The Cotton Queen

Our Mamas Ourselves #1

by Pamela Morsi

THE ROAD AWAY FROM HOME ALWAYS SEEMS TO LEAD BACK TO OUR MOTHERS.

I am not, nor will I ever be, the kind of woman who wears pearls with her apron while cooking meat loaf for her husband. But when I was a kid, my mother, Babs, prepared me to be the next June Cleaver–teaching me lessons that belonged to another era. Another world, practically. My mother's world. I couldn't wait to leave home and get away from her. But now, well–let's just say life hasn't turned out quite as I'd planned. And heaven help me, I'm going home. Laney Hoffman–Cotton Queen, 1975.

It's funny–all I ever wanted was to teach my daughter, Laney, how to be a lady so she could find a good husband and take her rightful place in our community. But Laney has always remained convinced that my life and my ideas are, well, pathetic. She has no idea–no idea!–what it is to lose a husband, to watch your dreams wither while keeping a smile on your face for the neighbors. Now, that is a talent. Laney is probably too smart for her own good, but being smart hasn't kept her out of trouble. Thank heavens I'm here to help pick up the pieces. Babs Hoffman–Cotton Queen First Runner-Up, 1956.

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Romance, Historical Fiction, Southern, Adult, Book Club

344 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2006

About the author

Pamela Morsi was an American writer. She was the author of 29 romance novels, beginning in 1991.

Reviews

[Jacki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up because I thought it would be a fun little fluff read between huge books, and I was right to a certain extent, but I was really surprised at the bigger issues that this book took on. Death, rape, being a widow, separating from parents, divorce- just a lot more serious issues that I expected to encounter.

I'm a sucker for books that show life from generation to generation and this was no exception. I think that it was neat to see how Laney really wanted to buck the system and get far from her Mom, but when push came to shove they shared a lot of the same ideas and tendencies and were very close. I'm glad that we got to see Laney's daughter following the same pattern in the end as well.

Good, quick little read.

[Arsala · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story! I was reading this at the same time as Serving Crazy with Curry which is also about complex mother-daughter relationships and I definitely enjoyed this story more. It was fascinating to see how these characters grew and evolved and I'm not usually a fan of stories that span several decades but I didn't mind it at all in this book. I guess coming from a mental health background, I was really interested in seeing how Babs would resolve her issues. There were times when I wanted to shake both women out of frustration over their behaviors and decisions but the ending gave the reader a good resolution.

[Jenee Rager · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another book I discovered using the Goodreads recommendation system. It was definitely right up my alley and a nice summer read. The story is told from the alternating point of view of Laney, and her mother Babs. You watch these two women who are so alike (yet both refuse to admit it) from the time Babs is newly widowed with a four year old, until Laney's teenage daughter is crowed Cotton Queen. Even though it's an easy breezy read there are deeper plotlines to keep you on your toes such as aquaintance rape, infertility, drug abuse, etc. Definitely a good read kind of along the lines of the "Ya-Ya Sisterhood" series.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed The Cotton Queen, it was a reasonably quick read, fast paced, flipping from Mother's story to Daughters story...the same story, just much different perspectives. Subjects it touched heavily on were women's rights during WWII era, the political and social transitions during the Vietnam era, into modern day women's rights including but not limited to issues of rape, marriage, divorce.
Interesting, engaging...I'll probably read it again.

Marked as 4 stars just because I would have liked the story to progress a little further. :)

[Andria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grabbed this from the library - a reader's choice, and I couldn't put it down. It is an interesting tale of a mother and daughter - every other chapter switching between their lives, each told in their own perspective. Again, a little explicit, but apparently that keeps my attention! Great insight into the life of women in the '50s and '60s.

[Kerry Goerl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book went with each chapter from the perspective from one character. What I found fascinating is the perspective of the events were quite different between the characters. There were times when I really disliked a character, but after reading the next chapter with their perspective, I understood where they were coming from. It kept me hooked, not wanting to put the book down.

[Sara Texas Girl Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review and more at www.texasgirlreads.com!

Laney Hoffman, the Cotton Queen of McKinney, Texas, 1975, thinks of herself as an independent, strong woman who is nothing like her mother. Babs Hoffman, the Cotton Queen first runner-up of 1956, doesn’t understand why her daughter won’t just listen to her. From Laney’s perspective, it seems as though her mom had an obsession with presenting a perfect façade–perfect home, perfect child, perfect life. What Laney doesn’t know is what Babs went through (she is a WWII widow and a rape survivor), and that her tendency towards beauty and perfection is her way of protecting her daughter. The story is told in alternating chapters between Babs and Laney, and we get to see their stories unfold from each perspective, from the day Laney was born up to present day (2004) with Laney’s 17-year-old daughter.
The Cotton Queen is a heartwarming, and at times heartbreaking, story about family and how far a mom is willing to go to provide a good life for her daughter. It is about mothers and daughters and how no matter how hard we may try to not be like our moms, a lot of the time we are exactly like them anyway, for better or worse. Laney deliberately makes choices that she thinks are the exact opposite of what Babs would do, not knowing how strong Babs really is. What happens when we discover that our inner strength may not actually come from ourselves, but from our mother?

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh. What a great story. I loved how this included three generations of women. Actually, it was more about two, mother and daughter. The granddaughter came in a little bit at the beginning and then during the conclusion. The characters were great, the storyline believable, heartbreaking at times and joyful other times. What some people have to deal with, cope with, live with, is so sad and unfair. I really hope that God will make it all right in the end. I've often heard that once everything is said and done, that everyone who ever lived will say, "It was fair and good. And my life was right for me." Having been blessed my entire life with more than I deserve, more food than I can ever eat, shelter always, clothing, family who love me and who I have the blessing of loving, I am awed and grateful for what I have. I grieve and worry about the millions of people who suffer and have so much less. But all I can do, is trust that God knows each of us and loves everyone and is taking care of things. I also contribute to charities and help whenever I have an opportunity to support efforts to feed the hungry, clothe them and whatever I can do, with my small influence.
Anyway, I'll step down from my soapbox now. This is a great story of love and loss and reclaiming the love between mother and daughter, values and family.

[Jennifer Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story follows two generation of women, a mother and daughter, as the events of their lives switch point of views from chapter to chapter. The mother, “Babs” is forced into some harsh realities early on in her life, which force her to emotionally close off and strive to be the ultimate 50’s perfect housewife. The daughter, “Laney”, views the event of her mother and her life from an entirely different and perspective and strives to be any one but her mother. As the women grow further and further apart- a crisis in Laney’s life makes them realize a) how alike they really are and b) how much they need each other.

I didn’t necessarily hate this book- but it just had this bland quality to it that didn’t really interest me either. I felt it kind of took the “typical” route about a story of mothers and daughters at conflict and a lot of the time I just kept thinking I’ve heard variations of this story before. The book is kind of like an Ashley Judd movie. Nothing bad to say, but nothing exceptional to say either. (I use Ashley Judd because reading the book it just felt like this is the kind of story she’d “star” in.) I’m giving this book a rather “meh” 5 out 10- not the worst book I’ve read, but not the best book either. Would I recommend it? Probably not.

[Shannan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodness that turned out to be a great book. A fun, fiction story set in Texas - I found this book through Goodreads recommended reading from my high rating of the book World of Pies. Just right for my reading taste. Small town. Starts out in mid-century America and progresses through the turn of the century. Cast of characters with each of their own story and plot point. I cried through the first 40 pages and throughout several points in the rest if the book. A slight sprinkling of Ya-Ya sisterhood throughout.

I found myself thinking about each of the characters as I went about my day and couldn't wait to get back to my book to find out what happens. A nice tie-up ending and good message. I did find that the author had a definite opinion on women & marriage, but it lined up pretty close to my own beliefs so it didn't bother me too much. I kind of wish it was a little longer so I could hear more of their stories!! What a gem.

[Jeanne (love2cook) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a new to me author. It's about "Babs" and her daughter Laney. Babs had been raped by a neighbor after loosing her husband. With a small child to raise and then finding that she was pregnant with the rapest child. She went back home to her family. Worried about what people would think she turned to a man that had a crush on her when she was runner up for Cotton Queen, and married him. As time went by, Laney grew up and went to college where she fell for a man and moved in with him. After some time, they got married and she got pregnant. Things did not work out, as he had a drinking and drug addition problen. When Laney confronted him about his problem, he chose the drinking and drugs and locked her and her suitcases out of the house, where she waited hours for her mother to pick her up. With everyone having their problems, this is how they overcame all the bad things and made a life for themselves and their children. A good read!

[Hulean Lani · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book dealt with serious issues which impact women and families. I found it troubling even if truth could be found when a person does not deal with their issues. The only real emotion was found in the daughter that took years to come to fruition. The story is told form the mother and daughter's point of view but Babs the mother seen to be struck and everyone around her except her daughter recognized the fakeness of her life. It wasn't a book that had me rooting for anyone. I finished the book because it was for a book club, otherwise I would have stopped reading. Lack development, emotion and movement in too many characters.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

The description of this book does not do it justice. I can't remember where I heard about it or why I had it on my to read list for so long. I'm just glad I finally did.

Alternating between perspective of mother and daughter, the reader travels two journeys of learning what it means to be a woman and to love. There are seasons of buildings walls and moments that tear them apart. Some sections are a bit jarring, but only as it lends to the story.

[Dina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast read, good story, although basing the entire plot on the rape of the mother and her lifelong reaction to the trauma seemed a bit much. I did enjoy the three generations of women growing through the same event, however. The characters were believable, and the sham marriage showed how much we tolerate in order to be loved.

[Cheyanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story about life, love, and finding oneself. If any woman is looking for a story to inspire herself this is the one! This novel takes you through two generations of women and how they perceive how life should be. But even when life knocks them down they find their roots, their true home, and the love and support of family. A captivating and rewarding novel to say the least!

[Daniela · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book on my flight home from Rio. It was entertaining and the best thing about it was that it was a quick read.

I intended to give it three stars until the infuriatingly predictable they lived happily ever after ending. Blah.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty good light read. The ending was nicely wrapped up as a bow on a present. I usually don't read series, so I am not sure if I will read the next book or not. (Guess that shows that it held my interest, but I don't NEED to know what happens beyond this book.)

[Mary Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting read told from the viewpoint of a mother and daughter in the South. Thinking it would be a light, fluffy read, I was surprised to find the author working with various issues of women in their relationships with each other. It was an enjoyable read.

[Margi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story. Such great characters. Even some of the ancillary characters were well written. Mother daughter relationships, tape, troubled marriages and so much more is covered in this novel. Would be a great book for book club discussions.

[Emily Varner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly I wavered between a 4 and 4.5! I loved this book!! I could not put it down. I loved everything about the characters. The blend of 3 different generations and the womens’ stories. Rooting for the characters especially Laney towards the end! Would highly recommend.

[Cori Stamp · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my quest to get back into reading I took this on as my third book. Thinking this was going to be fluff I was shocked at the major themes presented in this book about rape, death, loss, change, relationships. This was the book that perked me up and got me excited to read again.

[Laurie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Somehwat interesting, but didn't grab me.

[Harlequin Books]

Category: Relationship Novel

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story about the complexities of the mother-daughter relationship. Also about the joys and hardships of being a woman.

[Kim Bush · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of 3 generations in a small town.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Southern mother/daughter relationship, alway a good read. This was no exception. It was not quite as light and fluffy as the title would lead one to believe.

[Mary-beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was like a warm.blanket on a stormy night. I found myself thinking about the characters even after I had put the book away.

[Kristi Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book returned me of some of my growing up years. I wasn't an only child, but the times were right on. I remember my mother telling me some the same things as Babs did to Laney. It put me right back in time and how the times treated women and men differently. We were to grow-up , get married and have babies.
Times were a changin' back when I was a teenager, with the Vietnam war, protesting of the war, drugs and free love, all of it. This story also brought to light the ugliness of rape. We didn't talk about it out loud and a lot of women were treated badly and made to believe it was their fault it happened to them or were asking for it.
I think it is important to remember those times, and how we have evolved from yesterdays. it wasn't always fun times, but it was a turning point of things to come. More women having careers and raising families.
This story was well written and I have loved all the books that I have read so far by Pamela Morsi.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mother-daughter generational tale

This story by author Morsi centers not only on the relationship between mother Babs Hoffman and daughter Laney Hoffman but on the years passing after each is part of the Cotton Days celebration and each is in the Cotton Days beauty pageant . It centers around the town of McKinney, Texas and is told in alternating chapters by Babs and Laney and is not just a fluff romance.

It covers some pretty deep subjects: death, rape, motherhood, PTSD, women in the workplace and more. It covers a time span from the 1950s to 2004.

I didn't always agree with the characters but I enjoyed reading about them and I think the author did a wonderful job of creating in-depth characters that experience real-life problems and tragedies - along with having some great experiences too.

This is a solid story and well worth reading.

[Bungluna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story centers around three generations of women from McKinney Texas and covers a span from post WWII to 2004. Told alternately from Bab's (mother) pov and Laney (daughter), it explores the life progression of both women as they move through pretty tumultuous times and changes in women's rights.

I love this author because she never shies away from difficult subjects yet manages to explore them with a light touch and she did not disappoint. Seeing these two women who are so alike yet living in such different times was illuminating and made me appreciate my own mother more than ever. The way things change yet stay the same was also very telling in this novel. At the end, when the next generation is poised to start her own life journey, I was left with a sense of peace, knowing that the times may be a'changing, but character and perseverance stay the same.