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Calloway Summers #3
Catching Moondrops
Jessilyn Lassiter no longer has to convince people she’s not a child. Having just turned 19 in the summer of 1938, her love for Luke Talley has never been more real. And Luke is finally beginning to care for her in the way she’s always dreamed of. But their budding romance is interrupted when Tal Pritchett—a young, black doctor—comes to Calloway, stealing the heart of Jessilyn’s best friend, Gemma, and stirring up the racial prejudice that has been simmering just beneath the town’s surface. The tension starts to bubble over when Jessie’s elderly neighbor Miss Cleta becomes the first white townsperson to accept Tal’s treatment. And when a young black man is lynched, Calloway is brought to its knees once again as Jessilyn realizes that her anger can make her heart as full of hate as the klan members who have terrorized her town and her family.
384 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2010
31 people are currently reading
608 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Erin Valent
7Ìýbooks239ÌýfollowersJennifer Erin Valent is the 2007 winner of the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild's Operation First Novel contest and 2010 Christy Award winner for Fireflies in December. She lives in central Virginia, where she has worked as a nanny for over fifteen years. A lifelong resident of the South, her surroundings help to color the scenes and characters she writes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
August 22, 2018
I really enjoyed this entire coming of age series about Jessilyn Lassiter. Even though my days have been very busy and a tad overwhelming lately, these books have kept me fully invested and always reaching for them when I find a spare moment. The characters really grew on me and they taught me some wonderful truths about life.
These books were more suspenseful than I had anticipated, so the pages kept turning pretty fast for me. At times my heart broke and I would get all choked up. Other times I would laugh out loud, which would cause my family to stare at me and ask, "What? What is it?" Sometimes I would just put the book aside and think about that time period. A time in life when segregation, Klans, and prejudice expectations were very real and there was so much hatred and fear that people faced every day of their lives. It really challenged me to examine my own heart to see what anger or hatred I have clung too and need to hand over to God.
I will miss this series. If you're looking for a faster paced, heartwarming series with a strong message of faith, I would highly recommend these books.
These books were more suspenseful than I had anticipated, so the pages kept turning pretty fast for me. At times my heart broke and I would get all choked up. Other times I would laugh out loud, which would cause my family to stare at me and ask, "What? What is it?" Sometimes I would just put the book aside and think about that time period. A time in life when segregation, Klans, and prejudice expectations were very real and there was so much hatred and fear that people faced every day of their lives. It really challenged me to examine my own heart to see what anger or hatred I have clung too and need to hand over to God.
I will miss this series. If you're looking for a faster paced, heartwarming series with a strong message of faith, I would highly recommend these books.
May 23, 2014
I absolutely loved this series and hated for it to end. At the end of each book I would literally sit and just bask in the afterglow. Such beautiful heartwarming stories.
November 28, 2016
Good! This book definitely had more Christian themes throughout the novel than the previous two, especially towards the end when Jessie dealt firsthand with the hate that had grown in her heart since she was thirteen. I can see where this book would not be for everyone but it was well done I felt and very true to Jessie's character. I liked that now Gemma and Jessie are 21 and 19 respectively, the book can go into more depth and insight then when they were 15 and 13. Yes in terms of relationships they grow (LUKE AND JESSIE! GEMMA AND TAL!) but the girls also grow in terms of their characters, wills and desires. It was a good conclusion to this trilogy. I am not certain it's my favorite, I'm pretty certain that is #2 but this one was pretty darn good.
July 8, 2015
I was captivated by the first two books in this series, Fireflies and Cottonwood Whispers, and anxiously awaited the review copy of Catching Moondrops - the last installment. I couldn’t wait to be reunited with the characters I had grown to love.
Jennifer Erin Valent has masterfully written a series about a turbulent time in American history through the eyes of a child. Her characters are authentic and grabbed my heart from the beginning. I enjoyed hanging out with them in all three books and wondered how I would react if I grew up in a time like them. I loved reading about their challenges and seeing how the times affected them and American society.
I do believe Jennifer has saved her best book for last. This novel can be read as a stand alone, but I highly recommend getting to know Jesslyn, Gemma and Luke when they are young in the earlier books. This author shows the reader how horrific times were then and how this affected these dear ones as they got older.
Jennifer writes all three books in the first person through the eyes of Jesslyn, which I loved. Jesslyn is now nineteen, still bull-headed, knows what is unjust and is not afraid to speak her mind! She also has a strong sense of right and wrong. Her convictions and emotions often times get ahead of her safety and common sense.
Jesslyn says, “…from the day I’d come to know what prejudice could do to people’s hearts, it had stolen from me. It had stolen innocence, security, loved ones…and now it had stolen my hope.�. Jennifer says this about prejudice thru Jesslyn, “For some people, time has a way of blurring the good and the bad, spitting out that thing called conscience and replacing it with a twisted sort of logic that makes right out of wrong.�.
Skillfully woven through these crazy times is a love story between Jesslyn and Luke. The love story has been brewing in all three books and comes to a delightful conclusion in Catching Moondrops. Gemma, Jesslyn’s best friend, has a love interest too. Jesslyn thinks, “Young love in a step apart from reality. It paints over the crudities of the world with pretty colors and strokes until everything’s just a watercolor. Only problem is, when you cover something up, you don’t really get rid of what’s beneath.� But, just because Jesslyn and Gemma were in love, the harsh reality of life was all around and broke through their love bubbles in unexpected ways.
This author is an amazing wordsmith and weaves a very natural and believable spiritual thread through the heart of Jesslyn. She wrestles with doing the right thing. Her parents, Luke and Gemma, trusted God and tried to explain things to her. But, Jesslyn couldn’t trust a God that would allow bad things to happen to the people she loved. She wanted to treat the members of the KKK like they treated her friends. She knew it wasn’t right, but she didn’t care.
Jennifer gets to the heart of the issue in a unique way. She lets the reader see through Jesslyn's eyes, that there is nothing good in any of our hearts but Jesus. “Bitterness hardens the heart and corrupts the mind!� Given the right circumstances, hate can creep into anyone’s heart and hold it hostage. We become just like our enemy seeking revenge. It’s only through forgiveness and healing, that love can shine through our lives.
Jennifer Valent brings such insight and a whole new light into this matter for the reader. The spiritual element is seen through a child’s eyes and is brilliant! Jesslyn made me laugh and cry, and I could relate to her spiritual struggle. I was reminded once again that God is in charge...I’m not. He brings me to a point where I can realize that I need Him. His love for me is so deep I can’t grasp it all at once. He reveals parts of himself as I’m ready to receive it.
This entire series is a keeper. You’ll definitely be reading it again, and telling your friends and family about these books. You won’t view prejudice or God’s love in the same way after reading them.
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network
The Book Club Network blog
Book Fun Magazine
Jennifer Erin Valent has masterfully written a series about a turbulent time in American history through the eyes of a child. Her characters are authentic and grabbed my heart from the beginning. I enjoyed hanging out with them in all three books and wondered how I would react if I grew up in a time like them. I loved reading about their challenges and seeing how the times affected them and American society.
I do believe Jennifer has saved her best book for last. This novel can be read as a stand alone, but I highly recommend getting to know Jesslyn, Gemma and Luke when they are young in the earlier books. This author shows the reader how horrific times were then and how this affected these dear ones as they got older.
Jennifer writes all three books in the first person through the eyes of Jesslyn, which I loved. Jesslyn is now nineteen, still bull-headed, knows what is unjust and is not afraid to speak her mind! She also has a strong sense of right and wrong. Her convictions and emotions often times get ahead of her safety and common sense.
Jesslyn says, “…from the day I’d come to know what prejudice could do to people’s hearts, it had stolen from me. It had stolen innocence, security, loved ones…and now it had stolen my hope.�. Jennifer says this about prejudice thru Jesslyn, “For some people, time has a way of blurring the good and the bad, spitting out that thing called conscience and replacing it with a twisted sort of logic that makes right out of wrong.�.
Skillfully woven through these crazy times is a love story between Jesslyn and Luke. The love story has been brewing in all three books and comes to a delightful conclusion in Catching Moondrops. Gemma, Jesslyn’s best friend, has a love interest too. Jesslyn thinks, “Young love in a step apart from reality. It paints over the crudities of the world with pretty colors and strokes until everything’s just a watercolor. Only problem is, when you cover something up, you don’t really get rid of what’s beneath.� But, just because Jesslyn and Gemma were in love, the harsh reality of life was all around and broke through their love bubbles in unexpected ways.
This author is an amazing wordsmith and weaves a very natural and believable spiritual thread through the heart of Jesslyn. She wrestles with doing the right thing. Her parents, Luke and Gemma, trusted God and tried to explain things to her. But, Jesslyn couldn’t trust a God that would allow bad things to happen to the people she loved. She wanted to treat the members of the KKK like they treated her friends. She knew it wasn’t right, but she didn’t care.
Jennifer gets to the heart of the issue in a unique way. She lets the reader see through Jesslyn's eyes, that there is nothing good in any of our hearts but Jesus. “Bitterness hardens the heart and corrupts the mind!� Given the right circumstances, hate can creep into anyone’s heart and hold it hostage. We become just like our enemy seeking revenge. It’s only through forgiveness and healing, that love can shine through our lives.
Jennifer Valent brings such insight and a whole new light into this matter for the reader. The spiritual element is seen through a child’s eyes and is brilliant! Jesslyn made me laugh and cry, and I could relate to her spiritual struggle. I was reminded once again that God is in charge...I’m not. He brings me to a point where I can realize that I need Him. His love for me is so deep I can’t grasp it all at once. He reveals parts of himself as I’m ready to receive it.
This entire series is a keeper. You’ll definitely be reading it again, and telling your friends and family about these books. You won’t view prejudice or God’s love in the same way after reading them.
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network
The Book Club Network blog
Book Fun Magazine
September 14, 2010
Some books set a standard so high that all others to follow seem mediocre in comparison. Jennifer Erin Valent has given us yet another of those books, Catching Moondrops.
We continue our journey with Jessilyn Lassiter and her family in the third of Valent’s trilogy. She is now nineteen � a woman full grown, and Luke Talley has finally begun to notice her. Gemma too has a new beau, Tal Pritchett � a black doctor who sets up shop in the town of Calloway.
Racial prejudice is still very much alive in the summer of 1938 and a black doctor isn’t readily accepted. Hatred spills onto the landscape and Jessilyn must come to terms with her own anger before her heart is as hate filled as the Klan members�.
Ms. Valent has a remarkable talent. She expertly weaves story and plot not only novel by novel but through the trilogy. The arc is subtle yet profound. Compelling characters brought to life through an engaging and skillful writing style make for an unforgettable exploration into human nature.
I can’t recommend Catching Moondrops enough. To fully appreciate it, you must read Fireflies in December and Cottonwood Whispers first. You won’t be sorry. The story and characters will remain with you long after the last page is read.
We continue our journey with Jessilyn Lassiter and her family in the third of Valent’s trilogy. She is now nineteen � a woman full grown, and Luke Talley has finally begun to notice her. Gemma too has a new beau, Tal Pritchett � a black doctor who sets up shop in the town of Calloway.
Racial prejudice is still very much alive in the summer of 1938 and a black doctor isn’t readily accepted. Hatred spills onto the landscape and Jessilyn must come to terms with her own anger before her heart is as hate filled as the Klan members�.
Ms. Valent has a remarkable talent. She expertly weaves story and plot not only novel by novel but through the trilogy. The arc is subtle yet profound. Compelling characters brought to life through an engaging and skillful writing style make for an unforgettable exploration into human nature.
I can’t recommend Catching Moondrops enough. To fully appreciate it, you must read Fireflies in December and Cottonwood Whispers first. You won’t be sorry. The story and characters will remain with you long after the last page is read.
January 24, 2011
Even though this series is considered 'Christian Fiction' I was willing to read them because I was more interested in the story of Jessilyn growing up in the 1930s in the South. The first book starts when she's 13, the second when she's 17, and this one when she's 19. I enjoyed her character in the first two books so much that I couldn't wait to read this book.
I understood Jessie's journey away from religion and Jesus because of the horrible acts (including her own attempted murder) she'd witnessed. This book finds her dealing with the return of the KKK to her community, her feelings for Luke, and her inner struggle with religion. Her story is believable, the dialogue is real and made me laugh (when Luke is trying to court Jessie) and cringe (when racial tensions stir).
I felt like all three books were very good, but this one really stood out.
I understood Jessie's journey away from religion and Jesus because of the horrible acts (including her own attempted murder) she'd witnessed. This book finds her dealing with the return of the KKK to her community, her feelings for Luke, and her inner struggle with religion. Her story is believable, the dialogue is real and made me laugh (when Luke is trying to court Jessie) and cringe (when racial tensions stir).
I felt like all three books were very good, but this one really stood out.
October 29, 2010
Jennifer Erin Valent's voice is so amazing in this book! All of the teasing the characters did toward each other and the southern sayings sprinkled throughout the book were adorable, too. In fact, I enjoyed the "voice" in the beginning so much that I read the first chapter out loud to my husband on the way to Church on Sunday. Less than four days later I'd finished the book. That's a good story. I would've finished even sooner, but I had to work. Anyway, I loved the dialog in this book because it planted me solidly in the setting. I could literally hear the characters talking in my head as I was reading.
There were so many things to love about this story. I thought it was awesome that even though it's the third book in a series, you can read it without having to read the previous books. I haven't read them and I didn't get the sense that it was necessary to enjoy this book because the facts were touched on enough to give you a sense of history with the characters. I loved how there was danger, intrigue, and heart pounding romance in this novel. There was also a great lesson in the story about what it means to really know Jesus compared to knowing about Him because you were raised going to church.
I appreciated the message that Jesus and hate can't live in the same heart. That was shown so well in the story! I also cried through a few of the chapters toward the end. The situation at the funeral was so beautiful that it really moved my heart. I loved how Jessie realized that one of the things that made the people she cared about so beautiful to her was their faith in Jesus. That was a nice touch and so very true.
Jessie's faith journey was genuine, honest, and realistically portrayed. Her insight into the darkness in her own soul was powerfully written. There were a few things that were vividly described and thus made me cringe, but it was necessary to appreciate the situation the characters were in. Some things just don't feel right when they are glossed over - like prejudice in the south. Thankfully the author didn't gloss over anything. This book was awesome on so many levels that I could go on and on. It's making my best fiction for 2010 list.
There were so many things to love about this story. I thought it was awesome that even though it's the third book in a series, you can read it without having to read the previous books. I haven't read them and I didn't get the sense that it was necessary to enjoy this book because the facts were touched on enough to give you a sense of history with the characters. I loved how there was danger, intrigue, and heart pounding romance in this novel. There was also a great lesson in the story about what it means to really know Jesus compared to knowing about Him because you were raised going to church.
I appreciated the message that Jesus and hate can't live in the same heart. That was shown so well in the story! I also cried through a few of the chapters toward the end. The situation at the funeral was so beautiful that it really moved my heart. I loved how Jessie realized that one of the things that made the people she cared about so beautiful to her was their faith in Jesus. That was a nice touch and so very true.
Jessie's faith journey was genuine, honest, and realistically portrayed. Her insight into the darkness in her own soul was powerfully written. There were a few things that were vividly described and thus made me cringe, but it was necessary to appreciate the situation the characters were in. Some things just don't feel right when they are glossed over - like prejudice in the south. Thankfully the author didn't gloss over anything. This book was awesome on so many levels that I could go on and on. It's making my best fiction for 2010 list.
January 2, 2013
Loved it, as I knew I would! I can't get enough of Jennifer! Girl, you did a wonderful job!! As long as you continue to write, I'll be buying!! :)
To appreciate this book you must read Fireflies In December and Cottonwood Whispers! Believe me, ya'll won't regret it!
To appreciate this book you must read Fireflies In December and Cottonwood Whispers! Believe me, ya'll won't regret it!
January 16, 2019
Catching Moondrops by Jennifer Erin Valent
Genre: Historical Christian fiction
Format: Kindle
Timeframe: 1938
Location: Calloway, Virginia
Main Characters:
Jessilyn: 19-year old
Gemma: Jessie’s best friend
Luke Talley: Jessie’s crush since 13
Mr. & Mrs. Lassiter: Jessie’s parents
Miss Cleta: Jessie’s wise older neighbor
Tal Pritchett: Calloway’s first black doctor
Delmar Custis: Hateful Klan leader
Cole Mundy: Younger Klan member
What does a person do with his hatred? Whether righteous anger that turns to hate, or ignorant loathing that festers into hate, neither is healthy for the human soul. But what can be done?
Two sides of that coin are shown in Catching Moondrops. One type is from prejudice leading to hatred of people simply because God chose to make their skin dark. The other type is hating the people, like the Klan, who wreak havoc on the citizens of Calloway, Virginia.
Jessilyn, with her caustic tongue lashes out at nearly everyone. It’s her personality. She just can’t seem to keep her mouth closed, especially when she’s riled. This does her no favors, nor does it help those she loves. In fact, it makes things much worse. It angers a hothead to the boiling point.
Delmar Custis is a Klan member, a leader in fact. His hatred leads to events that nearly break the people in this small town, and the sheriff ignores the evil.
Hatred can be changed by an act of one’s will by allowing God to change your heart. Or hatred can be changed in a person by and entirely different permanent “solution�. Calloway, Virginia sees both God and evil changing lives in 1938.
Not all is so sad. There are also two lovely romances that lift the hearts of those around them and gives a much needed lightness to an otherwise hard to read drama.
Genre: Historical Christian fiction
Format: Kindle
Timeframe: 1938
Location: Calloway, Virginia
Main Characters:
Jessilyn: 19-year old
Gemma: Jessie’s best friend
Luke Talley: Jessie’s crush since 13
Mr. & Mrs. Lassiter: Jessie’s parents
Miss Cleta: Jessie’s wise older neighbor
Tal Pritchett: Calloway’s first black doctor
Delmar Custis: Hateful Klan leader
Cole Mundy: Younger Klan member
What does a person do with his hatred? Whether righteous anger that turns to hate, or ignorant loathing that festers into hate, neither is healthy for the human soul. But what can be done?
Two sides of that coin are shown in Catching Moondrops. One type is from prejudice leading to hatred of people simply because God chose to make their skin dark. The other type is hating the people, like the Klan, who wreak havoc on the citizens of Calloway, Virginia.
Jessilyn, with her caustic tongue lashes out at nearly everyone. It’s her personality. She just can’t seem to keep her mouth closed, especially when she’s riled. This does her no favors, nor does it help those she loves. In fact, it makes things much worse. It angers a hothead to the boiling point.
Delmar Custis is a Klan member, a leader in fact. His hatred leads to events that nearly break the people in this small town, and the sheriff ignores the evil.
Hatred can be changed by an act of one’s will by allowing God to change your heart. Or hatred can be changed in a person by and entirely different permanent “solution�. Calloway, Virginia sees both God and evil changing lives in 1938.
Not all is so sad. There are also two lovely romances that lift the hearts of those around them and gives a much needed lightness to an otherwise hard to read drama.
March 30, 2013
Well folks, maybe I’ll finally get some sleep and complete some long delayed projects now that I’ve finished the Calloway Summers Series. I have enjoyed this series so much, and I’ve had a hard time putting each of the three books down. It was a delight to read well-crafted fiction that caused me to think instead of just being entertained. Valent once again rose to the occasion, and I was not disappointed. I don’t think you will be either.
The Story
Now a young woman of nineteen, Jessilyn is hoping that Luke will finally notice her for the young woman she is. As the summer of 1938 progresses, those dreams seem closer to their realization than ever, and the growing love Jessie has had for Luke ever since she first met him seems to be finally reciprocated. This romance, however, is interrupted by Tal Pritchett, a young African-American doctor who seems to have captured Jessie’s best friend, Gemma’s, heart. This young man unintentionally stirs up the racial prejudice of the community and hatred from the Ku Klux Klan. In most of the community’s opinion, a colored boy could never be a doctor, and it’s pretty uppity of him to claim that title. When Miss Cleta, a white woman, accepts treatment from Tal, the community is brought to the boiling point, and the violence that results shakes Jessie’s world.
As she is driven by her desire for vengeance, the hate in Jessie’s own heart apalls her and might just drive her away from the people she loves most.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As someone who has also written books, I can identify somewhat in the challenge Valent had to overcome in continuing the story as the characters grew and changed. She handled the characters� emotions well without seeming stereo-typical or cliché.
Though Valent did an excellent job with the story’s plot and setting, these two points are secondary compared to the characters. Certainly, all of these areas must be well-developed to create a good or even great story, but Valent has a gift in creating characters with whom the reader can identify; characters that can draw out a laugh, a tear, a sigh from the reader, which they did for me. Each character in the series is so real, so natural, that the reader can look into his or her own heart and find similarities there.
The romance between Luke and Jessie is sweet and what the reader (and Jessie!) have been hoping for since almost the beginning of the series, at least in my case. This romance does not dominate the book which I found refreshing. Their love story was not unrealistic in that the couple faced real issues and strains on their relationship.
The human heart is an ugly thing, and Valent sheds light on the depravity of a person without Christ. The spiritual element in Catching Moondrops was the strongest and, I would argue, the most powerful in comparison to the other two books in this series. As Jessilyn struggles with the hate in her own heart and the light she sees in her parents, Gemma, and Luke, she must decide whether she will accept the forgiveness being offered to her. As the battle rages on in Jessie’s soul, readers cannot help but look at their own heart and identify with her struggle.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Reaching the end of a great series always leaves me with mixed emotions. If the story carries well to the end, I’m happy that the story ended well, that all the loose ends were tied up. At the same time it is bittersweet. I have just vicariously lived this person’s life, or at least shared in it, and I am reluctant to be finished. This is magnified by an exceptionally good story, which is what the Calloway Summers Series is. When I finished reading Catching Moondrops, I was satisfied by how it ended, glad for the characters, yet at the same time not wanting the story to be over. Valent did an excellent job bringing to a close this series, charged with just as much tension and emotion as her two previous books. I would highly recommend the entire series, especially to the lover of historical fiction. If that’s you, I strongly urge you to check this series out!
The Story
Now a young woman of nineteen, Jessilyn is hoping that Luke will finally notice her for the young woman she is. As the summer of 1938 progresses, those dreams seem closer to their realization than ever, and the growing love Jessie has had for Luke ever since she first met him seems to be finally reciprocated. This romance, however, is interrupted by Tal Pritchett, a young African-American doctor who seems to have captured Jessie’s best friend, Gemma’s, heart. This young man unintentionally stirs up the racial prejudice of the community and hatred from the Ku Klux Klan. In most of the community’s opinion, a colored boy could never be a doctor, and it’s pretty uppity of him to claim that title. When Miss Cleta, a white woman, accepts treatment from Tal, the community is brought to the boiling point, and the violence that results shakes Jessie’s world.
As she is driven by her desire for vengeance, the hate in Jessie’s own heart apalls her and might just drive her away from the people she loves most.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As someone who has also written books, I can identify somewhat in the challenge Valent had to overcome in continuing the story as the characters grew and changed. She handled the characters� emotions well without seeming stereo-typical or cliché.
Though Valent did an excellent job with the story’s plot and setting, these two points are secondary compared to the characters. Certainly, all of these areas must be well-developed to create a good or even great story, but Valent has a gift in creating characters with whom the reader can identify; characters that can draw out a laugh, a tear, a sigh from the reader, which they did for me. Each character in the series is so real, so natural, that the reader can look into his or her own heart and find similarities there.
The romance between Luke and Jessie is sweet and what the reader (and Jessie!) have been hoping for since almost the beginning of the series, at least in my case. This romance does not dominate the book which I found refreshing. Their love story was not unrealistic in that the couple faced real issues and strains on their relationship.
The human heart is an ugly thing, and Valent sheds light on the depravity of a person without Christ. The spiritual element in Catching Moondrops was the strongest and, I would argue, the most powerful in comparison to the other two books in this series. As Jessilyn struggles with the hate in her own heart and the light she sees in her parents, Gemma, and Luke, she must decide whether she will accept the forgiveness being offered to her. As the battle rages on in Jessie’s soul, readers cannot help but look at their own heart and identify with her struggle.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Reaching the end of a great series always leaves me with mixed emotions. If the story carries well to the end, I’m happy that the story ended well, that all the loose ends were tied up. At the same time it is bittersweet. I have just vicariously lived this person’s life, or at least shared in it, and I am reluctant to be finished. This is magnified by an exceptionally good story, which is what the Calloway Summers Series is. When I finished reading Catching Moondrops, I was satisfied by how it ended, glad for the characters, yet at the same time not wanting the story to be over. Valent did an excellent job bringing to a close this series, charged with just as much tension and emotion as her two previous books. I would highly recommend the entire series, especially to the lover of historical fiction. If that’s you, I strongly urge you to check this series out!
January 11, 2014
“I’d grown quite fond of the wind since Miss Cleta had taught me the secrets of it. “It’s the breath of God, Jessilyn,� she’d say, lifting her face to greet it. “Just listen to it talkin� to your soul.�
� Jennifer Erin Valent, Catching Moondrops
With wonderful quotes like that it isn’t hard to see why I loved this series so much. The characters are also likeable and they make you want to read about them. You'll want a peaceful resolution but I don't think I can put into words the powerful event that brought that peace. Two words: Beautiful and Soul-stirring!
I grew up in the South and this series just felt so authentic. There is a lazy little feel to the series with the sleepiness of southern living thrown in. While the south is known for hospitality though—we can also be pretty doggone stubborn.
Stubbornness and hatred led to sad times and such a sad history being explored and I wish I could say that racism has been completely abolished but sadly it does still linger. Luckily it isn’t as prevalent as it once was but books like this help us remember so that we do not repeat history. I guess like the book points out, it isn’t a racism problem; it is a heart problem and folks need good solid reminders of the pain and horror that hatred brings.
This author captures all of that and she does so beautifully that this series is definitely in my top-ten for 2013.
Jessi has grown up and at 19; Luke is finally looking at her as a woman. It is all she has ever dreamed of but when her best friend also finds love—Jessi’s world once again is turned upside down.
The white folk in the town haven’t really forgotten that the Lassiter family took in a, “colored girl� and to add insult to injury there’s a new doctor in town; one who offends people because of his color. Top that off with a few young boys who are bent on stirring up trouble with the white folk in the name of social equality—their reasoning was correct but their method was all wrong as is often the case with issues like this. You can’t really go about acting silly and stirring up trouble when you want to mend broken fences.
The Klan is no longer concerned about lying low and when a young boy is killed—Jessi’s heart is hardened even more against God and everyone else. She’s just angry! She’s angry at the Klan, maybe even angry at God because how could he let stuff like this continue to happen?
I don’t want to go much further than this because the book is so good I want you to read it for yourself to see the resolution but let’s just say between Gemma, Mr. Lassiter, Luke and Ms. Cleeta, there is a lot of wisdom that you can take away from this series.
I challenge you to pick this series up if you’re into Christian Historical Fiction. You will not be disappointed! I definitely will be reading again in the future and I will also be eagerly awaiting future works by the author.
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� Jennifer Erin Valent, Catching Moondrops
With wonderful quotes like that it isn’t hard to see why I loved this series so much. The characters are also likeable and they make you want to read about them. You'll want a peaceful resolution but I don't think I can put into words the powerful event that brought that peace. Two words: Beautiful and Soul-stirring!
I grew up in the South and this series just felt so authentic. There is a lazy little feel to the series with the sleepiness of southern living thrown in. While the south is known for hospitality though—we can also be pretty doggone stubborn.
Stubbornness and hatred led to sad times and such a sad history being explored and I wish I could say that racism has been completely abolished but sadly it does still linger. Luckily it isn’t as prevalent as it once was but books like this help us remember so that we do not repeat history. I guess like the book points out, it isn’t a racism problem; it is a heart problem and folks need good solid reminders of the pain and horror that hatred brings.
This author captures all of that and she does so beautifully that this series is definitely in my top-ten for 2013.
Jessi has grown up and at 19; Luke is finally looking at her as a woman. It is all she has ever dreamed of but when her best friend also finds love—Jessi’s world once again is turned upside down.
The white folk in the town haven’t really forgotten that the Lassiter family took in a, “colored girl� and to add insult to injury there’s a new doctor in town; one who offends people because of his color. Top that off with a few young boys who are bent on stirring up trouble with the white folk in the name of social equality—their reasoning was correct but their method was all wrong as is often the case with issues like this. You can’t really go about acting silly and stirring up trouble when you want to mend broken fences.
The Klan is no longer concerned about lying low and when a young boy is killed—Jessi’s heart is hardened even more against God and everyone else. She’s just angry! She’s angry at the Klan, maybe even angry at God because how could he let stuff like this continue to happen?
I don’t want to go much further than this because the book is so good I want you to read it for yourself to see the resolution but let’s just say between Gemma, Mr. Lassiter, Luke and Ms. Cleeta, there is a lot of wisdom that you can take away from this series.
I challenge you to pick this series up if you’re into Christian Historical Fiction. You will not be disappointed! I definitely will be reading again in the future and I will also be eagerly awaiting future works by the author.
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January 4, 2011
5 stars for this book, 5 stars for the trilogy. I will review the whole trilogy in this space. (Actually, disregard the word trilogy. Jennifer Valent, if you're reading this, I certainly wouldn't be averse to reading more books about Jessilyn Lassiter.) My review may be slightly spoilery, but I don't believe you'll read too much here that you couldn't read on the backs of the books.
The books follow the teen years of our heroine, Jessilyn Lassiter, taking place in 1930's Virginia. Jessie, a white girl, is best friends with Gemma, a black girl. The first book, Fireflies in December, takes place the summer that Jessie turns 13. Tragically, Gemma's parents are killed in a house fire, prompting Jessie's family to take Gemma in as their own. This causes trouble for the Lassiters with the Ku Klux Klan, as well as with most others in their small town, who shun them. In Cottonwood Whispers, Jessie turns 17. A 3 year old neighbor girl is killed by a hit and run driver, and a beloved friend, the elderly and mentally disabled Mr. Poe, is accused of the crime. Jessie and her family attempt to protect Mr. Poe from angry mobs out for his blood, while the town sheriff doesn't do much to find out who the real perpetrator is. The summer of Jessie's 19th year, Catching Moondrops tells of how both Jessie and Gemma find love... Jessie, with the young man whom she has not-so-secretly loved since her 13th birthday, and Gemma, with a handsome young doctor who is new to town. Unfortunately, when the black doctor treats a white woman, the Klan once again rears its ugly head.
A common thread throughout the 3 books is that through all the terrible things that happen, Jessilyn struggles to find the faith in God that seems to come so easily to those she loves. However, hate for the people who have hurt her and her friends builds up in her heart until she reaches her breaking point and finally realizes she has become just as bad as them. She has a crisis of conscience and eventually asks Jesus into her heart. (I guess this could be considered a spoiler, but in a work of Christian fiction, I would think it's not surprising to hear that the main character comes to Jesus.)
Overall, I very much enjoyed this entire series, and highly recommend it to anyone who likes historical fiction, Christian fiction, or books in general.
The books follow the teen years of our heroine, Jessilyn Lassiter, taking place in 1930's Virginia. Jessie, a white girl, is best friends with Gemma, a black girl. The first book, Fireflies in December, takes place the summer that Jessie turns 13. Tragically, Gemma's parents are killed in a house fire, prompting Jessie's family to take Gemma in as their own. This causes trouble for the Lassiters with the Ku Klux Klan, as well as with most others in their small town, who shun them. In Cottonwood Whispers, Jessie turns 17. A 3 year old neighbor girl is killed by a hit and run driver, and a beloved friend, the elderly and mentally disabled Mr. Poe, is accused of the crime. Jessie and her family attempt to protect Mr. Poe from angry mobs out for his blood, while the town sheriff doesn't do much to find out who the real perpetrator is. The summer of Jessie's 19th year, Catching Moondrops tells of how both Jessie and Gemma find love... Jessie, with the young man whom she has not-so-secretly loved since her 13th birthday, and Gemma, with a handsome young doctor who is new to town. Unfortunately, when the black doctor treats a white woman, the Klan once again rears its ugly head.
A common thread throughout the 3 books is that through all the terrible things that happen, Jessilyn struggles to find the faith in God that seems to come so easily to those she loves. However, hate for the people who have hurt her and her friends builds up in her heart until she reaches her breaking point and finally realizes she has become just as bad as them. She has a crisis of conscience and eventually asks Jesus into her heart. (I guess this could be considered a spoiler, but in a work of Christian fiction, I would think it's not surprising to hear that the main character comes to Jesus.)
Overall, I very much enjoyed this entire series, and highly recommend it to anyone who likes historical fiction, Christian fiction, or books in general.
August 24, 2010
Many years have passed since Jessilyn Lassiter twiddled her days away playing with dolls. All grown-up at the age of nineteen, she is ready to face the world and the challenges it may bring. Madly in love with her beau Luke Talley, she lives with the hope that one day soon they will become husband and wife. If only he would come to realize that they would make the perfect pair. Patiently she waits for her dream to come true.
When a black doctor named Tal Pritchett arrives in town, Jessilyn’s near-perfect life suddenly turns upside down. A gentle soul with a heart of gold, this man steals her friend Gemma’s heart leaving Jessilyn feeling left out and all alone. Side by side, Gemma and Tal attend to the sick while Jessilyn slowly comes to grips with the meaning of this new relationship. Right before her very eyes, Jessilyn watches her confidant and closest friend begin to slip away.
Just as Tal starts to make a name for himself among his people, a prominent white woman named Miss Cleta summons this black man for medical care. This innocent request from one human being to another turns into a racial uproar resulting in the lynching of one of the town’s young men. Sparked by this incident, the Klan once again goes on attack against Jessilyn and the ones she loves.
With a town in turmoil, Jessilyn must face the cruel indecencies of the prejudicial world in which she lives. Trying to come to grips with it, she questions God’s role in the injustice of it all and doubts her own faith. Will Jessilyn be willing to accept God’s divine judgment? Or, has the brutality she has witnessed destroyed her spirit forever?
CATCHING MOONDROPS is the third book in Jennifer Erin Valent’s powerful trilogy that explores the racial prejudices of the old South. From her eloquent prose to the unforgettable moments of raw emotion, Valent delivers a historical novel that is sure to sweep even the toughest critic off his or her feet.
When a black doctor named Tal Pritchett arrives in town, Jessilyn’s near-perfect life suddenly turns upside down. A gentle soul with a heart of gold, this man steals her friend Gemma’s heart leaving Jessilyn feeling left out and all alone. Side by side, Gemma and Tal attend to the sick while Jessilyn slowly comes to grips with the meaning of this new relationship. Right before her very eyes, Jessilyn watches her confidant and closest friend begin to slip away.
Just as Tal starts to make a name for himself among his people, a prominent white woman named Miss Cleta summons this black man for medical care. This innocent request from one human being to another turns into a racial uproar resulting in the lynching of one of the town’s young men. Sparked by this incident, the Klan once again goes on attack against Jessilyn and the ones she loves.
With a town in turmoil, Jessilyn must face the cruel indecencies of the prejudicial world in which she lives. Trying to come to grips with it, she questions God’s role in the injustice of it all and doubts her own faith. Will Jessilyn be willing to accept God’s divine judgment? Or, has the brutality she has witnessed destroyed her spirit forever?
CATCHING MOONDROPS is the third book in Jennifer Erin Valent’s powerful trilogy that explores the racial prejudices of the old South. From her eloquent prose to the unforgettable moments of raw emotion, Valent delivers a historical novel that is sure to sweep even the toughest critic off his or her feet.
September 21, 2010
"Catching Moondrops" is a historical novel set in 1938 in Calloway, Virginia during a period of high racial tension. It's also an awesome story and a fast read. It's the third novel in the series, but you can easily follow it without having read the first two novels. However, the impact will be higher if you've followed Jessilyn's story from the beginning. The previous two novels are also very well written, so start with "Fireflies in December" and "Cottonwood Whispers."
The pacing and world-building were excellent. I was completely pulled into the story. The characters were engaging, realistic, and complex. They dealt with realistic struggles, like losing a best friend, wondering how the future will turn out, dealing with traumatic events, and standing up for the right thing even when it's dangerous. The tension was created by a number of "normal" worries and changes in everyone's lives with spikes of high tension when lives were in danger.
Sad things happen in this novel. It's mostly about dealing with the really hard things in life, like seeing hatred spill over to harm the innocent, why God doesn't bring immediate justice to wrongdoers if He's real, and what hatred and bitterness can do to a person's life.
Many of the characters were Christians and several tried to get Jessilyn to make peace with God. However, I think many non-Christians share Jessilyn's view, so they might enjoy this novel as much as Christians.
The ending was very satisfying. There was a very minor amount of fake bad language. There was no explicit sex. Overall, I'd highly recommend this well-written, clean novel.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
The pacing and world-building were excellent. I was completely pulled into the story. The characters were engaging, realistic, and complex. They dealt with realistic struggles, like losing a best friend, wondering how the future will turn out, dealing with traumatic events, and standing up for the right thing even when it's dangerous. The tension was created by a number of "normal" worries and changes in everyone's lives with spikes of high tension when lives were in danger.
Sad things happen in this novel. It's mostly about dealing with the really hard things in life, like seeing hatred spill over to harm the innocent, why God doesn't bring immediate justice to wrongdoers if He's real, and what hatred and bitterness can do to a person's life.
Many of the characters were Christians and several tried to get Jessilyn to make peace with God. However, I think many non-Christians share Jessilyn's view, so they might enjoy this novel as much as Christians.
The ending was very satisfying. There was a very minor amount of fake bad language. There was no explicit sex. Overall, I'd highly recommend this well-written, clean novel.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
March 24, 2014
Catching Moondrops is the third and final book in the Calloway Summer series. Set in 1930s southern Virginia, Catching Moondrops completes a trilogy I've become quite attached to. Author Jennifer Erin Valent did a remarkable job creating living, breathing characters that jump off the page and sink into the reader's mind and heart, characters we care about and want the best for even as they bump along in life and love. More than just the characters, however, I'll also miss the town of Calloway and the bittersweet way of life the author created in these lovely stories.
Catching Moondrops beautifully wraps up Jessilyn Lassiter's coming of age story, including her friendship with Gemma and the sweet culmination of her relationship with neighbor, childhood crush, and best friend Luke Talley. Added to that is the racially-charged prejudice brewing because of the new black doctor in town. Through it all, the author paints a clear picture of how hatred damages a person from the inside out...and reminds us of the only One who can heal it.
Jessilyn's spiritual journey throughout the book is carefully drawn and realistic, stretching the reader's heart as we turn each page. I shed a few tears on Jessilyn's behalf, both for her struggle to let go and give her heart to the One who heals and forgives, and over the emotionally-satisfying conclusion to her love story with Luke.
Sigh.
In case you can't tell, I didn't want this story to end.
I highly recommend Catching Moondrops, as well as Fireflies in December and Cottonwood Whispers, and I appreciate Jennifer Erin Valent's God-given gift of storytelling.
Catching Moondrops beautifully wraps up Jessilyn Lassiter's coming of age story, including her friendship with Gemma and the sweet culmination of her relationship with neighbor, childhood crush, and best friend Luke Talley. Added to that is the racially-charged prejudice brewing because of the new black doctor in town. Through it all, the author paints a clear picture of how hatred damages a person from the inside out...and reminds us of the only One who can heal it.
Jessilyn's spiritual journey throughout the book is carefully drawn and realistic, stretching the reader's heart as we turn each page. I shed a few tears on Jessilyn's behalf, both for her struggle to let go and give her heart to the One who heals and forgives, and over the emotionally-satisfying conclusion to her love story with Luke.
Sigh.
In case you can't tell, I didn't want this story to end.
I highly recommend Catching Moondrops, as well as Fireflies in December and Cottonwood Whispers, and I appreciate Jennifer Erin Valent's God-given gift of storytelling.
October 18, 2010
These past few weeks I've read a lot of Christian fiction and most of it has been hard hitting, get you in the gut type reading and Catching Moondrops is no exception. I was amazed by how easily I got into this book despite having not read the first two books in the series. I immediately felt a connection to Jessilyn, a 19 year-old girl living in 1930s, small town Virginia and I wish I had Fireflies in December and Cottonwood Whispers to read right now!
The authenticity of small town life was there. The horrific events that took place in this book at the hands of some of the town's narrowminded citizens broke my heart. The scenes depicting lynchings and burning of homes and churches were hard to read simply because they reminded me that we haven't really come all that far. There's still bullying and murdering of people today because they're different in one way or the other. I think Ms. Valent captured the thoughts and emotions of someone who has to deal with such hatred and intolerance perfectly. Jessilyn's struggle with bitterness and forgiveness is a story for everyone to read and think over.
Despite the tragedies that take place in this story I believe there's also a message of hope and of course love. If you're like me you like a little romance and the relationship between Jessilyn and Luke is so sweet. Catching Moondrops is a definite keeper and I hope to get my hands on the first two books in this series soon!
***Special thanks to Maggie Rowe of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. for sending me a review copy.***
The authenticity of small town life was there. The horrific events that took place in this book at the hands of some of the town's narrowminded citizens broke my heart. The scenes depicting lynchings and burning of homes and churches were hard to read simply because they reminded me that we haven't really come all that far. There's still bullying and murdering of people today because they're different in one way or the other. I think Ms. Valent captured the thoughts and emotions of someone who has to deal with such hatred and intolerance perfectly. Jessilyn's struggle with bitterness and forgiveness is a story for everyone to read and think over.
Despite the tragedies that take place in this story I believe there's also a message of hope and of course love. If you're like me you like a little romance and the relationship between Jessilyn and Luke is so sweet. Catching Moondrops is a definite keeper and I hope to get my hands on the first two books in this series soon!
***Special thanks to Maggie Rowe of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. for sending me a review copy.***
October 18, 2010
This is a powerful book bringing to life segregation in the 1930's. Taking place in Virginia, Jessilynn's family took in her best friend, Gemma, when Gemma's parents were killed. It didn't matter to the family that Gemma was black, only that she was a girl that needed a family. Others in the area felt differently.
Jessilynn was an outspoken young woman, who believed that blacks had as much right as anyone else, and voicing her opinions got herself into trouble on more than one occasion. She was an amazing protagonist that I couldn't help but adore. She was emotional and full of spunk, creating a humorous yet passionate character - and that character only had eyes for one man, Luke.
Jessilynn loved passionately and put those she loved over common sense. She had a powerful belief in right and wrong. When a horribly tragedy took her innocence away, she found her world upside down. Her belief in God, and what was right was tested and her relationship with Luke was questioned.
This is a powerful story of loss and redemption, hurt and healing, and growth of a girl into a woman. It captures the horrors of segregation, making it quite realistic, and making this a story that is going to stay with me for a long time. This is one that should be on every teenage girl's to read list, as it is romantic enough to appeal to her "girl" side, with a very real sense of bringing to life the horrors of what it would be like growing up in the South with the KKK in your back yard. I highly recommend this book!
October 18, 2010
Catching Moondrops by Jennifer Erin Valent is the third book in the Calloway Summers series about the Lassiter family in 1930s Virginia. Jessilyn Lassiter has finally reached womanhood and her hope to make Luke Talley fall in love with her has finally come true after being in love with his for six years. Her stepsister, Gemma, who is black and was adopted after her parents were killed in a fire, has lost her heart to the new doctor, who stirs up anger in the town when he dares to treat a white woman. Racial prejudice is always simmering beneath the surface in Calloway, but this summer they will explode with the resurgence of the Klan and cause unspeakable tragedy. Jessilyn is filled with anger and bitterness toward the bigots and may lose what she loves most if she refuses to forgive. Valent is a fresh and fantastic talent in Christian fiction. Her writing is both faith-filled and literary. Jessilyn is a delightful character. The stubbornness and smart mouth that were amusing as a child have matured into a woman who occasionally allows her anger to get the best of her, but whose dialogue is a joy to read. Valent's writing rings incredibly true; the series feels more like a memoir than fiction.
January 3, 2011
I wouldn't be able to stand it if I had read the previous two books in this series without reading its conclusion. And this one is all I had hoped for it to be—resolving loose ends in love and faith, and strengthening the family and community ties.
Prejudice still runs rampant in Calloway, and Jessilyn learns more about herself than she previously understood. She's not the same girl she was before—at nineteen years old, she begins to understand what being a woman is and making the right decisions. It forces you to choose what is most important in your life.
I really like this series because it's religious without being overbearing. It's realistic. You don't really know who's right and who's wrong, and it's left up to Faith to determine the right path. It fits God nicely into every day life. These aren't Bible-thumping evangelists—they're every day people with faith in God, and that's oftentimes the better witness.
A satisfying conclusion to a great series.
See also reviews for (book 1) and (book 2).
Prejudice still runs rampant in Calloway, and Jessilyn learns more about herself than she previously understood. She's not the same girl she was before—at nineteen years old, she begins to understand what being a woman is and making the right decisions. It forces you to choose what is most important in your life.
I really like this series because it's religious without being overbearing. It's realistic. You don't really know who's right and who's wrong, and it's left up to Faith to determine the right path. It fits God nicely into every day life. These aren't Bible-thumping evangelists—they're every day people with faith in God, and that's oftentimes the better witness.
A satisfying conclusion to a great series.
See also reviews for (book 1) and (book 2).
March 28, 2012
Once again....moved almost beyond words. Jennifer Valent's writing is beautiful and vivid. Both of the swing scenes had me gasping and crying and laughing and sighing....and the scene when Jessilyn finally gives into God's tugging at her heart left me speechless, after having followed her on this journey. She captures the human heart so well....from good and evil and all the emotions in between.
Jessilyn Lassiter no longer has to convince people she’s not a child. Having just turned 19 in the summer of 1938, her love for Luke Talley has never been more real. And Luke is finally beginning to care for her in the way she’s always dreamed of. But their budding romance is interrupted when Tal Pritchett—a young, black doctor—comes to Calloway, stealing the heart of Jessilyn’s best friend, Gemma, and stirring up the racial prejudice that has been simmering just beneath the town’s surface. The tension starts to bubble over when Jessie’s elderly neighbor Miss Cleta becomes the first white townsperson to accept Tal’s treatment. And when a young black man is lynched, Calloway is brought to its knees once again as Jessilyn realizes that her anger can make her heart as full of hate as the klan members who have terrorized her town and her family.
Jessilyn Lassiter no longer has to convince people she’s not a child. Having just turned 19 in the summer of 1938, her love for Luke Talley has never been more real. And Luke is finally beginning to care for her in the way she’s always dreamed of. But their budding romance is interrupted when Tal Pritchett—a young, black doctor—comes to Calloway, stealing the heart of Jessilyn’s best friend, Gemma, and stirring up the racial prejudice that has been simmering just beneath the town’s surface. The tension starts to bubble over when Jessie’s elderly neighbor Miss Cleta becomes the first white townsperson to accept Tal’s treatment. And when a young black man is lynched, Calloway is brought to its knees once again as Jessilyn realizes that her anger can make her heart as full of hate as the klan members who have terrorized her town and her family.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2010
This was a well written book on a very real subject prejudice. I can't imagine living with the fear of the klan coming and burning a cross in my front yard or killing someone just because of there colour but this is what Jessilyn and her family and whole community live with every day. Jessilyn and Gemma are friends with one is white and one is black and this causes issues. Things have been simmering in the community for many years and come to a head. A new doctor comes to town who is black and things get worse when he treats one of Jessilyn's elderly neighbors and is the first white person to be treated by a black doctor. Things ignite with the dead of a black boy and the hate and fear take off. We see how Jessilyn deals with her own feelings and what happens in this community. This book moved me to tears at times and also anger at how people could be so cruel. Having not grown up with this sort of prejudice it made me wonder how I would have dealt with issue. I love how Jennifer tackled the subject and brought it to light. This was a real part of history and this sort of story gives a more personal feel to the subject.
a riveting book.
a riveting book.
September 5, 2011
This book is the 3rd book in a series and let me say that the story was fantastic from page 1 of Fireflies in December to the last page of Catching Moondrops. (The 2nd book was Cottonwood Whispers) The story is about 2 little girls in the 1930's South, one black and one white. It is about their friendship, their loves (as they grow older) and the terrors and heartaches they endure due to the unrest due to the KKK and how the hate is overcome. I became so caught up in the story and hated for it to end. My emotions throughout this were many and even cried, which I rarely do when reading a book! This is a Christian "flavored" book and the message given is of forgiveness and release of hate. Something everyone needs, so please do not pass it by because of that. You would be missing out if you did. The books are wonderful and I can't praise them enough! Thank you Jennifer and I can't wait to read more of your books!
June 12, 2012
This was the third and final book in Valent's trilogy. I liked it better then the first two mainly because the main character, Jessilyn is more grown up and not so naive or immature. I've always appreciated an author who can create a voice for her characters and Valent does a wonderful job of that. The southern accent is written so well I can hear it clear as day. I found in this book, as with the others that she doesn't take long to get into the knittygritty-ness of the story but the characters are still well developed. It makes for a quick enjoyable read that comes highly recommended by me!
August 3, 2011
I had been anxiously awaiting the release of the third and final book to this series. The day I bought it I stayed up until 6:00 am just to finish reading it. I couldn't put it down! I'm not sure if I have the words to accurately describe how much this book (and the first two) touched and blessed my heart. It has been such a wonderful journey growing in faith (and love) with Jessilyn and the beautiful cast of characters in these books. Buy it, read it, and share it wth your family and friends!
I will admit to crying at the end of this book. I would rate it with 10 stars if I were so able. Highly, highly recommend this whole series.
I will admit to crying at the end of this book. I would rate it with 10 stars if I were so able. Highly, highly recommend this whole series.
March 7, 2015
Jessilyn says and does what I hope I would have living at that time.
You always think you would react so bravely, but would you have?
I loved her as a character, in such a short amount of time she faces evil in Virginia, and came out stronger and knowing herself even better in the end.
I can understand her feeling of hatred towards those who live a life of hatred themselves, and I can say that her realizations she came to regarding her faith was also a lesson for me.
Thank you for another wonderful book about characters I have truly grown to love. Hoping one day I will see them again.
You always think you would react so bravely, but would you have?
I loved her as a character, in such a short amount of time she faces evil in Virginia, and came out stronger and knowing herself even better in the end.
I can understand her feeling of hatred towards those who live a life of hatred themselves, and I can say that her realizations she came to regarding her faith was also a lesson for me.
Thank you for another wonderful book about characters I have truly grown to love. Hoping one day I will see them again.
June 20, 2015
Loved how this series came to a close. (Read all the books in order!) I was a distracted reader, but once I sat down to give reading some quality time, I couldn't put this book down. For more of a mature audience because of the violence related to the Klan. Beautiful story of forgiveness. Would definitely read more by this author.
April 21, 2011
loved this series and can't wait to see what else this author has in store!
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August 31, 2012It was very good and a fast read. I discovered about half way through that it was the third book in a trilogy, so now I have to decide if I want to read the other two.
October 12, 2016
I'm just crying because this book is so wonderful. <3
December 18, 2018
Absolutely incredible! This is the final book in the Calloway Summer series. I'm saddened to have to say goodbye to these amazing characters. They will certainly stay in my thoughts for a long time to come. Knowing them was like having them be a part of family.
The writing style was superb. The story flowed so smoothly yet kept me on the edge of my seat at times. These were extremely difficult times, especially with the racial tension so strong. So much hatred and crimes committed that were overlooked when they were against colored folk. This was a very realistic look at what things were like during this part of our country's history.
Even with all of the tension, some people didn't allow others to dictate how to live. Jessilyn's family was loving to everyone not matter their skin color. They even took in Gemma, a black girl who lost her family in a fire. Things get tougher when a negro doctor moves to town. Gemma falls for Tal right from the start but is she ready for all that comes with this man?
Luke was a character that fit everything I would love to see in a man. He was so caring, kind and loyal to his friends and his love. I don't usually allow a character in a book get to me, but this guy sure did. He is such a good man and handsome to boot.
I cannot recommend this book and the complete series highly enough Although this book may be read as a standalone, you will not want to miss the first two books as they give so much background that makes this novel even better.
The writing style was superb. The story flowed so smoothly yet kept me on the edge of my seat at times. These were extremely difficult times, especially with the racial tension so strong. So much hatred and crimes committed that were overlooked when they were against colored folk. This was a very realistic look at what things were like during this part of our country's history.
Even with all of the tension, some people didn't allow others to dictate how to live. Jessilyn's family was loving to everyone not matter their skin color. They even took in Gemma, a black girl who lost her family in a fire. Things get tougher when a negro doctor moves to town. Gemma falls for Tal right from the start but is she ready for all that comes with this man?
Luke was a character that fit everything I would love to see in a man. He was so caring, kind and loyal to his friends and his love. I don't usually allow a character in a book get to me, but this guy sure did. He is such a good man and handsome to boot.
I cannot recommend this book and the complete series highly enough Although this book may be read as a standalone, you will not want to miss the first two books as they give so much background that makes this novel even better.
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