“Just finished this with tears streaming down my face. Beautifully written with memorable characters who show resilience in the face of tragedy. I couldn’t put this down and will seek Susan Gabriel’s other works. This is truly one of the best books I’ve read in a very long time.” – A.C.
“An interesting story enhanced by great writing, this book was a page turner. It captures life in the Tennessee mountains truthfully but not harshly. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.” – E. Jones
“I don’t even know how to tell you what I love about this book —- the incredible narrator? The heartbreaking and inspiring storyline? The messages about hope, wisdom, family and strength? All of those!! Everything about it!” – K. Peck
“Lovely, soul stirring novel. I absolutely could not put it down! Beautifully descriptive, evocative story told in the voice of Wildflower, a young girl of the mountains, set in a wild yet beautiful 1940’s mountain town, holds you captive from the start. I had to wait to write my review, as I was crying too hard to see!” – V.C.
“I write novels, too, but this writer is fantastic. The story is authentic and gripping. Her voice through the child, Wildflower, is captivating. This story would make a great movie. I love stories that portray life changing tragedy and pain coupled with power of the human spirit to survive and continue to love and forgive. Bravo! Susan. Please write more and more.” –Judi D.
“This is a wonderful story that will make you laugh, cry, and cheer.” –T.B. Markinson
“I was pretty blown away by how good this book is. I didn’t read it with any expectations, hadn’t heard anything about it really, so when I read it, I realized from page one that it is a well written, powerful book.” – Quixotic Magpie
“If you liked Little Women or if you love historical fiction and coming-of-age novels, this is the book for you. Definitely add The Secret Sense of Wildflower to your TBR pile; you won’t regret it.” – PandaReads
“Bottom line: A great story about a strong character!” – Meg, A Bookish Affair
Get The Secret Sense of Wildflower here.
Grace, Grits and Ghosts:
Southern Short Stories
This delightful collection of short stories from acclaimed writer, Susan Gabriel (The Secret Sense of Wildflower, a Best Book of 2012 by Kirkus Reviews), is rich in humor, as well as mystery and meaning.
Whether white or black, living or dead, down home country or upscale urban, Gabriel’s characters are quirky, poignant and deep. They include: A Gullah woman using folk magic to cast her latest spell. A girl coming-of-age dealing with death in 1940s Tennessee. A wealthy Savannah matriarch with gastrointestinal issues guarding family secrets. A good ol’ boy observing himself shortly after his death. An agoraphobic woman striking up a unique friendship with the girl across the street. And a band of seventy-year-olds finding healing in a mountain stream.
Written in the tradition of Flannery O’Connor and Eudora Welty, the eight short stories in Grace, Grits and Ghosts: Southern Short Stories are all rooted in the southern landscape—from the steamy coast of Georgia, to the current day Atlanta suburbs, to the ancient Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina.
Pull up a rocker on the front porch, take a sip of your sweet iced tea and lose yourself in these original stories of soulful southerners and their sultry landscape.
Praise for Grace, Grits & Ghosts
“This is a writer who knows the South, its characters, and its setting.” - Paula Bennett
“Delightful!” - Dillymom
“Poignant, hilarious, true to life.” - Carolyn Tenn
“Every story was like having a movie play in your mind. If you like southern don’t miss this one.” - gartalker
“The book is Southern-ness itself - polite and humorous with dark undertones.” - Laura Knight
“These are truly deep and thoughtful and yet can still elicit a smile.” - Lisa
“Gabriel’s characters are intriguing and draw me in right away. I highly recommend this book.” - S. Watkins
“I just discovered this author and she is rapidly becoming my current favorite. After reading Seeking Sara Summers, and loving that book, I had to read more from this very talented author. I am currently reading these intriguing short stories and am so impressed by her versatility. I am planning to read everything else she has written, including future selections.
- H.M. Glenn
“These were great short stories. Don't miss the one about the elderly ladies bearing their souls as well as their skin under the summer moon. Every story was like having a movie play in your mind. If you like southern, don't miss this.” - A reader
Get Grace, Grits and Ghosts here.
Also by Susan Gabriel
Fiction
The Secret Sense of Wildflower
(a Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2012)
Temple Secrets
Grace, Grits & Ghosts
Southern Secrets
Seeking Sara Summers
Circle of the Ancestors
Quentin & the Cave Boy
Nonfiction
Fearless Writing for Women: Extreme Encouragement & Writing Inspiration
Available at all booksellers in print, ebook and audio formats.
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