A Long Time Comin' just wasn't a read that I could click with.

I haven't found many books recently that I am truly able to finish or find holding my attention.

A beautifully written story by Robin W Pearson Authentic. Heart warming. Heart wrenching. Tender. Explosive. Multi generational. Five stars.

An excellent read—not the kind of book you see very often.
This is a story I have a hard time reviewing! It’s a great book, but there were some elements I struggled with.

First, though, the good: This book had some excellent characters! I loved watching the grandmother/granddaughter relationship grow in here, and seeing them work through their own struggles and try to help each other at the same time. Some of the things featured here are ones that many would be able to relate to, and I think that made the message even more compelling. I also loved the setting—almost all books I read feature white characters, but that wasn’t so here, and the African-American culture came through very well in these pages. I could hear the characters speaking through their word choices, and I really enjoyed that!

I did struggle with some of the content in here, though. Since this book deals with two different affairs or almost-affairs, part of it was to be expected, I guess. One part I didn’t enjoy was the one or two subjects brought up over and over in the course of conversation (body parts and hints at marital subjects). With that, though, I wonder if it isn’t the normal way of speaking for that particular cultural group, but since it isn’t acceptable in my culture, I didn’t enjoy it. There was one particular scene that I really didn’t enjoy—when a young boy got stuck in his mother’s closet and heard things he wasn’t supposed to hear—but at the same time, I can imagine it happening.

Little things, I know. But they did taint the whole somewhat for me.

The good part is that this book is quite good! I loved the way the author told the story; it flowed along very well, and for the most part, aside from one or two scenes where I thought the time gap wasn’t explained quite enough to make the start of the scene go well, it was a very well-written book. It’s not one I’ll forget anytime soon!

I requested a free review copy of this book from the publisher, and this is my honest opinion of it.

The cover and title drew me in! The book is interesting and intriguing from the first chapter. Beatrice “Granny B” Agnew, granddaughter Evelyn and husband Kevin were the first people to meet with distinctive presence.

“Evelyn nodded, then picked up the thread of conversation she begun unraveling an hour ago”

”Evelyn dislodged her voice from where it had curled itself around her toes.”

“Laurie swallowed the directive soaked in the syrup of Lis’s mellow drawl.”

Pearson has a beautiful writing style. This debut novel explores forgiveness and the burden of secrets. Though it is perhaps drawn-out, the writing is strong, and the story is engaging, and with authentic dialog. Together, Evelyn and Granny “B” confront pain and secrets and try to move on without any regrets.

The novel moves back and forth in time as it reveals the layered secrets held tight by Granny B that have threatened her family and her own peace. A tale of love, family, secrets, relationships, and forgiveness that will teach us all something in life.

Evelyn heads home to escape the disappointment in her husband, Kevin, who almost cheated on her. Kevin is repentant, but he travels a lot for business and those trips do not bolster Evelyn’s confidence in his fidelity. Turns out, though, the Evelyn is pregnant and Kevin doesn’t know.

Granny B knows, though, just after spending a short time with Evelyn. She uses the stories of her past to connect to Evelyn and help Evelyn sort out her options.

I was OK about the story. I thought it was disjointed in parts as they tried to introduce the reader to ALL the children of Granny B.

If you enjoy Southern fiction then you'll enjoy this book. It has all the characteristics that you expect from that genre and more. I didn't want it to end. Would love to read more from this author.

This debut novel brings together a heart-hurting story of family drama, their struggle with faith, hope and love. I liked the diverse and complex characters who are the siblings, spouses and grandchildren of Beatrice Agnew AKA Granny B. Granny B had lots of children and her children had children, a few times I found it hard to keep up with them all. But the author spot lights them up close and personal, giving the reader a deeper look at the cast as Evelyn helps her grandmother share the news no one wants to hear.

Evelyn Lester is closer to her Granny B than her own mother. She is in a tailspin over something she came across on her husband’s phone. She confronts him about it. He’s been hiding things from her, then again, she’s been hiding something pretty big from him. Except her secret will come out sooner than later.

This author brings up some pretty heavy topics that this family has to deal with. This is a thought-provoking read I couldn’t put down. The author gets the reader thinking, what would I do in this situation? How would I handle my kids? What would I want?

I love the depth of characterization as this author jumps from present to past and gives readers a peek into each of Granny B’s children. I also liked the effective use of letters in this novel. It made things more intimate and memorable.

I like how the author showed a change in many of her characters even Granny B, who discovers hope, grace and the lover of her soul wishing she could have found him sooner so she could have passed this on to her children. The author has readers wonder, “Given a second chance to make things right would you do it.? Would you share your heart and perspective on life when others may not want to hear it?”

This is an honest, moving story of family relationships and how they deal with life's blows. I liked this roller coaster of a read that holds you to the end and warms your heart. The novel would be a great book club pick. This author is one to watch.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com

This novel is about a strong elderly woman who finds out she is dying and needs to get closure before leaving the earth.
However, it is not quite that simple.
Granny B aka Beatrice has always kept secrets, kept people and family at a distance and provided a tough exterior.
It was not an easy life, but she managed fine as a single parent or so she thinks. The kids grew up and seemed alright.
Now..... as time is winding down she will have to let her family know the truth.
Granny sees her granddaughter Evelyn heading down the same path and is determined to make sure this doesn't happen!
Life is just too short for anger, regret and hate.
I loved Granny B. .
She definitely is a hero in my opinion!

I really struggled with reading this book. The characters were not likeable and hard to relate with. Granny B was not the typical grandmother and this was not a feel good story. As in any family, there are lots of bumps and bruises along the way in the pathway of life.

Beatrice Agnew known as Granny B to her family has lived in the same house since she was a young woman. She brought up seven children. Their life was difficult. Her husband walked out on them many years ago. She has kept her secrets about her life well hidden until one day when her granddaughter Evelyn comes to visit and accidentally finds a box full of letters.
Evelyn is not happy in her marriage but is trying to get all the family together for her mother’s birthday, but Granny B wants nothing to do with it.
This was about families and family relationships and identity, I gradually got to like the family members as their life was revealed.

A very interesting read. It is just like being part of Evelyn's family. There are relatives that annoy you and there are relatives that you always want to be with. Granny B is a prickly person and hard to love, but Evelyn has been a favorite and she is set on Granny B when the family finds out she is dying. Family secrets begin to surface and Evelyn understands her family better.

Even though I struggled to like any of the characters at first, as I learned more about them the more I understood them and even found myself liking them all, one by one.

Sometimes a book takes us to a new place. This one did that for me. Exploring the brokenness of a family and the long-lasting effects of the past's pain and misunderstandings isn't easy. But the process of watching characters fall, learn, repeat and finally grow takes us on healing journeys of our own if we let it.

A LONG TIME COMIN' by ROBIN W. PEARSON is a beautifully written book that will really speak to your heart.
Beatrice Agnew, or Granny B as she is known, has not had an easy life, and as she doggedly fulfilled her obligations in bringing up seven children virtually single handed, she lost the joy of living. Now that they have grown up she has little time for her large family and is in the habit of not opening the door when they come to visit. She is also fiercely independant and works hard at hiding the parts of her past of which she is ashamed.
Her granddaughter, Evelyn Lester, is the only person she will sometimes let into her house and her life. Evelyn has a shaky relationship with her mother, Elisabeth, and her husband, Kevin. As Granny B's story slowly comes out, the Lord uses her relationship with Evelyn, together with the fact that Granny B is dying, to not only work in the two women's lives, but also in the relationships of all the family members.
It is a story of forgiveness, fortitude, love and restoration, with the importance of taking hold of the Lord's grace and mercy, coming out clearly.
It is a really worthwhile read and one that I can recommend.
I was given an ARC by Tyndale House Publishers from NetGalley. The opinions in this review are completely my own.