Already a fan of Therese Anne Fowler's historical fiction, I was curious to dive into this current day fiction that is surely a departure from her previous books. This novel did not disappoint; I found myself staying up to the wee hours to finish it in barely two sittings.

Told through the distinct and quirky-yet-introspective voice of the neighbors of the community of Oak Knoll, North Carolina, this novel touches on many powerful issues including racism, criminal justice, religion and sexual assault, magnified by the story's setting in the South. A professor/environmental activist and a new-money, "self-made" entrepreneur become neighbors sharing nothing more than a property line, and head toward a collision course that envelops two families and the entire community. Narration by a group of unidentified neighbors acts a kind of a Greek chorus, foreshadowing events and providing enough thought provoking commentary that makes this story hard to put down until you reach the heartbreaking but extremely powerful conclusion.

Without a doubt, you will be thinking about this book long after you finish it. Honestly think this would be a great movie too as the issues it highlights are real, current and while not new, definitely warrant a wide audience that can drive more dialogue, action and change.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC of this must-read novel. Loved it!

Quick Read which raises some really interesting issues. I gobbled it up! Will post on publication. Thanks!

Ms. Hitler's newest novel is Heartbreaking and sadly predictable. A tale of who we are as a society.