The Blood of My Mother

by Roccie Hill

After the deaths of her white father and mixed-race mother, young Eliza is left with neither home nor family in the newly forming frontier of Texas.

Enslaved by men who treat her body as their property, she eventually escapes, marries, becomes a mother, and realizes her dream of having a small farm. But she must fight and kill to keep it—even if it does mean welcoming others who have been shunned or forgotten by society. Living and labouring together, will these outcasts find the strength and community they need to survive and flourish?

*********

Acclaimed for her “wonderful” debut novel (Publishers Weekly), Roccie Hill, inspired by the story of her great-great-grandmother, now presents an unforgettable literary saga of a woman and a place, growing and enduring under multiple flags and through the sorrows and turbulence of history.

Shortlisted in 2008 for the Orange Broadband Prize for Fiction.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Audiobook, Westerns

366 pages, ebook

First published April 1, 2023

About the author

Roccie Hill is an American writer and a native Californian. She received her BA in Philosophy and History at UCLA, and her MA in Creative Writing at San Francisco State University, where her short stories appeared regularly in the literary quarterly. After graduate school, she moved to Salinas, where she worked with César Chavez as part of the United Farm Workers union.
She lived and worked in Paris for 8 years as a journalist, a teacher of Creative Writing, a Marketing Officer for the Statue of Liberty Centennial, and as a mother (her most important job ever).
She also lived in England for 8 years, mostly in Gloucestershire, where she worked for nonprofits and produced a variety of short films and celebrity/royal events.
Upon her return to California, she published two novels, several short stories, a play, exhibited her photography, and studied the history and genealogy of US borderlands culture in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas. She is a professional genealogist, with a focus on Native American ancestry.

Reviews

[Kathi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was introduced to this book by a post from the author. She stated that it was based on her great-great-grandmother's life. I was intrigued.

The publisher compares THE BLOOD OF MY MOTHER to WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING. Maybe, Both protagonists are "deserted" by family when they are young and left to fend for themselves. I thought THE BLOOD OF MY MOTHER was more in line with some of Barbara Kingsolver's works -- southwestern United States/Mexico and heavy on the nature descriptions.

I felt this was a little too drawn out -- at points I was wanting to jump ahead. And the writing style bogged down in places -- too wordy, I had to re-read some paragraphs to get the meaning. A map of the area/Texas at the beginning might have helped.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled to immerse myself fully in this book, it failed to emotionally engage me and I found the writing style and protagonist rather dull and uninspiring, although the settings and historical events were well researched and detailed.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eliza Green and her older sister, Louisiana, are being raised by their father after the death of Eliza's mother shortly after her birth. Louisiana, born of a different mother, is blonde haired with creamy white skin. Eliza, born of a Melungeon mother and a white father, has curly black hair and grey eyes with copper colored skin. She learns at the age of seven that her looks will be a problem, and after the death of her father, she is betrayed by her uncle and taken into slavery under the direction of the court. Thus begins her journey through the wilderness of Texas and the frightening times of civil war.

This book is so beautifully written and the story is so compelling that I had a hard time leaving it. Eliza's struggle to survive and her willingness to shelter strangers, all while facing both the beauty and the ugliness of both the landscape and the people, is a testament to the story of the people who settled the land. The book does not ignore the despicable treatment of both slaves and Native Americans, but there was still hope and beauty in this tale.

[Sheri Elmont · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story. I would stop and re-read some of the sections because they were like poetry. I wish the author had included an Afterword because her great great grandmother inspired this story. I would have loved to understand what the story meant to her, how she learned about her life, and maybe even what she added to the story.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent historical fiction (or retelling maybe non fiction based on her great grear grandmothers story) and family saga. I enjoyed the history mixed with a family saga; a story of mixed race marriage and familiy...as well as the prejudice by many and acceptance by others.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Need to read a tale like this every once In a while.

[Rena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been obsessed with American History lately and this book was such a treat. A riveting story about family and race with so many layers that this book was hard to put down.

[Marianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I loved the story and time period but I was disappointed in the lack of character development.

The main character, Evie, is pretty unbelievable. She is immediately in love and caring with individuals before she's even spent a day with them.

[Pat Hollingsworth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meandering account of a family’s hardships in sw Texas before and after the civil war and how danger and prejudices effected their lives. Prose is unusual and somewhat poetic. Characters are one dimensional (either good or bad). Would likely appeal to Texans interested in pioneer lives of that era.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sprawling tale of love, loyalty, and survival in Texas from the 1820s to the post Civil War era is anchored in an authenticity that propels the story forward at breakneck speed. I lost count of all its curious terms and turns of phrase but each one of them from 'purple-faced blatherskite' to 'bluing chalk' to 'beeves' and 'caney stick' are easily understood from their context and that, IMHO, is a grand achievement. Further, there are no boring info dumps nor didactic pronouncements - a common flaw in historical novels. Instead, history washes over the narrative without calling attention to itself allowing readers to engage themselves in stalwart characters and perilous settings that feel natural, believable, immersive. Roccie Hill has woven a masterful story of one woman’s struggle to survive the racism and misogyny of the nineteenth century Texan frontier. Her protagonist Eliza must overcome indentured servitude, famine, and the violence of her time, to find love and family. While never shrinking from facing the brutality of that time, the author brings us through all these travails to a very satisfying end.

[joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good story

The story was a good one. Some of the words and sentences was hard to understand. They didn't seem to fit the narrative.

[Shirley Freitas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engrossing, beautifully written saga with memorable characters and vivid scenery and settings. Roccie Hill conveys the feeling of the early and mid 1800s seamlessly, invoking those times with a light touch that is nevertheless deeply realized. I listened to the audiobook version and the narrator was terrific.
Although some readers might object that the values of the main characters are modern, I believe Hill is absolutely right in her portrayal. Class- and racial solidarity are not inventions of the 1960s or 2010s; they have existed in our country all along, but are often overlooked in literature. Also, the form of "family" that Hill portrays is extraordinarily inclusive, and I applaud this depiction of a woman of fierce, constant loyalty -- which is unusual -- and her feelings for people to whom she isn't biologically related but who become her family. This wide family isn't ordinary but also reflects a real America. My readings of colonial histories show families that include orphaned children, beloved widowed neighbors, etc. We may have been force-fed the idea of the narrow nuclear family but our history tells us another story. My kudos to Hill for depicting these values so believably and fascinatingly.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I forgave ‘em all for what they did to us Bunches, and now my life load is cut in half. Remember that. You must forgive, even those that do not know to ask. Don’t spend your days piercing your own side.”
4.5 stars rounded up. Deeply touching book about what makes a family outside the boundaries of color or background during the fractious time period surrounding the civil war. “Bloodline or not, in this world only two things make us kin, and those be joy and sorrow.” Interesting how much bigotry there was despite the interbreeding between races that pop up even in those who either never knew or denied their ancestors. My only issue was that I felt the book should have ended earlier— a couple years after the war ended and on a little more of a positive note. There was some real downers after that point, but that’s my own deal. Beautifully written. I couldn’t put it down.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story took me a while to get through. For some reason, it just didn't grab my full interest. However, I was unwilling to abandon the book and had to discipline myself to finish before the library due date. Based on the history of Roccie Hill's great, great grandmother, I was intrigued to see the history of her family and their lives. The mixing of white, black, various Indian tribes, Mexicans, slaves, free, the homeless, the friendless - QUITE A tribute to the abilities of these people to survive in spite of all the hardships. I commend the author for her ability to do the research required for the story and to cobble together a day-to-day life for these people.

Good narration by Adenrele Ojo

[Isaac Wildrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dragged on. And on. And on.

I started this book because it was fascinating to me at first to learn of a type of life and existence I had not read about before. As the story went on, there were some exciting chapters, but too much adding and subtracting of characters and unclear progression of the plot. It could have ended about a dozen times before it did and felt like a more satisfying ending. Also, the family made up of random lost souls, while a beautiful idea, seemed like it was trying too hard to be just that. *SPOIKER ALERT* just another annoyance, I understand it was different times and all, but it still felt a little icky that her "son" and daughter got married. To each other.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author which I enjoyed from beginning to end. This is a historical story that is both imspirational and emotional in parts. I found this book to be well written where the characters bring the story to life on each page. I enjoyed how strong and supportive they are. Determined characters that take you along on their journey. They have great growth and kept me coming back for more. A story that is fast paced and hard to put down. A story where the author used details to make the story realistic and I had no problems picturing myself with the characters. They truly made the story for me. I highly recommend this book.

[Max Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Blood of my Mother” is a wonderful debut novel by Roccie Hill inspired by the true story of her great-great grandmother who escaped slavery and forged her own destiny in the frontier of Texas. Realizing her dream of owning land, Elizabeth Mississippi Green must fight and kill to keep it. Undaunted by adversity, she welcomes other outcasts shunned by society to form not just a community but the family she has long sought. Because of her love and determination they overcome all manner of adversity to not only survive the turbulence that characterized this period in Texas history, but flourish.

[Sandra Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story comes out April 27, of 2023. the paperback is available April 14, 2023. This is a book about a female's named Eliza Mississippi Green, her father named her that you have to read 📖why. Her mother Becky's passed away during childbirth. She have a sister named Louisiana. As you read this novel by Roccie Hill. You will be able to see life in, this time from the eyes of Eliza. there are a few years of experience in pain, love, struggling, hardships, and decision to make. Family 👪. The novel is an compelling story, a interestingly remarkable story.

[Patricia Mount · Rating 4 out of 5]

This harrowing story of Elizas life and struggle for survival is harrowing, inspirational and gut wrenching. Enduring enslavement, journeying across the country several times to try and protect and provide for her children, finding,losing and finally being reunited again the love of her life and also helping complete strangers is truly amazing. I would give 5 stars but with the pre civil war jargon used in the writing of this book there were parts that was very difficult to understand what was being said as the meaning was completely lost.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

The voice of this novel is so powerful that I had to give the book a high rating. Elisa, a Melungeon growing from a girl to a woman, experiences slavery and savagery from the early to the mid 1800s in Texas. As she relates her struggles and her joys, her dialect and idioms provide the vernacular of the early settlers. Her voice is almost musical at times and transitions from a novel to a memoir. The struggles of the raw frontier plus the negative effects of civilization (prejudice, dishonesty, discrimination, etc.) as well as the geography of the area are vividly clear in this tale.

[Jackie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was enjoyable until it wasn’t. The story became convoluted and boring. What a shame. The characters were vague and uninteresting. The timeline was confusing as was a lot of the traveling locations. The book, later on, centers on the grown children we never got to know because of vague and minimum mentions. The home farm/ranch went from the impression of extremely prosperous to derelict and then to mediocre .
Maybe the author tried to cover too many years, too many side topics etc. it just didn’t work for me after half way.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The narrator took a bit to get use to when presenting the different characters but the story, is a 10 star read. This is one of the top 2 books I've read in 2025, we follow the lives of this wonderful family, biological and otherwise. Eliza is what we all should strive to be, accepting and giving so much love to others that need it. I rarely cry during reading a book, but this one, there is one scene I had tears running down my cheeks just as they were with Eliza.
I don't know what I was expecting but this story exceeded all my expectations. It is not Lonesome Dove but it does stand on its own as a really fine western depicting life before and after the war. High 5 stars.

[Dawn Carlile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roccie Hill weaves a tale of one woman's struggle to survive the many trials and evil beginning in her early childhood to her death. She suffered discrimination, racism, and misogyny and survived. She loved fiercely, fought for what was right, and cared for the many people she welcomed into her life over the decades. Eliza is a strong determined woman. Roccie weaves a tale of both truth and historical fiction that is so descriptive you can picture the people and scenery in your mind.

[andrew welford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice story

I enjoyed the historical story of the life in the South before, during and after the Civil War. Such sadness, but the main character is resilient and determined.
I gave 4 stars, because I found wording difficult many times. Meaning, the sentences had to be re-read in order to grasp what was happening. I don't like to have to put that kind of effort into reading a novel.

[Leslie Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Blood of My Mother-fantastic historical novel

Couldn’t put this book down! Wonderful story of a woman of mixed race and her survival during a tumultuous time of oppression and prejudice. Her amazing love of a very smart and brave farming man, the creation of their family and her determination to keep them safe and together is what binds the book. Such an epic story, I hope they make a movie of this one.
I look forward to reading more from Roccie.

[Yoly · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Blood of My Mother" is a well-written historical fiction that blends American history with the author’s family story. The plot keeps you engaged and highlights the struggles of women, especially mixed-race women like Eliza.
Eliza’s journey is both challenging and inspiring as she fights for her dreams in a world that often tries to hold her back, showcasing the strength and resilience of women and making their experiences relatable and powerful.

[Angela Witte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Filled with the history of Texas, this novel spans over 50 years and 5 flags. It includes the threat of Indians and wildlife, famine, loss, war, slavery, family- blood, and adoption. I felt like I traveled all over, in rugged conditions, my great state. Both my childhood hometown and current city were included. Although it was a bit slow to me in the middle, I'm so glad I read it and refreshed my understanding of Tx history.

[John Fetto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roccie Hill has woven a masterful story of one woman’s struggle to survive the racism and misogyny of the nineteenth century Texan frontier. Her protagonist Eliza must overcome indentured servitude, famine, and the violence of her time, to find love and family. While never shrinking from facing the brutality of that era, the author brings us through all these travails to a very satisfying end.

[Sunnie Wetterow · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Sory of Love and Courage

This book is so good. I read it in one day because I was so involved in Elizas story I couldn't wait to see what was next. What a warm wonderful story of love and perseverance in such tying times! Do yourself a favor and read something to make you feel good!

[laurel kingman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical fiction at its best.

I enjoyed that even though the main character was not a negro, she was assumed and treated as a negro. She was a fierce, strong, resourceful, woman. She struggles and mostly succeeds in overcoming challenges of the 1800's and being a woman with dark skin.