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Lightning in a Mason Jar
In South Carolina, a woman discovers her aunt’s profound secrets in an emotional novel spanning decades about trauma, survival, and the bonds of female friendship.
Since Bailey Rae Rigby’s adoptive aunt Winnie passed, Bent Oak, South Carolina, doesn’t have much of a hold on her anymore. So it seems.
Bailey Rae aims to settle the small estate and, armed with her aunt’s inspiring personal cookbook, buy a food truck with an ocean view in Myrtle Beach. Everything goes awry when a distraught young mother arrives in town clutching a copy of that same cookbook. Embedded inside is a code that promises a safe place in Bent Oak for desperate women on the run. For Bailey Rae it opens up a world of questions. Who really was the beloved aunt she’s known most of her life?
Winnie Ballard’s story reaches back fifty years—one of a Southern debutante’s harrowing marriage, of her escape and reinvention, and the galvanizing friendship of three resilient women who overcame their traumas, created a shelter, and found purpose. But there’s more to Winnie’s deliverance and long-held secrets than Bailey Rae imagines.
With each revelation, Bailey Rae draws on her aunt’s courage to find purpose herself. For now, whatever threats may come, Bailey Rae isn’t going anywhere.
Since Bailey Rae Rigby’s adoptive aunt Winnie passed, Bent Oak, South Carolina, doesn’t have much of a hold on her anymore. So it seems.
Bailey Rae aims to settle the small estate and, armed with her aunt’s inspiring personal cookbook, buy a food truck with an ocean view in Myrtle Beach. Everything goes awry when a distraught young mother arrives in town clutching a copy of that same cookbook. Embedded inside is a code that promises a safe place in Bent Oak for desperate women on the run. For Bailey Rae it opens up a world of questions. Who really was the beloved aunt she’s known most of her life?
Winnie Ballard’s story reaches back fifty years—one of a Southern debutante’s harrowing marriage, of her escape and reinvention, and the galvanizing friendship of three resilient women who overcame their traumas, created a shelter, and found purpose. But there’s more to Winnie’s deliverance and long-held secrets than Bailey Rae imagines.
With each revelation, Bailey Rae draws on her aunt’s courage to find purpose herself. For now, whatever threats may come, Bailey Rae isn’t going anywhere.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2025
14607 people are currently reading
16721 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Mann
594 books1,244 followersUSA Today bestseller Catherine Mann has written women's fiction, romance, and romantic suspense for Lake Union, Harlequin, HQN, Berkley, Tule, and Sourcebooks, with titles released in more than 30 countries. Catherine’s novels have won numerous awards, including a RITA Award, the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer’s Choice Award, and the Bookseller’s Best Award.
A South Carolinian at heart, after years of moving around the country Catherine has settled back in her home state with her Harley-riding husband. Empty nesters, they have a blended family of nine children, nine grandchildren, two dogs, and three feral cats, who all provide endless inspiration for new novels. For more information, visit: http://catherinemann.com
A South Carolinian at heart, after years of moving around the country Catherine has settled back in her home state with her Harley-riding husband. Empty nesters, they have a blended family of nine children, nine grandchildren, two dogs, and three feral cats, who all provide endless inspiration for new novels. For more information, visit: http://catherinemann.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 958 reviews
June 26, 2025
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The Book Review Crew Blog
Bailey Rae's Aunt Winnie has passed away, and she has to deal with her aunt's South Carolina estate. She has her aunt's cookbook with her because she wants to purchase a food truck and run it in Myrtle Beach. Bailey Rae's plans go awry when another woman shows up with another copy of the very same cookbook. This causes Bailey Rae to find and figure out a hidden code inside the book. The code reveals a promise of a sanctuary for women on the run, now Bailey Rae has more questions than she does answers about who her aunt really was. This story goes back 50-plus years as we learn about three different women who use their traumas and strength from each other to help other women in the same situation.
This was a profound and emotional novel about friendship, surviving and the strength women have when we need it most. I loved the South Carolina setting as southern fiction is a favourite of mine, and I especially love the timeline in the 70s. The author developed these female characters so well, and I loved her easy-to-read writing style. Aunt Winnie's secrets are heart-wrenching to read about, and it was hard to explore her trauma with Bailey Rae. A true story of the human spirit that was both personal and relatable all at once. I highly recommend this one to readers who enjoy stories of family drama/trauma and the fortitude of women of strength. All. The. Stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
𝐖𝐨𝐨𝐭-𝐖𝐨𝐨𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐯𝐞-𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐈𝐧 𝐀 𝐑𝐨𝐰!
The Book Review Crew Blog
Bailey Rae's Aunt Winnie has passed away, and she has to deal with her aunt's South Carolina estate. She has her aunt's cookbook with her because she wants to purchase a food truck and run it in Myrtle Beach. Bailey Rae's plans go awry when another woman shows up with another copy of the very same cookbook. This causes Bailey Rae to find and figure out a hidden code inside the book. The code reveals a promise of a sanctuary for women on the run, now Bailey Rae has more questions than she does answers about who her aunt really was. This story goes back 50-plus years as we learn about three different women who use their traumas and strength from each other to help other women in the same situation.
This was a profound and emotional novel about friendship, surviving and the strength women have when we need it most. I loved the South Carolina setting as southern fiction is a favourite of mine, and I especially love the timeline in the 70s. The author developed these female characters so well, and I loved her easy-to-read writing style. Aunt Winnie's secrets are heart-wrenching to read about, and it was hard to explore her trauma with Bailey Rae. A true story of the human spirit that was both personal and relatable all at once. I highly recommend this one to readers who enjoy stories of family drama/trauma and the fortitude of women of strength. All. The. Stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
𝐖𝐨𝐨𝐭-𝐖𝐨𝐨𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐯𝐞-𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐈𝐧 𝐀 𝐑𝐨𝐰!
July 26, 2025
EXCERPT: PROLOGUE - 1971
Changing my identity and leaving behind everything familiar should have been difficult. Traumatic, even. Except it wasn't. Because from birth, we women aren't tethered to our names. Marriage may turn a Jane Smith into a Jane Brown or Jane Jones. Or into Jane Smith Brown Jones through widowhood or divorce, followed by remarriage.
Even the connection to a first name is tenuous when spoken. "Introducing Mrs. John Smith" would be followed with a whisper like a distorted echo . . .
"Her husband's a doctor."
"Her baby d-i-e-d."
"She's barren."
As if a woman's entire worth, her sum total sense of self, were tied into her ring finger and uterus. A Mrs. or a mom.
Could those hushed voices be that oblivious to the world exploding with marches and rallies, bra-burnings and sit-ins? I wasn't. I cheered those women on from my living room, images flickering across my new color television set, the wooden cabinet kind that dominated its own corner where once a tiny black and white had rested on an antique tea cart.
This was more than simply incinerating cotton and lace. It was like a broken bottle being melted and reshaped by an emerging sisterhood, a revolutionary sorority.
The world was changing, and that bigger, brighter screen gave me an expanded peek. Decorated with family portraits and silk flowers on top, the Magnavox invited me on a nightly news date to watch them and all they were battling to achieve. I was also thankful for my safe life that protected me from being them. What a comfortable place to exist, in that cottony swaddle of complacency.
So yes, I expected the changes that began when my father gave away the bride. Giving me away to Philip, as if I were a possession passed over to a neighbor like a handsaw or a charcoal grill - or the tiny black and white television - he no longer needed but still thought of fondly. Although, if I'd been a brighter color TV, I might have been wanted. Still objectified, but not discarded.
ABOUT 'LIGHTNING IN A MASON JAR': Since Bailey Rae Rigby’s adoptive aunt Winnie passed, Bent Oak, South Carolina, doesn’t have much of a hold on her anymore. So it seems.
Bailey Rae aims to settle the small estate and, armed with her aunt’s inspiring personal cookbook, buy a food truck with an ocean view in Myrtle Beach. Everything goes awry when a distraught young mother arrives in town clutching a copy of that same cookbook. Embedded inside is a code that promises a safe place in Bent Oak for desperate women on the run. For Bailey Rae it opens up a world of questions. Who really was the beloved aunt she’s known most of her life?
Winnie Ballard’s story reaches back fifty years—one of a Southern debutante’s harrowing marriage, of her escape and reinvention, and the galvanizing friendship of three resilient women who overcame their traumas, created a shelter, and found purpose. But there’s more to Winnie’s deliverance and long-held secrets than Bailey Rae imagines.
With each revelation, Bailey Rae draws on her aunt’s courage to find purpose herself. For now, whatever threats may come, Bailey Rae isn’t going anywhere.
MY THOUGHTS: I am at a total loss for words . . . two stories spanning two timelines. But these two stories contain many other stories; stories of women and children escaping abusive situations to make new lives elsewhere. Stories of violence and terror, of fear and hope, of people willing to provide help and safe places.
Although she has been rescued herself, Bailey-Rae knows none of this about her 'aunt' Winnie. It is a journey of discovery involving hundreds of cookbooks, money in unexpected places, a woman with dementia, a Parks and Reserves Officer with endless patience, and her aunt's best friends.
Lightning in a Mason Jar is a story of friendship, loyalty and love, of hope and second chances. It made me cry. It made me laugh. It made me want to be a part of this group of women who used their own experiences to help others instead of fading quietly into the background of life.
I was able to combine reading with listening to Lightning in a Mason Jar, written by Catherine Mann and superbly narrated by Shannon McManus and Ann-Marie Gideon. Although the narration of the audiobook was excellent, this was one of those occasions where I preferred the written word, where I could stop, ponder, reread and ponder some more.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#LightninginaMasonJar #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: CATHERINE MANN is a South Carolinian at heart. After years of moving around the country Catherine has settled back in her home state with her Harley-riding husband. Empty nesters, they have a blended family of nine children, nine grandchildren, two dogs, and three feral cats, who all provide endless inspiration for new novels.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for providing an e-arc and Brilliance Publishing (Brilliance Audio) for providing an audiobook of Lightning in a Mason Jar, written by Catherine Mann and superbly narrated by Shannon McManus and Ann-Marie Gideon, for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Changing my identity and leaving behind everything familiar should have been difficult. Traumatic, even. Except it wasn't. Because from birth, we women aren't tethered to our names. Marriage may turn a Jane Smith into a Jane Brown or Jane Jones. Or into Jane Smith Brown Jones through widowhood or divorce, followed by remarriage.
Even the connection to a first name is tenuous when spoken. "Introducing Mrs. John Smith" would be followed with a whisper like a distorted echo . . .
"Her husband's a doctor."
"Her baby d-i-e-d."
"She's barren."
As if a woman's entire worth, her sum total sense of self, were tied into her ring finger and uterus. A Mrs. or a mom.
Could those hushed voices be that oblivious to the world exploding with marches and rallies, bra-burnings and sit-ins? I wasn't. I cheered those women on from my living room, images flickering across my new color television set, the wooden cabinet kind that dominated its own corner where once a tiny black and white had rested on an antique tea cart.
This was more than simply incinerating cotton and lace. It was like a broken bottle being melted and reshaped by an emerging sisterhood, a revolutionary sorority.
The world was changing, and that bigger, brighter screen gave me an expanded peek. Decorated with family portraits and silk flowers on top, the Magnavox invited me on a nightly news date to watch them and all they were battling to achieve. I was also thankful for my safe life that protected me from being them. What a comfortable place to exist, in that cottony swaddle of complacency.
So yes, I expected the changes that began when my father gave away the bride. Giving me away to Philip, as if I were a possession passed over to a neighbor like a handsaw or a charcoal grill - or the tiny black and white television - he no longer needed but still thought of fondly. Although, if I'd been a brighter color TV, I might have been wanted. Still objectified, but not discarded.
ABOUT 'LIGHTNING IN A MASON JAR': Since Bailey Rae Rigby’s adoptive aunt Winnie passed, Bent Oak, South Carolina, doesn’t have much of a hold on her anymore. So it seems.
Bailey Rae aims to settle the small estate and, armed with her aunt’s inspiring personal cookbook, buy a food truck with an ocean view in Myrtle Beach. Everything goes awry when a distraught young mother arrives in town clutching a copy of that same cookbook. Embedded inside is a code that promises a safe place in Bent Oak for desperate women on the run. For Bailey Rae it opens up a world of questions. Who really was the beloved aunt she’s known most of her life?
Winnie Ballard’s story reaches back fifty years—one of a Southern debutante’s harrowing marriage, of her escape and reinvention, and the galvanizing friendship of three resilient women who overcame their traumas, created a shelter, and found purpose. But there’s more to Winnie’s deliverance and long-held secrets than Bailey Rae imagines.
With each revelation, Bailey Rae draws on her aunt’s courage to find purpose herself. For now, whatever threats may come, Bailey Rae isn’t going anywhere.
MY THOUGHTS: I am at a total loss for words . . . two stories spanning two timelines. But these two stories contain many other stories; stories of women and children escaping abusive situations to make new lives elsewhere. Stories of violence and terror, of fear and hope, of people willing to provide help and safe places.
Although she has been rescued herself, Bailey-Rae knows none of this about her 'aunt' Winnie. It is a journey of discovery involving hundreds of cookbooks, money in unexpected places, a woman with dementia, a Parks and Reserves Officer with endless patience, and her aunt's best friends.
Lightning in a Mason Jar is a story of friendship, loyalty and love, of hope and second chances. It made me cry. It made me laugh. It made me want to be a part of this group of women who used their own experiences to help others instead of fading quietly into the background of life.
I was able to combine reading with listening to Lightning in a Mason Jar, written by Catherine Mann and superbly narrated by Shannon McManus and Ann-Marie Gideon. Although the narration of the audiobook was excellent, this was one of those occasions where I preferred the written word, where I could stop, ponder, reread and ponder some more.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#LightninginaMasonJar #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: CATHERINE MANN is a South Carolinian at heart. After years of moving around the country Catherine has settled back in her home state with her Harley-riding husband. Empty nesters, they have a blended family of nine children, nine grandchildren, two dogs, and three feral cats, who all provide endless inspiration for new novels.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for providing an e-arc and Brilliance Publishing (Brilliance Audio) for providing an audiobook of Lightning in a Mason Jar, written by Catherine Mann and superbly narrated by Shannon McManus and Ann-Marie Gideon, for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
August 17, 2025
This book is a compelling story. I thought it would be a light easy read for the summer. It is a beautifully written story about a heartbreaking subject. Women who had no choice, who were in abusive relationships who needed to escape.
It is the story of a secret network who helped these women invent a new identity and life.
Bailey Rae is cleaning out her aunt’s possessions after her sudden death and finds a cookbook and many hidden secrets about her life that Bailey didn’t know about.
A heartwarming story of resilience, friendship and love.
Thank you Goodreads and Amazon for this advanced readers copy.
It is the story of a secret network who helped these women invent a new identity and life.
Bailey Rae is cleaning out her aunt’s possessions after her sudden death and finds a cookbook and many hidden secrets about her life that Bailey didn’t know about.
A heartwarming story of resilience, friendship and love.
Thank you Goodreads and Amazon for this advanced readers copy.
January 7, 2025
Beautiful story that shines light on the struggles of women and interracial relationships in the 70s. The character development was really well written and I fell in love with the whole cast. Makes me want to share a sweet tea out of a Mason jar swinging on a porch swing.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Catherine Mann for the ARC!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Catherine Mann for the ARC!
August 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely loved this incredible story and especially all the characters.
I absolutely loved this incredible story and especially all the characters.
June 22, 2025
You can literally just read the description of this, and if you have two brain cells to rub together, you will figure out the entire plot of the book.
It was poorly written, barely entertaining and a waste of time. I wanted to DNF it on every single page.
ROSE 🌹: GOT TO READ IT BEFORE IT CAME OUT
The only somewhat good thing about my reading experience was that it was one of those Amazon "first read" things, so I got to read it before it came out. That was cool, I guess.
THORN 🗡️: HIT LIST
- The prose was completely juvenile. Everything was over-explained, and NOBODY talks like that in real life.
- The main characters name was Bailey Rae, and they only ever refer to her fully as "Bailey Rae." It was so annoying.
- There was a forced romance that I could see coming a mile away. Mann tried to make an enemies to lovers thing happen, but then immediately gave up on it, and they just liked each other.
- The summary quite literally explains the entire book.
BUD 🌷: N/A
It was poorly written, barely entertaining and a waste of time. I wanted to DNF it on every single page.
ROSE 🌹: GOT TO READ IT BEFORE IT CAME OUT
The only somewhat good thing about my reading experience was that it was one of those Amazon "first read" things, so I got to read it before it came out. That was cool, I guess.
THORN 🗡️: HIT LIST
- The prose was completely juvenile. Everything was over-explained, and NOBODY talks like that in real life.
- The main characters name was Bailey Rae, and they only ever refer to her fully as "Bailey Rae." It was so annoying.
- There was a forced romance that I could see coming a mile away. Mann tried to make an enemies to lovers thing happen, but then immediately gave up on it, and they just liked each other.
- The summary quite literally explains the entire book.
BUD 🌷: N/A
July 6, 2025
Lightning in a Mason Jar by Catherine Mann
Contemporary women’s fiction. Dual time line 1970’s, 2025. Secondary romance.
Bailey Rae Rigby (2025) is cleaning out the contents of her aunt’s home in preparation for leaving Bent Oak, South head to Myrtle Beach to own run a food truck. Prepared to live her aunt’s dream. But the more Bailey Rae clears out, the more memories she has of her aunt and her friends. Why so many copies of the same cookbook? Why so many women and children passing through the small town, there one day, gone the next with supplies and clothing that Winnie had stored in her barn? The more questions she asks, the more Bailey Rae realizes the depth of her aunt and the hidden town secrets are special.
Winnie Ballard’s history is revealed from the 1970’s with a troubled marriage and an escape from being involuntarily institutionalized to the small town of Bent Oak, a new name and job. Three additional woman arrive in Bent Oak at the same time and become fast friends as they rebuild their lives and then secretly pass on the help to others.
Friendship. Loyalty. Love.
It’s an emotional story and for me, a cryer. These women survived so much and yet help others unconditionally. The friendships are strong and supportive. They didn’t let the bad defeat them and came out stronger and then reached out to help the next woman. Winnie’s romance is heartwarming and beautiful. Bailey Rae’s new romance is hopeful and sweet.
A heartfelt and uplifting story.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I also purchased a copy to keep.
Contemporary women’s fiction. Dual time line 1970’s, 2025. Secondary romance.
Bailey Rae Rigby (2025) is cleaning out the contents of her aunt’s home in preparation for leaving Bent Oak, South head to Myrtle Beach to own run a food truck. Prepared to live her aunt’s dream. But the more Bailey Rae clears out, the more memories she has of her aunt and her friends. Why so many copies of the same cookbook? Why so many women and children passing through the small town, there one day, gone the next with supplies and clothing that Winnie had stored in her barn? The more questions she asks, the more Bailey Rae realizes the depth of her aunt and the hidden town secrets are special.
Winnie Ballard’s history is revealed from the 1970’s with a troubled marriage and an escape from being involuntarily institutionalized to the small town of Bent Oak, a new name and job. Three additional woman arrive in Bent Oak at the same time and become fast friends as they rebuild their lives and then secretly pass on the help to others.
Friendship. Loyalty. Love.
It’s an emotional story and for me, a cryer. These women survived so much and yet help others unconditionally. The friendships are strong and supportive. They didn’t let the bad defeat them and came out stronger and then reached out to help the next woman. Winnie’s romance is heartwarming and beautiful. Bailey Rae’s new romance is hopeful and sweet.
A heartfelt and uplifting story.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I also purchased a copy to keep.
July 16, 2025
Lovely summer read, told in 2 timelines. This story is full of hope, friendship and family ties. Aside from some domestic violence, an overall PG rated read that I enjoyed!
July 10, 2025
I chose this book primarily because the description mentioned that the main character was planning to move to Myrtle Beach, SC, where I lived for several years in the 1980s. Ironically, Myrtle Beach does not serve as a setting for any significant portion of this novel. (No spoilers)
This is a story of women helping women during the darkest and most difficult times of their lives. There are events that are difficult to read, although except for a couple of incidents, most of the abuse is told about rather than portrayed. And there are small things that can hit like a gut punch:
The way she kept scraping at the wound reminded me of a nineteen-year-old who’d once told me cutting brought her relief from stress.
So many ways we express trauma, some seemingly so insignificant.
Although this book moved slowly at first and I had a hard time getting into it, when I finally sat down this afternoon and started reading, I kept going until the end. It rates four full stars, which is basically my highest rating, with very few exceptions.
This is a story of women helping women during the darkest and most difficult times of their lives. There are events that are difficult to read, although except for a couple of incidents, most of the abuse is told about rather than portrayed. And there are small things that can hit like a gut punch:
The way she kept scraping at the wound reminded me of a nineteen-year-old who’d once told me cutting brought her relief from stress.
So many ways we express trauma, some seemingly so insignificant.
Although this book moved slowly at first and I had a hard time getting into it, when I finally sat down this afternoon and started reading, I kept going until the end. It rates four full stars, which is basically my highest rating, with very few exceptions.
May 19, 2025
Spanning decades, this was an emotional read about found family and helping hands.
After her adoptive Aunt Winnie passes, Bailey Rae goes to settle the estate in Bent Oak, South Carolina. Bailey Rae ends up discovering secrets, long since hidden, about her aunt and her dearest friends, as Bailey Rae herself is approached for help.
Beautifully written, emotionally charged stories of trauma/abuse and those who got away. This book was charged with hope, resilience and the power of connection.
My favorite quote, “I’m sorry it had to take me so long to realize we should be together. You’re worth the wait, he said. You’re my lightning in a bottle, that once in a lifetime event. Difficult. Challenging. And exciting beyond belief. We’re in the south, I reminded him. So that should be lightning in a mason jar.”
Thank you to author, Catherine Mann, Publisher Lake Union Publishing and Happily Booked PR for the opportunity to read this book. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
After her adoptive Aunt Winnie passes, Bailey Rae goes to settle the estate in Bent Oak, South Carolina. Bailey Rae ends up discovering secrets, long since hidden, about her aunt and her dearest friends, as Bailey Rae herself is approached for help.
Beautifully written, emotionally charged stories of trauma/abuse and those who got away. This book was charged with hope, resilience and the power of connection.
My favorite quote, “I’m sorry it had to take me so long to realize we should be together. You’re worth the wait, he said. You’re my lightning in a bottle, that once in a lifetime event. Difficult. Challenging. And exciting beyond belief. We’re in the south, I reminded him. So that should be lightning in a mason jar.”
Thank you to author, Catherine Mann, Publisher Lake Union Publishing and Happily Booked PR for the opportunity to read this book. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
July 7, 2025
LIGHTNING IN A MASON JAR
By Catherine Mann
I paired the book with the audiobook, narrated by Shannon McManus and Ann Marie Gideon. Their performance was okay, but I found I preferred reading the print version for this story.
The quiet strength of women…
Set in a small South Carolina town, this women’s fiction novel uses dual timelines—from the 1970s–1980s and present day—to explore themes of resilience and female empowerment. Catherine Mann does a nice job weaving the timelines together, and I liked her simple yet descriptive prose.
The character-driven narrative had some touching elements, though it didn’t feel as impactful as I hoped. I just didn’t feel as emotionally invested in the story as I wanted to be. Still, I appreciated the message and can see this resonating with readers who enjoy quieter, reflective stories. I’m open to reading more from this author in the future.
By Catherine Mann
I paired the book with the audiobook, narrated by Shannon McManus and Ann Marie Gideon. Their performance was okay, but I found I preferred reading the print version for this story.
The quiet strength of women…
Set in a small South Carolina town, this women’s fiction novel uses dual timelines—from the 1970s–1980s and present day—to explore themes of resilience and female empowerment. Catherine Mann does a nice job weaving the timelines together, and I liked her simple yet descriptive prose.
The character-driven narrative had some touching elements, though it didn’t feel as impactful as I hoped. I just didn’t feel as emotionally invested in the story as I wanted to be. Still, I appreciated the message and can see this resonating with readers who enjoy quieter, reflective stories. I’m open to reading more from this author in the future.
July 6, 2025
This is such a timely and important fictional story of real life traumas some women face. Bailey Rae's adoptive aunt Winnie has passed away and now she's planning to start a new life for herself. While cleaning out her aunt's home in Bent Oak, South Carolina, a distraught young mother shows up and is looking for help. She has the same cookbook that Bailey Rae has, but with a code in it that promises to help women on the run, and offers to help them get a fresh start. This gives Bailey Rae a whole different perspective of her aunt. Who was her aunt and what did she do throughout her life?
I was completely pulled into the mystery of Winnies secret past. I liked how her story was told through flashbacks and how Bailey Rae learned things about her aunt that she had no clue about. A really great read. I can't wait to read more from this author in the future!
Thank you to the publisher, author, and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
I was completely pulled into the mystery of Winnies secret past. I liked how her story was told through flashbacks and how Bailey Rae learned things about her aunt that she had no clue about. A really great read. I can't wait to read more from this author in the future!
Thank you to the publisher, author, and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
June 30, 2025
Lightning in a Mason Jar had the potential to be a moving historical novel centered on a woman’s journey, but it unfortunately fell short in every way that matters.
The premise hinted at a compelling story, yet the plot was painfully predictable—you’ll likely know exactly how it ends within the first 10% of the book. There was no suspense, no emotional arc, and no meaningful character development to keep the reader engaged.
The writing itself didn’t help. Despite its short length, the book was bogged down by repetitive phrasing and unnecessary details that added nothing to the narrative. It felt padded, rather than purposeful.
As someone who actively seeks out historical fiction featuring strong women, I went in wanting to love this—but this just wasn’t it. I’m genuinely baffled by the 4-star average.
If you’re looking for rich historical fiction with depth and strong prose, I’d recommend skipping this one.
The premise hinted at a compelling story, yet the plot was painfully predictable—you’ll likely know exactly how it ends within the first 10% of the book. There was no suspense, no emotional arc, and no meaningful character development to keep the reader engaged.
The writing itself didn’t help. Despite its short length, the book was bogged down by repetitive phrasing and unnecessary details that added nothing to the narrative. It felt padded, rather than purposeful.
As someone who actively seeks out historical fiction featuring strong women, I went in wanting to love this—but this just wasn’t it. I’m genuinely baffled by the 4-star average.
If you’re looking for rich historical fiction with depth and strong prose, I’d recommend skipping this one.
January 13, 2025
When Bailey Rae’s Aunt Winnie disappears and is presumed dead, she takes it as an opportunity to pull up stakes and make a fresh start away from the small town she’s known since she was a young child. Her first task is to clean out decades of living from Winnie’s house. She’s distracted, however, by a couple of things. A young woman, clearly in need of help, appears looking for Winnie and somehow is under the impression that Bailey can help her. Adding to the puzzle is the discovery of some strange things hidden around the house. And then there are the seemingly random comments made by a few of Winnie’s friends. As she digs deeper, Bailey realizes that her aunt was part of a network that helped women escape troubled home lives and start anew. The question she must answer is, how does she fit into this? I loved this book. The author does a great job of telling Winnie’s story from multiple timelines. And it sheds a light on a problem that sadly still occurs today.
January 25, 2025
Rating: 3.25
Thank you so much to Lake Union Publishing for the eARC!
I’m honestly a bit dumb-founded as to why this book hasn’t been getting more attention! Especially in the wake of our current political climate (if you know…you know), this book is an important fictional perspective on the danger of domestic violence (DV) and intimate partner violence (IPV). As a social worker, I have worked with clients who have experienced DV or IPV within their lives or are struggling to cut off ties with their perpetrator. Even though this is a work of fiction, it still offers a meaningful perspective that is worthy of examining. How can we support agencies and groups in our area that provide services to survivors? And what current policies or laws affect them? Cause the sad and unfortunate truth is that these stories aren’t fictional for some individuals and might be very similar to what they experienced. I really appreciated the dual time lines and I thought it made the book a bit more dynamic. If it weren’t for Winnie’s perspective being told, the book would’ve been a lot less engaging. The main reason as to why this book isn’t getting a higher rating from me is because I found certain parts of the plot and the ending to be quite predictable. I would’ve appreciated maybe a touch more mystery since the organization/program Winnie was a part of was supposed to be a secret. Also, I found the characters to be a bit one note. All I learned from Bailey Rae was that she missed Winnie and wanted to have her own food truck…that’s pretty much it. I think a bit more depth could’ve been created within her character to further enhance the plot. Overall, this was a pretty good book and I’m thankful I got a chance to read it!
Thank you so much to Lake Union Publishing for the eARC!
I’m honestly a bit dumb-founded as to why this book hasn’t been getting more attention! Especially in the wake of our current political climate (if you know…you know), this book is an important fictional perspective on the danger of domestic violence (DV) and intimate partner violence (IPV). As a social worker, I have worked with clients who have experienced DV or IPV within their lives or are struggling to cut off ties with their perpetrator. Even though this is a work of fiction, it still offers a meaningful perspective that is worthy of examining. How can we support agencies and groups in our area that provide services to survivors? And what current policies or laws affect them? Cause the sad and unfortunate truth is that these stories aren’t fictional for some individuals and might be very similar to what they experienced. I really appreciated the dual time lines and I thought it made the book a bit more dynamic. If it weren’t for Winnie’s perspective being told, the book would’ve been a lot less engaging. The main reason as to why this book isn’t getting a higher rating from me is because I found certain parts of the plot and the ending to be quite predictable. I would’ve appreciated maybe a touch more mystery since the organization/program Winnie was a part of was supposed to be a secret. Also, I found the characters to be a bit one note. All I learned from Bailey Rae was that she missed Winnie and wanted to have her own food truck…that’s pretty much it. I think a bit more depth could’ve been created within her character to further enhance the plot. Overall, this was a pretty good book and I’m thankful I got a chance to read it!
June 28, 2025
Lightning in a Mason Jar tells two stories in one—set in both the present and the 1970s. In the present, Bailey Rae returns to her small hometown after her aunt Winnie passes away, thinking she’ll just sell the house and move on. But everything changes when a young woman shows up holding one of Winnie’s old cookbooks, with a strange code inside.
As Bailey starts digging, she discovers her aunt was living under a fake name and had a secret past. Back in the 1970s, Winnie was really Eloise, a woman trapped in an abusive marriage. She escapes, starts a new life, and quietly begins helping other women do the same by turning her home into a safe haven.
Bailey learns that her aunt was more than just a kind lady—she was a quiet hero. And in discovering her story, Bailey begins to find her own strength too.
I really liked how this book balanced two timelines and made both stories feel meaningful. The way Eloise (aka Winnie) built a new life and helped women escape abuse was powerful and emotional. It made me think about how brave some women have to be just to survive—and how quiet acts of kindness can change lives.
Bailey’s side of the story was also inspiring. At first she seems like she’s just passing through, but watching her connect to her past and step up for others gave the story heart.
The Southern setting felt warm and familiar, and the book did a great job showing both the pain of domestic abuse and the hope that can come from rebuilding your life.
As Bailey starts digging, she discovers her aunt was living under a fake name and had a secret past. Back in the 1970s, Winnie was really Eloise, a woman trapped in an abusive marriage. She escapes, starts a new life, and quietly begins helping other women do the same by turning her home into a safe haven.
Bailey learns that her aunt was more than just a kind lady—she was a quiet hero. And in discovering her story, Bailey begins to find her own strength too.
I really liked how this book balanced two timelines and made both stories feel meaningful. The way Eloise (aka Winnie) built a new life and helped women escape abuse was powerful and emotional. It made me think about how brave some women have to be just to survive—and how quiet acts of kindness can change lives.
Bailey’s side of the story was also inspiring. At first she seems like she’s just passing through, but watching her connect to her past and step up for others gave the story heart.
The Southern setting felt warm and familiar, and the book did a great job showing both the pain of domestic abuse and the hope that can come from rebuilding your life.
June 18, 2025
I liked the story but did not find it descriptive enough…a lot of the times the location was not described well or what people look like or their ages (for example we find out Bailey Rae was redheaded as a child but that should be established at the beginning, and I assumed the ladies were Winnie’s age but they all seem to be different ages which is revealed in the flashbacks, but again that would be helpful in the beginning).
July 4, 2025
2.5 - I had a really tough time getting into this one. Not only did it switch from past to present, but also from first person POV to third & that was a struggle. The plot had so much potential but the execution seemed all over the place to me
July 2, 2025
After a handful of uninteresting chapters, I knew where this was going-nowhere. So I signed off and am moving on.
July 23, 2025
Didn’t finish, not my cup of tea. Boring beyond belief. Made it 10%, couldn’t take any more.
July 19, 2025
Good story. A group of women from a small town in South Carolina, run a secret network to help women that are in abusive marriages/relationships. They change their names, help them get jobs, and find shelter. Great story about strong women and a wonderful small town community.
August 3, 2025
An amazing story of life, family, friends and survival.
I really enjoyed this novel though at times I Had to really focus on what I had read to keep the characters from being confused in my mind. It is a very interesting story of domestic violence and abuse and the women who were able to escape and survived. Centered around one such woman who not only was able to do so but also was involved in setting up a network of safe houses to help others in the same situation. I highly recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this novel though at times I Had to really focus on what I had read to keep the characters from being confused in my mind. It is a very interesting story of domestic violence and abuse and the women who were able to escape and survived. Centered around one such woman who not only was able to do so but also was involved in setting up a network of safe houses to help others in the same situation. I highly recommend this book.
July 5, 2025
3.75 stars (Kindle). No TW (-0.25). This made me think of the Underground Railroad, but for victims of domestic abuse.
A tale of found family, overcoming adversity, + a strong community, I would have give this 4.25 stars if some of the dialog weren't so abrupt, the love interest between the FMC + the MMC actually had time to grow a little bit (more organically?), + had TWs been included in the beginning of the book (despite not being triggered, personally).
GTBC book #1 for July 2025.
A tale of found family, overcoming adversity, + a strong community, I would have give this 4.25 stars if some of the dialog weren't so abrupt, the love interest between the FMC + the MMC actually had time to grow a little bit (more organically?), + had TWs been included in the beginning of the book (despite not being triggered, personally).
GTBC book #1 for July 2025.
June 25, 2025
Good premise but almost DNF multiple times because it was so slow-moving. Wanna-be Underground Railroad meets Fried Green Tomatoes story written about the south by someone who has apparently never been to the south and believes all southerners toodle around the town square with hound dogs in rusty old trucks, discussing sweet tea and being southern and phrases like “a month of Sundays” in every other sentence.
Many loose ends (like, why was Libby in Russell’s barn)? Lots of confusing characters. Main character was immature; love interest was dull; the other characters were flat and boring.
It finally got vaguely interesting about 85% through but then hit with an implausible and far-fetched ending as a rich city man shows up with news about a massive inheritance because he just so happened to come across a random pic of Winnie (long presumed dead) in a newspaper clipping from 40 years ago and in a million-to-one stroke of luck just happened to trace her to a remote cabin in the woods in a town far, far away.
If this is the rough draft, I would say go back and rewrite it. It’s almost there. Almost.
Many loose ends (like, why was Libby in Russell’s barn)? Lots of confusing characters. Main character was immature; love interest was dull; the other characters were flat and boring.
It finally got vaguely interesting about 85% through but then hit with an implausible and far-fetched ending as a rich city man shows up with news about a massive inheritance because he just so happened to come across a random pic of Winnie (long presumed dead) in a newspaper clipping from 40 years ago and in a million-to-one stroke of luck just happened to trace her to a remote cabin in the woods in a town far, far away.
If this is the rough draft, I would say go back and rewrite it. It’s almost there. Almost.
July 5, 2025
3.5. There’s nothing wrong with this book but I have read 2-3 similar books with this same trope. The granddaughter finds out there’s more to grandmas life after she passes (here it’s adoptive aunt) as she tries to find her own path. So it was very predictable and a little boring to me just because I felt like why am I reading this book again?!
But again, no fault to the book. If you haven’t read something similar yet, I do see why people are liking this, especially as it’s a free Amazon book.
But again, no fault to the book. If you haven’t read something similar yet, I do see why people are liking this, especially as it’s a free Amazon book.
August 6, 2025
This was so slow. It didnt get good until after 80%. The story line was so good though. 😪
September 1, 2025
I got this book on a Goodreads giveaway (Thank you!)
This book is a beautiful and heartbreaking tale of what it means to be a woman. Toxic relationships, liberty, and a life full of hopes and regrets.
A compelling and mesmerizing story that will captivate you from the beginning.
This book is a beautiful and heartbreaking tale of what it means to be a woman. Toxic relationships, liberty, and a life full of hopes and regrets.
A compelling and mesmerizing story that will captivate you from the beginning.
September 6, 2025
This was very inspiring and beautiful. This reaffirmed that men are mostly horrible, but not always. Also wish there was a bit more development with the Bailey Rae /martin situation
July 27, 2025
Loved these characters, good story
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