wonderfully done!! I loved the narrator and loved the accents of the many characters. I felt i was truy in
South Georgia!!

I was luck enough to read The Fabled Earth, by Kimberly Brock. The storyline is character driven with a rich moody southern vibe that's told in two timelines. So I was excited to listen to the audio book, and it did not disappoint. The voice acting was superb. It's definitely an audio book I would want to listen to again, and again.

Wow! What a story! Kimberly Brock weaves a fantastic tale of youth, heartache, and friendship. I couldn't put this down, I had to know what actually happened that night at the bonfire that so drastically changed the lives of so many.

Cumberland Island sounds beautiful, wild and mysterious; I want to add this to our short list of must travel locations now! Thank you @harpermusebooks for my early finished copy of THE FABLED EARTH, publishing October 1st by @kimblerlydbrock .

THE FABLED EARTH definitely gives Where the Crawdads Sing vibes with the setting and secret/mysterious events.

Kimberly Brock’s writing is an immersion in lyrically beautiful storytelling. I imagine hearing this story told at the National Storytelling Festival! There are so many great nuances, shifts and turns as the characters are developed.

Told in a dual timeline perspective between 1932 and the opulence of the Gilded Age on Cumberland Island and then 1959 where Cleo has been living in a cottage on the island as a reclusive artist.

Brock created central conflicts in the novel that are issues the South was facing during the time period (classism, racism, gender inequalities). Will’s storyline and those of several Native Americans during the story was meaningful to me.

The story is about more than an island frozen in time and wild, it is a wild storm, a reckoning metaphorically for these characters as their decisions and the subsequent events will alter their lives forever.

This is a beautifully done piece of Southern Fiction, and if you enjoy historical fiction, Georgia, women’s fiction, storytelling, and the punishments we ensure, then you will enjoy this read. There is also so much that can be discussed with this novel, it would make a great book club book (and includes questions at the end).

Speaking of the end, I loved the author’s note- definitely read it after the novel!

Loved the audio and reading it as a tandem read!

This will be a big hit for readers of historical fiction and southern fiction. We follow the lives of three different women in two different times on Cumberland Island. The use of folklore and legends with secrets kept me turning the pages as I tried to solve the mystery. A solid audio narrator, who was able to distinguish the different characters.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley.

The Fabled Earth by Kimberly Brock is a wonderful historical fiction story set in the dual timelines of 1932 and 1959. Cleo Woodbine has lived on Kingdom Come off of Cumberland Island since 1932 as a reclusive painter. The events of that summer in 1932 have led to her seclusion. As Frances Flood comes to Cumberland Island to learn details of her mother's visit there in 1932, the mystery begins to unravel. This is a fascinating tale of strong women, lush landscapes, and endearing characters.

Cassandra Campbell was the narrator for the audiobook and she brought this novel to the next level.

Thanks to Harper Muse and NetGalley for the advanced digital copy of the book which will be published on October 1st.

This is my first book by Kimberly Brock. I almost didn't read/listen to it. I'm so very happy that I did. It was so good. A bit of magic mixed in with history. Descriptions that took my breath away. This book had so many feelings. It kept me turning the pages. Even a couple of things that I was afraid would not be cleared up certainly were. In the best way.

The audio was perfect. The narrator did a fantastic job.

This is about three women. More but mostly three. Cleo, Audrey, and Frances. A few secondary characters that you will love. Maybe a couple you won't like but they may grow on you. But the story is about a town and a small island. About things that happened in the past that shaped how the future of the town would be. Back when people were discriminated against for the color of their skin and ethnic makeup. Be it Black or Indian.

You learn a lot about each women throughout. Each chapter is told from or about each one with Fables written in at times to keep you knowing what happened back when Cleo was young and had first come to the island. The friendships that some made. How the boys/men pretty much did what they wanted. They didn't have many cares. They drank and pretended to hunt. Had parties and bonfires. You get to know a few of the boys better.

The magic of the water. The tunnels that run under some buildings. The library. And the theatre. I loved reading about these things. It makes you feel like you are right there. The boarding house and the boy named Jimmy. I adored him.

This book is well researched. I listened to that Author's notes at the end of the audio and it was very interesting. I think she did a great job with this book. It's a wonderful story.

Thank you #NetGalley, #HarperCollinsFocus, #HarperMuse, for this ARC. This is my true thoughts about this book.

Five big stars.

Loved this book and cover! Characters were intriguing and relatable, story was engaging and author painted pictures with her words. Love Kimberly Brock’s work!

A master of Southern storytelling, Kimberly Brock, returns with her latest masterpiece, THE FABLED EARTH, following the success of The Lost Book of Eleanor Dare. Her unique storytelling style, blending Southern charm, historical fiction, mystery, and a touch of magic, will surely captivate readers.

From the striking front cover that evokes the Southern landscape to the picturesque haunted setting and the dual timelines that weave through the region's rich history—THE FABLED EARTH is a journey that will immerse readers in the unique culture and landscape of the South from beginning to end.

About...

Cumberland Island —Georgia Coast

1932. The Carnegie family comes seasonally to visit the island with the grand mansions, wealth, luxury, and America's finest families. Young men come to hunt. There are parties with debutantes hoping to be engaged to the next rich young man. A party at Plum Orchard turns deadly. A young heiress and a young female artist (her chaperone). By the end of the stay, two are dead.

1959. The reclusive artist, Cleo Woodbine has been a resident for decades on a tiny strip of land (Kingdom Come) once occupied by servants for the rich near Cumberland. She is visited by a man who saved her life 30 years earlier.

Frances Flood is a folklorist who visits Cumberland Island seeking the source of a legend—and information about her mother, who was among the guests at a long-ago hunting party.

Audrey Howell, a newlywed/now newly widowed, is running a local inn. When she develops an eerie double-exposure photograph, some believe a ghost—who hasn't been seen since that fateful night in 1932.

From the perspectives of three women and two timelines, their lives connect. A folktale meets reality when this rich, complex, and lyrical Southern tale unveils hidden truths of the past.

My thoughts...

MESMERIZING! Rich in history and character—Southern storytelling at its finest! Exquisite and lyrical, infused with mystery and intrigue, Kimberly DAZZLES! Top Books of 2024.

THE FABLED EARTH is an evocative, rich tapestry of Southern folklore and mythology. Brock weaves a hauntingly beautiful, all-encompassing narrative, as is the Southern landscape itself, making it a must-read for fans of these themes.

Brock captivates in this lush, rich, fully immersive, enthralling magical tale as the characters come alive on the page with their depth and complexity.

Come and meet the characters and strong women who survived the storms in Kimberly Brock's latest masterpiece, full of mystery, twists, and intrigue. THE FABLED EARTH is a perfect selection for book clubs and further discussions. Topics: race, class, prejudice, and the power of stories.

Audiobook...

The audiobook, narrated by the dazzling Cassandra Campbell (a favorite), is a must-listen! Brock and Campbell are a perfect match! Her voice, a favorite among many, was perfect for the three women, and I highly recommend it for an enhanced reading experience.

Recs...

Cleverly crafted and beautifully written—for fans of the author and those who enjoy works of Sarah Addison Allen, Alice Hoffman, Kate Morton, Delia Owens, and Patti Callahan Henry.

#AuthorElevatorSeries Q&A...

Sign up for my newsletter for my upcoming #AuthorElevatorSeries Q&A ride with Kimberly, where we delve behind THE FABLED EARTH and explore the mind of this multi-talented author. Don't miss this exciting opportunity on Oct 1.

Special thanks to HarperCollins Focus and Harper Muse for an advanced review copy (e-book) and listening copy (audio) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Oct 1, 2024
My Rating: 5 Stars
Oct 2024 Must-Read Books
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This is definitely a book that leaves you thinking

So many amazing characters that will have you immersed in the story.

It’s a historical fiction with amazing quotes and the plot
Is amazing.

So well written.

I love the descriptions of the scenes, people, locations.

Excellent story and beautiful writing. I was caught up in the womens journey.

I've just finished the copy I purchased, because the audio download was problematic.

Full review to come.

The AUDIO BOOK of THE FABLED EARTH is narrated by Cassandra Campbell who is a personal favorite and she did another excellent job with this story; evoking Southern drawls and a sense of place, time, and even social class. I highly recommend the audio book version.

THE FABLED EARTH by Kimberly Brock is a work of historical fiction set on Cumberland Island off the coast of Southern Georgia. Events in the story take place in two time periods: 1932 when a young debutante (Joanna Burton), an aspiring artist (wonderfully named Cleo Woodbine), and wealthy young men are staying at a Carnegie family retreat named Plum Orchard. One evening, too much alcohol and scary storytelling results in death and transformed lives. The other time period is 1959 amidst the struggle for civil rights and integration. Cleo, now older and reclusive, still lives near the island and is visited by Joanna's daughter, Frances Flood, a folklorist, who forms a friendship with young Audrey Howell, newly widowed and running the local inn. History still resonates, and tensions exist between local families, including questions of class and race. Attraction and romance simmers, too, for all three women, as Brock includes a former railroad man (Tate Walker), a ghost tour guide (Rosey Devane) and an activist with native American roots (Will Tremmons). The publisher describes the book by saying, "Southern mythology and personal reckoning collide in this sweeping story..." – for me, the start was almost too slow (languid, like our stereotypes of the rural South), but I came to appreciate the haunting atmosphere and to care for the varied characters; plus, the audio book is fantastic.

The Fabled Earth
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Oh my Heavens I didn't want the book to end. It was absolutely 💯 Fantastic! Kimberly is the Queen of the Marsh. You will cheer on & totally fall for Cleo, Francis and Audrey. Kimberly is a master storyteller. I read the book & listened to the Audio. I LOVED both!!
GOOOO run out & buy this book.
Thank you NetGalley!

The Fabled Earth by Kimberly Brock tells a story of the legends of Cumberland Island, and the folks who lived and survived all of its storms.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by the amazing Cassandra Campbell. Her narration was fantastic and literally took me right into this world of characters and stories. I loved it.
Thank you to the author for this story and to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.