A Peach of a Pair

by Kim Boykin

April, 1953. Nettie Gilbert has cherished her time studying to be a music teacher at Columbia College in South Carolina, but as graduation approaches, she can’t wait to return to her family — and her childhood sweetheart, Brooks — in Alabama. But just days before her senior recital, she gets a letter from her mama telling her that Brooks is getting married . . . to her own sister.<

Devastated, Nettie drops out of school and takes a job as live-in help for two old-maid sisters, Emily and Lurleen Eldridge. Emily is fiercely protective of the ailing Lurleen, but their sisterhood has weathered many storms. And as Nettie learns more about their lives on a trip to see a faith healer halfway across the country, she’ll discover that love and forgiveness will one day lead her home . . .

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Womens Fiction, Chick Lit, Southern, Romance, Contemporary

304 pages, Paperback

First published August 4, 2015

About the author

Kim Boykin was raised in her South Carolina home with two girly sisters and great parents. She had a happy, boring childhood, which sucks if you’re a writer because you have to create your own crazy. PLUS after you’re published and you’re being interviewed, it’s very appealing when the author actually lived in Crazy Town or somewhere in the general vicinity.

Almost everything she learned about writing, she learned from her grandpa, an oral storyteller, who was a master teacher of pacing and sensory detail. He held court under an old mimosa tree on the family farm, and people used to come from all around to hear him tell stories about growing up in rural Georgia and share his unique take on the world.

As a stay-at-home mom, Kim started writing, grabbing snip-its of time in the car rider line or on the bleachers at swim practice. After her kids left the nest, she started submitting her work, sold her first novel at 53, and has been writing like crazy ever since.

Thanks to the lessons she learned under that mimosa tree, her books are well reviewed and, according to RT Book Reviews, feel like they’re being told across a kitchen table. She is the author of A Peach of a Pair (8/4/2015), Palmetto Moon and The Wisdom of Hair and Echoes of Mercy, all women's fiction novels. Contemporary romance novellas include: Caught Up In You, Steal Me, Cowboy,Just in Time for Christmas, Sweet Home Carolina, Flirting with Forever, and She's the One from Tule Publishing.

While her heart is always in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, she now lives in Sedona, Arizona, the creative center of the universe, or her universe.

Reviews

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful story that I had to give it 5 stars. Set in 1953, Nettie Gilbert thought she had her life all figured out while still in college. Then suddenly, she gets a letter that forever changes her life. Nettie then takes a job helping two elderly sisters. It turns out, she needs them just as much as they need her. The sisters are like night and day but Nettie grows to love them both. This is one of those books that will have you shedding a few tears along the way and falling in love with this amazing book.

[Jenny Belk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Nettie, a young woman who attends a South Carolina college in 1953. She is engaged to Brooks and everything appears picture perfect for her future. Just before graduation she receives a letter from her mother stating that Brooks is getting married...to her sister! Nettie leaves school totally humiliated, angry and hurt. She takes a job as a live-in caretaker to two elderly sisters. What will her future be? How can she forgive her sister and her family. How can she ever go back home and face them.
This book is all about forgiveness, family bonds and secrets kept. Unforgettable characters, descriptive locations, humor and sadness are all present. In one word, this book was delightful ! Totally enjoyed it.

[Susan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a charming and touching story! Nettie receives heartbreaking news from home, prompting her to take a leave of absence from college, taking a job as a caregiver for 2 old-maid sisters, Lurleen and Emily. She was hired by Remmy, the hometown doctor who is handsome, caring, and single. Lurleen has been told that she is dying, but sister Emily will hear none of that. Nettie's friendship with Remmy begins to grow, but can Nettie's heart ever let him in? The sisters and Nettie embark on a journey to see a faith-healer for Lurleen, a voyage with surprising results. This book is set in 1953, which adds so much flavor and charm to this story of sisters, who love each other despite the pain they've caused. All of the characters in this book come alive right off the page! I received and ARC of this book, and I'm so glad that I did, because it gave me the chance to read such a wonderful story.

[Kayleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sisters. A girl's first best friend in life. A bond no one can break. Or so thought Nettie Gilbert, before her own sister broke her heart and stole her fiancée away. She runs from her heartbreak, taking up a job with another set of sisters, helping to care for them. Miss Emily and Miss Lurleen have their own share of secrets and heartbreak between them, ones that need to be sorted before the inevitable happens.

Kim Boykin delves into the crazy world that is sisterhood beautifully. She made me yearn to fix the relationships with my own sisters.

[Frankie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very easy to read and had more heart than I expected. It also did not drag out the story like I had previously thought. I was impressed with the journey of this story and couldn't put it down.

[Dot · Rating 4 out of 5]

One unhappy young lady. Love gone bad. A broken heart. Two elderly sisters. A handsome young doctor. What more do you need for a book? Well, I have to admit this is a predictable book. There are no surprises. But it’s a sweet book and it takes place in Columbia, SC and Camden, SC which made this reader feel almost like I was reading the local paper. If you want a light read with a good ending, this is it.

[Jalynn Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the Book:
April, 1953. Nettie Gilbert has cherished her time studying to be a music teacher at Columbia College in South Carolina, but as graduation approaches, she can’t wait to return to her family — and her childhood sweetheart, Brooks — in Alabama. But just days before her senior recital, she gets a letter from her mama telling her that Brooks is getting married . . . to her own sister.<

Devastated, Nettie drops out of school and takes a job as live-in help for two old-maid sisters, Emily and Lurleen Eldridge. Emily is fiercely protective of the ailing Lurleen, but their sisterhood has weathered many storms. And as Nettie learns more about their lives on a trip to see a faith healer halfway across the country, she’ll discover that love and forgiveness will one day lead her home . . .

My Review:

Nettie Gilbert has her whole life planned out. First she will graduate Columbia College in South Carolina as a music teacher. Then she will head back to home sweet home (also known as) Alabama, where she and her childhood sweetheart will get married and live happily ever after. But it seems happily ever after is a far aways off, or better yet never going to happen. When Nettie receives a letter telling of her sisters dishonorable deeds, she is beyond upset. She vows not to come home ever, not for her sister and for her mother.

Dropping out of school, she finds a job taking care of two elderly sisters, both of which have a way with words. There she meets the sister’s doctor who has a handsome smile, and sassy sister. As she settles into life with these crazy characters, she learns that the sisters haven’t always had the easiest time getting along. And Nettie discovers that she is needed and want by those that love her and maybe the answer has always been forgiveness.

A Peach of a Pair is a wonderful novel about sisterly love and forgiveness. I really enjoyed this book and found it to be an amazing read. I’ve read a few of this authors books and this one compared didn’t lack in the least. I’ve found that in this authors books she has a way of making you imagine what each of the characters sound like and I really love that. I can’t wait to see what she writes next.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Nettie was wonderful. When I learned what the story of the Eldridge sisters is by the end of the book I saw the parallels between them and Nettie. I figured that is what it would be and I was not disappointed. The story and these characters are enthralling. I hated putting the book down to work or get off the bus. I liked that Nettie had a back bone when she finally goes home. She did not allow anyone to walk over her. I also liked that for the short time she had known Remy in Camden that she went with her feelings. She realized what she had discovered about herself, the past, and her future and did not try to fit back into the past. I would like to see where Nettie goes from there and what her words back home did to her family.

[Denise Stout · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful and touching story set in the 1950s South. It takes on the bond of sisterhood betrayed; but the road to forgiveness brings forth peace and strength. There's an adventure, lessons from the past, and the power of grace allowing one to open her heart to love again.

Ms. Boykin has really grown as a writer and this is her most compelling and strongest story, yet. I highly recommend this book!

I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Letty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a delightful and charming book that made me shed a few tears but also had me laughing out loud. I adored Emily and Lurleen, two feisty old-maid sisters, and Nettie, a heartbroken college girl who becomes their live-in help. Beautifully written story about love of family, forgiveness, and friendship. I highly recommend!

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished with A Peach of a Pair and it was FANTASTIC! Only one other time can I remember saying a book would make a fantastic movie and that was with The Help. Your book would be just amazing on the big screen. Loved it.

[Nicole Waggoner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters in this novel were amazing! It makes my favorite books of 2015 list!

[Terelyn Marks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweetly told story of the bonds between sisters. Set in the 1950s Deep South.

[Sherry Bledsoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!

It was the time period that hooked me. I love the 1940s It was also a different sort of love story and also a story about sisters. The complicated family ties that bind even through betrayal. I enjoyed this book and was sorry to see it end!

[Kassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good. Makes me want to friend senior citizens and move to the south.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read. The author has the Southern ladies defined to a T! Good message about families and what is really important.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartwarming southern fiction at it's best!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

True sisterhood.

I always want a sister. A beautiful story of love and relationships. Healing also is a large part of our story

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful, heart felt story about love, sisters, betrayal, and redemption. Set in the 50s South, it was pitch perfect in tone.

[Natalia Iwanyckyj]

DNF at 12%

[Lauren Refinetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming story about sisters from their twenties to their nineties, love, loss, and forgiveness.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! Now on to read all of Kim Boykin’s books!

[Dawn Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, sweet story, if this were a film it would be right up there with Driving Miss Daisy and Steel Magnolias, loved it

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a South Carolina native And Columbia College graduate, I loved this book so much!!

[Kristin Hermanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adored the characters in this book, except for Brooks. Even sissy was nowhere as bad as him, nieve but she's young. He's just the predatory type. But loved the ending, the family appeal.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Peach of a Pair is a captivating story of the strength of sisterly bonds, family, friendship, self-discovery, love and forgiveness.

I am a huge fan of Southern Women's Fiction, and in A Peach of a Pair, author Kim Boykin weaves a thoroughly enjoyable tale that fulfilled all of my expectations. It is a delightful tale filled with plenty of Southern charm and sass that easily draws the reader into the engaging story of a young woman's quest to heal and forgive with the help of a pair of sassy elderly sisters.

Set in the South in 1953 and written in the first person narrative, Nettie Gilbert takes the reader along for the ride on her emotional journey of self-discovery. The reader meets Nettie in the southern town of Columbia, South Carolina, where she is eight weeks away from graduating from Columbia College with a degree in music, and is eagerly waiting to return home to Satsuma, Alabama. Nettie's world is turned upside down when she receives a letter from her mother informing her of the unexpected wedding of her younger sister Jemma Renee to Nettie's childhood sweetheart Brooks Carter. To add insult to injury, her mother included their wedding invitation in the letter! Heartbroken and feeling betrayed by her sister and ex-boyfriend, Nettie leaves college before graduation and accepts a live-in caregiver position with the elderly Eldridge sisters (Emily and Lurleen) in Camden, South Carolina. The elderly "peach of a pair" Eldridge sisters will help redefine, shape, and change Nettie's life in a profound way.

A Peach of a Pair is a beautifully written and captivating story that engages the reader to follow along as Nettie's journey leads her on a path of self discovery and healing forgiveness. Author Kim Boykin weaves a poignant tale of the complexities of sisterly and family bonds that flows smoothly, and alternates between the first person narrative of Nettie, with the third person narratives of Emily, Lurleen, and Dr. Remmy Wilkes. I couldn't help but get swept away and lose myself in the unfolding of the multi-layered story. I absolutely loved how both the author parallels the different generational but very similar stories of the complexity of sisterly bonds between Nettie and Jemma with Emily and Lurleen, while adding in the blossoming of a special friendship/relationship with Remmy. Embarking on a quirky adventure with these sassy elderly sisters, Nettie discovers that the special sisterly bond is a strong one that can be preserved, even after a heartbreaking betrayal, and that the road to love and forgiveness will ultimately lead you back home.

Author Kim Boykin weaves a delightful tale full of humor, emotion, drama, and southern sassiness intertwined with a sweet poignancy that easily keeps the reader engaged and turning the pages. I absolutely loved the fiesty Eldridge sisters, they reminded me of the Baldwin sisters from the television show, The Waltons. As Nettie and the sisters embark on their faith healing adventure, Nettie learns life lessons that will bring forgiveness, healing, and a second chance at finding love.

With a quirky cast of characters; witty dialogue and interactions; a richly descriptive setting; and a storyline that delves into the complexities of family, friendships, love and life; A Peach of a Pair is a touching southern women's fiction tale that will leave a smile on your face.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Pump Up Your Book.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...

[Kristy Centeno · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost, I’d like to start out by saying that the synopsis was what initially drew me in. The cover helped convince me to read A Peach of a Pair. Normally, I don’t stray too far from the paranormal genre, which is my absolute favorite, but this story was a nice change.

Nettie’s tale drew me right in. She’s an enjoyable character, well-educated, down to earth, family-oriented with a quiet, albeit, sincere personality. Her desire to complete college before getting married, putting education before anything else made her even more of a realistic person in my eyes. I loved that she had goals and was more than happy to see them through before she picked up the pieces of the life she left behind back home.

Unfortunately, not all in life goes as planned and Nettie’s soon encounters a hurdle she had not foreseen. Her pain after finding out about her sister’s and fiancee’s betrayal is was raw and so real. Utterly heartbroken, she doesn’t quite know how to continue on and looks for an escape. Her reaction is more than understandable, considering how deep her family has cut her. Nettie needed to find herself again, to put herself back together, and by taking a job at the Eldridge’s sister's house she gives herself the opportunity to start anew, fresh.

Emily Eldridge is a tough cookie to please. She’s bossy, kind of controlling, and arrogant to some extent too, but even with all her flaws I couldn’t bring myself to hate this particular character. I liked her a lot because despite her bad attitude and her hot temper, Emily is also very loyal. Through all of the problems she and Lurleen had in the past, I found her devotion to her only living relative very sweet, heartwarming, and rewarding even.

Except for Sissy and Brook, I absolutely loved every other character in this book. Remmy, Katie, Lurleen, and even Sue did balance the story out and each one brought their own grain of happiness to Nettie’s life. Each personality was well-developed and believable. Each person shone and stood out.

I found the fact that Nettie could forgive her sister so easily, in spite of the pain she caused her, exceptional. Maybe this makes her a better person than me. I don’t know. Regardless, living with the Eldridge's sister did help Nettie cope. Perhaps in the most unconventional way, but her life was never the same afterwards.

The ending surprised me. Did not see it coming, but I love surprise ending so there’s no complaint there. Whether or not this genre is my cup of tea, I found myself immersed in the story from the very first chapter. I’m not going to lie, I finish this book in like three sittings. Would have finished it sooner but kiddies demanded attention so had to give up reading for a few hours each day.

Anyway, this was my first book by author Kim Boykin and I enjoyed it from start to finish. If there’s anything I wish there would have been more of that is Nettie’s and Remmy’s relationship. I would have loved to see more of them as a couple, but I’m really happy they had each other in the end.

I give this one two big thumbs up!

[Jane Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just read a really good book, y'all — A Peach of a Pair by Kim Boykin. Let me tell you a little about it.

A Peach of a Pair is a little different from my usual read. Instead of a romantic suspense or mystery, cozy or otherwise, A Peach of a Pair by Kim Boykin is Southern women's fiction. I wanted to read this book for review because most of A Peach of a Pair takes place in or near my home town of Columbia, South Carolina.

A Peach of a Pair tells the story of Nettie Gilbert's journey, both literal and figurative, taken to recover from her fiancé's and sister's betrayals. Nettie is a music education and piano major at Columbia College, just weeks away from graduation. Nettie receives news of her sister Sissy's pending (and necessary) nuptials to Nettie's fiancé Brooks.

Overwhelmed by this announcement, Nettie feels she cannot face her old life for a while. She is granted a leave of absence at college, and applies for work as a caregiver in nearby Camden, SC. She learned of the job from a help-wanted ad posted at her college by Katie Wilkes, on behalf of her brother Dr Remmy Wilkes, for his elderly patients, the Eldridge sisters. Live-in help is needed for the sisters because Miss Lurleen is in failing health due to a heart condition. (Her sister, Miss Emily, is totally against hiring outside help. She is perfectly capable of taking care of her sister all by herself, thank you very much.)

The story is told from four characters' points of view. Nettie tells her part in first person. The parts of Emily, Lurleen, and Remmy are told in third person. The POV changes are clearly noted with the character's name as a sub-title.

These POV changes allow the reader to get only bits and pieces of the characters' back-stories. We don't get the whole picture right away, and thus there are mysteries of a sort, such as:
• What caused the seven years of silence between the Eldridge sisters, even though they still lived together in the same house?
• What happened to their brother Teddy?
• What transpired between Lurleen, her beloved John, and Emily?
• Why is Katie Wilkes confined to a wheelchair? How was Remmy involved?

A Peach of a Pair by Kim Boykin is a realistic, genuine look at the world of genteel Southern women of the early 1950s. There is joy, sadness, laughter, and tears, just like in real life. Most of all, I found A Peach of a Pair by Kim Boykin to be a feel-good novel, one that I thoroughly enjoyed reading, and one that I think you will enjoy also.

To A Peach of a Pair I give Four Stars out of five — I really enjoyed it!


Note: I received a complimentary copy of A Peach of a Pair in exchange for my honest review. All opinions shared are 100% my own.

Originally published on my blog Jane Reads.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

A Peach of a Pair by Kim Boykin is a delightfully charming and heartwarming story about family, friendship and forgiveness.

Set in 1953, the novel begins with lead protagonist Nettie Gilbert looking forward to college graduation and her return home to her close-knit family and fiancé Brooks Carver. After not hearing from her family for several weeks, she suddenly receives an unexpected invitation to a surprise wedding. Reeling from the news and feeling betrayed by her loved ones, Nettie makes an impetuous decision to take a leave of absence from school and takes a job as caregiver for a pair of elderly sisters, Emily and Lurleen Eldridge.

Neither Emily nor Lurleen ever married and they have lived with one another their entire lives. Lurleen's health has been declining and under advisement of their physician, Dr. Remmy Wilkes, they hire Nettie to help take care of them. Lurleen is accepting of the news that she does not have long to live, but Emily absolutely refuses to believe her beloved sister is, in fact, dying. After a newspaper article sparks a desperate plan, Emily talks Lurleen into making a bus trip to Texas and although it is against both Remmy and Nettie's better judgment, the three women embark on a journey that brings unexpected changes to their lives.

Nettie is very close to her family but after learning about the upcoming wedding, she finds the strength to stand up to her mother and forge a new path for herself. She has been betrayed in the worst possible way but she is surprisingly drawn to Remmy and their quiet friendship soothes her battered heart. But an unexpected spark of attraction scares her and despite her reservations about the trip with Emily and Lurleen, she is relieved for the opportunity to put some distance between her and Remmy. Will the old adage about absence making the heart grow fonder prove to be true for Remmy and Nettie? Or will Nettie continue to hold Remmy at arm's length due to her fear of getting her heart broken again?

Emily and Lurleen are quite the pair and while Lurleen is a big sweetheart, Emily is cantankerous and determined to drive Nettie away. There is never any doubt that the sisters love one another dearly but their shared history is full of unexpected heartache. Their story provides Nettie with a different perspective about her current situation but will learning the truth about the sisters' tragic past help her mend the rift in her own life?

A Peach of a Pair by Kim Boykin is a captivating novel with a cast of quirky but lovable characters and a storyline that is heartfelt and engaging. Full of surprising twists and turns, this beautiful journey of healing and friendship will stay with readers long after the last page is turned.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, easy read with a beautiful theme of love and friendship.