Susan Crandall Knihy

Tallulah navigates a chaotic childhood marked by her mother's neglect and her father's untreated bipolar disorder, leaving her feeling scared and uncertain. With her protective brother Grif and a strict grandmother guiding her, she manages some stability. However, a devastating tragedy uproots her life at sixteen, leading to seven years of independence away from her hometown. The story explores her journey back to Mississippi, confronting her past and the impact of her family's struggles on her identity.

Set in the 1920s American Midwest, this spirited novel follows an unlikely trio on an exhilarating adventure. The narrative weaves themes of camaraderie and resilience as the characters navigate their journey, drawing comparisons to the beloved "Water for Elephants." With a rich historical backdrop, the story promises to engage readers with its vibrant characters and their dynamic experiences.

Set against the backdrop of a serene Tennessee town, the story follows Glory Harrison as she returns home to care for her ailing grandmother. Despite the peaceful surroundings of Blue Falls Pond, Glory grapples with haunting memories and unresolved secrets from a tragic fire that changed her life. The narrative delves into themes of memory, healing, and confronting the past, revealing the dark truths that continue to shape her journey.

In a quest for peace and closure, Luke Boudreau visits the Mississippi home of his late army buddy Calvin Abbot, who died saving his life. Instead of finding solace, he encounters Calvin's beautiful wife, leading to unexpected emotions and complications. This poignant journey explores themes of loss, love, and the impact of sacrifice on relationships.

Molly Boudreau, recently graduated as a doctor, grapples with a sense of emptiness despite her achievements. Her life takes a transformative turn when she vows to support a young, scared pregnant woman, leading her on a journey of personal growth and connection. This promise challenges Molly to confront her own feelings and find purpose beyond her medical career.

The narrative centers on a mother's journey as she strives to build a better future for herself and her son, all while facing unresolved feelings from a past love. This poignant exploration of personal growth and emotional challenges highlights the complexities of motherhood and relationships, showcasing a fresh perspective in women's fiction.

Sheriff Leigh Mitchell, nearing 30 and craving change, finds herself captivated by the enigmatic Will Scott. His arrival sparks a whirlwind romance, but when he becomes the prime suspect in a serious crime, Leigh's independence and judgment are challenged. As she navigates her feelings and the unfolding drama, the story explores themes of trust, love, and personal growth against the backdrop of small-town dynamics.

A woman's lifelong aspiration to escape her small town is challenged when she encounters a man who offers her a compelling reason to remain. This poignant narrative explores themes of longing, love, and the complexities of making life-changing decisions.

Whistling past the graveyard. That’s what Daddy called it when you did something to keep your mind off your most worstest fear. . . . In the summer of 1963, nine-year-old Starla Claudelle runs away from her strict grandmother’s Mississippi home. Starla’s destination is Nashville, where her mother went to become a famous singer, abandoning Starla when she was three. Walking a lonely country road, Starla accepts a ride from Eula, a black woman traveling alone with a white baby. Now, on the road trip that will change her life forever, Starla sees for the first time life as it really is—as she reaches for a dream of how it could one day be.

The narrative explores the profound impact of individual actions on others, highlighting themes of empathy and interconnectedness. It delves into the lives of various characters, showcasing how seemingly minor decisions can lead to significant consequences, both positive and negative. Through their experiences, the story encourages readers to reflect on their choices and the ripple effects they create in the lives of those around them.