ŷ������

“To those whose stories are written in our hearts.��

May we always feel this way each time we open a book that can teach, or make us feel something deeply or touch us in ways we don’t expect. That there will be a story that is written on our heart. ♥️

This is a story about family legacies.

“History can be told only through a chorus of voices.��

Our main protagonist is “Ebby�� the daughter of a wealthy Black family in New England. She is expected to marry a white man, Henry who is a part of an old banking family. Her parents hope that this marriage will damper the tragedy that upset the family over 2 decades earlier.

As a 10-year-old, Ebby found her 14-year-old brother, Baz dead, apparently shot by intruders who were never caught. Thus, leaving the crime unsolved. Next to him was a shattered jar heirloom. The media put Ebby in the spotlight then, and now once again focuses on her upcoming wedding to Henry. This creates much turmoil and, causes Ebby to flee to Connecticut.

As Ebby tries to find herself through telling the story of her family history, more unfolds.

The story is told through several P.O.V.’s which bring forward six generations in Ebby’s family, both enslaved and free; and others, as well as the shattered jar. What will readers discover? Will mysteries be solved? Will Ebby find herself and a sense of peace? What of Henry?

Consider how the author names some of her chapters…falling, broken, disquiet, potential, searching, confrontation. So much to be gained from this simple hint of what is to come.

Love. Loss. Legacies. Mysteries. Family saga. Healing. Hope. Moving.

This is a beautifully researched, slow-starting story with well-crafted characters, short chapters, a believable storyline and an easy way of following along through history to present day. Through her eloquent writing, the author gives readers an inside view into the continued division between white and Black America.

Be sure to read the Author’s Note for more insights and book recommendations that explore history.

4.5 stars