Review: Sarah's Song by Vicky Whedbee

Sarah's Song

by Vicky Whedbee

 It’s the 1940’s, in rural East Tennessee, Appalachian country. For most everyone, there is only work, and possibly church, if there’s one nearby. People rise before the sun is up, work hard, go to bed early, and rest in church on Sunday. Little chance for much else to happen. Right?

So, why would keeping one little secret for over sixteen years be so important? What could possibly have happened, that could change the lives of so many people, if the secret were to be revealed?
There are only three people alive, that know the answer to that question. For now.

My Take:

The fire that burned her house down and killed her parents left Sarah having to care for her younger brother and sister at her grandfather's house. The bad man that set the fire had died in there with her parents. All three kids suffered years of trauma over that tragic night. Nightmares that just wouldn't stop. But time heals all wounds, doesn't it? Life goes on, and children grow, and forget.

A cold winter's night takes the life of a young Cherokee boy's parents. Though little more than a toddler, the boy becomes the slave of the pig farmer whose shed they were sleeping in. And time passes, while he grows, chained and abused and half-starved.

But one morning, a mistake the farmer makes allows the young man to escape with a couple buying a pig, and these stories become forever intertwined. And the terrible secret from the forgotten past? Well, secrets have a way of coming out...

Content:

Drug Content:
G – There is very little alcohol in this novel, and no substance abuse. 
 
Violence:
PG – There are a few scenes of abuse and violence.
 
Language:
G – Nada.
 
Adult Content:
G – There's a bit of kissing but nothing further. Good clean romance.
 
Christian content:
Quite a bit. One of the characters comes to Christ and is asked to give his testimony. When he does, many of the church members present are moved to get serious with God. This character goes on to become a preacher of sorts. Characters wrestle with faith and purpose. We see prayer, compassion, scripture quoted occasionally, and the characteristics of love, joy, peace, self-sacrifice, and generosity beautifully presented. 

  

Final Analysis:
Sarah's Song is a beautifully written novel that dances around the edges of multiple genres. Is it a romance? Yes! Is it an adventure story? Yes, again. It's a murder mystery, a romance, and a faith-filled thriller, all wrapped up and presented in a beautiful bow. Several passages had me moved to tears over the trials and victories of the characters. Whedbee brings raw emotion to the table, with a gripping tale of rural life in the Forties. The character development is real and raw, and the stakes are high. The pacing was reasonable. Good world-building, real characters, thrilling action and a spice of romance. What's not to like? Five Stars!

About the Author:

Vicky Whedbee was born and raised in Daytona Beach, Florida, where she resided until her 40's when she relocated to San Mateo, Florida. An avid reader, she wrote her first novel over a period of years as a labor of love and fulfillment of a life long dream that began with the encouragement of her English teacher in high school.
With a diagnosis of cancer for her dad, she decided to become an independent author and published her novel on her own in order to present a finished product to her father before his demise. She was in the process of reading said novel, "Things He Hadn't Told Her", to him at the time of his passing.
She wrote her second novel "Sarah's Song", which was a collaboration with her father set in the time of his childhood in the rural Appalachian mountains, with notes taken prior to his demise. Both books have been met with stellar 5-STAR reviews on Amazon & Goodreads, as well as awarded the 5-star review seal from Reader's Favorite.
After numerous requests, she wrote a sequel to Sarah's Song, titled Sarah's Home, which could also be read as a stand-alone. It, too, is being received with love and 5-STAR reviews.
She is currently working on her next novel.
Visit & contact her through her website https://crwvao.wixsite.com/vickywhedbee