A Tiny Piece of Blue

by Charlotte Whitney

For fans of Kristin Hannah's The Four Winds and Lisa Wingate's Shelterwood comes a heartwarming historical novel following a homeless young girl as she struggles to survive during the Great Depression.
Rural Michigan, 1934. During the throes of the Great Depression, thirteen-year-old Silstice Trayson finds herself homeless, abandoned by her parents after a devastating house fire. Nearby, aging midwestern farmers Edna and Vernon Goetz are pillars of the community, but when do-gooder Edna takes up Silstice's cause, Vernon digs in his heels, displaying his true nature as an ornery curmudgeon. 
Theirs is a quiet-seeming community, but danger lurks beneath the bucolic façade. With so many youngsters leaving home to make it on their own, child trafficking has grown rampant, and Silstice and her two spirited young brothers soon find themselves in the sights of a ring of kidnappers that's exploiting local children into forced labor—and worse. Meanwhile Vernon finds himself at risk of losing everything.
Narrated by Silstice, Vernon, and Edna, A Tiny Piece of Blue sets the customs and traditions of rural Michigan against a backdrop of thievery, bribery, and child-trafficking—weaving a suspenseful yet tender tale that ultimately winds its way to a heartwarming conclusion.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Coming Of Age, Book Club, Family, Adult Fiction

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 18, 2025

About the author

Charlotte Whitney grew up on a Michigan farm and heard her aunts and grandmother tell stories of "hard times," and was surprised to hear that even farmers went to bed hungry.

That served as the impetus for the settings for her award-winning novels, A TINY PIECE OF BLUE, (winner of American Fiction Awards - Historical Fiction; IIPPY Gold Medal for Historical Fiction; Finalist in Hawthorne Prize for Historical Fiction}; THE UNVEILING OF POLLY FORREST, and THREADS A DEPRESSION ERA TALE.
She worked at the University of MIchigan at the Lloyd Scholars for Writing and the Arts Program before leaving to write full-time. Currently she lives in Arizona with her husband and dogs Lucy, a Golden Doodle, and Amanda, a Golden -Labrador mix. She loves hiking, bicycling, yoga. and of course, reading..

Reviews

[PamG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in rural Michigan in Calhoun County during the Great Depression, Charlotte Whitney’s latest historical fiction novel, A Tiny Piece of Blue, is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching. It pulls on the emotions and quickly has readers hoping for a positive outcome. Thirteen-year-old Silstice Trayson finds herself homeless and abandoned by her parents after a fire destroyed their home.

Farmers Edna and Vernon Goetz are active in the community and Silstice is one of the girls in Edna’s 4-H sewing class. She takes up Silstice’s cause, much to the dismay and distain of Vernon. Poverty and hunger are widespread and many are losing their farms through foreclosures. Criminal activity has picked in the surrounding area, including child trafficking, forced labor, and worse. At the same time, Vernon realizes he is at risk of losing everything.

The story is narrated by three individuals, Silstice, Edna, and Vernon. Silstice is tentative, shy, lacks self-confidence, a planner, and wants to learn. She has been ignored at home by everyone except her seventeen-year-old sister Alberta. Edna is patient, kind-hearted, writes original poetry and favorite religious quotes in a notebook, and has a calmness about her. Vernon is contentious, stubborn, easily agitated, and leader of the county-wide 4-H Beef Club. He prefers working with animals, not people, and tends to be frugal.

The author does a great job of painting a picture of the lives of the three main characters as well as the surrounding community. The characterization is excellent with multiple transformations, including an exploration of the roles of women and men. Ms. Whitney obviously did a lot of research to ensure historical accuracy for the time-period. This story has a mystery as well as criminals, struggles for survival, and is suspenseful. It also pulls on the emotions and is a story that will linger in my mind. Themes include despair, theft, poverty, hunger, crowded conditions, kidnapping, bribery, secrets, family, found family, friendship, survival, community, hope, and redemption.

Overall, this engrossing, emotion-pulling novel is excellent and the best one I have read by this author. I loved it and I’m looking forward to reading my next intense novel by her. I recommend it to those who enjoy historical fiction that pulls on the heart strings.

Caitlin Hamilton Marketing & Publicity, for She Writes Press and Charlotte Whitney provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for February 18, 2025.
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My 4.59 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon.

[CarolG · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1934 rural Michigan, during the Great Depression, thirteen-year-old Silstice (nickname "Silly") Trayson finds herself homeless, abandoned by her parents after a devastating house fire. Nearby, aging midwestern farmers Edna and Vernon Goetz are pillars of the community, but when do-gooder Edna takes up Silstice’s cause, Vernon digs in his heels, displaying his true nature as an ornery curmudgeon. Narrated by Silstice, Vernon, and Edna, "A Tiny Piece of Blue" sets the customs and traditions of rural Michigan against a backdrop of thievery, bribery, and child-trafficking.

I was immersed in this story from the beginning and I loved the main characters, even curmudgeonly Vernon by the last half of the book. I really don't know how to describe the writing - it's almost YA but with appeal to an adult audience. Some of the passages are simple and uncomplicated and yet resonated deeply with me. Heartbreaking? Yes. Heartwarming? Also yes. This was such a tough time in history but with people like Silstice, Alberta, Edna, Vernon and others in the mix it gives the reader hope for the future of these characters. And how about that eye-catching cover?!

I previously read "The Unveiling of Polly Forrest" by this author and thoroughly enjoyed it. I hope to get a chance to read "Threads" in the future and I'll also be watching for whatever comes next.

I wish to thank the author, Charlotte Whitney, for reaching out to ask if I'd be interested in reading this novel - definitely yes! I'd also like to thank Caitlin Hamilton Marketing for She Writes Press, via Netgalley, for offering me access to the ARC of the novel. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: February 18, 2025

[Amina · Rating 4 out of 5]

✰ 3.75 stars ✰

​“You don’t need to know their names to appreciate their beauty.​”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ​We really need to make 4-H clubs a vital part of communities - to pledge the 4 H's - head, heart, hands, and health to better living for all. I'm not sure they are still prevalent in the U.S, but the author did mention that she was part of one, so maybe... But, the values that their doctrine adheres to follow are ones that are so integral to simply being a ​good person. And it was that good-nature and kindness of Edna that drew her to fourteen-year-old Silstice - mistakenly named that instead of Solstice, because her mother was unable to note the difference 😔 -and what irked Vernon, her husband of thirty-three years, beyond end! That during a time of fiscal crisis, his wife was squandering her well-meaning provisions on well, basically, one who didn't deserve their good graces, unless she paid for room and board, when her own mother was unable - nay, unwilling to provide for her and her other five siblings was enough to boil his fuse with reluctance and disregard. 🤦🏻‍♀️

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Not a kind stone in his cold-hearted body, that one! But, don't write him off - just yet. We cannot control the tide of fate; for when tragedy strikes that compels Vernon to keep Silstice, not Silly, under his care a lot longer than he initially agreed on, let alone initially wished to care for - the power of growth and love is paramount in capturing how the heart and humanity has the capacity and capability of change that even in the darkest and dismal of days, A Tiny Piece of Blue can still shine through. 🫶🏻

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The opening chapter really is the hook for this quietly gripping historical fiction; how we set the scene for so much of how Silstice's life is in a dire position that ultimately propels much of her choices and decisions as the plot progresses - showing how she does have a good head on her shoulders, if she only had the chance to show it​ - you can't help but root for things to work out best for her.​ ​'Whatever success I’d have, I must do it on my own.​' 🥺 She cared deeply for her siblings and her relationship with her older sister, Alberta played a major part in her character development. But, I gotta be honest. As much as I admired how Silstice matured as a headstrong young girl, standing up for herself, proving her worth as a capable and well-meaning farmer, it was Vernon's transformation that impressed me more. 👍🏻

​ “Never in my wildest imagination would I have dreamed I’d ever be in such a negotiation​.”​

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ How he went from that grumpy old man holding the purse strings tight to one who was putting other's well-being over his, to finally set aside his personal convictions and allow himself to express concern for others... It was beautiful; because it felt so organic - how Edna became his voice of reason and living. It wasn't overnight that he suddenly embraced the side of him that was so reluctant to be considerate. ❤️‍🩹 True, it took a loss for him to gain something, but it never felt like it was a compensation. More like it was a belated gift that he wholeheartedly regretted not having when it could have meant more. I definitely disliked him from the start! But, he became good - begrudgingly so, but believably so.

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ History has taught me that times were certainly more than tough during the Great Depression; but I did not know of the horrors or atrocities certain people committed in order to earn money - hard times are creating nightmares; evil crimes against humanity, especially the defenseless young that broke my heart. 😢 Desperate times means desperate measures, but it also means dangerous, in my book, and it was captured very believably here. I applaud the author for being able to give even a small glimpse of a community affected by it. The efforts a small rural Michigan community did to still keep people's hopes and spirits up, despite the financial woes, while also showing that justice still would be served. She shed light on evil and immoral affairs, without going into too much detail; clean, but effective, in making it be known and seen. And that is an admirable feat. 👍🏻

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Well, that wasn't the only admirable feat; the alternating first-person perspective ​captured both of their personalities and ages with a genuine and convincing touch. There is an underlying tension palpable throughout, of fear and danger of how uncertain each of their futures was - with each of their own concerns that I empathize with. 😥 I really liked Vernon and Silstice's play-off; from being fearful of his belligerent and reluctant nature, to eventually proving and earning his care and respect - finally admitting to what Edna had seen in her. It was bittersweet, but smart, a unique father-daughter dynamic that I liked how we got to see their conflicting thoughts and opinions, before it became one of mutual respect and tolerance and dare I say it, affection. 🫂

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ It was with a satisfied heart that I closed the book, with a conclusion that almost moved me to tears - almost. 😊 It was still a very engaging​ and immersive read - flowed well, kept my attention, drew me into their concerns and their small victories. It was enough to convince me to seriously consider reading more of this author's works. And from a nitpicky reader like me, that certainly is the highest praise I could ever give. ✨

[Rita Lussier · Rating 5 out of 5]

In A Tiny Piece of Blue, author Charlotte Whitney masterfully weaves a gripping narrative that is in equal parts historical fiction, mystery, and thriller, set within the backdrop of the Great Depression and immersing readers in a time defined by hardship and resilience. The story follows the parallel struggles of the Trayson children—specifically the youngest daughter Silstice, who faces the challenge of coming of age and finding her way in a world just as broken as her own family —as well as Edna and Vernon Goetz, a childless couple running a family farm and confronting the difficulties of their lives with two conflicting mentalities.

In addition to their personal struggles, the characters exist within a community facing an ominous threat that adds a layer of mystery and suspense to the narrative. Whitney paints a vivid picture of rural life, capturing the essence of farm traditions, community gatherings, and the stark realities of the time period. Her attention to detail—the smell of freshly ground coffee, the beauty of an expansive night sky in August, the warmth of a delicious meal shared with family and friends—brings the setting to vivid life, allowing readers to develop a deep appreciation for and connection to a bygone era.

At its core, the novel explores the theme of family, both by blood and by choice. As both the Trayson children and the Goetzs grapple with their fractured bonds, the beauty and the value of chosen family become evident. Each of the main characters navigates the complexities of loyalty and love, ultimately discovering that a real family can extend beyond mere lineage. Whitney also highlights the importance of the many friendships forged by the main characters with neighbors and citizens of their town, showcasing the power of community in providing the strength and solidarity necessary to confront such dark and difficult times.

Whitney balances suspense with the complexities of multiple interpersonal relationships and the realities of a pastoral life during the Great Depression, inviting readers to reflect on the weight of the era and the ties that bind us, both then and now. The rural traditions she highlights—from seasonal harvests and the daily litany of farm chores to barn dances and county fairs—serve as both a backdrop and a catalyst for the unfolding mystery, grounding the narrative in a strong sense of place and time.

A Tiny Piece of Blue is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, beautifully capturing the hardships of one of the most difficult times in our history, while reminding us of the importance of love, family, and community in overcoming life's challenges.

[Joan Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exhilarating Climax
Set during the Great Depression, this historical novel centers on two families— in rural America a young teenage girl and a childless older couple–whose lives intersect by chance and end up forming permanent bonds. Silstice (“Silly”) becomes homeless when a fire destroys her ramshackle home and the impoverished family is forced to scatter. Against her husband Vernon’s objections, Edna Goetz takes in Silly who is a new member of her 4H sewing circle, promising the girl will only stay four weeks. But tensions mount. Rumors of unprotected youth falling prey to forced labor and prostitution by ruthless men circle ominously. Silly and her older sister Alberta worry about their missing siblings, especially younger twin brothers. With no one to rely on but themselves, the girls plot out naive plans for a better future. Danger, nefarious actors, a sudden death and more stand in the girls way up to an exhilarating climax. Whitney has written a satisfying, sweet story that celebrates themes of resilience, trust and family love. You will cheer for Silly from beginning to end.

[Ryan Brandenburg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the first half of this book to be more interesting. I loved the character of Edna and the complexity of her relationship with her husband. I felt like the second half spiraled a bit and got far fetched.

[Barb Fink · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I highly recommend it!

[BookWormBecky · Rating 5 out of 5]

5.0

* Thank you to @chsummie- Caitlin Hamilton Marketing & Publicity , LLC for this gifted copy!


$5, Lowdowns, stamp…

“But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Edna’s quote of Matthew 24:13.)

13 yo Silstice Trayson of the “Trashy Trayson” family is homeless and abandoned. After a fire, her family scatters to various states, leaving her alone to fend for herself.

A spellbinding tale about struggle, trust, relationships, hope, and survival.

A spotlight on life in rural Michigan with a backdrop of the Great Depression. Intersecting lives will “connect, influence, and impact” one another.

This will definitely be one of my top 2025 reads!


THOUGHTS:

*WOW, says it all! What’s not to like!

*A touching, gratifying story, even though it is set during challenging, troubled times.

*Beautifully written - it grabbed my attention on page one and never let go! All the feels…

*A page-turner. I couldn’t put it down. I read it in less than 24 hours.

*I liked the growth of the main character. Silstice was sure spunky! Edna had the patience of a Saint! Vernon, not so much…

*My parents & most of my relatives lived through the Great Depression. It meant hardships, which “forced you to come face-to-face with who you are.” I wonder how my generation would fare…

*Bravo!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enduring story. This one captures a human's ability to learn how to give. How to be kind in the face of hardships. To be compassionate even when they fight it with all they have. To grow in ways they didn't think possible.

This is the story of two high school girls who were left by their parents to do the best they can. I know the synopsis sets this one about one girl but it's about two actually. Sisters. The parents abandoned them after their house burned down. Their father took off to unknown places. Their mother too the two youngest, both boys, and told her oldest daughter that her and her young sister, Silly, would have to figure out a way to get by. A way to survive. Her two other daughters, twins, were left with an aunt.

The youngest girl, Silstice Trayson, has always had it kind of hard. Being a middle child she was basically ignored by her parents. The parents both had problems with caring about their children. Their dad was abusive and drank. Their mother would hide in her bedroom if she was needed for anything concerning her children. She was about as useless as a mother can be.

After the house fire Edna Goetz, the 4-H leader for girls in the area, wanted to take Silstice in and care for her. Her husband Vernon said a flat out no. He was not going to have it. He let her stay a night or two but then she had to get out. It was freezing cold but he didn't care. She was a thirteen year old child but he didn't care. Vernon was a bit on the stingy side and thought men superior to women. He was in charge of everything and barely allowed his wife money for things they needed to get by.

Edna was able to help Silstice though. Unbeknownst to her husband she had a little money she gave Silly so she could in turn give it to Vernon for room and board. Of course he snapped that right up.

A lot goes on in this story and it was very well told. Very well written with the exception of some things being overtold. The prostitution ring parts for example. A couple of mentions would have been enough to get you where you needed to be before Vernon started helping. But it seemed to come every chapter if not sooner. Mentions from the sheriff that they were there but moved so they could not find them to take them out. Little young girls were kidnapped and sold into prostitution. Young boys too.

Silly and her sister Alberta were both doing all they could to keep a roof over their heads while worrying about their siblings. You get a good feel for what is going on with their brothers but not much about their sisters. A little bit though. These kids have been through so much and even the so called christians didn't offer any help. After all they were the trashy Traysons. I'll never understand how people claim to be christians and still turn their backs on children. But it happened then and it happens now...

This book takes you through quite a few things but it's very easy to follow. It's told from Sciltise, Edna and Vernon's POVs. Through a lot of ups and downs. I have to admit that Vernon did finally grow on me. The ending was great and shows you how much you better appreciate the people in your life before they leave you. Don't take them for granted. Don't treat people bad. Be kind...

Thank you #SheWritesPress, #NetGalley, for this ARC.

[Amy Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored all of the main characters, especially the growth of Vernon. Reading about life during the depression has a way of grounding you and reframing your troubles in the present. When I wasn’t reading this story, I was thinking about it.

[Phyllis Jones Pisanelli Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you ever read a book that has such an impact on you and you know it will stay with you forever? I have to say that A Tiny Piece of Blue by Charlotte Whitney is one of those books for me. This book wormed its way into my heart and will be there for years to come. It was heartwarming, infuriating, uncomfortable at times and sad enough to make me cry and happy enough to make me laugh. This book has all the emotions!

The main character is a young girl thirteen years of age named Silstice. She comes from a family of six kids. There is a tragedy that hits the family and the father takes off. The mother finds a home for herself and four of the kids. She leaves Silstice and her older sister Alberta to fend for themselves. We meet Vernon and Edna Goetz who own a farm and are 4-H leaders. Vernon is something else. He made me so mad and then I loved him by the end of the book. Just like any good book you have characters you like and some you despise. 

The book takes place in a small town in Calhoun County in Michigan. The year is 1934 during the Great Depression. I love small towns and this just happens to be in my home state. I love that it took place during the depression because I learned a bit about that time period. I’m glad I didn’t live then as many folks in the country didn’t have modern conveniences. I kind of like an indoor bathroom, lights and forced air heat. 

The combination of the characters, the state and the time period all drew me in. I sat glued to my chair reading this book all day! There was a lot going on. Did you know there was trafficking of children back then? I didn’t. What parent today could let their 14 year old child fend for themselves and move to another state? I couldn’t! 

If you’re looking for a good clean story, one that will draw you in, keep your interest and pull out all the feels, then A Tiny Piece of Blue by Charlotte Whitney should go directly on top of your TBR on your nightstand. This is a must read and one you don’t want to miss. I would give this one ten stars if I could. I can’t recommend it highly enough. 

Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Caitlin Hamilton Marketing & Publicity, LLC. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This historical fiction set in a Michigan small town in 1934-1935 grabbed my attention right from page 1.

The books starts out with one of the main characters, thirteen year old Silstice, getting arrested for stealing school supplies from school.

This book really gives us a portrait of the desperation during the Great Depression while at the same time shining light on hopefulness. It has drama, mystery, and found family.

The book is told in three points of view- Silstice and a farm couple, Vernon and Edna.

I loved the character development of Vernon in this read as well as how the author portrays Edna from the beginning all the way to the last page.

[Shelby Saville · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a rich historical fiction novel, set during the Great Depression, in rural Michigan. It follows the story of a young girl, Silstice - coming of age AND navigating poverty/homelessness, family, and her own future. It would have been easy to make this novel very heavy and sad. Instead Charlotte Whitney balances Sistice’s circumstance with the determination, hope and the resilience (and stubbornness) of a teenager. I couldn’t help but smile many times during the novel at her wit and the growth of her voice. That, coupled with a mystery and an (eventually) lovable curmudgeon, made Tiny Pieces of Blue a wonderful read! 💙

[⭐️ (inkwitchery) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A TINY PIECE OF BLUE by Charlotte Whitney

This is a remarkable coming of age story set during the Depression Era in rural Michigan.

Thirteen year old, Silstice “Silly” Trayson, has been split up from her five siblings and abandoned by her mother after their home burns down. Silstice is taken in by Edna Goetz her 4H teacher and her cranky husband, Vernon. As Silstice “earns her keep” by helping the couple out, she discovers a love for a life she didn’t think she could have.

I loved the rotating POVs of the three main characters. In fact, these characters were so richly crafted with fully developed arcs that were believable and compelling.

This would be a good candidate for a book club selection. It deals with topics (poverty, sexism, prejudice, resilience and perseverance) that would generate lively discussions.

Recommend if you’re in need of something heartwarming, but not sappy.

Rating: 4/5 ⭐️

Pub Date: 02.18.25

**ARC courtesy of Netgalley & SheWritesPress

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful novel!!! I loved the subtle sensitivity shown by the author as to the characters' development. The storyline is brilliant, interesting (I felt part of the community!), and the plot remained convincing from beginning to end. The Depression as a background for the novel brought some nadty information I had no idea about... The characters themselves are finely drawn. I found Vernon's integrity rather touching and his own development through Siltice and Alberta's lives fascinating... A story for the heart, yes and one I will not forget!!

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this Depression-era story. There is heartbreak, healing, mysterious events, 4-H clubs, and so much more. I did not want to put this book down. The story is told in such a heartfelt manner right from the first page.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This had some super tough subject matter in the first few pages and throughout although it wasn't too graphic. Other than that, it read more like a YA novel to me. About life in the Great Depression. Definitely held my interest, and I zipped through this very quickly. 4.5/5 stars, rounded up.

[Barb Olt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! The only thing that would have made it better is Vernon finding the Lord and talking to Him instead of Edna.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars are not enough. The characters in this book leapt off the page and found their way right into my heart. I’ll think about them everyday for a while.

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

The love of money is certainly the root of evil things.

[Janine Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful novel about love and loss, coming of age, learning to change who we think we are, and The Great Depression. I am off to read another one from this author.

[Nora Spaulding · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me from the very first page. Good to read something set in a different time period than the frequently chosen WWII or Civil War settings. Learned a lot about the Depression, farming and 4H clubs. And oh, to see Vernon’s heart slowing melting. Just loved it.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Tiny Piece of Blue is an engrossing story of an adolescent girl’s struggle to survive and define her aspirations in rural Michigan during the Great Depression. After a fire destroys the family home, Silstice Trayson’s parents give up, leaving the children to their own devices. She is given temporary shelter by a childless couple, but she must prove her worth by hard labor to overcome the husband’s resistance to taking on a youngster from a “trashy” family.
The challenges Silstice must face become more perilous as the story unfolds. Although she encounters people suffering poverty themselves who are willing to help the less fortunate, others launch base schemes to make money, taking advantage of children. The plot thickens with every chapter. It is not only the dramatic twists and turns that engross the reader, but also the personal growth and transformation of the characters as they struggle against the odds.
The author presents a convincing picture of life in rural American during the Great Depression, with interesting details about the role that 4-H clubs and libraries played, as well as the strict beliefs about proper gender roles held by farming families. It’s heartening to see Silstice and an important male character gradually developing a broader concept of the female role, enabling them to tackle the challenges of the Depression Era more effectively. Highly recommended for those who love suspense mixed with great character development and authentic historical detail!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of the book "A Tiny Piece of Blue" from Netgalley. The book takes place in the Depression in Rural Michigan. it is seen through the eyes of three characters. Silstice "or Silly" Edna, and Vernon. Silstice comes from a very poor family. The Trayson's are considered "trashy" by the townspeople.When the father leaves the Trayson children are are kicked out of their home and moved all over. Silly is taken in by the kind woman Edna. Vernon does NOT want the girl there and protests loudly. he is furious when one of his valuable stamps is missing from his stamp collection. As the book goes on Silstice is still at the home of Vernon and Edna. Vernon is a curmudgeon who has made life difficult for his wife and the unwelcome boarder. As the book goes on Silstice becomes a very good farmhand hoping this will change Vernon's mind about staying there. When a tragic death occurs Vernon has to try and change his ways to keep the farm going.
Silly talks Vernon is also taking in her sister Alberta to help run the farm. They are also dealing with some evil characters in the story who are causing problems to the Trayson girls and Vernon and other siblings of the Traysons. there is a child abduction ring where kids are coming up missing which adds to the drama of this book. I liked this story very much. I found myself rooting for a happy ending for the characters. Well written book. I would give this book a 4.5.

[Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first 200 pages with its focus on a grumpy farmer, his always optimistic wife, and the teenage girl who they take in. Always fascinating to read about how people survived the Great Depression. This book was a little formulaic because the reader knows early on that Silstice is going to melt Vernon's coldness. Where it went off the rails for me was the final 120 pages that focused on the unexpected (yet obvious) kidnapping and rescue of Silstice's brothers. It didn't add to the story for me and caused me to a deduct a star from my overall rating.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story of the 1930s depression in a small Michigan town, the displacement of family members, the hopelessness so many felt, the kindness (or lack of) shown by neighbors, the work ethic developed by those with dreams, all of this made this novel heart wrenching. I loved it and am thankful my own farm family had food on the table every day.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully written novel takes place in rural Michigan during the Depression. Everyone is struggling to survive especially in rural areas and this story is about a young girl who is without options after her father leaves the family and a fire destroys her home. After the fire thirteen year old Silstice is told by her mother that she's on her own. With few friends and no family, she is facing a desperate life. When she goes to a 4H class taught by a local farm wife, Edna feels the need to help her. Her husband Vernon is totally opposed to helping anyone because they are in debt and may lose their farm. He feels that they can't afford to feed anyone else and forbids his wife from helping the young girl. Edna can manage her husband and works out a temporary plan for Silstice to live with them. The story is told in alternating chapters by Silstice, Edna and Vernon and gives a clear look at what life was like for people when there was no money and minimal food during the Depression. To make matters worse, there was a group of kidnappers in the area who were exploiting children by either putting them to work in factories or making them participate in prostitution.

Silstice is so well written that the reader can feel her pain. She's only 13 but is forced out of her home after the fire. She does have an older sister and they are very close but Alberta is able to stay with a friend in town and even though she worries about her sister, there is nothing she can do to help. Silstice goes to a 4H meeting to try to learn how to make a dress. She is shy around the young girls at the meeting but she has big plans for her future and with the help and encouragement of Edna, she begins to come out of her shell. Despite her upbringing, she is a hard worker and soon takes over much of the work in the house and with the animals. Edna is a happy woman who enjoys reading her Bible and writing poetry. She feels that she needs to help Silstice out of her dead end life and to help her become successful. Vernon is a negative guy no matter what is going on. He loves his wife and gives in just a little bit about Silstice staying with them. He put a time limit on how much time she could spend with them and was adamant that once the time was up, he would turn her out on the streets to make her own way. The three of them are all characters that I won't soon forget.

A Tiny Piece of Blue is a emotional story and your heart goes out to Silstice who is trying so hard and keeps hitting major snags in her plans for the future. The author did a lot of research about what life was like in this rural area of Michigan during the Depression. This is a story about hunger and despair, the importance of helping other survive and thrive. The characters were beautifully written and while there may be tears as you read it, the final message is one of family hope and love not by family joined by blood but the family created of the people you love and want to take care of. The title of the book represents a small glimmer of hope in the midst of a challenging situation.

Charlotte Whitney is a new author for me but based on how much I enjoyed this book, I've just ordered several of her older books.

[Kathryn Haueisen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Story Circle Book Review
Charlotte Whitney skillfully takes us back to rural Michigan during the Great Depression. Desperate families pass on their children to extended family to feed, or sell them or abandon them. Whitney gives the reader a heart-tugging account of one desperate farmer who objects to his wife’s generosity toward a destitute young teen neighbor. Silstice Trayson becomes homeless when her family scatters, leaving her to fend for herself. The characters manage to survive one desperate situation after another in an time when a single dollar could make the difference between shelter and food or homelessness and hunger. Obtaining that dollar required creativity and sometimes deception.

Whitney paints a realistic portrait of the best and worse people offer one another when times are hard and resources are scarce. Chapter by chapter, we watch the resilient Silstice smooth the rough edges of her reluctant benefactor, Vernon Goetz. They are brought together through his wife, Edna, who quietly resists him by finding ways around his stubborn refusal to do right by their desperate neighbor.

Readers will be impressed with the girl’s determination to beat the odds stacked high against her. There seems to be nothing this little woman cannot do when she sets her mind to it. She is helped in her efforts by an older sister living off the reluctant charity of her friend’s parents. Silstice is deterred in her efforts by the local librarian, whose demeanor switches from friendly and helpful to mean and dangerous faster than you can turn a page in a book.

For those raised by parents and grandparents who struggled through the Great Depression, this book will confirm their stories of sacrifices and struggles. For those with little knowledge about how our food gets from the farm to our tables, this story gives readers a detailed glimpse of the hard and risky business behind our daily bread. For those who have been spared knowing much about the black market of trafficking children, this will show the depravity of those willing to use children as a commodity.

All in all, A Tiny Piece of Blue is a beautiful piece of verbal artwork, with vivid descriptions of the characters, the places, and the desperate actions of desperate people. There are enough plot turns and twists to keep the reader turning pages. A couple of scenes at the county fair seemed a little far-fetched even for fiction, but they worked to keep the plot moving and the suspense building.

I thoroughly enjoyed Whitney’s story and highly recommend it to others who enjoy reading about history and people who face tragedy with tenacity.

[Gina Rae Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Tiny Piece of Blue by Charlotte Whitney delivers a moving and suspenseful historical novel set against the harsh realities of the Great Depression.

This review first appeared on my website, GinaRaeMitchell

In rural Michigan in 1934, thirteen-year-old Silstice (Silly) Trayson is left to fend for herself after a house fire leaves her homeless and abandoned by the very parents who should be protecting her. I’ve heard stories of the heartbreak families went through during the Depression. I found this story’s parents to be incredibly unlikable and self-centered. I’m not sure their actions would have been any different in prosperous times.

Survival is no small feat, especially in a world where desperate times have given rise to ruthless dangers. As Silly struggles to navigate this unforgiving landscape, she crosses paths with Edna and Vernon Goetz—an aging farm couple whose lives become intertwined with hers in unexpected ways. While Edna has a heart as big as the sky, Vernon is more than happy to keep his distance, his stubbornness acting as both a shield and a flaw.

But what starts as a simple story of survival and “found family” soon takes a dark turn. The author doesn’t shy away from the grim realities of the era—child trafficking, corruption, and a town where not everyone is as they seem. The alternating perspectives of Silly, Edna, and Vernon create a rich, layered tale full of tension and warmth.

As a 4-H kid myself, I enjoyed reading about the important role 4-H played in that era. I loved it when the girls insisted on joining the beef program. While I participated in some of the home ec programs, my heart soared when I was in the show ring with my cattle. That aspect of the story certainly resonated with me.

“A Tiny Piece of Blue” is defined by its balance. The book doesn’t just focus on hardships; it also highlights resilience, kindness, and the unexpected bonds that can form in even the direst of circumstances. The conclusion is so deeply satisfying, reminding readers that hope can bloom in even the harshest of seasons.

This one is perfect for you if you’re drawn to historical fiction, mixing heartbreak with healing and suspense with tenderness.

I was fortunate to receive an early ARC of Charlotte Whitney’s heartwarming tale. This review is my honest opinion of the book.

[Christine Baleshta · Rating 4 out of 5]

In her newest novel, A Tiny Piece of Blue, Charlotte Whitney returns to rural Michigan. The time is 1934, the middle of the Great Depression, and farming communities are struggling. Thirteen-year-old Silstice Trayson, “skinny” and neglected, shows up on the doorstep of Edna and Vernon Goetz when a house fire separates her family and her mother tells her to “fend for yourself.” Vernon wants nothing to do with “Silly Girl,” but, hardworking and determined to survive, Silstice manages to convince the grudging Vernon that she will earn her keep. Contrary to Vernon, Edna Goetz welcomes Silstice with open arms as if she was a long-lost daughter, taking her into her 4-H group, anxious to teach Silstice everything she knows about being “a good farm wife.” A woman of strong faith, Edna is quick to see the good in others and believes in helping her neighbors wherever she can.

The novel unfolds through the voices of Silstice, Edna and Vernon who are good story tellers; it’s as if you are sitting at a kitchen table having a long conversation with them. The book goes back and forth as Silstice, Edna and Vernon narrate their own personal versions of events, weaving together the mystery of a missing valuable stamp, a threat of blackmail, and an epidemic of kidnapping. The tension between Vernon and Silstice and Edna and Vernon are constant themes running throughout the book. While Silstice worries she will be left homeless and Vernon worries about making a living from the farm, Edna tries to keep the peace among them, even as she has her own secret.

Though A Tiny Piece of Blue takes place almost 100 years ago, the characters and their everyday challenges are convincing and easy to identify with. Twists and turns in the story keep the reader engaged and make a fast read. Charlotte Whiteney has meticulously captured a difficult era in our history, while exploring the roles of women and men, how economic hardship strains relationships, and how people persist and change through hard times.