Smoking Flax

by Jennifer Hallmark

Who Is He--Really?
Almost nineteen-year-old Reed Anderson wants to belong in a world where he hasn’t always fit. Three days after graduation, he decides to ride a bus back to Louisiana and deal with the events of his thirteenth summer once and for all. Back then, he’d stood up to his abusive Pa, protecting Momma and his sister, taking control of his life. But who was the faded image of the child he saw that day? Aunt Lula predicted his life would shift and change. Something about space-time-continuum and the fourth dimension? He tucks her words into his heart. If he survives the shift, this could be his chance to start over. But the ghost child haunts his dreams. Even though six years have passed, does he want to confront the lies he’s always believed?

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 16, 2024

About the author

Jennifer Hallmark writes Southern fiction with a twist. Her website and newsletter focus on her books, love of the South, and favorite fiction. She creates stories with unforgettable characters—her stories are a little eerie and otherworldly but with a positive turn.

Jessie’s Hope, her first novel, was a Selah Award nominee for First Novel. Her latest novel, Smoking Flax, was released on January 16th, 2024.

When she isn’t babysitting, gardening, or exploring the beautiful state of Alabama, you can find her at her desk penning fiction or studying the craft of writing. She also loves reading and streaming fantasy, supernatural stories, and detective fiction from the Golden Age or her favorite subject—time travel.

Reviews

[Joy Melville · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotion Is Tops

What a good read!
I’m not a fan of split time novels, but the author did a good blend. The first portion had me hooked by the true-to-life emotion in the 13 yr old!

It kept me reading!

[Sarah Schwerin · Rating 5 out of 5]

From page one I was drawn into the story by the author’s use of characterization. I loved seeing Reed grow and mature as the story progressed. Just when I thought I had the ending figured out, a surprise greeted me. Smoking Flax is a unique tale about the unexpected effects of our choices.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very different

I was pulled into this story from the very beginning. I've never read one like it. I still can't truthfully claim to fully understand it, but I couldn't stop turning the pages until I finished it. I LOVED IT!

[Karen Malley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smoking Flax is a creative story. Set in the South in the 1970’s, we live the story of Reed, a young teen struggling to find a place to belong. There are heavy themes in the book ranging from abuse to racism, but it never feels too heavy-handed. Ms. Hallmark wrote the story in such a way I felt I was in the head of the main character, which is impressive, since as a middle-aged woman, I’m far from Reed’s mindset. I loved the strength of the characters and appreciated the wholesome role models introduced into Reed’s life, from an unusual aunt, a wise grandfather, and his good friend’s grandmother. My favorite part is when Reed speaks into the life of a younger boy, showing that good can come from pain. There is a twist which I didn’t see coming, and I enjoyed how it played out. I’m told there are more books coming in the series, which I will eagerly await!

[E.V. Sparrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second time I've read Southern Fiction, and I think it's also Literary Fiction. The story is in First Person, depicts a family from Louisiana who relocates to Alabama, and the main character is a tween boy by the name of Reed. Added to his already age group awkwardness and challenges, are some family mysteries a few abusive members, and his desire to escape it all. Readers have the privilege of seeing life through his POV, and the unraveling of crucial family mysteries which explains so much of his confusion. Enjoyable characters who spoke into his life reminds us of how important our words and actions are for the younger generations. There's a time continuum twist towards the end I'll keep secret.

[J.P.C. Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Hallmark is a wonderful writer. She builds so much sympathy for Reed and the tough situation he's in. The ending is touching, dramatic, and it surprised me. I love how she makes you feel like you are living in the 70's. It isn't heavy-handed. Very much like how a book written in that decade would refer to current events and customs, so her descriptions are very natural. I also liked how she describes a southern summer. I could feel the heat. If you like speculative fiction mixed with history and realism, pick this one up.

[Susan Sloan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This coming-of-age story is filled with mystery and dark secrets that threaten to destroy the teenage protagonist. While not strictly historical, the tale hearkens back to the latter part of the 20th century when much of the South still struggled with prejudice despite advances in civil rights. Through the eyes of a thirteen-year-old boy, we learn that things are not always what they seem, and the spiritual world is as real as the physical one we're familiar with. With unexpected twists and turns, this story will keep you guessing.

[Lynn Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone whose family moved a lot and was always put in the position of needing to find a place to belong, Reed's story touched my heart. Knowing others' stories can often open deeper understanding and forgiveness. How lovely that Reed had a couple of people in his life who helped him navigate the challenges. My grandmothers were my anchors. The time shifts in this story added mystery and intrigue.

[Tamelia Aday · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my kind of story. Twisty and time bending. An impressive work by Jennifer Hallmark. Fun nostalgia from the 80’s and a luscious southern setting. Reed’s life is anything but sweet, however. You’ll be swept up in the story, and at times will hold your breath—waiting and worrying about what happens next. An entertaining page turner. Great Southern fiction with a twist. Enjoy your sweet tea while you swing on the porch and rally for Reed.

[Jen Dodrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grabbed my attention!

This book grabbed my attention right from the start. I loved the 70s references, and the unique way it switches time periods. Great faith line woven throughout too.

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one captured me from the beginning and I couldn't put the book down. Twists and turns, unexpected events, danger, family, and more kept me glued to the story. Powerful.

[Linda Hoover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Smoking Flax by Jennifer Hallmark is an intense story. It's set in the South in the seventies, and deals with child abuse and racism. It's a tough subject, but I felt compelled to find out how it would end. I'm glad I did.

[Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a well written, interesting read. I felt as if I was right there back in the 1970s. The descriptions, the characters, the mystery and intrigue. Even amidst the tragedies of life, there is hope. Highly recommend.