Before We Were Yours: A Novel Paperback – November 29, 2022

"Before We Were Yours" by Lisa Wingate is a captivating novel that intertwines past and present, delivering a powerful story brimming with emotion, mystery, and resilience. This book delves deep into the intricacies of family bonds and the dark corners of history that many would prefer remain hidden.The narrative toggles between two timelines: one centered around Rill Foss, a young girl living in 1939 Memphis, and the other following Avery Stafford, a modern-day lawyer exploring her family’s mysterious past. The story opens up with young Rill and her siblings, who live a carefree life aboard their family's shantyboat on the Mississippi River until they are abruptly taken away from their parents and thrust into the corrupt Tennessee Children’s Home Society orphanage. Here, they encounter unimaginable hardships while clinging to the hope of reuniting with their loved ones.Wingate weaves Avery's journey gracefully alongside Rill's heart-wrenching past. Avery stumbles upon an old photograph that ignites her curiosity, prompting a quest for truth that uncovers long-buried secrets impacting her own identity. Her search serves as a conduit, bringing the harrowing experiences of Rill and her siblings to light, revealing how these past injustices have rippled through generations.Wingate’s writing is vivid and evocative, painting each scene with rich detail, which makes it easy to become immersed in the world she has created. The characters are well-developed and relatable, drawing readers into their struggles and triumphs. The emotional depth of the story pulls you in, evoking a range of feelings from anger and frustration over the historical injustices depicted, to hope and admiration for the characters' resilience.What sets "Before We Were Yours" apart is its ability to shed light on real historical events—the scandal involving Georgia Tann and the Tennessee Children’s Home Society—while crafting a fictional narrative that is both poignant and inspiring. It’s a testament to the power of familial love and the human spirit’s capacity to endure against all It invites reflection on the importance of understanding our past to better appreciate and shape our present and future.

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!

Really enjoyed this book. Lots of additional details. The last few chapters really grabbed my attention and had me wondering what was going to happen next.

This was a fantastic Historical Fiction. It captures you right from the beginning & keeps you hooked throughout the story. The writing was excellent & easy to follow. The history of The Tennessee Children's Society was heart wrenching, brutal and grim. This book is set in the 1930's and in current time. It's the tale of a young girl named Rill Foss, her family and the struggles of life as a poor river family from the South. Her family is ripped apart due to their economic status & the children end up in an orphanage. She endured much trauma & heartache in her young life. In current society you meet a young, wealthy, high class woman named Avery Stafford. Her political family is well known in area. You learn how these two ladies from different eras & classes are entwined. Taking you to the depths of love, sacrifice and family bonds.

This book is so amazing! I can see the "Arcadia" on the river and imagine the life they livedtogether as a family. The love they shared out weighed the hardships they endured.This was such a compelling story, so heartbreaking and warm feelings also. The "adoption home" was beyond comprehension, to treat children as such. I cried numerous reading the occurrences.I enjoyed the characters in the book tremendously. Rill (May) was beyond her years in age and maturity. I love how everything tied together! Many things happened that truly surprised me.I can't recommend this book enough! I will definitely be looking for more books by Lisa Wingate!