Oh! A quick double twist? You're smart. ( )

Oh! A quick double twist? You're smart. ( )

Book Review & Giveaway: Jess McConkey is the pen name of award-winning author Shirley Damsgaard. I had heard of her work, so I was excited to get The Widows of Braxton County from the publisher. I’m not quite sure how to describe this story. I suspect I picked it partially because I also moved from a large city to the country (a.k.a. a remote beach) this year. In my quest to adjust to this radical change, you may notice that I’ve read and reviewed several novels with similar themes. The Widows of Braxton County is women’s fiction but its lessons are about family and how intergenerational patterns can shape our lives for better or worse. That makes its themes universal to all of us, no matter who we might be or where we live. I hope you’ll check out my review and enter our giveaway to win a copy at http://popcornreads.com/?p=6860. ( )

The sins of the fathers visited onto the sons. Kate is a newlywed to her husband Joe Krause. They end up moving to his hometown and in with his mother which totally kills the excitement of a new life for Kate. Joe has a sinister side to him that Kate had not seen previously. Joes great-great grandfather was killed in the family farmhouse back in 1890. and he was an abusive husband to his wife Hannah. ( )

Do sons bear the sins of their father? That’s the question facing new bride Kate Krause in Jess McConkey’s novel, THE WIDOWS OF BRAXTON COUNTY. Kate’s excitement over starting a new life with her husband Joe on his family’s farm quickly turns to despair when the dark side of Joe begins to emerge. Kate learns that Joe’s great-great grandfather was murdered in the farmhouse in 1890, and that he was a cold man who abused his wife Hannah. Rumor is that the Krause family is cursed because of Jacob’s cruelty, and tragedy has plagued the family for over a century.

This was an intriguing murder mystery with a hint of the supernatural and so much more. The chapters alternated between Hannah in 1890 and Kate in present day. (I love dual time periods!) Both women were strong protagonists, and I was particularly impressed by Hannah’s strength and courage. The book addresses domestic violence, women’s rights and their place in society in the 19th century, and the struggles early suffragettes had to face. It also explores violent behavior of parents and its effects on children later in life.

I enjoyed Coleen Marlo’s narration of this book. She gave a lively performance and did a fantastic job giving distinct voices to Kate, Hannah, and a sizable cast of secondary characters. A couple of the men had a noticeable growl to their voice, which I thought was appropriate given their disposition!

THE WIDOWS OF BRAXTON COUNTY was a compelling novel with an important message and a satisfying surprise twist at the very end! This one’s going on my keeper shelf. Recommended to fans of mystery, suspense, family secrets, and women’s fiction. 4½ Stars!

Source: A copy of this book was provided by Audible.com in exchange for an honest review. ( )