I enjoy historical fiction and this one did not disappoint. Written in epistolary style, this is a loving story about two women connected by a home.

I’ve had this novel on my TBR for awhile and I am so thankful I finally had the opportunity to sit down and read it. It is such a sad, depressing, yet endearing and uplifting tale that is based on a true story, and happened a few short miles from where I grew up, making this read all the more impactful.

The Berachah Industrial Home was a real place in Arlington, Texas in the 1930’s that existed to help women who where down on their luck, lending a helping hand to those that found themselves pregnant out of wedlock, or in a life of prostitution, drug addiction, and other issues. It was a religious outreach that focused on second chances, and it is one that changed the lives of many women who walked through its doors. For its time this was revolutionary, but was a much-needed outreach that I found fascinating existed.

Home for Erring and Outcast Girls is a dual timeline that focuses on some of the women at The Berachah, while the future is focused on two women that are researching the history of The Berachah. As to be expected, there are twists in each timeline, along with adult subjects of all kinds that some could find triggering. There is nothing graphically depicted, but was handled in a tasteful and respectful manner, which helped me not be as triggered.

The writing is so subversive that once I picked it up I seriously could not put this novel down, and read it in mere hours. I found myself absorbed in this world, emotionally attached to these women, and craved to see the outcome, whatever that may be. After I was finished I did some research and found out that the Berachah cemetery is still in Arlington near the University of Texas in Arlington which is mere minutes from where my own grandparents are buried, so the next time I go to visit their graves I plan on going by Berachah Home Cemetery and paying my respects to those buried there.

This was an incredibly powerful read that will stick with me for a long time. It has imprinted on my heart, reminding me that all women have a fight, have a story, and are so much stronger together.

3.5 stars actually. Some parts were great and I really enjoyed them. But parts were slow and dragged a bit. Overall it was a good read.

The Home for Erring and Outcast Girls by Julie Kibler was a refreshing look at a safe haven for girls during the most troubling of circumstances. This book is based upon a true story and surrounds the stories of the girls who have been touched by this home. Many of the girls were abused by those who were supposed to love them most as well as by society. Told in dual timelines, The Home for Erring and Outcast Girls has heart and depth.

I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Based on a true institution, the Berachah Industrial Home for Erring Girls in Arlington, Texas, the couple who founded the “home” were dedicated individuals. They not only cared about the girls and women but their babies as well. The sense of redemption shared with these individuals who had suffered such horrible situations … being sexually abused, raped, drug abuse, incest, neglect … was touching. The unique focus that encouraged the women to keep their children rather than forcing them to give them up for adoption was refreshing. This is a dual timeline book, but the interesting part is during the time when the home was functioning. It is sad to discover how many young women had to be turned away because there was no room, due to a lack of funds, or the fact that some of them were not “abused” enough to warrant a safe haven. What an emotional read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crown Publishing Group for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

I really wanted to love this story. I love reading historical fiction about little know snippets of history. This book was a disappointment. It’s a dual (or triple maybe?) timeline book. The present with Cate was such a distraction from the girls at the Barachah home. Which was definitely the interesting part and could have stood on its own.

Mattie & Lizzie’s stories 4 stars
Cate’s story 2 stars

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

This story took me on wonderful women’s journey through history and into modern times. There are great juxtapositions of what can make one “an erring outcast” woman from the early part of the century through to today. There is a twist that resonates powerfully. How or why does one become an outcast today?
Personally I love the beauty of the Women’s Historical Fiction as well as the modern storyline.
I wanted to shout out loud “You’ve come a long way Baby” yet the painful heart wrenching compromises Women have made for hundreds of years still find themselves repeated through to today.
The writing was wonderful. I was placed into the story with the scents, sights and sounds from the rural settings to bustling city life. I am completely invested in the women who lived and left the home as well as those who found themselves researching their lives. These women have firmly found a place in my heart with their incredible strength and honest frailties. I felt the religious aspects of life at the home and personal lives were treated honestly and graciously. I’m buying copies for my daughters and their daughters because quite frankly some aspects of the progress for women is taking just too long. I was given a free copy of this book in lieu of an honest review through #NetGalley

Another heartfelt and beautifully written story from Julie Kibler​. I couldn't wait for this book to come out, and it was certainly worth the wait.

I tried this book a few times. I generally love this kind of book, but it did not keep my interest. I finally quit on the book. The title drew me in. Maybe I'll pick it up again.

tw: rape, victim shaming, homophobia, homelessness, incest, sexual assualt, sexism and child death

I went into this book expecting something and I got something else (story of my life). This book was split between the story of Lizzie and Mattie, which is in the past and the story of Cate, who is in the present. Cate finds the story of Lizzie and Mattie and the home that they lived in due to work at a college library. There wasn’t a real connection between the past and present, which I expected. It really brought the book down.

I didn’t care for Cate’s chapters. I honestly would have liked them more if they were a whole separate book. Instead, they felt added on, simply to plump the book up. Maybe it would have been better if Cate was related to Lizzie or Mattie. That would have made more sense to me and it would have connected all the women. There was also an unrealistic aspect involved in Cate’s story that made no sense. There was no reason for it to be in the story and it just felt misplaced.

As for Lizzie and Mattie, they were okay. I enjoyed Lizzie’s chapters the most and loved it when she got page time. I loved her growth during the years. She grew up and became one of my favorites. She acknowledged mistakes, recognized her weaknesses and overall had fantastic growth. You all know how much I love character growth. I don’t have much to say about Mattie. She was an okay person but not a good friend to Lizzie. I liked her but she was just meh to me.

Overall, the book was alright. It wasn’t anything special and that is such a shame because it could have been. It was just disappointing with how the book was set up. I still recommend this book because it has an important message about second chances and I think a lot of people would enjoy this book. It just wasn’t for me.

A historical fiction story set at the turn of the last century in Texas. Present day, Cate, a librarian is drawn to the archives of the Berachah Home for the Redemption and Protection of Erring Girls. The story goes back and forth between the two time periods, following very real and likeable characters. It's a great story with a lot of heartbreak and perseverance all around. It did seem to go on a bit too long though.Overall, I really enjoyed it though! Thank you to Netgalley and to Crown Publishing for gifting me a digital copy!

have never, ever had a book make me feel such rage one second and the next feel complete and utter shock that I missed something so important that, in hindsight, should have been obvious. My jaw literally dropped. Julie Kibler is a genius.

This story and these characters are going to stay with me a long time. I am now planning a field trip to Arlington so I can find the cemetery where Mattie is buried.

Julie Kibler did a fantastic job on this story of bringing to life about a librarian and a home for girls who have lost their way in life some with children some without. This home, in the early 1900's finds two girls who become friends and you follow their story plus others. Later on,a librarian finds out about these two girls and follows their story of so long ago plus discover things about herself. Truly heartwarming and grab the tissues while Miss Julie takes you into another world with these amazing women. It's a emotional story on what theses women went through and this story takes you into their world. This is a must read book that has you thinking of all what life can do to you! Received this book through Net Gallery!

Oh Julie Kibler, this book has slayed me. I am crying and full of love and hope at the same time. The story of the outcast women of Berachah Industrial Home, they are trying to rebuild their lives. In a time when babies where taken from unwed mothers and much shame followed them. You will not forget their stories. This based one a real home and the author discusses the actual home and cemetery, it made me want to know more.. Friends, you must read this book!!

It's disappointing but this is one of those books where the description made me excited to read it but the actual book let me down. I barely finished it and ended up skimming the last 30% or so.

I love historical fiction, particularly US historical fiction, so reading about the girls from the Berachah Industrial Home was something I thought was going to be right up my alley. Unfortunately, the book jumped around so much from 1917, 1933, 1998, and 2017 that it became difficult to follow. Lizzie and Mattie were in the past while Laurel and Cate were in the present but they lacked any discernable differences in personality. They felt very much like the same person with very minor changes. It was boring.

The storytelling was harsh. Every man in the book was an evil POS - molestation, rape, abuse, implied affairs. There wasn't a single man that I can recall that was even remotely acceptable. The author even implied that Brother JT (who ran the Berachah House) was unfaithful to his wife although there is no historical evidence to support such an implication. It just felt like the author was determined to make every male character out to be a bad person. She did the same thing with the church. I haven't been a church-goer in over 20 years and have no reason to defend the institution but I felt so much annoyance at the continual "Men are bad. Church is bad. Women are victims." message in the book that I could barely stomach reading it.

I wanted to love it but I just don't.

I liked the way this book found a common thread between several periods of time. Relatable characters. It dragged a little due to its length but the story was a memorable one.

The concept of this book intrigued me as I love historical fiction mixed with a present day tie-in. The Berachah Home for the Redemption and Protection of Erring Girls built in 1903 in Arlington, Texas provides the backdrop for the meeting of Lizzie Bates and Mattie McBride. Their shared situation brings the two women to forge a sisterly friendship that will stand the test of time and many other tribulations. In present day, university librarian Cate Sutton uncovers information in the archives about the Berachah Home and its residents. She feels drawn to these women and their stories, inspiring her to deal with issues from her past as well.

I thought the stories of Lizzie and Mattie were so interesting and compelling. The fact that this home actually existed that long ago and touched so many lives was inspiring. I failed to connect as much with Cate and found her portion of the story somewhat of a distraction for me. I couldn't connect the importance of her assistant Laurel's character with the narrative. That said, I did enjoy the book but just felt more drawn to the historical component.

I received this book courtesy of Crown Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book. Home for Erring and Outcast Girls by Julie Kibler was a powerful and emotional read. I was moved by the stories of Lizzie Bates and Mattie McBride. Their friendship was wonderful told and the painful struggles were so well written. I also loved the alternating timeline in this book and how Cate Sutton interacts with the stories of these two women. Powerfully moving. Highly recommend.

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In turn-of-the-20th century Texas, the Berachah Home for the Redemption and Protection of Erring Girls is an unprecedented beacon of hope for young women consigned to the dangerous poverty of the streets by birth, circumstance, or personal tragedy. Built in 1903 on the dusty outskirts of Arlington, a remote dot between Dallas and Fort Worth’s red-light districts, the progressive home bucks public opinion by offering faith, training, and rehabilitation to prostitutes, addicts, unwed mothers, and “ruined” girls without forcibly separating mothers from children. When Lizzie Bates and Mattie McBride meet there—one sick and abused, but desperately clinging to her young daughter, the other jilted by the beau who fathered her ailing son—they form a friendship that will see them through unbearable loss, heartbreak, difficult choices, and ultimately, diverging paths.

A century later, Cate Sutton, a reclusive university librarian, uncovers the hidden histories of the two troubled women as she stumbles upon the cemetery on the home’s former grounds and begins to comb through its archives in her library. Pulled by an indescribable connection, what Cate discovers about their stories leads her to confront her own heartbreaking past, and to reclaim the life she thought she'd let go forever. With great pathos and powerful emotional resonance, Home for Erring and Outcast Girls explores the dark roads that lead us to ruin, and the paths we take to return to ourselves.

4.5 stars!

Emotional. Informative. Powerful. Unforgettable.

Established in 1903 in Texas, the Berachah Industrial Home for the Redemption of Erring Girls, was an unprecedented institution that offered a chance of hope for girls who had little to no options left in life. Prostitutes, poor, homeless, abused — the Home offered a refuge for women fleeing their terrible situations. Differing from other organizations, this home offered rehabilitation, training, spiritual counsel and support for unwed mothers without separating mother from child. The goal was to provide a safe haven for young women while training them to become productive members of society. Lizzie and Mattie are two of the young women who reside at the Home in 1905 finding true friendship together. Lizzie’s daughter Docia was only a toddler when she arrived and grows up feeling the love and support of all who reside and work within the Home.

In 2018, Cate is a librarian and is working in the university library Archives. She becomes fascinated in piecing together the journals and articles about the Berachah Home. She feels personally connected to the girls who once resided at this unparalleled nurturing shelter of its time.

This novel unfolds through three perspectives (Lizzie, Mattie and Cate) and two timelines. I was captivated by both timelines and I loved all the characters equally yet uniquely. They each has their own intriguing and engrossing back story that slowly unfolded as the novel progressed.

I have not had a reading experience like this before. The novel started off strong. I felt an immediate connection to the storyline and characters. However, I started to struggle with some sentence structure. I’m not sure if I wasn’t focusing properly but I found I had to reread sentences several times. The words weren’t flowing smoothly, but I remained fascinated with the storyline and characters. It is not a book to be rushed, it needs to be slowly savoured to get the true feel of the writing and the times. Once I slowed down a little, I was able to absorb the words more smoothly and enjoyably. Around the 2/3 point, the pace picked up immensely and I hungrily devoured the rest of the book. That last section of the book really kicked it up a few notches for me.

There is one major twist that completely blind sided me in the latter half of the novel. It was unexpected, cleverly plotted and such a brilliant addition to the story.

Finishing this novel, I felt sad to leave these characters. I truly enjoyed spending hours with them. Reading the Author’s Note at the end made me love this book even more. Knowing these characters and this Home are based on real people and events makes it even more impactful. I am in awe of the founders of this Home in a time when it would have been difficult to show these “ruined” women respect. I thank Julie Kibler for writing this novel and opening our eyes to these unsung heroes of their time.

Side note: it was eerie to read the parts of this novel referring to living in quarantine during the Spanish flu all while we are in quarantine for COVID 19.

Thank you to NetGalley for my review copy and my lovely local library for the loan of the physical copy!

Living in Arlington where this book is set, I felt a strong connection to the home and the characters. I learned so much about this home and how it helped young women at the turn of the century escape bad situations and turn their lives around.

While based on an actual place and actual residents of the home, the story is fiction but is well researched and could possibly have been what happened to these women.

I have loved everything this author has written and the amount of detail she provided in real places and events of the time. I never would have guessed that I would enjoy historical novels as much as I do and want to know so much more.