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Daughter of the Mountain
From Sherry Parnell, author of Let The Willows Weep , comes a long-awaited new novel that unwinds a family’s darkest secrets and takes an unflinching look at life in the rural South.
Effie Bilfrey has lived her entire life on Talon Ridge, a dead-end Appalachian town that generations have tried, and failed, to leave. When her only daughter Sarah disappears without explanation, leaving her two-year-old daughter Lottie behind, Effie is left to search her home and heart for a reason the young mother would leave her small child and family.
As Lottie comes of age, her obsession with unraveling her mother’s story and leaving Talon Ridge for good consumes her. But pulling at the delicate threads that have held the family’s secrets for decades reveals a shocking truth about her grandmother’s past and Sarah’s fateful choice.
A complex tale about two families and three generations linked by a web of secrets, Daughter of the Mountain, is a moving examination of the cost of generational trauma, the weight of injustice, and the power of the female spirit.
Effie Bilfrey has lived her entire life on Talon Ridge, a dead-end Appalachian town that generations have tried, and failed, to leave. When her only daughter Sarah disappears without explanation, leaving her two-year-old daughter Lottie behind, Effie is left to search her home and heart for a reason the young mother would leave her small child and family.
As Lottie comes of age, her obsession with unraveling her mother’s story and leaving Talon Ridge for good consumes her. But pulling at the delicate threads that have held the family’s secrets for decades reveals a shocking truth about her grandmother’s past and Sarah’s fateful choice.
A complex tale about two families and three generations linked by a web of secrets, Daughter of the Mountain, is a moving examination of the cost of generational trauma, the weight of injustice, and the power of the female spirit.
310 pages, Paperback
Published July 7, 2023
131 people are currently reading
4306 people want to read
About the author
Sherry Parnell
2 books69 followersAn avid reader since I was a child, I have always been drawn to a good story well told. I loved being able to explore other worlds and live other lives through these stories. So, I began writing as a means to give my imagination a home upon the page. For me, well-written fiction has the power to teach and transport, and that’s what I aspire to do every time I sit down to create a new character, setting or story.
My novels Let the Willows Weep and Daughter of the Mountain examine the struggles, complexity, and resilience that define many lives in the rural American South. With a focus on female characters, I'm driven to share stories that reveal the strength women display when forced to rise above limited opportunities, economic injustice, and generational trauma.
When not writing, I’m spending time with my family, walking my dog, and, of course, reading. I’m excited to connect with you here and share the books and stories that have moved, taught, or inspired me.
My novels Let the Willows Weep and Daughter of the Mountain examine the struggles, complexity, and resilience that define many lives in the rural American South. With a focus on female characters, I'm driven to share stories that reveal the strength women display when forced to rise above limited opportunities, economic injustice, and generational trauma.
When not writing, I’m spending time with my family, walking my dog, and, of course, reading. I’m excited to connect with you here and share the books and stories that have moved, taught, or inspired me.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
August 14, 2023
Actual Rating 2.5
TW: Physical and Sexual Abuse, Rape (Adult and Minor)
Effie has lived her entire life on Talon Ridge and expected her children to follow in her steps. But that was before her daughter Sarah left, leaving her own daughter Lottie in Effie’s care. As Lottie grows older, she yearns to know more about her mother and the decisions she made. But with everyone in her family unwilling to speak to her about it, she begins searching for clues, uncovering family secrets that may break their peace into a thousand pieces.
While this book was largely set in the 1990s, it felt like it could have been set 100 years prior. It gave the read almost a “lost in time” feeling. I enjoyed the exploration of family ties, and how the trauma of parents is passed down unwittingly to their children. This was explored through the female line of the family, and I believe this was the strongest aspect of this read. Gaining the insights into the childhood of all three women and seeing how that influenced the decisions they made in the current timeline was interesting and well written.
The characters were decently written, being written well enough to not detract from the read but not good enough to have me fully engaged with them. This work was introspective, with a focus on the characters reflecting and remembering things. While I normally don’t mind this, it was less compelling than it could be because I was missing the emotional connection with the characters. Because of this lack, it made the read lose the impact I wanted it to have overall. I also disliked the overuse of prophetic phrases (e.g., If only she knew the repercussions this decision would have) as it detracted more from the immersion I wanted from this read and didn’t aid in creating tension or suspense.
This is a dark read, and the pages are full of violence and darker themes, so be aware of that. If you are looking for a darker fiction focusing on family trauma and resilience, you might enjoy this one. My thanks to BookSirens and the author for allowing me to read this work, which will be published tomorrow (August 15, 2023). All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
TW: Physical and Sexual Abuse, Rape (Adult and Minor)
Effie has lived her entire life on Talon Ridge and expected her children to follow in her steps. But that was before her daughter Sarah left, leaving her own daughter Lottie in Effie’s care. As Lottie grows older, she yearns to know more about her mother and the decisions she made. But with everyone in her family unwilling to speak to her about it, she begins searching for clues, uncovering family secrets that may break their peace into a thousand pieces.
While this book was largely set in the 1990s, it felt like it could have been set 100 years prior. It gave the read almost a “lost in time” feeling. I enjoyed the exploration of family ties, and how the trauma of parents is passed down unwittingly to their children. This was explored through the female line of the family, and I believe this was the strongest aspect of this read. Gaining the insights into the childhood of all three women and seeing how that influenced the decisions they made in the current timeline was interesting and well written.
The characters were decently written, being written well enough to not detract from the read but not good enough to have me fully engaged with them. This work was introspective, with a focus on the characters reflecting and remembering things. While I normally don’t mind this, it was less compelling than it could be because I was missing the emotional connection with the characters. Because of this lack, it made the read lose the impact I wanted it to have overall. I also disliked the overuse of prophetic phrases (e.g., If only she knew the repercussions this decision would have) as it detracted more from the immersion I wanted from this read and didn’t aid in creating tension or suspense.
This is a dark read, and the pages are full of violence and darker themes, so be aware of that. If you are looking for a darker fiction focusing on family trauma and resilience, you might enjoy this one. My thanks to BookSirens and the author for allowing me to read this work, which will be published tomorrow (August 15, 2023). All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
January 30, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
I received this book as an ARC forever ago, when I wasn’t in a good place to read my ARCs in time 🫠
But here is, better late than never, my honest review!
This story is a heartbreaking one. A story about feeling and being stuck in a difficult life. A story of abuse, of hardships and violence. A story of families broken and relationships wasted. A story of sadness and hopelessness…
It’s not a happy story. But it’s well written and the characters are raw and realistic.
But really, it kinda hurts to read this. It’s just… so sad.
I received this book as an ARC forever ago, when I wasn’t in a good place to read my ARCs in time 🫠
But here is, better late than never, my honest review!
This story is a heartbreaking one. A story about feeling and being stuck in a difficult life. A story of abuse, of hardships and violence. A story of families broken and relationships wasted. A story of sadness and hopelessness…
It’s not a happy story. But it’s well written and the characters are raw and realistic.
But really, it kinda hurts to read this. It’s just… so sad.
August 29, 2023
Daughter of the Mountain
Sherry Parnell
4 Stars
Thank you NetGalley for my copy of Daughter of the Mountain by Sherry Parnell. I have not received any compensation for this review. All thoughts and opinions contained in this review are my own and mine alone.
In summary: To put trigger warnings of drug use, rape and domestic violence was appropriate in this book. Taking place in the mid 1970’s and 80’s Daughter of the Mountain reads like a poor hillbilly family drama.
The story is set in the Talon Ridge Mountains, focusing on the Bilfrey family. Effie the matriarch of the family is a no nonsense type of character and blatantly biased towards Curtis, Sarah, Lottie and Gene. Her eldest, Frank is a wild one but also acting out because his mother Effie has shut him down and shut him out of her life and so Frank continues to get himself into trouble. I could visualise the emotional abuse between Frank and Effie. It was sad for Frank as I felt he didn’t have a chance to be loved in the way that he so craves.
I felt Sherry Parnell painted the picture about right for the time period and it was easy to picture the scenes depicting the hardships being poor mountain living folk in the time period these events occurred. It would have been extremely hard to live in those harshest living conditions.
I wished that the story had followed Sarah more, rather than the tidbits of diary entries that scatter through the story. What I mean to say is that in this story I wanted to see more of Sarah and her daughter Lottie’s relationship.
The style of writing used by Parnell was simplistic to match the tone and voice of the story. She captured the imagination in the showing of the story. The use of strong themes such as rape involving young children is always a very hard topic for myself as a reader to endure, Parnell doesn’t gloss over it or sugar coat those themes. This book wasn’t afraid to take chances in those aforementioned topics.
Thank you Sherry Parnell!
Sherry Parnell
4 Stars
Thank you NetGalley for my copy of Daughter of the Mountain by Sherry Parnell. I have not received any compensation for this review. All thoughts and opinions contained in this review are my own and mine alone.
In summary: To put trigger warnings of drug use, rape and domestic violence was appropriate in this book. Taking place in the mid 1970’s and 80’s Daughter of the Mountain reads like a poor hillbilly family drama.
The story is set in the Talon Ridge Mountains, focusing on the Bilfrey family. Effie the matriarch of the family is a no nonsense type of character and blatantly biased towards Curtis, Sarah, Lottie and Gene. Her eldest, Frank is a wild one but also acting out because his mother Effie has shut him down and shut him out of her life and so Frank continues to get himself into trouble. I could visualise the emotional abuse between Frank and Effie. It was sad for Frank as I felt he didn’t have a chance to be loved in the way that he so craves.
I felt Sherry Parnell painted the picture about right for the time period and it was easy to picture the scenes depicting the hardships being poor mountain living folk in the time period these events occurred. It would have been extremely hard to live in those harshest living conditions.
I wished that the story had followed Sarah more, rather than the tidbits of diary entries that scatter through the story. What I mean to say is that in this story I wanted to see more of Sarah and her daughter Lottie’s relationship.
The style of writing used by Parnell was simplistic to match the tone and voice of the story. She captured the imagination in the showing of the story. The use of strong themes such as rape involving young children is always a very hard topic for myself as a reader to endure, Parnell doesn’t gloss over it or sugar coat those themes. This book wasn’t afraid to take chances in those aforementioned topics.
Thank you Sherry Parnell!
April 17, 2024
“I just can’t seem to stop hoping. I guess hope is what you got when you don’t got nothing else.”
Effie Bilfrey has lived her entire life on Talon Ridge, a dead-end Appalachian town that generations have tried, and failed, to leave. When her only daughterSarah disappears without explanation, leaving her two-year-old daughter Lottie behind, Effie is left to search her home and heart for a reason the young mother would leave her small child and family.
As Lottie comes of age, her obsession with unraveling her mother’s story and leaving Talon Ridge for good consumes her. But pulling at the delicate threads that have held the family’s secrets for decades reveals a shocking truth about her grandmother’s past and Sarah’s fateful choice.
I immediately got some Bookwoman Of Troublesome Creek vibes when I started this. That rugged and rough mountain life. Angry, ignorant, and mean men. Tough, tough women. Generational trauma. This book was an emotional roller coaster I couldn’t get off of. Wow.
Thank you so much to the author and @tlcbooktours for the gifted copy.
Effie Bilfrey has lived her entire life on Talon Ridge, a dead-end Appalachian town that generations have tried, and failed, to leave. When her only daughterSarah disappears without explanation, leaving her two-year-old daughter Lottie behind, Effie is left to search her home and heart for a reason the young mother would leave her small child and family.
As Lottie comes of age, her obsession with unraveling her mother’s story and leaving Talon Ridge for good consumes her. But pulling at the delicate threads that have held the family’s secrets for decades reveals a shocking truth about her grandmother’s past and Sarah’s fateful choice.
I immediately got some Bookwoman Of Troublesome Creek vibes when I started this. That rugged and rough mountain life. Angry, ignorant, and mean men. Tough, tough women. Generational trauma. This book was an emotional roller coaster I couldn’t get off of. Wow.
Thank you so much to the author and @tlcbooktours for the gifted copy.
July 27, 2023
Effie is a lone mom with children. She also takes care of her daughter's child, her grand baby. Every day there is a battle of some kind. Frank, one son, is a bully. Everything makes him angry. He resents his niece. Not knowing why in the world the mother walked off and left her, He thinks the infant is just one more mouth to feed. This is not a happy family whether in their house or outside on the street. Every person is miserable. Changing their life does not seem possible. Not true, positive possibilities are always around the corner.
November 15, 2023
Daughter of the Mountain is a book that focuses on three generations of a family living in rural Appalachia. The matriarch of the family, Effie, has four children, the eldest of which is her only daughter, Sarah. Shortly after her eighteenth birthday, Sarah tells her mother that she can no longer stay in Appalachia, leaving her two-year-old daughter, Lottie, with Effie and her brothers. The novel largely follows Lottie as she grows up, who always feels her mother’s absence and her family’s refusal to acknowledge it. The perspective shifts around the family throughout the story, and we get more insight into Effie’s own history and backstory, as well as her complicated relationship with Sarah.
This is one of those books that, on paper, has a lot of elements that I typically like. It’s multi-generational and multi-perspective, and there is an emphasis on the personal histories of the characters. The family dynamics are complicated, and Parnell does a good job of showing how the actions of a young parent can reverberate for generations. Unfortunately, I found the writing style to be somewhat unpolished and awkward at times, which took away from aspects of the book that I would have otherwise enjoyed. Some of the grammar was unrefined, and at times the writing became overly descriptive. This is an intriguing setup for a story, but it does come across as something that may be submitted in an introductory creative writing class solely because of the quality of the writing itself. For example, this sentence introduces Effie’s eldest sons: “Only sixteen, Frank and his brother Gene, younger by only a year, were still more boys than men, which Effie often was forced to remind them even if their attitude and freewheeling boasted otherwise.” It’s clunky, grammatically dubious, and tries to introduce too much about the characters at once. There aren’t any egregious grammatical errors, but the writing doesn’t flow and it continuously took me out of the story. I did find the writing to improve somewhat as the novel moved out of the expository chapters and into the second and third acts.
I also found that some aspects of the plot felt like they were somewhat unfinished or contradictory. (Spoilers after this point.) The novel just ends, almost immediately after everything is revealed.
Overall, I was compelled by the idea behind the story and enjoyed the atmosphere of Appalachia portrayed by Parnell. While she gave us a promising cast of characters, many of their stories felt unfinished at the novel’s end, leaving just as many questions as I had at the beginning. The writing style left something to be desired, and further added to my feeling that the novel itself is somewhat unpolished.
This is one of those books that, on paper, has a lot of elements that I typically like. It’s multi-generational and multi-perspective, and there is an emphasis on the personal histories of the characters. The family dynamics are complicated, and Parnell does a good job of showing how the actions of a young parent can reverberate for generations. Unfortunately, I found the writing style to be somewhat unpolished and awkward at times, which took away from aspects of the book that I would have otherwise enjoyed. Some of the grammar was unrefined, and at times the writing became overly descriptive. This is an intriguing setup for a story, but it does come across as something that may be submitted in an introductory creative writing class solely because of the quality of the writing itself. For example, this sentence introduces Effie’s eldest sons: “Only sixteen, Frank and his brother Gene, younger by only a year, were still more boys than men, which Effie often was forced to remind them even if their attitude and freewheeling boasted otherwise.” It’s clunky, grammatically dubious, and tries to introduce too much about the characters at once. There aren’t any egregious grammatical errors, but the writing doesn’t flow and it continuously took me out of the story. I did find the writing to improve somewhat as the novel moved out of the expository chapters and into the second and third acts.
I also found that some aspects of the plot felt like they were somewhat unfinished or contradictory. (Spoilers after this point.) The novel just ends, almost immediately after everything is revealed.
Overall, I was compelled by the idea behind the story and enjoyed the atmosphere of Appalachia portrayed by Parnell. While she gave us a promising cast of characters, many of their stories felt unfinished at the novel’s end, leaving just as many questions as I had at the beginning. The writing style left something to be desired, and further added to my feeling that the novel itself is somewhat unpolished.
February 21, 2024
“It was because she was of the mountains, mind and soul. It was because the hill's dust had settled so deeply into her skin that it appeared a tawny hue.”
Daughter of the mountain is three generation family saga..this is not a happy family and it is not a happy story. There isn't a moment of happiness in this book. It reminded me a lot of Steinbeck work. I loved the prose, the writing style. Even though sad, the story pulled me in and kept me engaged till the last moment.
There are many trigger warnings in this book including child abuse, sexual abuse, bullying and violence.
The story starts with Sara leaving her daughter Lotus in care of her mother Effie and brother Curtis. She has two more brothers but Frank is abusive and bully and Eugene is even though not bad, always follow tracks of Frank. Lottie short for Lotus grows up missing her mother and tries to find where Sara has gone. Effie although caring, her behaviour is outright immature and infuriating.
The last reveal was good , I didn't see it coming at all. I overall liked the book but it annoyed hell out of me how stupid every character behaved. If something is bothering you, why not tell it plain and simple? I still think Sara did what she did coz she saw no choice but atleast do the damn thing after making it clear to your family. Why there's no clear conversation in this family? It really got on my nerve.
Overall I loved the story but because of reasons mentioned above I will be rating it lower than I usually had rated it. Even then I will always remember this book, and it will stay with me for a really long time for sure.
Rating 3.5 stars
Thank you Netgalley and Sherry Parnell for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.
Daughter of the mountain is three generation family saga..this is not a happy family and it is not a happy story. There isn't a moment of happiness in this book. It reminded me a lot of Steinbeck work. I loved the prose, the writing style. Even though sad, the story pulled me in and kept me engaged till the last moment.
There are many trigger warnings in this book including child abuse, sexual abuse, bullying and violence.
The story starts with Sara leaving her daughter Lotus in care of her mother Effie and brother Curtis. She has two more brothers but Frank is abusive and bully and Eugene is even though not bad, always follow tracks of Frank. Lottie short for Lotus grows up missing her mother and tries to find where Sara has gone. Effie although caring, her behaviour is outright immature and infuriating.
The last reveal was good , I didn't see it coming at all. I overall liked the book but it annoyed hell out of me how stupid every character behaved. If something is bothering you, why not tell it plain and simple? I still think Sara did what she did coz she saw no choice but atleast do the damn thing after making it clear to your family. Why there's no clear conversation in this family? It really got on my nerve.
Overall I loved the story but because of reasons mentioned above I will be rating it lower than I usually had rated it. Even then I will always remember this book, and it will stay with me for a really long time for sure.
Rating 3.5 stars
Thank you Netgalley and Sherry Parnell for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.
July 22, 2023
Daughter of the Mountain by Sherry Parnell
Talon Ridge, is a dying town in the Appalachian Mountains. Its home to Effie Bilfrey who is raising her granddaughter Lottie because her daughter Sarah has disappeared without a trace. Effie is trying to find Sarah and discover why she left in the first place. As Lottie grows up she begins to question her mother's disappearence as is desperate to escape the dusty, small town. This book is heavier than I thought it would be! The dark family secrets begin to come out and we see how this affects these three women.
Overall, this was a good read, but was not something I enjoyed. I was intrigued enough to finish to find out why Sarah ran off, but I found myself skipping sections and wanting to finish the book. Although this book isn't as dark as something like Prince of Tides, I got that same vibe. An example of an amazing, talented writer with content that is just hard to consume. For some reason that's how this book was for me. It provoked anger at the injustice some of the characters suffered... hate that. So much of that in real life and I don't love reading about that in fiction novels. I love it in my Fantasy Books, because its all make believe! lol. That being said, any book that provokes emotion or thought is always going to get credit for that.
Overall, I'd say the book was a pass for me, but I know this will be loved by many others.
Talon Ridge, is a dying town in the Appalachian Mountains. Its home to Effie Bilfrey who is raising her granddaughter Lottie because her daughter Sarah has disappeared without a trace. Effie is trying to find Sarah and discover why she left in the first place. As Lottie grows up she begins to question her mother's disappearence as is desperate to escape the dusty, small town. This book is heavier than I thought it would be! The dark family secrets begin to come out and we see how this affects these three women.
Overall, this was a good read, but was not something I enjoyed. I was intrigued enough to finish to find out why Sarah ran off, but I found myself skipping sections and wanting to finish the book. Although this book isn't as dark as something like Prince of Tides, I got that same vibe. An example of an amazing, talented writer with content that is just hard to consume. For some reason that's how this book was for me. It provoked anger at the injustice some of the characters suffered... hate that. So much of that in real life and I don't love reading about that in fiction novels. I love it in my Fantasy Books, because its all make believe! lol. That being said, any book that provokes emotion or thought is always going to get credit for that.
Overall, I'd say the book was a pass for me, but I know this will be loved by many others.
December 17, 2024
I received a complimentary electronic ARC of this Appalachian family drama from BookSirens, and author and publisher Sherry Parnell. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read Daughter of the Mountain of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. Why we hang on to tradition with gritted teeth and stalwart certainty have always been essential questions for me. Perhaps Sherry Parnell has figured it out. Or at least seen the light. I know I also absolutely loved her novel Let the Willows Weep.
That said this is a grim tale with little comfort for any of the members of this mountain community and certainly none for the members of Bilfrey family. It is also a book you will want to read in one setting, almost impossible to put down. I just wanted to grab up Lottie and bring her home with me. A compellingly sad story, a lesson too late learned, a love song for mountains and the glory of nature. A shockingly unexpected ending. Altogether a really good read.
pub date August 15, 2023
Reviewed at Goodreads and BookSirens on July 22, 2023. Reviewed on August 16, 2023, at AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, BookBub, and Kobo.
That said this is a grim tale with little comfort for any of the members of this mountain community and certainly none for the members of Bilfrey family. It is also a book you will want to read in one setting, almost impossible to put down. I just wanted to grab up Lottie and bring her home with me. A compellingly sad story, a lesson too late learned, a love song for mountains and the glory of nature. A shockingly unexpected ending. Altogether a really good read.
pub date August 15, 2023
Reviewed at Goodreads and BookSirens on July 22, 2023. Reviewed on August 16, 2023, at AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, BookBub, and Kobo.
July 22, 2023
In "Daughter of the Mountain," Sherry Parnell weaves a haunting and poignant tale that unravels a family's deepest secrets and delves into life in a rural Appalachian town. Set in the backdrop of Talon Ridge, a dead-end Appalachian town, the novel explores the consequences of generational trauma, the burden of injustice, and the resilience of the female spirit.
Effie Bilfrey has spent her entire life in Talon Ridge, a place where people dream of leaving but find it nearly impossible to do so. When her daughter, Sarah, mysteriously disappears, leaving behind her young daughter Lottie, Effie is left devastated and desperate for answers. As Lottie grows up, she becomes obsessed with uncovering her mother's story and breaking free from Talon Ridge's confines.
As Lottie digs deeper into her family's history, she discovers long-buried secrets that have held the family together for generations. Unraveling the delicate threads of these secrets leads to a shocking revelation about her grandmother's past and the pivotal choice that led to Sarah's disappearance.
"Daughter of the Mountain" is a complex and moving tale that spans three generations and intertwines the lives of two families. Parnell skillfully navigates the intricacies of family dynamics, trauma, and the enduring strength of women. The novel delves into the profound impact of the past on the present, illustrating how the actions of previous generations continue to shape the lives of those who come after them.
The author's prose is evocative and lyrical, painting a vivid picture of the Appalachian landscape and its close-knit community. The characters are richly developed and compelling, each carrying their own burdens and secrets that add depth to the narrative.
Parnell's exploration of generational trauma and the weight of injustice adds layers of emotional resonance to the story. The novel not only sheds light on the challenges faced by rural communities but also celebrates the resilience and determination of women in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, "Daughter of the Mountain" is a beautifully crafted and heartrending novel that shines a light on the enduring power of family bonds and the strength of the female spirit. Sherry Parnell's storytelling prowess captivates readers, leaving them deeply moved by the characters' struggles, their triumphs, and the enduring legacy of secrets that shape their lives. This is a thought-provoking and emotionally impactful read that will stay with readers long after the final page is turned.
Effie Bilfrey has spent her entire life in Talon Ridge, a place where people dream of leaving but find it nearly impossible to do so. When her daughter, Sarah, mysteriously disappears, leaving behind her young daughter Lottie, Effie is left devastated and desperate for answers. As Lottie grows up, she becomes obsessed with uncovering her mother's story and breaking free from Talon Ridge's confines.
As Lottie digs deeper into her family's history, she discovers long-buried secrets that have held the family together for generations. Unraveling the delicate threads of these secrets leads to a shocking revelation about her grandmother's past and the pivotal choice that led to Sarah's disappearance.
"Daughter of the Mountain" is a complex and moving tale that spans three generations and intertwines the lives of two families. Parnell skillfully navigates the intricacies of family dynamics, trauma, and the enduring strength of women. The novel delves into the profound impact of the past on the present, illustrating how the actions of previous generations continue to shape the lives of those who come after them.
The author's prose is evocative and lyrical, painting a vivid picture of the Appalachian landscape and its close-knit community. The characters are richly developed and compelling, each carrying their own burdens and secrets that add depth to the narrative.
Parnell's exploration of generational trauma and the weight of injustice adds layers of emotional resonance to the story. The novel not only sheds light on the challenges faced by rural communities but also celebrates the resilience and determination of women in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, "Daughter of the Mountain" is a beautifully crafted and heartrending novel that shines a light on the enduring power of family bonds and the strength of the female spirit. Sherry Parnell's storytelling prowess captivates readers, leaving them deeply moved by the characters' struggles, their triumphs, and the enduring legacy of secrets that shape their lives. This is a thought-provoking and emotionally impactful read that will stay with readers long after the final page is turned.
October 21, 2025
Sometimes, a book has all the right ingredients: family secrets, multi-generational trauma, a haunting small-town setting and still doesn’t quite hit the mark. That was the case for me with Daughter of the Mountain.
The novel traces three generations of Bilfrey women in the isolated Appalachian town of Talon Ridge, a place that feels more like a cage than a home. When Sarah vanishes, leaving behind her young daughter Lottie and mother Effie, questions linger, and the answers are buried deep in personal history, old wounds, and tightly held secrets.
From the start, the premise pulled me in. The emotional weight of abandonment, the complexities of motherhood, and the layered exploration of identity through Lottie's eyes had all the makings of a compelling read. And yet, despite the themes I typically gravitate toward, I found myself struggling to connect both with the characters and the writing.
Effie, Sarah, and Lottie are each burdened by generational pain, but their inner lives never quite opened up to me in a way that felt real or raw. I kept waiting for that moment when the story would sink its hooks into me... but it never came. Halfway through, I had to admit defeat.
It’s not that this is a bad book, it’s thoughtful, layered, and clearly written with care. But for reasons I can’t quite put my finger on, it left me cold. Sometimes that happens. Not every story lands the same way for every reader.
That said, I’m still grateful to Sherry Pernell and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
The novel traces three generations of Bilfrey women in the isolated Appalachian town of Talon Ridge, a place that feels more like a cage than a home. When Sarah vanishes, leaving behind her young daughter Lottie and mother Effie, questions linger, and the answers are buried deep in personal history, old wounds, and tightly held secrets.
From the start, the premise pulled me in. The emotional weight of abandonment, the complexities of motherhood, and the layered exploration of identity through Lottie's eyes had all the makings of a compelling read. And yet, despite the themes I typically gravitate toward, I found myself struggling to connect both with the characters and the writing.
Effie, Sarah, and Lottie are each burdened by generational pain, but their inner lives never quite opened up to me in a way that felt real or raw. I kept waiting for that moment when the story would sink its hooks into me... but it never came. Halfway through, I had to admit defeat.
It’s not that this is a bad book, it’s thoughtful, layered, and clearly written with care. But for reasons I can’t quite put my finger on, it left me cold. Sometimes that happens. Not every story lands the same way for every reader.
That said, I’m still grateful to Sherry Pernell and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 2, 2023
I love reading stories with many characters. Sarah Parnell's "Daughter of the Mountain" is a captivating read. The book hooked my attention from the beginning until the last page. Effie Bilfrey is the mother of many children. She lives in Talon Ridge with her many kids. When her daughter Sarah was a year old, a local witch told her to keep an eye on her daughter Sarah.
Effie didn't know that Sarah would leave everything behind, even her daughter Lottie. Sarah's younger brother Curtis used to think that Sarah would never leave him. But later, Curtis realized that Sarah hasn't only left him but also her own daughter Lottie. Even though Sarah's other siblings, especially Frank, weren't that loving, Curtis loved his niece Lottie. Lottie sometimes feels hatred for her mother for abandoning her. Like other kids at school, she wanted her mother to be there for her to hear her secrets, braid her hair, etc.
As Lottie grows up, she isn't very happy in Talon Ridge. She wanted to leave this place and wanted to unfold the secrets about her mother's disappearance. Grab your hands on this book to find out the truth. The twists and turns in the story made it more interesting. The story is well paced and I wasn't bored anytime while reading it. The characters are written nicely by the author. Add this book to your tbr without any second thoughts.
Effie didn't know that Sarah would leave everything behind, even her daughter Lottie. Sarah's younger brother Curtis used to think that Sarah would never leave him. But later, Curtis realized that Sarah hasn't only left him but also her own daughter Lottie. Even though Sarah's other siblings, especially Frank, weren't that loving, Curtis loved his niece Lottie. Lottie sometimes feels hatred for her mother for abandoning her. Like other kids at school, she wanted her mother to be there for her to hear her secrets, braid her hair, etc.
As Lottie grows up, she isn't very happy in Talon Ridge. She wanted to leave this place and wanted to unfold the secrets about her mother's disappearance. Grab your hands on this book to find out the truth. The twists and turns in the story made it more interesting. The story is well paced and I wasn't bored anytime while reading it. The characters are written nicely by the author. Add this book to your tbr without any second thoughts.
October 2, 2023
'Daughter of the Mountain' is the first book that I have read written by the author Sherry Parnell. This story will take you on a rollercoaster ride full of different emotions. Sarah Bilfrey left her home, her daughter Lottie and family behind. She told her mother Effie to care for her baby.
When Sarah was sixteen, she got pregnant. Even though it wasn't an easy thing to do, Effie accepted it. She gave Sarah one of her cabins on her property in Talon Ridge. Effie is overburdened by so many responsibilities. When her granddaughter Lottie asks questions about her mother Sarah, Effie gets frustrated. She couldn't pamper Lottie with expensive gifts as her birthday present but she also couldn't tell her anything about Sarah.
Will Lottie figure out anything about her mother? Will she leave Talon Ridge or stay forever in the shade of her granmom and Uncle Curtis?
Historical fiction lovers couldn't afford to miss reading this beautifully written book. The plot of the story is gripping. My heart was aching for Lottie's situation as I was reading this story. It is painful for children to not have their parents around them as they grow up. I am definitely interested in reading 'Let the Willows Weep' by the author.
When Sarah was sixteen, she got pregnant. Even though it wasn't an easy thing to do, Effie accepted it. She gave Sarah one of her cabins on her property in Talon Ridge. Effie is overburdened by so many responsibilities. When her granddaughter Lottie asks questions about her mother Sarah, Effie gets frustrated. She couldn't pamper Lottie with expensive gifts as her birthday present but she also couldn't tell her anything about Sarah.
Will Lottie figure out anything about her mother? Will she leave Talon Ridge or stay forever in the shade of her granmom and Uncle Curtis?
Historical fiction lovers couldn't afford to miss reading this beautifully written book. The plot of the story is gripping. My heart was aching for Lottie's situation as I was reading this story. It is painful for children to not have their parents around them as they grow up. I am definitely interested in reading 'Let the Willows Weep' by the author.
October 2, 2023
"Daughter of the Mountain" written by the author Sherry Parnell is a heart wrenching story. The story is set in the eighties. The story features Sarah, her mother Effie and her daughter Lottie. When Lottie was a baby, Sarah left her with her mother Effie. She left Talon Ridge and disappeared. Effie always wanted to know the reason for Sarah's departure but even after checking Sarah's stuff, she didn't find any clue.
Effie's ten year old son Curtis was kind to Lottie. He helped Effie a lot in raising Lottie. On every birthday, Lottie wish to know more about her mother but her granmom didn't tell her anything. Once on her birthday, Lottie received her mother's diary as a gift from her uncle Curtis. Read this story to know will Lottie be able to find the reason for her mother's disappearance.
Those who love reading stories with female protagonists should definitely read this one. The story involves three generations, family secrets, curiosity, abandonment, etc. The writing style of the author is nice. The title of the book is suitable according to the content of the story. I enjoyed every bit of this book. Looking forward to reading more books by the author in the future.
Effie's ten year old son Curtis was kind to Lottie. He helped Effie a lot in raising Lottie. On every birthday, Lottie wish to know more about her mother but her granmom didn't tell her anything. Once on her birthday, Lottie received her mother's diary as a gift from her uncle Curtis. Read this story to know will Lottie be able to find the reason for her mother's disappearance.
Those who love reading stories with female protagonists should definitely read this one. The story involves three generations, family secrets, curiosity, abandonment, etc. The writing style of the author is nice. The title of the book is suitable according to the content of the story. I enjoyed every bit of this book. Looking forward to reading more books by the author in the future.
August 16, 2023
Sherry Parnell has given us a multigenerational story of survival and female hardship of three women, Effie, Sarah and Lottie, but focusing primarily on Lottie the youngest of the three and her quest to find her mother who abandoned her when she was only two years old. One can say that the daughter of the mountain is not a single one of them but all of them, each with her own story and trauma but always with the background of Talon Ridge, a dying town in the Appalachian Mountains, which is as much a protagonist on the book as any of the other characters in it.
A story of trauma, abandonment, violence, retribution and sacrifices, but also of love, although not physically displayed, this book will haunt you when finishing reading and bring feelings in you of despair but also of hope for a better life, at least for Lottie.
The ending is sad and unexpected but so fitting with the story told in the pages of the book.
A story of trauma, abandonment, violence, retribution and sacrifices, but also of love, although not physically displayed, this book will haunt you when finishing reading and bring feelings in you of despair but also of hope for a better life, at least for Lottie.
The ending is sad and unexpected but so fitting with the story told in the pages of the book.
June 27, 2024
A story you’re glad is fictional but fear your instincts are right in knowing there is too much truth to this tale.
This story takes place in the 80s and 90s in Appalachia. It’s a story of three generations and how the oppression of poverty and stereotypes continue to feed this mountain culture. It is written, at times, with assaulting language, which helps develop the characters but is a little uncomfortable. The characters are believable and, while most of them are not likable, the author does a great job of bringing them to life.
There were moments of pure joy and complete understanding and then moments of confusion and pieces left untidied. For some readers the not knowing what happens to the characters might be unsettling, but I think that it’s a bit symbolic of life in general.
Overall, this is a great read- real and raw with themes of love, family, finding yourself and losing yourself woven throughout.
This story takes place in the 80s and 90s in Appalachia. It’s a story of three generations and how the oppression of poverty and stereotypes continue to feed this mountain culture. It is written, at times, with assaulting language, which helps develop the characters but is a little uncomfortable. The characters are believable and, while most of them are not likable, the author does a great job of bringing them to life.
There were moments of pure joy and complete understanding and then moments of confusion and pieces left untidied. For some readers the not knowing what happens to the characters might be unsettling, but I think that it’s a bit symbolic of life in general.
Overall, this is a great read- real and raw with themes of love, family, finding yourself and losing yourself woven throughout.
July 30, 2023
I was given an ARC of Sherry Parnell's "Daughter of the Mountain" in exchange for an honest review.
Life on Talon Ridge is harsh and the characters in this novel are even harsher. Effie Bilfrey seems to be doing what she can to hold her family together in a world that is full of poverty, disappointment, heartbreak, and evil. The novel opens when Sarah, Effie's teenage daughter hands her baby over to her mother, saying she can no longer stand her life on the mountain and needs to escape. Effie takes in the baby, but her only ally seems to be her Uncle Curtis who is just five or six years older than her. Her oldest uncle Carl is a mean SOB and his younger brother Gene follows his lead in every way, even though he knows he is heading toward nothing but trouble. Lottie grows up, always feeling a hole in hear heart from her mother's abandonment. As the story progresses, the secrets that could tear the family apart begin to unravel and there is no going back.
There is nothing sugar-coated about this story at all, but the writing is excellent and the story is raw and honest.
But I'm glad that I never have to meet any of these characters in real life.
Life on Talon Ridge is harsh and the characters in this novel are even harsher. Effie Bilfrey seems to be doing what she can to hold her family together in a world that is full of poverty, disappointment, heartbreak, and evil. The novel opens when Sarah, Effie's teenage daughter hands her baby over to her mother, saying she can no longer stand her life on the mountain and needs to escape. Effie takes in the baby, but her only ally seems to be her Uncle Curtis who is just five or six years older than her. Her oldest uncle Carl is a mean SOB and his younger brother Gene follows his lead in every way, even though he knows he is heading toward nothing but trouble. Lottie grows up, always feeling a hole in hear heart from her mother's abandonment. As the story progresses, the secrets that could tear the family apart begin to unravel and there is no going back.
There is nothing sugar-coated about this story at all, but the writing is excellent and the story is raw and honest.
But I'm glad that I never have to meet any of these characters in real life.
August 27, 2023
Daughter of the Mountain tells the story of a dysfunctional family in a small mountain town. We watch Lottie as she grows up, living with her grandmother and uncles, abandoned by her mother. The family struggles with poverty, abuse and multigenerational trauma, while Lottie tries to uncover reasons for her mother's disappearance. The book was full of emotional scenes and had a captivating ending, however, the first half of the book was quite slow-paced. Overall I enjoyed the read, it is a good book.
*received a free e-book on NetGalley*
*received a free e-book on NetGalley*
January 4, 2024
At times I found this a difficult read, intergenerational trauma tends to do that, but it was good to find that there are strong willed women who continue to fight for a better way of life. Strength and resilience despite everyone around them trying to control those qualities, will hopefully always lead to better outcomes. Did it happen here? Absolutely, but not exactly what I was expecting with the ending. The characters and storyline kept me engaged and I thought the author wrote the story extremely well.
March 21, 2024
Lottie grows up in a small Appalachian town living with her grandma and uncle. What we see depicted is small town life in a dysfunctional family. We see the painful decisions that each person makes to survive. We see generations of trauma and the scars they leave. Some people survive and persevere, some people are broken and must find any way to cope.
This story was well written and had good pacing. We see multiple viewpoints and are provided insight into each character. Feelings of empathy are mixed with sadness, anger, and disgust. I recommend this book.
This story was well written and had good pacing. We see multiple viewpoints and are provided insight into each character. Feelings of empathy are mixed with sadness, anger, and disgust. I recommend this book.
May 11, 2024
This book was an easy read, it only took me 7 to 10 days to read on-and-off. It is about two families that live in the mountains (not sure what state, maybe WV). There are brief descriptions of one family and the other family a more detailed story is given. Some characters are described more in-depth, and some are briefly described. I had some difficulty following some events, that is specifics of what actually happened, some events are made clear later in the book. Adult theme (rape). Overall, a good read.
July 12, 2023
Daughter of the Mountain is a beautifully written historical fiction with a strong and interesting female lead. I loved everything about this book and I couldn't put it down, although it is short I felt like there was so much character development. I especially loved seeing how different characters affect the future as we get to see multiple generations which was really interesting and unique. Overall if you enjoy female oriented historical fictions I really recommend this
July 20, 2023
Daughter Of The Mountain
This tale of love and loss, pain and joy, as well as family secrets comes from an impoverished dying town in the Appalachian mountains. Lottie attempts to solve the dual mysteries of her father’s identity and her mother’s disappearrance. What she discovers is nothing less than life changing.
This evocative page-turning story will be remembered by the reader for a long time.
This tale of love and loss, pain and joy, as well as family secrets comes from an impoverished dying town in the Appalachian mountains. Lottie attempts to solve the dual mysteries of her father’s identity and her mother’s disappearrance. What she discovers is nothing less than life changing.
This evocative page-turning story will be remembered by the reader for a long time.
August 28, 2023
When I looked at this cover I thought no way is this book going to be dark like some reviewers have stated. Wrooong.
This book is a book of generational trauma that had me shaking my head. It is a Appalachian story that feels older than the time period but then I know people who live like they do. I kept hoping good would come but you honestly feel like you are in this story trying to keep your head above water.
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.
This book is a book of generational trauma that had me shaking my head. It is a Appalachian story that feels older than the time period but then I know people who live like they do. I kept hoping good would come but you honestly feel like you are in this story trying to keep your head above water.
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.
April 28, 2024
First…I really liked the book. It kept me on edge every page waiting for the other shoe to fall. And it did. And I’d pick it up and wait for it to fall: and it did, over and over. It’s a dark story, it’s a hard story. My only complaint was the end. Who can function in the real world with such unlimited knowledge. Oh! And the cover. It’s delicate and light and beautiful. Don’t judge a book by its cover!
July 21, 2023
Where to begin about this book. I can truly say this book put me all on my feelings. Finding the right words to adequately express how I felt took some time as I wanted to express The delicate way in which Sherry Parnell explored the role of intergenerational trauma was in my humble opinion both heartbreaking and necessary. This book will not disappoint and highlights grit and determination.
August 24, 2023
Beautifully heartbreaking
Daughter of the mountain was difficult to put down. I loved the writing and character development. Although I hated some of the characters in this book I loved the story that they told and especially how it unfolds. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a tragic tale ending in beauty and hope.
Daughter of the mountain was difficult to put down. I loved the writing and character development. Although I hated some of the characters in this book I loved the story that they told and especially how it unfolds. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a tragic tale ending in beauty and hope.
October 7, 2023
This is a heavy, dark book, although pretty well done. Definitely heed trigger warnings. This book pulls no punches. Definitely immerses you in the poverty and isolation of this family dealing with various generational traumas in Appalachia. Read with care.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for this honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for this honest review.
November 11, 2023
The strength and resilience of the mountain people. The weight of family secrets and their consequences. The denial of the pain seen in your grown child's face. The drastic choices we make to escape. The awareness to know we are meant to be more. The power we have to chase our destiny. Daughter of the Mountain.
December 10, 2023
**Trigger Warnings- violence and sexual abuse**
A family born to the hills and part of the hills. An amazing story of generational trauma that elicits emotion from the first sentence.
A teenage girl leaves her young daughter with her mother Effie, and leaves the Appalachian hills- never to return. The story twists and turns while exposing family secrets.
The character development is fantastic. The written form is classic. The story is hard to forget. One of my new favorites!
A family born to the hills and part of the hills. An amazing story of generational trauma that elicits emotion from the first sentence.
A teenage girl leaves her young daughter with her mother Effie, and leaves the Appalachian hills- never to return. The story twists and turns while exposing family secrets.
The character development is fantastic. The written form is classic. The story is hard to forget. One of my new favorites!
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