Marci Henna has written a novel that will resonate in the hearts of many even after they put the novel down. The Cranbourne Family has faced their share of heartache and loss but the deep ties of family, love and faith become the buoy that keeps this family afloat. Walt and Ruby become the soul family for their granddaughters of the loss of both of their parents.
Henna does an excellent job of bringing to life each character and navigating the waters of loss, love, faith and trials and the emotions entangled in these things. Through her transparent writing the reader is invited into the lives of two sisters who at the present are separated, a chasm of hurt and pain and misunderstanding laying between them. However, all this changes when the girls meet to discuss markers for Ruby’s grave.
A visit back home sometimes has a way of breaking down walls with warm memories of happier and simpler times. Before long the girls begin to remember what really matters in life and what is really worth fighting for. This story draws the reader in and invites them to work through the tumult of emotions Henna lays out.
This book is worth a read – excellent for those cool spring nights with a cup of hot tea.
This book was provided by the publisher for review in exchange for an honest review of the story.
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On today's bookstore shelves and libraries, there are many styles of writing, genres of interest, and types of characters and events to portray. As I began reading When Last We Spoke, I quickly saw that this was not a style or character portrayal I prefer, but I thought perhaps I need to infuse a bit of variety into my reading. So I continued to read.

The story is of two little girls abruptly dumped on their grandparents by an uncaring, selfish mother who flees the scene. The father is in Vietnam fighting the war. I felt deep sympathy for the girls as well as the grandparents for being thrust into this situaiton. Early in the book the paternal great-grandmother is also brusquely deposited on the threshold of Ruby's and Walt's home and quickly insinuates herself rudely into each one's life. Situations and events evolve day by day and in a quirky way Ruby and Walt show grace and caring.

As the story progressed, I saw that during a visit to town, the little girls got a perception that their beloved grandfather, Walt, was having an affair with the local woman who wore tight pants (and grandmama had had choice words about how the woman's bottom moved) and real flashy makeup. Then in several spots the words "durn," "damn," and "dammit" were used. I do not care to read books with curse words and children seeing actions which caused them to perceive and discussing a grandparent's adultry. Perceptions can be wrong and wrong can be done based on wrong perceptions.

The book is well written depicting life in a small Southern town with quirky characters whose conversations are rife with quirky "sayings" that will keep you chuckling and sometimes simply wondering. I think the book is essentially clean and and wholesome and it is certainly heartwarming.

I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review of my honest opinion which is freely given. ( )