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Margaret of Thibodaux: A Novel
Self-focused and emotional 14-year-old Margaret can't imagine her deceased mama being erased from their home for good―or how her daddy could replace her with another woman. It will take coming to terms with her own humility and accountability as surprising truths come to light, and as unexpected events show her that life, and what she holds dear, can change in an instant.
It is 1974, the last carefree, sultry Louisiana summer before high school begins when Margaret Thibodeaux’s world her daddy asks hometown doctor Muriel to marry him. It's been six years since her mama mysteriously died, and Margaret is convinced that the closer Muriel gets, the less she'll receive bedside visits from her mother—and the more she will fade from their lives.
Set on rejecting Muriel’s kindnesses, Margaret grapples with everyone’s delight over the engagement, including her two best friends, Honey and Robert, who think Muriel is nothing short of an angel. But when Margaret visits her mama’s grave for the first time and finds a poem left there—not in her daddy’s handwriting—the mystery of her mother’s death escalates. It isn't until she befriends the local recluse, Jezebel, who has spiritual gifts akin to her own, that Margaret begins to unravel her assumptions, reconcile her grief, and discover a shocking revelation about her mama from across the veil.
At once humorous and heartbreaking, Margaret of Thibodaux is a captivating Southern story of longing and self-discovery, told from the perspective of a feisty and determined yet vulnerable teenage girl as she learns that love and nurturing can come in the most unexpected packages.
It is 1974, the last carefree, sultry Louisiana summer before high school begins when Margaret Thibodeaux’s world her daddy asks hometown doctor Muriel to marry him. It's been six years since her mama mysteriously died, and Margaret is convinced that the closer Muriel gets, the less she'll receive bedside visits from her mother—and the more she will fade from their lives.
Set on rejecting Muriel’s kindnesses, Margaret grapples with everyone’s delight over the engagement, including her two best friends, Honey and Robert, who think Muriel is nothing short of an angel. But when Margaret visits her mama’s grave for the first time and finds a poem left there—not in her daddy’s handwriting—the mystery of her mother’s death escalates. It isn't until she befriends the local recluse, Jezebel, who has spiritual gifts akin to her own, that Margaret begins to unravel her assumptions, reconcile her grief, and discover a shocking revelation about her mama from across the veil.
At once humorous and heartbreaking, Margaret of Thibodaux is a captivating Southern story of longing and self-discovery, told from the perspective of a feisty and determined yet vulnerable teenage girl as she learns that love and nurturing can come in the most unexpected packages.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 18, 2025
About the author
Jo Taylor
3 books37 followersMargaret of Thibodaux, Jo Taylor's debut novel, has over 1 million page reads on Kindle Unlimited.
Jo Taylor writes intimate, lyrical novels about women whose quiet lives hold extraordinary emotional truths. Her stories are grounded in the particular light of the Gulf Coast and the long memory of the American South — and in a deep tenderness for what ordinary moments carry.
She spent twenty-five years as an ER nurse — night shifts, mostly — before finishing a degree in English and discovering, somewhat to her own surprise, that she loved to write. She has lived aboard a boat, traced her genealogy to the year 310, and married a man whose character she has been stealing for her fiction ever since.
Her poetry and short stories appear in various literary journals. Postcards: Collected Poems and Short Stories was published in 2024. Her debut novel, Margaret of Thibodaux, was released in March 2025. Her second novel, Mimi and Maurice, is forthcoming in September 2026. Road Clothes, her third novel, is expected in 2027.
Jo Taylor writes intimate, lyrical novels about women whose quiet lives hold extraordinary emotional truths. Her stories are grounded in the particular light of the Gulf Coast and the long memory of the American South — and in a deep tenderness for what ordinary moments carry.
She spent twenty-five years as an ER nurse — night shifts, mostly — before finishing a degree in English and discovering, somewhat to her own surprise, that she loved to write. She has lived aboard a boat, traced her genealogy to the year 310, and married a man whose character she has been stealing for her fiction ever since.
Her poetry and short stories appear in various literary journals. Postcards: Collected Poems and Short Stories was published in 2024. Her debut novel, Margaret of Thibodaux, was released in March 2025. Her second novel, Mimi and Maurice, is forthcoming in September 2026. Road Clothes, her third novel, is expected in 2027.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
January 5, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Road Clothes Press for this ARC copy in exchange for leaving my review
After her mother dies, Margaret feels her presence, smells her perfume, and hears her singing. Her father doesn't believe her, but her friends do. Margaret struggles with moving on and letting go of her mother. Flash forward five years. Margaret's dad is set to marry Ms. Muriel which Margaret is firmly against. Everyone loves Ms. Muriel, but Margaret has hardened her heart against her. If only she can find a way to talk to her dead mother to see if her mother approves.
When I first saw the title, I knew it was set in Louisiana, therefore, I had to read it. I was not disappointed. This was a sweet, coming-of-age story set in south Louisiana in the early 1970s. It reminded me of my own childhood growing up in the Bayou state--lazy summers running the streets and hanging out with friends and neighbors.. I liked Margaret although she seemed a little immature for a 13-year old. I loved her friendship with Robert and Honey--one who was super cautious and the other who encouraged her recklessly. Some parts seemed a little slow or drug out, but overall I enjoyed watching Margaret grow and mature. I even learned a few things about vodou, which combines Catholicism with West African religious practices. The story contains themes of marriage, death and the supernatural, friendship and love,
After her mother dies, Margaret feels her presence, smells her perfume, and hears her singing. Her father doesn't believe her, but her friends do. Margaret struggles with moving on and letting go of her mother. Flash forward five years. Margaret's dad is set to marry Ms. Muriel which Margaret is firmly against. Everyone loves Ms. Muriel, but Margaret has hardened her heart against her. If only she can find a way to talk to her dead mother to see if her mother approves.
When I first saw the title, I knew it was set in Louisiana, therefore, I had to read it. I was not disappointed. This was a sweet, coming-of-age story set in south Louisiana in the early 1970s. It reminded me of my own childhood growing up in the Bayou state--lazy summers running the streets and hanging out with friends and neighbors.. I liked Margaret although she seemed a little immature for a 13-year old. I loved her friendship with Robert and Honey--one who was super cautious and the other who encouraged her recklessly. Some parts seemed a little slow or drug out, but overall I enjoyed watching Margaret grow and mature. I even learned a few things about vodou, which combines Catholicism with West African religious practices. The story contains themes of marriage, death and the supernatural, friendship and love,
March 20, 2025
I have received a free ARC from the publisher and this review is my honest opinion.
The book starts the day of Margaret’s mother’s funeral. Margaret hears conflicting ideas of how and why her mother died at church and around town but no one explains them to Margaret. this is a book of her growing up and accepting her mother’s death.
I felt this was more of a young adult book, but as an adult I enjoyed it.
The book starts the day of Margaret’s mother’s funeral. Margaret hears conflicting ideas of how and why her mother died at church and around town but no one explains them to Margaret. this is a book of her growing up and accepting her mother’s death.
I felt this was more of a young adult book, but as an adult I enjoyed it.
April 14, 2025
I loved the child narrator in this novel. This is a book about a young girl who has had a great deal of grief thrown into her life at a very young age, and she is struggling to deal with it. Additionally, her life is changing in big ways, and she is struggling to make sense of her emotions. Fortunately, she is surrounded by lots of support, but she often fails to see it (or accept it). Lots of sadness in this one, but also lots of hope. I enjoyed this read.
March 19, 2025
"Margaret of Thibodaux" is everything I enjoy in Southern fiction: a sultry summer setting, beautiful writing and memorable characters. This novel of loss, love, friendship, lessons and forgiveness has earned a well deserved a spot on my favorites shelf that I'll revisit for years to come.
**Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.**
**Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.**
April 9, 2026
This book came to me at a time that I didn't later realize I would really need it, but perhaps that was how it was meant to be all along. I started reading it because I was going to interview the author for my podcast and wanted to have my eyes on the book that was doing very well both on Kindle Unlimited (over a million reads!) and as an award winner.
I fell in love with it from the first page. The author writes with a lyricism that is pure escapism. She transports the reader into a world that today can only exist in our memories and imagination. It may have only been the mid-70s but that world, the innocence, and the values, all of it has been eroded by the advancements of our modern society. Reading this story was like a breath of fresh air.
Halfway through my reading of it, my mother died suddenly. I wanted to get back to it, but I was adrift and unmoored. It deserved my attention. I decided to wait. Several weeks passed, perhaps even a month. It's hard to say, the days vanished into a dark well. But then I found myself ill and bedridden and I knew it was time to return.
Now all I can say is I wish with all my heart I had picked it up sooner. I didn't know what to expect from this story, certainly a coming of age story, but not the deeper aspects to the story that brought me to tears. All I can say is this story reached me when I needed it. And considering the themes it circles, I sense it will have a resonance with many readers.
I am so grateful to know the author through a writing community, not only is she a supremely talented storyteller, she offers comfort and meaning to those who didn't even know they were looking for it.
Highly recommended for readers who enjoy the gorgeous cross between commercial and literary, who enjoy a sensory experience and an escape to a past that still feels alive in her prose.
I fell in love with it from the first page. The author writes with a lyricism that is pure escapism. She transports the reader into a world that today can only exist in our memories and imagination. It may have only been the mid-70s but that world, the innocence, and the values, all of it has been eroded by the advancements of our modern society. Reading this story was like a breath of fresh air.
Halfway through my reading of it, my mother died suddenly. I wanted to get back to it, but I was adrift and unmoored. It deserved my attention. I decided to wait. Several weeks passed, perhaps even a month. It's hard to say, the days vanished into a dark well. But then I found myself ill and bedridden and I knew it was time to return.
Now all I can say is I wish with all my heart I had picked it up sooner. I didn't know what to expect from this story, certainly a coming of age story, but not the deeper aspects to the story that brought me to tears. All I can say is this story reached me when I needed it. And considering the themes it circles, I sense it will have a resonance with many readers.
I am so grateful to know the author through a writing community, not only is she a supremely talented storyteller, she offers comfort and meaning to those who didn't even know they were looking for it.
Highly recommended for readers who enjoy the gorgeous cross between commercial and literary, who enjoy a sensory experience and an escape to a past that still feels alive in her prose.
August 27, 2025
Every friendship needs a “talking tree”! This book comes full circle as a young girl heals from grief after the speculation of her mother’s death. Then, her friend passes away. As she tries to wrap her head around her father moving on with another woman and all the wedding plans, she hears voices…..her Mother’s voice. Her visit to the Voodoo lady, becomes a surprising friendship after years of fear about this scary woman’s craft. I loved all of it. It was heartfelt and easy to read.
May 7, 2026
Absolutely obsessed with this book and did not want it to end! I wish more people knew about it! Ghosts, the South, Catholicism, and a tearjerker all wrapped into one.
March 11, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! Set in 1970s Louisiana, the author does an amazing job of capturing the heart and soul of the culture. The descriptions are rich and vivid, pulling you right into the world.
Margaret is such a strong character and she really gives her father and his new fiancée a run for their money. She’s totally resistant to their relationship and struggles with the idea that her mother might be replaced. It’s a tough, emotional journey for her, but there’s a sweet little twist that gives her a change of heart and makes you root for her growth.
The book touches on some heavy topics, especially death and loss, but what I really loved was how the author balanced that heartbreak with a sense of hope. It’s about accepting change, dealing with grief, and finding strength in unexpected places. Plus, there are so many moments of wisdom throughout the story that hit home and offer real advice you can apply to your own life. It’s definitely one of those books that makes you think, while also making you appreciate the beauty of life, even in the hard times.
Definitely recommend this if you're into Southern stories with a lot of heart! 💖
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Margaret is such a strong character and she really gives her father and his new fiancée a run for their money. She’s totally resistant to their relationship and struggles with the idea that her mother might be replaced. It’s a tough, emotional journey for her, but there’s a sweet little twist that gives her a change of heart and makes you root for her growth.
The book touches on some heavy topics, especially death and loss, but what I really loved was how the author balanced that heartbreak with a sense of hope. It’s about accepting change, dealing with grief, and finding strength in unexpected places. Plus, there are so many moments of wisdom throughout the story that hit home and offer real advice you can apply to your own life. It’s definitely one of those books that makes you think, while also making you appreciate the beauty of life, even in the hard times.
Definitely recommend this if you're into Southern stories with a lot of heart! 💖
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 9, 2025
What a precious book! Margaret of Thinodaux reminded me of “Because of Winn-Dixie,” with its cozy and small town feel, but also the emotional story that it holds!
This book was a breath of fresh air that brought tears to my eyes!
This book was a breath of fresh air that brought tears to my eyes!
March 18, 2025
While I'm not the model reader for this novel, preferring instead a different flavor to my fictions, I grew enamored with its spunky energy and the utter refusal to indulge in self-pity, self-destruction, grievance, or vice. Contemporary literature seems marked by the tendency to WALLOW, and thankfully, Margaret of Thibodaux does absolutely none of that. It may veer slightly into sentimentality, neatly tied narrative bows, and just plain 1974 child-innocence, but it's balanced by the frank and straightforward style of what is, essentially, a strange story: the discovery, exploration, and control of psychic powers.
Hunkering down closely to the perspective of a paranormally sensitive teenage girl, the eponymous Margaret, the novel does not stray far in time and space, taking place within a year's time frame. This gives it a leisurely pace that matches with the setting: summer in Louisiana, where it's hot and humid and there's nothing much for three teenagers to do in a small town but climb trees, draw, play Ouija, and make nitroglycerin. We follow Honey, Robert, and Margaret on their adventures in troublemaking and in their debates about communicating with the spirits.
My vibe when reading this: I felt as if I was by the side of the stream of a sunny day with all the time in the world. The story breezes by, in a good way. It feels rich, in that sense of "life-around-the edges-of-a-novel" kinda way, where you intuitively grasp the truth of the whole town by only being shown one slice of it.
Margret's mom has died, but she is still able to communicate in some way with her. And this tension, communicating with spirits, is the spine of the book, and it's where all the other conflicts and subplots branch out from. The story benefits from this contained ambition, with the novel never trying to overtly get beyond Margert's perspective, because it knows that's not what it needs. It is a book full of smart, confident choices from a writer with a clear idea of what they want to do. How many of those do you read?
Hunkering down closely to the perspective of a paranormally sensitive teenage girl, the eponymous Margaret, the novel does not stray far in time and space, taking place within a year's time frame. This gives it a leisurely pace that matches with the setting: summer in Louisiana, where it's hot and humid and there's nothing much for three teenagers to do in a small town but climb trees, draw, play Ouija, and make nitroglycerin. We follow Honey, Robert, and Margaret on their adventures in troublemaking and in their debates about communicating with the spirits.
My vibe when reading this: I felt as if I was by the side of the stream of a sunny day with all the time in the world. The story breezes by, in a good way. It feels rich, in that sense of "life-around-the edges-of-a-novel" kinda way, where you intuitively grasp the truth of the whole town by only being shown one slice of it.
Margret's mom has died, but she is still able to communicate in some way with her. And this tension, communicating with spirits, is the spine of the book, and it's where all the other conflicts and subplots branch out from. The story benefits from this contained ambition, with the novel never trying to overtly get beyond Margert's perspective, because it knows that's not what it needs. It is a book full of smart, confident choices from a writer with a clear idea of what they want to do. How many of those do you read?
March 10, 2026
4.5 stars
Having lived in Thibodaux for 20 years of my life and being away for 18, this book stirred up memories of my hometown for me in so many ways. The description of the air and smell of the flowers was so vivid. I lived right beside St. Joseph cemetery growing up and it was like standing beside Margaret in some pretty incredible moments of this book. I love my books with supernatural elements, and this one did not disappoint. A beautiful story of loss, love, and trust. Thank you, Jo Taylor, for letting me visit home with these wonderful characters.
Having lived in Thibodaux for 20 years of my life and being away for 18, this book stirred up memories of my hometown for me in so many ways. The description of the air and smell of the flowers was so vivid. I lived right beside St. Joseph cemetery growing up and it was like standing beside Margaret in some pretty incredible moments of this book. I love my books with supernatural elements, and this one did not disappoint. A beautiful story of loss, love, and trust. Thank you, Jo Taylor, for letting me visit home with these wonderful characters.
October 26, 2025
4 stars due to editing/proofreading
I really enjoyed this story for many reasons. The ambiance of the deep south and Louisiana felt authentic. As someone who has lost my mother, been a somewhat unwilling stepdaughter, and been a stepmother to both sons and daughters, I can relate, although I'm no angel, like Muriel is. I loved the writing and characters. This is a feel good, happy ending story, which may be more exception than rule in this fraught world of ours, but it's what I gravitate to because of that. The four stars were only because near the end about six pages repeated. I'm a perfectionist for grammar, editing and proofreading, but I very much enjoyed this story anyway.
I really enjoyed this story for many reasons. The ambiance of the deep south and Louisiana felt authentic. As someone who has lost my mother, been a somewhat unwilling stepdaughter, and been a stepmother to both sons and daughters, I can relate, although I'm no angel, like Muriel is. I loved the writing and characters. This is a feel good, happy ending story, which may be more exception than rule in this fraught world of ours, but it's what I gravitate to because of that. The four stars were only because near the end about six pages repeated. I'm a perfectionist for grammar, editing and proofreading, but I very much enjoyed this story anyway.
March 6, 2026
Loved,loved,I do LOVE this book!
The characters are so real, we know these people, and wish we could see and hear more about them. This is a heart wrenching, gut wrenching and laugh out loud laughter filled story. This book is a keeper for memories in years to come. I absolutely LOVE this book
The characters are so real, we know these people, and wish we could see and hear more about them. This is a heart wrenching, gut wrenching and laugh out loud laughter filled story. This book is a keeper for memories in years to come. I absolutely LOVE this book
March 29, 2026
Great read
It really pulled me into the story. Reading that I felt totally expressed feeling I had back then. The friendship between Honey and Margaret. The I am your friend no matter what. I can keep going but you need to read it yourself. It is really worth the read. Thank you Jo!!!
It really pulled me into the story. Reading that I felt totally expressed feeling I had back then. The friendship between Honey and Margaret. The I am your friend no matter what. I can keep going but you need to read it yourself. It is really worth the read. Thank you Jo!!!
May 28, 2025
Beautifully lyrical
Somehow, it is a historical paranormal young adult coming of age that doesn't really feel like any of that. Margaret learns about grief, death, and herself in a setting as lush as the south.
Somehow, it is a historical paranormal young adult coming of age that doesn't really feel like any of that. Margaret learns about grief, death, and herself in a setting as lush as the south.
November 3, 2025
NICE debut
Sweet and tender but not maudlin. Margaret and all involved have simple but precise character sketches that make you instantly slip into Thibodaux as if you'd
always lived there. I really enjoyed.
Sweet and tender but not maudlin. Margaret and all involved have simple but precise character sketches that make you instantly slip into Thibodaux as if you'd
always lived there. I really enjoyed.
January 13, 2026
Wonderful Southern Story
Beautiful coming of age novel about a young girl growing up in the lovely Louisiana town of Thibedaux as she learns about love, loss, trust and becoming her authentic self. Well done!
Beautiful coming of age novel about a young girl growing up in the lovely Louisiana town of Thibedaux as she learns about love, loss, trust and becoming her authentic self. Well done!
May 28, 2025
Read this for bookclub! Well written, just not totally my cup of tea.
August 23, 2025
This book was an easy read, but truly pulled some heart strings in the end and I loved it
September 30, 2025
If I could have given this book 6 stars, I would have. I listened to it on Audible.
October 16, 2025
A Must Read
This was an excellent book. Thought provoking and deeply moving.
A story of loss mixed with laughter, love and and a few tears.
This was an excellent book. Thought provoking and deeply moving.
A story of loss mixed with laughter, love and and a few tears.
November 5, 2025
truly southern
Enjoy this heartfelt read about a story of friends and their support through loss, maturation, community and connection. Very enjoyable.
Enjoy this heartfelt read about a story of friends and their support through loss, maturation, community and connection. Very enjoyable.
November 8, 2025
so well written for a southern writer,,,,
I loved this story ! I lived this story! Excellent,,
I don’t leave posts but this book required an excellent post!
I loved this story ! I lived this story! Excellent,,
I don’t leave posts but this book required an excellent post!
December 6, 2025
Thank you!
What a lovely touching story. I couldn't put it down! So many wonderful characters. A story filled with grace. Thank you!
What a lovely touching story. I couldn't put it down! So many wonderful characters. A story filled with grace. Thank you!
January 13, 2026
page turner
You won’t be able to put this down! So well written and witty. You’ll instantly fall in love with the characters.
You won’t be able to put this down! So well written and witty. You’ll instantly fall in love with the characters.
May 7, 2026
4.5 Stars! Very good.
February 21, 2026
Beautiful story
The prose in this book are a perfect reflection of the southern charm and beauty of the setting. You can feel, hear and smell Louisiana, even if you've never been there. The story telling is great, both humorous, heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time.
The prose in this book are a perfect reflection of the southern charm and beauty of the setting. You can feel, hear and smell Louisiana, even if you've never been there. The story telling is great, both humorous, heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time.
February 20, 2026
Loved it!
This is the first book I've read in a long time that stirred feelings in me. I could almost imagine each of the characters throughout they story. The characters were well thought out and the story flowed well.
This is the first book I've read in a long time that stirred feelings in me. I could almost imagine each of the characters throughout they story. The characters were well thought out and the story flowed well.
February 19, 2026
Tears. The characters are so real and I cried along with them. Loved this coming of age story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews