THE OLEANDER SISTERS

An emotionally riveting tale of the bonds of family and the power of hope in the sultry Deep South.

In 1969, the first footsteps on the moon brighten America with possibilities. But along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, a category five storm is brewing, and the Blake sisters of Biloxi are restless for change. Beth "Sis" Blake has always been the caretaker, the dutiful one, with the weight of her family's happiness—and their secrets—on her shoulders. She dreams of taking off to pursue her own destiny, but not before doing whatever it takes to rescue her sister.

Emily Blake, an unwed mother trying to live down her past, wants the security of marriage for the sake of her five-year-old son, Andy. But secure is the last thing she feels with her new husband. Now she must put aside pride, and trust family to help her find the courage to escape.

With Hurricane Camille stirring up havoc, two sisters—each desperate to break free—begin a remarkable journey where they'll discover that in the wake of destruction lies new life, unshakable strength and the chance to begin again. Dreams are reborn and the unforgettable force of friendship is revealed in The Oleander Sisters, an extraordinary story of courage, love and sacrifice.

Amazon: The Oleander Sisters Mira Publishers (July 29, 2014) My Rating: 5/5 stars

My thoughts...

I started reading this book right after lunch and finished before bedtime, it is that good! Talk about a book grabbing you from the first page... I love it when that happens. The characters are amazing, strong Sis who puts everyone else first and is the protector of the family, Jim who comes home from the war suffering PTSD, Sweet Mama who may be losing her mind but she can pull it together when her loved ones are in need, and a sister that wants a father for her young son so badly she ignores warning signs of danger ahead.

There are secrets and plenty of excitement from front to back, the tenderness and fun of family togetherness. This is a heartfelt story of courage, love, and the strength of family. I LOVED it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.