Things Left Unspoken

Title: THINGS LEFT UNSPOKEN
Author: Eva Marie Everson
Publisher: Revell
June 2009
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3273-8
Genre: Inspirational/women’s fiction

Jo-Lynn Hunter has grown up in Cottonwood, Georgia. Her great-grandfather was the pillar of the community. And Jo-Lynn has fond memories of growing up there. Still, when Jo-Lynn grows up and marries she leaves behind all the family in her small hometown and marries, building a successful life elsewhere.

Sometime later, Jo-Lynn’s Great-aunt Stella insists that Jo-Lynn comes home to Cottonwood to help restore the old family manse. In a crossroads, Jo-Lynn agrees, especially since she wants to be involved in a project that will be ultimately satisfying. Its also the perfect excuse to spend time away from her husband.

But when Jo-Lynn gets elbow deep into the project she discovers things are not as they seem. Everything seems to be affected, from Jo-Lynn’s marriage to her views of the man that her great-grandfather portrayed. And why does Aunt Stella seem to be hiding something?

THINGS LEFT UNSPOKEN is written in first person, in a beautifully lyrical style that has some wonderful imagery. Even though I don’t like books (as a rule) that start with funerals, I simply couldn’t put this book down. I had to keep reading the wonderful word pictures that the author painted in the pages of THINGS LEFT UNSPOKEN.

Jo-Lynn is a well-developed character, one that I quickly grew to care about. The story was written in such a way that I was quickly drawn in, becoming Jo-Lynn and feeling the emotions she experienced. This is a beautifully written story that will hold your attention and keep it until the end. A truly delightful southern story. $13.99. 381 pages.