Before We Were Yours: A Novel

What a treasure this book is. It’s heartbreaking, has a mystery of some sorts and a mini love story. Most importantly though is the love of family, in all generations, and how that love can strengthen you and keep you safe. The story is told in chapters, reflecting back to the past then flipping to the present day. It’s told exceptionally well that each past era chapter explains enough to keep the reader invested to know the outcomes. The present day chapters are finding the mystery and putting the pieces together on who was in the photo and how they were connected. The fact that this novel is based on true events makes it even more compelling because I felt even greater for these kids and what they went through. It also made me root for them trying to survive and get their next meal. When a book can evoke so many emotions and feeling towards characters, you know it’s a brilliant one and well worth the read.

Another fabulous book from Lisa Wingate, but this one takes a different turn. Lisa has taken actual events, the adoption scandal of The Tennessee Children's Home Society that was exposed in 1950, and has woven an engrossing account of lives changed. It is told in two different voices in two different times, but unlike some books that doesn't prove a distraction. It is very easy to keep it all straight, and it adds to the suspense by taking you up to a point and then pulling you back to a different aspect of the story. The characters are well developed, and you are allowed to peel back the layers slowly to get the big picture. As Rill's story unfolds, you are held spellbound by the unrelenting sadness of her situation, and horrified by the fact that these things really happened to some children. Wingate has a gift for imagery that pulls you into a scene. But in true Lisa Wingate fashion, there are also plenty of happier moments to relieve the sadness and many truths uncovered. Avery's story gives some interesting insights into how political families live their lives on display. She wasn't the most sympathetic character in the beginning, but she did grow on me as she learned to be more aware of her own aspirations and feelings. A well-crafted new effort from Wingate, it is one of those books you can't put down and you don't want to end! This book is a little different twist for Lisa Wingate. She has taken actual events, the adoption scandal of The Tennessee Children's Home Society that was exposed in 1950, and has woven an engrossing account of lives changed. A large family living on a houseboat on the Mississippi River finds themselves in a desperate situation one dark and stormy night. The father must take the mother, in the midst of a life-threatening childbirth, to the hospital leaving the five children on the boat. Operatives for the predatory orphanage grab the children and propel them into a terrifying situation. Big sister Rill tries desperately to protect her siblings and keep them together through it all. It is told in two different voices in two different times, but unlike some books that doesn't prove a distraction. It is very easy to keep it all straight, and it adds to the suspense by taking you up to a point and then pulling you back to a different aspect of the story. The characters are well developed, and you are allowed to peel back the layers slowly to get the big picture. As Rill's story unfolds, you are held spellbound by the unrelenting sadness of her situation, and horrified by the fact that these things really happened to some children. Wingate has a gift for imagery that pulls you into a scene. But in true Lisa Wingate fashion, there are also plenty of happier moments to relieve the sadness and many truths uncovered. The other voice is that of Avery, the daughter and heir-apparent of a political dynasty. Her story gives some interesting insights into how political families live their lives on display. She wasn't the most sympathetic character in the beginning, but she did grow on me as she learned to be more aware of her own aspirations and feelings. This is a well-crafted new effort from Wingate - one of those books you can’t put down and you don’t want to end!

Before We Were Yours is a deeply moving and haunting historical novel that brings to light a heartbreaking chapter in of the real-life scandal of a Children’s Home, which trafficked children under the guise of adoption during the early 20th century. The author weaves together two timelines: the past and the present. This is a compelling and unforgettable novel that lingers long after the final page.

"Before We Were Yours" by Lisa Wingate was an exceptional read, both sad and deeply emotional. It captures the resilience of children, the strength of family, and the power of hope. The Tennessee Children's Home Society, a true and not fictional institution, was run by a money-hungry woman. The atrocities committed against children there are truly heartbreaking.

This is an absolutely fantastic book and almost unimaginable story. This book is completely out of my reading lane, however, I loved it and could not wait to get back to it. I had heard and read of many stories about adoption and illegal adoption services but this heartwarming, heart wrenching account of the Foss Family and their relatives (known & unknown) is an unbelievable eye opener! The compassion and consideration that Lisa Wingate demonstrates and explains is life changing to both the characters and the readers. The secret involvement of so many high profile players is almost mind-blowing! This story was so informative, so raw, so unbelievably moving that it is hard to imagine it ever happening! I would highly recommend this book to all mature readers no matter what your preferred genre!

Keeps you on the edge of your seat!

Rills story is much stronger than Avery's, so much happened to her and Avery is basically a catalyst for finding out what that was. Rill is also a much stronger character she is feisty and smart and you can't help but connect with and support her. Avery is likeable enough and she is in an interesting situation with her life, and the choices she has to make but for me it was Rill and her siblings all the way. I liked the setting for Rills story, I knew nothing about river shantyboats, 'river rats' as they were called, or life on the river in this era and I found this to be very engrossing. I also knew nothing of the scandal involving the Tennessee Children's Home Society or Georgia Tann and it was a revelation and a shock to say the least. Life can turn on a dime, no doubt about it. This was a book club selection and like many of the books selected by my fellow Page Turners I would not have read this except that one of them picked it. I enjoyed this one and many others for that reason.

Very good

I really enjoyed reading this book. It is a well told story with relevant historical facts. Would definitively recommend this book!

If this hadn't been a Kindle daily deal I probably wouldn't have stumbled across it as I wasn't familiar with Lisa Wingate's books prior to reading this fictional story based on a true American historical tragedy, I certainly was unaware of the magnitude of the injustice to American children and families. I particularly enjoy fictional stories that are based in history so this ticked a lot of boxes for me as I was transported yet learnt something along the way. I am so pleased I did buy "Before We Were Yours" as it is an engrossing story and an eye opener about Georgia Tann and the Tennesee Children's Home Society in the 1930s time frame. Set in both the 1930s and present day the book follows the story of the Foss children in the '30s and Avery Stafford in present day. Avery Stafford finds an unusual photograph that causes her to unearth a number of secrets and lies inside her upright, respected family. What follows is a heartwarming story of love, betrayal and memories pieced together from a heart wrenching period in time. This was easy to read despite the challenging subject matter, which just made it utterly thought provoking. I enjoyed the characters and how the book was layered to reveal parts of the story at a time. In addition to the well developed characters and background love story, I liked the realistic view of the 1930s. The book has parallel story lines that weave together nicely. This is a beautiful story of heartache, love and the unthinkable. It made me Google more info and read up on what took place during that period. I know it will stay with me for a long time.

Well written. As you keep on reading you find out the mystery,the people involved. Until the end you wont have a clue.

祖父母と孫の両世代に跨ってお話が同時進行、米国南部で暮らしていた5人姉妹は何故お母さんが出産する嵐の夜に孤児院に連れ去られたのか、Averyが追うJudyお婆ちゃんの秘密とは……、謎解きで読ませます。 Mayと名前を変えさせられたRillの長女ならではの健気さに涙しつつ、まさかこんなことが本当にあった訳じゃないだろうなと読み続けたら、なんと実話に基くフィクション。そこが一番のショックでした。 つい最近まで、長らくNYT紙ベストセラーでした。