Fiction Books
Growing up and figuring out who you are has never been easy. When Leandra’s mama yanks her family off the farm in Appalachia to fulfill her own big city dreams, Leandra learns that survival is best accomplished by pushing aside her country identity to fit into city life. Yet her Appalachian ways call to her heart, pulling her back to Mamaw, Papaw, the butterfly bush, and home.
As Mama turns to alcohol to ease her disappointment with her new husband, Leandra is left to look after her little brother burdened with trouble of his own. Soon she discovers she doesn’t belong in the city or the country and must see her journey to the end. But where that journey will lead remains both a mystery and a surprise, especially to Leandra.
"Josephine DeFalco gives us an unflinching, honest look at the struggles of the Appalachian people."
-- Fannie Flagg, author of the book and Academy Award nominated screenplay
Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café.
Book 2 begins with Leandra deciding where her journey will lead her. She wonders if one can ever really go home again? Deciding to return to her beloved Appalacian hills, she finally recognizes her deep-rooted love for her land and people.
Her life starts over, revealing many new roles, some of which she chooses and some of which are thrust upon her. As time passes, more and more secrets are revealed to her and then buried, all the time redefining who she has become.
At some point, she must share these secrets or die with them. As the years pass by, she makes a decision that will forever change the Barker family and future generations.
The Nightbird's Song
Following the unexpected death of her husband, Brenna McEvoy becomes a widowed mother of three young children in the Arizona Territory. Despite her privileged upbringing she must somehow find a way to survive and provide a living for her family. Brenna's only asset is her charming Victorian home which she transforms into a boarding house for local miners. Although Brenna is unskilled at managing a house full of men, she rolls up her sleeves to embrace the challenge. In short time her eyes are opened to the struggle of day-to-day living, suffering, and bigotry surrounding the working class.
In a small town, tongues wag quickly and tales spread quicker. Soon she finds herself on the side of unionizing miners. When she falls in love with a working man from another race and is shunned by her family and friends, she must decide to follow the rules of society or follow her heart.
The nightbird's haunting song reminds Brenna that we are strengthened by the struggles we survive, but will her resolve be enough to save her family?
I found a message in The Nightbird's Song. With life, there will be sadness, happiness, love, and loss. Through it all, we need people around us who love us and whom we love to help get us through. I really enjoyed reading this book--it's a book to savor; to wish it wouldn't come to an end. I hope Josephine will write many more books. Highly recommended!