Chasing Lilacs

Title: CHASING LILACS
Author: Carla Stewart
Publisher: FaithWords
June 2010
ISBN: 978-0-446-55653-2
Genre: Inspirational/women’s fiction

Sammie Tucker was just twelve in 1958, and her life in the small town of Graham Camp should be simple and carefree. But instead her mama tried to commit suicide when Sammie spent the day with her friends. Sammie found her and was able to get help in time, but even after her mama was returned home from the hospital, life was never the same.

Instead, mama was diagnosed with a “nerve problem” and Sammie struggles with wondering if her mama even loves her. Her daddy is struggling with his wife’s issues and trying to provide a living while caring for Sammie, so Sammie spends more time with her neighbor who has a strong shoulder to cry on.

Can Sammie learn to accept the truth and trust that God knows all about her?

CHASING LILACS is the debut novel by Carla Stewart. It is a well written coming of age story with the setting so well described I could see it. The town’s folk were caring and kind, reaching out to young Sammie, but yet not seeming to know exactly how to handle it.

Sammie is a sweet young girl, on the brink of adulthood that is struggling with things that most adults don’t have to deal with. A coming of age story that will stay with the reader long after finishing the book. This book is not for the squeamish as it deals with some difficult topics. $13.99. 291 pages.