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Shine On #1
Shine On
Emmie Talbot is a quintessential good girl.
Smart, Southern, Kind
Church Goer
Small Town Seamstress
Aspiring Teacher
And
A Misguided Moonshiner
Emmie's sole purpose in life was taking care of her moonshine loving step-father. When he is killed in a fiery crash on their farm, she is left alone and frustrated with a mountain of debt. Working as a seamstress for a crazy-old-coot shopkeeper is not the kind of life she had imagined for herself.
The curious events that surround her step-father’s death send Emmie on a quest for answers. Answers that lead to a dangerous secret tucked away on her property. Stumbling on a moonshine still was an unfortunate event for most folks in the hills of Kentucky. She was lucky not to have been shot on the spot. Emmie saw hope in the steam escaping the curved copper pipe of "Ole Maizy". However, a series of mishaps put her front and center in a local moonshine war.
In the midst of chaos, Emmie is befriended by an attorney recently transported from Chicago. Silas McDowell is a man seeking some answers of his own. In an attempt to find a little roaring twenties glamour in the small town, he introduces Emmie to the underground world of Speakeasies and Blind Pigs. Loyalty, lies, and murder conspire to push Silas and Emmie together or rip them apart. Cloaked in secrets and unsure whom to trust, Emmie must decide to drown in darkness or find a way to Shine On.
Smart, Southern, Kind
Church Goer
Small Town Seamstress
Aspiring Teacher
And
A Misguided Moonshiner
Emmie's sole purpose in life was taking care of her moonshine loving step-father. When he is killed in a fiery crash on their farm, she is left alone and frustrated with a mountain of debt. Working as a seamstress for a crazy-old-coot shopkeeper is not the kind of life she had imagined for herself.
The curious events that surround her step-father’s death send Emmie on a quest for answers. Answers that lead to a dangerous secret tucked away on her property. Stumbling on a moonshine still was an unfortunate event for most folks in the hills of Kentucky. She was lucky not to have been shot on the spot. Emmie saw hope in the steam escaping the curved copper pipe of "Ole Maizy". However, a series of mishaps put her front and center in a local moonshine war.
In the midst of chaos, Emmie is befriended by an attorney recently transported from Chicago. Silas McDowell is a man seeking some answers of his own. In an attempt to find a little roaring twenties glamour in the small town, he introduces Emmie to the underground world of Speakeasies and Blind Pigs. Loyalty, lies, and murder conspire to push Silas and Emmie together or rip them apart. Cloaked in secrets and unsure whom to trust, Emmie must decide to drown in darkness or find a way to Shine On.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 24, 2013
126 people are currently reading
1257 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
July 20, 2013
I read this book because of the very good reviews published on amazon.com : rich characters, very real, a page turner, interesting historical background...The book description explains that Emmie's sole purpose in life was taking care of her moonshine loving step-father and we also learn that Allison Jewell, the author, lives in southern Kentucky with her husband, two sons, and dog. The photo on the paperback cover shows a young woman with rather fair hair.
I must say that I read the book with pleasure : the plot is good, the characters nice even if rather predictable, the historical background, interesting as it's the first time I read a book set in this period.
However, I'm quite disappointed with the publisher and Miss Jewell. It doesn'ts seem they care very much about their readers...
First, the stepfather was not loving but a drunk who abused mother and daughter... Second, one can suppose the cover shows the photo of the heroine....except that she is not fair-haired but described with ebony hair ( chapters 21 and 45).
Third, Miss Jewell is said to have a dog... Weird... Because she doesn't seem to know much about their life hope....Chapter 3, whe learn that when Emmie was 5, she was given a pup instead of the baby brother she wanted. At the time of the novel, she is 21 (chapter 19). So, her dog is 16 - which is quite old if you consider that the average dog age is 13. Nevertheless, he doesn't show any sign of old age and is quite full of energy for such an old dog.
Fourth, the novel takes place in 1924. In that time, about 10% of the people owned a telephone. Whe can only imagine they were the richest. I can't see how Emmie or her family could have had one, given their financial problems.... Same thing for Walter... Still more inaccurate is the process described to phone : she picked the receiver and dialed who she wanted to call.... Except that it was not so easy : when you picked the receiver, you didn't dial : this put you in relation with an operator to whom you gave the number you wanted and this operator would put you through....
So, all these approximations and mistakes make less of this book... And I haven't yet research the history of prohibition... Let's hope, this at least was well documented !
I must say that I read the book with pleasure : the plot is good, the characters nice even if rather predictable, the historical background, interesting as it's the first time I read a book set in this period.
However, I'm quite disappointed with the publisher and Miss Jewell. It doesn'ts seem they care very much about their readers...
First, the stepfather was not loving but a drunk who abused mother and daughter... Second, one can suppose the cover shows the photo of the heroine....except that she is not fair-haired but described with ebony hair ( chapters 21 and 45).
Third, Miss Jewell is said to have a dog... Weird... Because she doesn't seem to know much about their life hope....Chapter 3, whe learn that when Emmie was 5, she was given a pup instead of the baby brother she wanted. At the time of the novel, she is 21 (chapter 19). So, her dog is 16 - which is quite old if you consider that the average dog age is 13. Nevertheless, he doesn't show any sign of old age and is quite full of energy for such an old dog.
Fourth, the novel takes place in 1924. In that time, about 10% of the people owned a telephone. Whe can only imagine they were the richest. I can't see how Emmie or her family could have had one, given their financial problems.... Same thing for Walter... Still more inaccurate is the process described to phone : she picked the receiver and dialed who she wanted to call.... Except that it was not so easy : when you picked the receiver, you didn't dial : this put you in relation with an operator to whom you gave the number you wanted and this operator would put you through....
So, all these approximations and mistakes make less of this book... And I haven't yet research the history of prohibition... Let's hope, this at least was well documented !
January 19, 2014
Shine On was definitely a book I enjoyed reading and finished it in less than a day. My curiosity is piqued for book 2 and I'm wanting answers for a couple of questions raised in book 1. I liked watching Emmie grow and become stronger and independent when she needed to be but also learn at times she does need to accept other people's help. I loved Silas from the beginning! He won me over the minute he put his coat around Emmie's shoulders. Ava and Gabe are cute. And I loved Trick! He just cracked me up! :o)
Moral note: 4 f-bombs among other swearing... clean kissing scenes.
Moral note: 4 f-bombs among other swearing... clean kissing scenes.
April 26, 2013
Receiving an advanced copy of a book is the best thing about being an author sometimes! I was lucky to receieve one of this book. If you're interested in an amazing story about a woman coming of age in a time when moonshine is the alcohol of choice, gangsters run small towns, and secrets threaten to break apart families - this is the story for you!
June 22, 2013
This story fell in place with so many stories I've heard growing up! Everybody loves your good bad boy and Silas fits that bill.. This is a must read!
February 17, 2017
Life in a rural Kentucky town, during prohibition, where the distilling and sale of illegal liquor (moonshine) plays a significant part. The lead character is just trying to survive and and achieve her goal of an education and becoming a teacher. She, innocently, becomes involved in both the distilling and sale of the aforementioned product. This is an intriguing beginning to what must be a compelling saga.
I have rated this book 4 stars.
I obtained this book from Amazon in Kindle format.
I have rated this book 4 stars.
I obtained this book from Amazon in Kindle format.
May 11, 2016
Honestly, I should not give Shine On four stars. I have a few reasons for this judgment. To begin with, I don't believe Allison Jewell actually did a lot of research for Shine On. It seems to be a lot of surface knowledge about the 20s, and if you took out a few details of the time (clothing, mentions of Prohibition, etc.) it would be hard to tell what time this was set. I also despised the third person omniscient point of view used. It switched too frequently per chapter, and I wanted more regularity. Either switch between third person limited of Emmie and Silas and whoever else you want to use per chapter, or forgo the idea all together. I also had some difficulty understanding the actual making of moonshine and the dynamics of the 'shine wars. Clarification would have been nice. Still, I gave Shine On four stars because it was fast-paced, exciting, and more satisfying as a romance than any other historical fiction book I've come across set in my favorite era. I loved Silas and Emmie together, and there is no doubt I will continue reading their story. It's just too addictive! Everyone, go download this on your Kindle.
January 5, 2015
This is a great historical set in Southern Kentucky. I love reading the descriptions of the different places that I can still recognize today. I don't usually read historicals, but this one was interesting because the attitudes, southern dialect, and relationships don't seem to have changed much in the 90 years that have passed, so it doesn't feel like a historical at all. I was disappointed that it ended when it did! I wanted more. I know I'll have to read the next book to get it.
May 14, 2013
The real story is the chemistry between Emmie and Silas. Should this sweet, “good” girl get mixed up with this experienced, “wise guy” attorney from Chicago? I found myself saying run girl… you are playing with fire! The twist at the end about Emmie’s childhood is freaking me out; I cannot wait until book two is out this summer!
July 26, 2013
Great read, loved the story of the moonshine era. Already in love with the charters and can't wait to read the second book in series. Already on kindle ready to read. Allison did a wonderful job with this story.
April 26, 2013
An excellent read from Allison Jewell. I'm a history fan and enjoyed this story from the 20s. This is a must read!
July 11, 2013
This was a great read! It was a page turner from the beginning. I loved the twists and turns along with the romance. I can hardly wait for her second book.
July 23, 2013
Awesome read. I can't wait for the next one.
September 22, 2013
I enjoyed this book.
It was a quick read and I really liked Emmie.
I found the story to be interesting and humerous.
I do recommend the book and I will be reading the next in the series.
It was a quick read and I really liked Emmie.
I found the story to be interesting and humerous.
I do recommend the book and I will be reading the next in the series.
September 19, 2013
I really liked this book because I never have read before a book with this setting and plot before. It was interesting. I chuckled a few times too. Plus Emmie reminds me of myself.
November 5, 2017
Shine On
Allison Jewell
Reviewed by Author Roy Murry
During the USA prohibition of alcohol, strange bedfellows came together to give the drinking public what they wanted - a stiff drink at the end of the day's work or just anytime. It also pitted law-abiding people and casual homegrown moonshiners against the law and criminals.
It sounds complicated, and it was the reason those laws didn't work. It's also why Ms. Jewell's protagonist Emmie, a young Southern innocent lady, ended up in a calamity of events she otherwise wouldn't have.
She was in the midst of a gang warfare without knowing it after her step-father was found dead; she finds a still on their property, and moonshine in a closet. Being a trusting and naive person, Emmie confides in her friends, one of which becomes her lover and, unknown to her, a purveyor of illegally distilled drinks at local joints.
The wooing process of Em and Silas turns into who trust who in the deadly game of supply and demand of liqueur in her hometown. Em's best friend, Ava from the wealthy side of town plays an integral part in both Emmie's and Silas actions until he takes charge of the game.
Allison Jewell has put together a plausible situation with historical background juxtaposed into the prose. The story keeps the reader interest in the characters whom I presume will continue in Jewell's next novel, Book #2 in the Shine On Series, another must read.
Allison Jewell
Reviewed by Author Roy Murry
During the USA prohibition of alcohol, strange bedfellows came together to give the drinking public what they wanted - a stiff drink at the end of the day's work or just anytime. It also pitted law-abiding people and casual homegrown moonshiners against the law and criminals.
It sounds complicated, and it was the reason those laws didn't work. It's also why Ms. Jewell's protagonist Emmie, a young Southern innocent lady, ended up in a calamity of events she otherwise wouldn't have.
She was in the midst of a gang warfare without knowing it after her step-father was found dead; she finds a still on their property, and moonshine in a closet. Being a trusting and naive person, Emmie confides in her friends, one of which becomes her lover and, unknown to her, a purveyor of illegally distilled drinks at local joints.
The wooing process of Em and Silas turns into who trust who in the deadly game of supply and demand of liqueur in her hometown. Em's best friend, Ava from the wealthy side of town plays an integral part in both Emmie's and Silas actions until he takes charge of the game.
Allison Jewell has put together a plausible situation with historical background juxtaposed into the prose. The story keeps the reader interest in the characters whom I presume will continue in Jewell's next novel, Book #2 in the Shine On Series, another must read.
November 26, 2023
Shine On
I originally read Sine On and the entire series 10 years ago. Shine on was just as great of a read then as a re read was today. Emmie and Silas, I just love these 2, Ava, Gabe and of course Trick. The story of Emmie making her way through life after her Mama and Step Father passing away. Her Step Father leaving her in debt and her having to find a way out. She does what she has to and in the process meets her Best Friend Ava’s cousin Silas. Of course good girl meets bad boy. You will need to read the entire series. Shine on is just book 1. Enjoy it and yes it’s a cliffhanger and you will need to go to the next one. But let me tell you it’s definitely worth reading.
I wish Allison would come back and write some more. I highly recommend Shine on it’s a fantastic read. Thank you Allison for writing Emmie and Silas story. I hope you come back around to write some more Shine on series. Definitely 5 star read!!!
I originally read Sine On and the entire series 10 years ago. Shine on was just as great of a read then as a re read was today. Emmie and Silas, I just love these 2, Ava, Gabe and of course Trick. The story of Emmie making her way through life after her Mama and Step Father passing away. Her Step Father leaving her in debt and her having to find a way out. She does what she has to and in the process meets her Best Friend Ava’s cousin Silas. Of course good girl meets bad boy. You will need to read the entire series. Shine on is just book 1. Enjoy it and yes it’s a cliffhanger and you will need to go to the next one. But let me tell you it’s definitely worth reading.
I wish Allison would come back and write some more. I highly recommend Shine on it’s a fantastic read. Thank you Allison for writing Emmie and Silas story. I hope you come back around to write some more Shine on series. Definitely 5 star read!!!
September 25, 2024
This is an entertaining book with well-written characters.
The characters are interesting and memorable. The story is set during the prohibition era in Kentucky where making moonshine was still prevalent. An innocent young woman gets involved in making and distributing moonshine.
The characters are interesting and memorable. The story is set during the prohibition era in Kentucky where making moonshine was still prevalent. An innocent young woman gets involved in making and distributing moonshine.
March 11, 2017
I am so amazed how some people get published.
February 24, 2015
I placed this book on my mystery/ suspense/thriller shelf, but it could also be placed on historical fiction.
Emma's dream of becoming a school teacher is just that--a dream.
Her mother, and then her step-father's deaths have left her nearly destitute, forcing her to work in a shop in town doing some sewing and waiting on customers. Her employer is just plain mean and carries an unwanted torch for her, which adds to her misery. This is rural Kentucky during the time of Prohibition, and guess what?
This good and innocent girl finds herself entangled with a still in a cave on her property, falling in love with her wealthy best friend's cousin, discovering her pantry is filled with 'shine, finding a 'blind pig' in her own town, and doctoring up some 'shine ---turning it from a fiery burning drink to a sweet and spicy, palatable shine, and even decorated the jars with gingham fabric.
It seems everyone carries secrets, but then, that is how things were during Prohibition. Emma grows up very quickly.
There are many subplots with twists and turns that hold the reader's attention. I felt like I was dining on a banquet of prose, nearly full, and then another dish was brought out. As the remaining pages dwindled down, I did not want this book to end, and then it didn't. To be continued in the next book, Rise and Shine.
Emma's dream of becoming a school teacher is just that--a dream.
Her mother, and then her step-father's deaths have left her nearly destitute, forcing her to work in a shop in town doing some sewing and waiting on customers. Her employer is just plain mean and carries an unwanted torch for her, which adds to her misery. This is rural Kentucky during the time of Prohibition, and guess what?
This good and innocent girl finds herself entangled with a still in a cave on her property, falling in love with her wealthy best friend's cousin, discovering her pantry is filled with 'shine, finding a 'blind pig' in her own town, and doctoring up some 'shine ---turning it from a fiery burning drink to a sweet and spicy, palatable shine, and even decorated the jars with gingham fabric.
It seems everyone carries secrets, but then, that is how things were during Prohibition. Emma grows up very quickly.
There are many subplots with twists and turns that hold the reader's attention. I felt like I was dining on a banquet of prose, nearly full, and then another dish was brought out. As the remaining pages dwindled down, I did not want this book to end, and then it didn't. To be continued in the next book, Rise and Shine.
April 19, 2015
First off, I spent a great deal of time singing"Shine on, shine on harvest moon" in my head. Thanks. Cute and pretty well done, though lots of grammar errors and some glaringly inappropriate for period word choice. All the scenes on the sleeping porch are the best. Wish I had a sleeping porch. Love the references, like mention of the folk tune Old Dan Tucker. I also love when Silas sends that dude floers just to rankle him. Classic. Tempted to pick up the sequel to find out more about her mysterious Dad. Fun quotes: "It's just the berries..." "If it weren't me, you might be leaving with a hole that God didn't give ya" "He's pining for you, ya know?" "Rain always made her feel more spiritual" "But don't intimidate me, Silas. I will not be scared of you or anyone else" " If she wa destined to feel some kind of lonely her whole life, like her ma did, then at least she had put it all out on the table"
January 12, 2016
A really rich historical fiction set in 1924. I have always loved that time period and I felt that the details and story were fairly accurate to the time. Emmie was someone who had to work hard to support herself after the death of her moonshining step-father. It was interesting to see the contrast between her life and how she was treated and the life of her best friend, who had money and didn't have to work. The men were bootleggers and even the ones that were doing the "respectable" jobs weren't always the "good" guys. I like how the characters aren't just good or bad - there are shades to everyone. I am going to continue with the series to see what happens with Emmie, Ava, Silas, Trick, etc.
December 7, 2016
Shine On #1. 266 pages. Emmie Talbot, living in Kentucky in the early 1920s lives alone after her mother and stepfather, Ronnie, died. He was making and selling moonshine and Emmie stumbles across the still located in a cave on her property. She also meets and falls in love with Silas McDermott from Chicago who is visiting his cousin, Ava, and her best friend. Emmie finds a stash of moonshine in her cupboard and asks her neighbor to get rid of it for her. Unbeknownst to her, Silas and his family run several speakeasies (or blind pigs) and finds out the danger Emmie could be in by dealing with people in this field. Very fast-moving and interesting account of those times. Many nights, I couldn’t put the book down. Lots of typos, though! 8 stars. (11.27 to 12.4.16)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2014
Though I really enjoyed the concept, being a Kentucky girl, I found the beginning of this hard to read, but because I was curious about Silas, who filled my stereotypical bad boy quota, I kept reading, and reading, and reading.
Weak writing almost killed it for me, but this was a debut novel, and I felt Allison Jewell had finally found her "voice" in the last 50 pages, which is why I rated this 3 stars over the 2 I was most certainly going to give. I've since added the rest of the series, and am looking forward to seeing if she gets more and more confident in her writing as the rest of Shine On unfolds.
Weak writing almost killed it for me, but this was a debut novel, and I felt Allison Jewell had finally found her "voice" in the last 50 pages, which is why I rated this 3 stars over the 2 I was most certainly going to give. I've since added the rest of the series, and am looking forward to seeing if she gets more and more confident in her writing as the rest of Shine On unfolds.
May 9, 2014
I would agree with a few other comments that the description of this book was not consistent with the story. However, I really liked the story and the characters were easy to connect with. The tenderness juxtaposed by the tension in the relationship between Silas and Emmie was really well written. I couldn't give it a five because - at least in my ibooks version of the book - there were several typos and because sometimes Emmie was just annoying. A little too naive and sweet. I've read all three books in the series. Really well done and a fun era to live through the characters.
October 16, 2013
Desperate times call for desperate measures!! Emmie believes she is now an orphan after her step dad is killed in an "accident" and she is left to shoulder the burdens of life and a hefty mortgage by working for the slime-ball store owner. She meets Silas under funny circumstances and a relationship blossoms. They are each keeping secrets from the other about the illegal industry they are both a part of until it all hits the proverbial fan.
January 28, 2014
Maybe a 3.5....
I really liked this book but there were some things that bugged me. Like I have NO idea when this took place. I know it was suppose to be in the 1920s but it seemed like some things were just too modern for that time period. I liked Silas! But can't figure out what he liked about Emma. Walter was great. Emma was so dang naive it was a little weird that she wouldn't catch onto things soner
I really liked this book but there were some things that bugged me. Like I have NO idea when this took place. I know it was suppose to be in the 1920s but it seemed like some things were just too modern for that time period. I liked Silas! But can't figure out what he liked about Emma. Walter was great. Emma was so dang naive it was a little weird that she wouldn't catch onto things soner
April 13, 2014
I do not normally read historical fiction, but this one caught my eye. I absolutely fell in love with the main character, Emmie. she is headstrong, stubborn, and innocent. The book started out a little slow, but once things picked up, I loved it so much that I bought and read the next two in the series. I loaned them to my niece and she loved them too. I actually thinking of looking for more novels set during the prohibition era.
July 30, 2013
As much as I like the characters (Silas and Emmie, etc.) and enjoyed the story, I felt the story was somewhat flat, the characters weren't developed enough or described and some historical facts portrayed in 1924 for set backdrop and moonshine era didn't seem to match.
What the author did inspire me to do is read the next book in this series.
What the author did inspire me to do is read the next book in this series.
September 24, 2013
It was a good read, but there were some typos that were distracting for someone who reads as much as I do. It had a good story line. Took place in the 1920s and stayed in that era. Interesting to learn more about prohibition and moonshine. I would rate this between 3 and 4 if there were such a rating.
June 1, 2015
Mysterious
the sudden dearth of her stepfather forces Emmie to work for a nav who wants to marry her. there is mystery around what her stepfather used to do, so like any girl in the roaring 20s she goes on a search to find the answer. thanks to her life long friends Ava, Emmie, is able to meet new people that might have the answers to her questions.
the sudden dearth of her stepfather forces Emmie to work for a nav who wants to marry her. there is mystery around what her stepfather used to do, so like any girl in the roaring 20s she goes on a search to find the answer. thanks to her life long friends Ava, Emmie, is able to meet new people that might have the answers to her questions.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews