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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
medium-paced
challenging
emotional
inspiring
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The book had a lot of potential but fell flat. I found the modern day plotline uninspiring and the romance between Bailey Rae and Martin felt inorganic. Would’ve liked more on Winnie’s past.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Lightning in a Mason Jar by Catherine Mann
Contemporary women’s fiction. Dual time line 1970’s, 2025. Secondary romance.
Bailey Rae Rigby (2025) is cleaning out the contents of her aunt’s home in preparation for leaving Bent Oak, South head to Myrtle Beach to own run a food truck. Prepared to live her aunt’s dream. But the more Bailey Rae clears out, the more memories she has of her aunt and her friends. Why so many copies of the same cookbook? Why so many women and children passing through the small town, there one day, gone the next with supplies and clothing that Winnie had stored in her barn? The more questions she asks, the more Bailey Rae realizes the depth of her aunt and the hidden town secrets are special.
Winnie Ballard’s history is revealed from the 1970’s with a troubled marriage and an escape from being involuntarily institutionalized to the small town of Bent Oak, a new name and job. Three additional woman arrive in Bent Oak at the same time and become fast friends as they rebuild their lives and then secretly pass on the help to others.
Friendship. Loyalty. Love.
It’s an emotional story and for me, a cryer. These women survived so much and yet help others unconditionally. The friendships are strong and supportive. They didn’t let the bad defeat them and came out stronger and then reached out to help the next woman. Winnie’s romance is heartwarming and beautiful. Bailey Rae’s new romance is hopeful and sweet.
A heartfelt and uplifting story.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I also purchased a copy to keep.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Medical content, Dementia, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury
Underneath all the light-hearted jokes, quirky characters and Southern food, this story is about the tough subject of domestic abuse and how hard it is for women to get away from it all. It’s about found family, dealing with dark pasts and honoring the ones who made your safe life possible.
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Oh how this book warmed my heart. Winnie and the other ladies were amazing characters (and this only from the past since she's not here for the present parts) and I can't even explain all she did because you have to read it for yourself. I just love the idea/execution of their call to action of "pay it forward" mantra in such a meaningful way.
Bailey Rae has such a good heart too. I loved that she grew in her understanding of what Winnie wanted for her in her life throughout the story. She had the knack for carrying on Winnie's legacy in the same spirit. This book was just a warm hug of Southern hospitality and goodness.
Bailey Rae has such a good heart too. I loved that she grew in her understanding of what Winnie wanted for her in her life throughout the story. She had the knack for carrying on Winnie's legacy in the same spirit. This book was just a warm hug of Southern hospitality and goodness.