Clara and Abbie are mourning the loss of their mother, Betty Kay, when a mysterious and famous figure shows up at the funeral claiming to be one of their mother’s best friends. But they’ve never heard of her.
In 1960s rural Iowa, Betty Kay decides to leave the family farm and enrolls in nursing school. When she meets the other students, she sees girls like her- Iowa-born and used to farm life. Until she meets her roommate, Kitty. Kitty is a tough Southern belle who’s got secrets, sass, and sewing skills to last for days. The two steer clear of each other until tragedy comes for Betty Kay, leaving her in a predicament that could derail her future.
Clara and Abbie thought they knew most their mother’s story, but it’s clear that there are chapters missing. The two sisters grieve in their own ways, with Clara wishing she could make amends and Abbie missing her daily check-ins with her mom.
With the Vietnam war as the backdrop, Betty Kay’s sections lend a historical fiction feel to the book, complete with a smidgeon of romance. Told in dual timelines, Betty Kay’s story is told throughout the book as the sisters and the reader discover secrets from Betty Kay’s past. Ultimately the book demonstrates the power of deep female friendship and sisterhood. If you’re a historical fiction fan, consider picking this one up and sharing it with a friend.
Request a print copy here or an eAudiobook copy here.
Happy reading!
-Melinda
Read it or Weep 