This novel was as heartbreaking as it is important. While this is a work of fiction, the history that it’s based on is not. Had I not read Before We Were Yours, I would’ve never known about the Tennessee Children’s Home Society. I also never would’ve known the atrocities that happened to children under their care. I do believe that ignorance is bliss in many cases, but the importance of knowing about history is to make sure that it never repeats itself. We must be diligent in learning about histories such as these even when it’s painful and devastating because we cannot let this happen to children and their families ever again. 

Kudos to Lisa Wingate for plotting together such a poignant and beautiful tale about family, devastation, and the things we’ll do to learn the truth. The writing, plotting, and characters are all superb in this novel and I don’t have a single complaint. My heart is still just breaking for Queenie, though. I can’t imagine going through what she went through and continuing on in life. 

Overall, this is a pretty short book review, but when it is a book as good as this one, sometimes fewer words work better to get your point across. I will never forget about the Tennessee Children’s Home Society now that I know about it. I also will never forget the lengths evil people will go to get money or fame. Lisa Wingate, you did an amazing job. Thank you. 

Source: Personal Copy

(P.S. You can read this book for free by signing up for a free trial of Audible, which gives you two free audiobooks of your choice!)