Acquiring books and reading them are entirely two different hobbies. I must say in the last few years, I have been working on curating my home library and working out what criteria I want to set to grow my stacks.

In this book stack series, I’m sharing books I’ve previously read and reviewed from NetGalley and want to obtain a physical copy for my home library.

I reviewed, “Good Time Coming” by C.S. Harris in September of 2016 and I was deeply moved by this story. I feel my review did not do the story justice and I want to go back and read it again to update my thoughts and to-of course-add a physical copy to my book stacks. Interestingly enough, ever since I’ve been on the lookout for the book at used bookstores and have never come across a copy. I have noticed-I’m not surprised-that there are a few readers that misunderstand the story and the author’s intentions in writing about the subject of what civilians in Mississippi went through during the war. Harris doesn’t leave any women out no matter their class, status in society, or age. What I mean to say is that there is a diversity of women in this book that are tied together by war, uncertain of their fate and the utter despair and savagery of war. Today many people still don’t want to address this part of the American Civil War because then it will force one to admit that we tend to look at things with prejudice. Harris is a brave woman to write this story and I admire her greatly for her spirit of persistence in bringing Good Timing Coming to the public.

Stephanie Hopkins

About the Book:

A powerful tale of the survival of the women and children left behind during the American Civil War by the author of the Sebastian St Cyr mysteries.”

It’s the beginning of the American Civil War and the Union army is sailing down the Mississippi, leaving death and destruction in its wake. The graceful river town of St. Francisville, Louisiana, has known little of the hardships, death, and destruction of the War. But with the fall of New Orleans, all changes. A Federal fleet appears on the Mississippi, and it isn’t long before the depredations and attacks begin.

For one Southern family the dark blue uniform of the Union army is not the only thing they fear. A young girl stops a vicious attack on her mother and the town must pull together to keep each other safe. But a cryptic message casts doubt amongst the town s folk. Is there a traitor in the town and can anybody be trusted?

Twelve-year-old Amrie and her family have never felt entirely accepted by their neighbors, due to their vocal abolitionist beliefs. But when Federal forces lay siege to the nearby strongholds of Vicksburg and Port Hudson, the women and children of St. Francisville find themselves living in a no man’s land between two warring armies. Realizing they must overcome their differences and work together to survive, they soon discover strengths and abilities they never knew they possessed, and forge unexpected friendships.

As the violence in the area intensifies, Amrie comes to terms with her own capacity for violence and realizes that the capacity for evil exists within all of us. And when the discovery of a closely guarded secret brings the wrath of the Federal army down on St. Francisville, the women of St. Francisville, with whom Amrie and her mother have shared the war years many deprivations and traumas, now unite and risk their own lives to save them.

My interview with Harris HERE

Check out the previous book picks:

Reader’s Log 002: Book Stacks Part I

Reader’s Log 005: Book Stacks Part 2

Reader’s Log 009: Book Stacks Part 3

Reader’s Log 011: Book Stacks Part 4