By Stephanie Pitcher Fishman Finding Eliza (1st Frist Edition) [Paperback]

by Stephanie Pitcher Fishman

Excellent Book

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Mystery, Female Authors, Womens Fiction, Historical

Paperback

First published June 1, 2014

About the author

Author Stephanie Pitcher Whittier (nee Stephanie Pitcher Fishman) is a genealogist and personal historian who writes fiction and nonfiction rooted in personal stories. Whether it's her best-selling historical fiction novel, Finding Eliza, about the effects of hidden secrets in a family tree or the stories of her own battle with chronic illness, she loves to share stories of real emotions with others.

Her work includes fiction based on family history, easy-to-use research guides for both new and experienced genealogists, and an upcoming cozy mystery series titled With Love, Your Dead Aunt and filled with quirky, humorous characters and adventures.

To learn more, visit www,SheTalkstoTrees.com.

Reviews

[Katie Cross · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book through a Facebook friend and decided to give it a try because I'm a history/genealogy fan myself. I'd never heard of any other books by the author before but decided to give it a shot. I'm glad I did.

"Finding Eliza" is a really sweet story with a lot of underlying themes. The main character definitely has some issues that she has to deal with and move forward from. I found the "young at heart" crowd (aka her grandmother's genealogy circle) a sweet comic relief to the intensity of the plot.

The only thing that didn't quite jive with me on the book was the MC's reactions to news. As they uncover events of the past, the MC freaks out. They all seem very affected by a tragedy that happened years before. That being said, I recognize that everyone responds to tragedy and grief differently. It helped that the author makes it clear that the MC is also mourning her own ghosts on top of the ghosts of her family's past. Despite that, her rabid anger and frustration on behalf of her ancestor just surprised me, especially near the very end.

Truly, that was my only moment of surprise in the book. Other than it was a well-orchestrated plot with forward movement and character development. Fishman was a surprising find. I would definitely read more of her work in the future.

[Catherine Pendleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great first novel by the author who is a wonderful story-teller, and no wonder with her family history/genealogy background. I loved the mix of genealogy, family mystery, and suspense in the story. The descriptions of the small, southern town and the red Georgia clay sounded like the next town over (I’m from the South). I was intrigued from the beginning, and then the story grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. I loved Lizzie, her grandmother, and “the Gals,” and I could “hear” their Southern voices. I felt Lizzie's anger and sadness when she learned of the shocking family secret, and I cried with her as she dealt with it. The story has a satisfying ending.

A main strength of the story are the flashbacks to the diary of what life was like in the 1930s Jim Crow South—shocking mob behavior, what happened to those who dared go against "the rules," and how people were silenced through fear. This is a part of Southern history that needs to be brought further into the light.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! When I started this book, I will admit, it took me two chapters to get hooked. But once the hook was in, I was in. I felt like Lizzie, I was drawn to her great grandfathers diary, I couldn't stop reading. The worst part I was on the last two chapters and I just couldn't stay awake to find out how it ended. First thing I did was make a cup of coffee and finished the book this morning! What an amazing book! I can't imagine the emotions of finding out the history of one's past like this, and actually being there to see face the face the man responsible. I don't want to reveal too much in the this review. But, please, read this book, it's amazing! It makes me want to dig into my family history.
Thanks to Goodreads and the Goodreads free giveaway for choosing me to receive this book! I will share and encourage people to do reviews! THANK YOU!!

[Staci Troilo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has done a brilliant job of combining an accurate portrayal of the pre-equal-rights south with a contemporary southern (yet still genteel) setting, where the consequences of that history might actually matter. Readers weave in and out of the two timeframes seamlessly as the tapestry unfolds into a poignant tale of family relationships, societal mores, and one woman's quest for truth. Not only is the plot intriguing and the setting inviting, the cast of characters is so charismatic, you'll want to join them on the veranda for sweet tea and lemon bars. This is a must read. A great debut novel.

[Lynn Palermo · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when a genealogist turned writer takes on the world of fiction? You get a beautifully moving story that reflects the heart and soul of family history, you get Finding Eliza, a book that belongs on every family historian’s summer reading list.

Once you pick up Finding Eliza you’ll be gracefully swept in to the world of Lizzie Clydell. In this beautifully written story about family secrets and the power they hold, Stephanie introduces us to Lizzie, a young southern woman struggling as she approaches the anniversary of the death of her parents. Her grandmother intervenes and introduces Lizzie to an old bible and a family secret that proves to be very powerful. Lizzie soon learns the cost her family bared during an epic time in American History of interracial relationships and 1930’s segregation.

Stephanie possesses the talent to transport us to another time and from the very first chapter you can taste the sweet tea and lemon bars while your feet are firmly planted in the red Georgia clay. Finding Eliza introduces us to charming relatable characters that Stephanie effortlessly brings to life on the page. It is the very characters of Gran and her gal pals and their strong-arming Lizzie into their genealogy group that convinces you; you’ve met these ladies before. I’m certain you’ll see yourself or maybe a fellow genealogist in the characters Stephanie lovingly calls “The Gals.”

Don’t confuse Finding Eliza with the influx of genealogical crime novels that are emerging almost daily. Finding Eliza while a genealogical mystery brings something different, a literary feel and a historical element that separates it from the other genealogical mysteries on the market today.

You’ll laugh and cry with these charming characters as Stephanie effortlessly transitions the reader from the present story to a turbulent and confusing time. Stephanie compels the reader to know more and keeps you reading as she moves you back in time through the pages of the family bible. While at times, I did find a disconnect with Lizzie’s outward reaction to news; at moments, it seems excessive, Finding Eliza is an engaging story with characters and a storyline that are relatable and compelling.

While this is a fictional story, Stephanie has captured what many family historians believe about their genealogy research, it has the power to reach out and teach us, not just about the past but about ourselves. Family history is not just about finding our ancestors in documents but finding a piece of ourselves in their stories, this is the soul of family history. Stephanie Pitcher Fishman delivers this message beautifully in Finding Eliza.

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s face it, even if I can read and enjoy a lot of different genres from non-fiction to romance, I usually go for fantasy, science fiction, thrillers and detective stories. However from time to time I need a breath of fresh air and I dive in something different.

Finding Eliza was exactly that. A beautiful breath of fresh air.

I really didn’t know what to expect when I picked up this book from my to-read shelf. What was I about to find in it? Love? Mistery? A tale of friendship? A leap in the past? Eliza? Well, actually I found all of that and even more.

The style in which this book is written is both engaging and relaxing. I can’t find another more fitting word, it’s relaxing and soothing as a stroll in your favourite park with an old friend, even when it touches strong themes. It’s a great page turner. It was fortunate that I had my two hours lunch break at work, because I wouldn’t have been able to resist until the evenings to read it, and even so it was hard to put it down.

Set in contemporary time, Finding Eliza leads a reader on a journey along with the main character, Lizzy. It’s a journey in her family history, which proves to be more complicated than it seems, but also in her personal history, marked by a tragic event in her childhood.
But what is this about?

It’s about how much damage an old diary can do to one’s peace of mind. It’s about the importance of past and how much it influences the future. It’s about family bonds and friendship and how much they can help in healing wounds. And it’s about faith and forgiveness.

This story, told with grace, elegance and a touch of humor, is bound to entertain the reader but also to raise questions. What would you do if you find an old family secret in an ancestor’s diary? Are you sure you know enough of your family and your past? Would you be able to understand? Do you possess the kind of faith necessary to forgive?

Beside the main female character, protagonists in the journey are The Gals, a group of special friend that will help Lizzy in this difficult time. My favourite is Miss Blue, I can feel similarities between us, but the Gals must be considered as a whole. Without them the novel would lose very much.

I don’t want to reveal to much, let me just say one last thing. The novels I really love are usually the ones that makes me want to write. This one made me resume my old habit of keeping a diary, a habit I lost more than a year ago, and made me look at it with different eyes. Moreover it made me long to know more about my family history, even if I’m pretty sure no big secrets are hidden there.

[Sherrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding Eliza is Stephanie Pitcher Fishman's debut as a novelist. Many feel reading debut novels is risky. Not with Finding Eliza.

The author's love of writing, words, and genealogy combine to give her readers a deep breath of fresh air. Like sitting beside a window with springtime breezes blowing.

One of the treats for me was the inclusion of Southern history in the days of Jim Crow laws and the KKK. I am not proud of either the Jim Crow laws or the organization calling itself the Ku Klux Klan. Yet, it was a time in the region of the country where I grew up misunderstood and misrepresented by many.

Through her main character, Stephanie provides a different perspective on the history in the South in the 1930s. Her character development, not only of Lizzie but also her grandmother and The Gals, provides lighter moments throughout the book and a bit of humor and unconditional love among these friends.

Central to Finding Eliza is Lizzie's discovery of her grandfather's diary including an account of her Great-aunt Lizzie's relationship with an African-American young man, an unthinkable situation in the South of the 1930s. Strangely enough, not much was taught during my secondary school days about either the Jim Crow laws or the KKK. Like Lizzie's grandparents and The Gals and many others, our school system hoped things like Eliza's relationship with a young man with black skin would be forgotten.

Stephanie Pitcher Fishman deserves multiple kudos for pulling off a debut novel with multiple themes and characters so well.

Recommendation

If you love mystery, Southern historical fiction, and well-written novels, you will love Finding Eliza. I encourage you to pick up a copy. This book makes great summer reading as it is fast-paced and transitions smoothly between themes.

[Aimee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this book was sort of a mixed bag of emotions for me. It started off really slow and I found I could keep up with the story with just skimming. Once Lizzie starts reading the journal of her great grandfather, things pick up a bit and the story became more interesting. The story jumps between Lizzie and her life and the life of her great grandfather and great aunt through the journal entries. I was sort of in and out of connecting with the story. The journal entries and story there were by far the best part of this book and the places I found myself more invested.

Historically, this book is rooted in a dark time in the south. The KKK was a sick business with evil people full of hatred leading it. It honestly just turns my stomach to think that people can treat other people in such a brutal and senseless way. It's so sad. There were some detailed events described in this book (beatings, rape, lynching). It was hard for me to read and it did not leave me feeling good at all. At one point I had to put it down and walk away because I was feeling overwhelmed with dark. The author captures the setting and feelings associated with it very well. This quote from the book sums it all up. "One sinful, dark soul can pollute a mass of people."

Family history is something I think everyone should delve into. People from our past helped shape the world we know today. I know my family history is full of amazing stories and inspiring lives. Linking ourselves to those who have gone before is so important. To remember, to learn, to understand. To not make the same mistakes. Family history is the motivating theme behind this book. This is a Christian Fiction book and has some religious moments in it. There is also a bit of mild swearing throughout.

[Mary Myers-Huff Barscz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new genre for me to read, I am happy that I came across this book. You follow Lizzie, her Gran and "the Gals" in a journey into history. Finding out your family history is less than stellar can be a shock. In her grandfather's diary Lizzie learns of her Great Aunt Eliza and a relationship she had with a boy who was not white. The past is not pretty but it is what you make of it that is the true test of what kind of person you are.
From the beginning chapters Stephanie Pitcher Fishman gives wonderful details about the South! If you have never seen the red clay dirt in the south, you will FEEL like you have reading her descriptions. I lived in the south when I was younger, it's been more than 20 years since I have been back, but with words alone, this author took me right back.
The subjects can be harsh, but Stephanie handles everything so well and makes you really care about these characters.
There were tears shed and laughter as well while I was reading. Lizzie and the Gals reminded me of so many people that I knew, and I think that was one reason that this story felt so real. The care shown in research cannot be understated by me either. I am a history buff and when an author adds real life history to a book, I love that what was included in Finding Eliza was true, and although harsh, it is part of history that shouldn't be forgotten.

For a new author in this wild world of independent writers, Stephanie has one heck of a future in writing! I will be first in line for more books from Stephanie.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Eliza is a rare treat and a breath of fresh air. It grabbed me from the very beginning and didn’t let go, as I spent a few late nights reading past my bed time. Stephanie Pitcher Fishman has a delightful writing style draws the reader right in. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from her!

In the beginning, we meet Lizzie who is dealing with the anniversary of her parents’ death. Her grandma Tru lovingly pushes her to join a genealogy meeting. What could go wrong?

Lizzie ends up discovering a secret family diary about the life of her aunt Eliza, who Lizzie was named after, but never even knew existed. She delves in and learns why Eliza’s life has been kept a secret all of this time. As she goes through the diary, she learns not only history lessons, but also how to let go of the “demons” holding onto her.

Finding Eliza deals with some tough but real issues, and I found it to be eye opening about the time of history that we find ourselves in while reading the diary along with Lizzie. I can’t recommend it enough. You’ll laugh and you’ll cry along with Lizzie.

[Michelle D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read. It kept my attention throughout. I liked that it included a genealogy group of older "Gals." Those ladies are great! Stephanie includes descriptions that make you feel like you know these places and the people in this book, while also giving the reader a sense of the importance of family history and family in general. This book deals with the Jim Crow South. There are intense scenes, and no sugar coating the difficulties these families faced! But the book also shows hope in how the characters come to peace over the hurts of the past. This highlights an often forgotten part of our national history and is well worth reading.

[Nancy H Vest · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do love a book that brings family research into the story. Finding Eliza is a believable story that shows how history affects our lives in the present. The story line is somewhat predictable, but it wasn't predictable enough that I could stop reading. I wanted to see how the author would get the characters to that place. Also, there was more than one story going on – the present story and the family history story from long ago. The switch between the two was smooth and easy. Finally, the concept of forgiveness is present throughout the story – the forgiveness of others and the forgiveness of ourselves.

[Cathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Eliza by Stephanie Pitcher Fishman is a heartwarming book that pulled me in quite quickly. Fishman's love of genealogy and history is quite evident and she provides unvarnished glimpses of the not too distant past in the American South. I finished the book with two strong messages in mind: We have much to learn from history, especially our personal history and forgiveness has the power to set us free as long as we remember to forgive ourselves as well. I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway in return for an honest review.

[Melissa]

Reminder that the remnants of the past remain in the present

The author does a great job bringing the past into the present and does not shy away from the ugly truth's in our country's past. While the novel is a relatively quick read, it deals with a very emotional topic especially if you are from the South. Those dark days of racial violence are still evident in our cities and towns if you take the time to look.

I hope to see more books from this author with Lizzie and the Gals.

[Joan Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when a young woman who grew up in the south decides to join her grandmother for genealogy research? No doubt, she’ll discover some dark family secrets. This debut novel by Stephanie Pitcher Fishman deals with some tragic events that were all too common during a time when Jim Crow laws were enforced.

You’ll fall in love with “The Gals” and find yourself wanting to read more from this author. A great debut novel!

[Kath Unsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stephanie Pitcher Fishman's novel Finding Eliza is a delicate story of a time when all men were not created equal. A time where love had boundaries. Stephanie has a talent for creating larger than life characters. We meet Lizzie, who is given a diary by her grandmother and learns a terrible family secret. Can Lizzie forgive and forget the past after what she learns? I really enjoyed this captivating historic novel and will keep an eye out for her next big thing.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed Finding Eliza. The author wrote a telling story and the intertwining of past, present and distant past told a remarkable story in a very interesting way. I am excited to read more in the series when I will get to know some of the other characters that I wished to know better!

[Linn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a timely message as well as an enjoyable read.

[Linda Cole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought-provoking

This was a sad story during a bad time in the south. Very dramatic a little preachy but had a good message

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book set in the south good story just a few editing mistakes

[Ronja · Rating 4 out of 5]

”You can’t run from the truth”

Finding Eliza was an interesting and thought-provoking read. I really enjoyed this novel!

Set in the Deep South, this novel tells about family history. The MC Lizzie Clydell gets an old diary which leads her down to a dusty winding road of lies, family secrets, racism, and lynching. Lizzie works hard with her Grandmother and the ‘Gals’ to uncover the truth about her great-aunt Eliza and her death. There are many twists and turns. Fortunately, there is also a happy ending as this is also a story about forgiveness and healing.

As I was born and raised in Finland, Northern Europe, I had no clue about Jim Crow laws. I was shocked to hear that there were even separate cemeteries. Stephanie Pitcher Fishman dispassionately tells about the horrendous history and living in the South in the 1930s.

I’m a big fan of genealogy and family history. I really appreciate the way Ms. Fishman relates the process of finding out facts, searching for the truth and so on.

In my opinion there are secrets in every family. Uncovering them is one part of genealogy. I think I accidentally uncovered a secret last year. My father and I had our DNA tested. We found out my Father has undoubtedly a very close relative, maybe his niece or first cousin. The ‘DNA match’ doesn’t know us either and can’t explain how we are related. The DNA test results don't tell us which one it is. We can’t figure out how we are related. We didn’t have a clue that such a relation even existed. However, genes don’t lie. It looks like someone in our family had a huge secret about 60 years ago. I have been working to find out what’s the truth behind this wall of silence.

I warmly suggest this novel to anyone who is interested in family stories, history, and genealogy.

[Sherry V Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book!

This is a warm and inviting book from the very first page. I look forward to more being written by this author. The characters are believable and although there are some disturbing things that are hard to read about they are apart of our country's history. I recommend this for anyone who enjoys reading about past and present situations as they exist today.

[Marc Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

very well written

This book was very well written especially with such a difficult topic. I appreciated the characters and honestly the happy ending of forgiveness. It didn’t have to be written that way but am glad it was. Thank you.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful!

This book kept me turning pages until I finished it. I literally did not put it down til it was over. I picked it up expecting it to be along the lines of the other genealogical books I have read. But it had a little twist to it. I loved the way the story alternated between the diary and real time. Just like Lizzie, I wanted to read ahead. But I didn't want to miss anything either, so I kept on going and I'm glad I did. The characters were well defined, believable and endearing. It was perfect the way the story wound back around to Thomas. This book made me feel angry, sad, heartbroken, indignant, repulsed and at the same time, happy and hopeful. A powerful combination of emotions that a good story will bring. I loved it. I t was just beautiful. Thank you

[Shannon · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not like this book. Absolutely nothing rang true and everything felt forced, contrived, predictable, stereotypic and one dimensional. It seems as if this is the first book written after the first writing class taken by someone who should probably find a different career. Wow, harsh, I know. It's probably because I was on a 5 hr flight with just this one book and so finished reading what I would have stopped reading after the first bit. And I always finish books but I would have made the exception with this one. Here's a small example of what drove me crazy with the writing, "picking up her hands-free Bluetooth earpiece she called her grandmother.." Seriously?! Don't waste your time.

[Lorelei Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

this story grabbed me from the very first. The story was emotional and gut wrenching. The main character, Lizzie, was very intense and pulled me in with her thoughts and feelings. I found this book hard to put down. Very touching.

[Lindah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked the genealogical research, but would have enjoyed even more about the process. Things came together too neatly. It was more about forgiveness and healing than a mystery, which I was expecting. A little too violent for my preferences, too. But a well-told tale, nonetheless!

[Mary Alaga · Rating 1 out of 5]

Would that genealogy were so easy. All you need to do is look up a few obituaries on a card reader and voilà, someone confesses to the crime. Easy peasy.
Ultimately this book was a parable about forgiveness, with scripture galore and very little mystery or genealogy.

[Dave W · Rating 4 out of 5]

A combination of story about people of their past, getting involved in family history, and the influence of past events on people. A quick and enjoyable read.

[Pamela Humphrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional and powerful story of dealing with the past. The characters are lovable. Her writing is wonderful. It keeps a good pace yet lays out scenes so that you feel as if you are living the story.