Alice Anyway

by Brenda K. Thompson

Alice Anyway is for readers who loved Where the Crawdads Sing, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, and The Poisonwood Bible.
She was born into silence. Raised on survival. And taught to stay small. But the hills had other plans.

Alice Aniway has always been the quiet one. The forgotten one. Left behind by a mother she never knew and outcast by the sisters who should have loved her, she finds solace in the hills of Appalachia—and in the steady presence of her father.

When the unthinkable happens, sixteen-year-old Alice is suddenly alone on the family’s rugged homestead. Grief carves its way through her days—until a stranger arrives with polished shoes, deep blue eyes, and a promise of safety wrapped in scripture.

He offers stability. Community. Purpose. All the things Alice believes she’s supposed to want.
But safety can be a kind of silence. And obedience, a quiet undoing.

As expectations deepen into rules, and devotion begins to blur into control, Alice must decide whether the life being built around her is truly hers—or a cage dressed up as a calling.

Set against the haunting beauty of mid-century Appalachia, Alice Anyway is a deeply lyrical, emotionally immersive novel about grief, resilience, and the slow, radical act of reclaiming one’s voice.

Perfect for readers of Sue Monk Kidd, Barbara Kingsolver, and Bonnie Garmus, this debut is a tender reckoning—a story of inheritance, quiet rebellion, and the life that waits when a woman begins to choose for herself.

Genres: Historical Fiction

388 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 20, 2025

About the author

Brenda K. Thompson is the author of Alice Anyway and Ivaleena , two emotionally resonant Appalachian novels of resilience, self-discovery, and belonging. Alice Anyway became a #1 Amazon Bestseller in Women’s Historical Fiction, Historical Literary Fiction, and Women’s Literary Fiction. Readers call her “a gifted writer with an insight that is seldom expressed so eloquently” and praise her “lyrical writing that made me reread whole paragraphs in appreciation.”

A former Wall Street professional and founder of Special “Finds…” Unique Property Marketing, Brenda now writes full-time from the North Carolina coast, where she lives with her husband, Jim. Her stories explore women’s quiet courage and the beauty found in ordinary lives.

Want to connect? Follow Brenda on Facebook or explore her world at BrendaKThompson.com.

Reviews

[MikaylasBookNook · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a story of resilience. If you liked where the Crawdads Sing this book will be right up your ally.

You will be angry. You will feel sad. You will be rooting so hard for our FMC to get the happy ending she deserves.

I loved being transported to Appalachia and experiencing what life was like then and how different things are now.

[Susan P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent debut novel set in mid-twentieth century Appalachia. The plot was compelling, and the character development was convincing and impactful; but, more than that, the writing was so lyrical that I reread whole paragraphs in appreciation of the fantastic writing. I'll be looking forward to more books by this author. This would be a good book club choice.

[Paul McLean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alice Anyway is a touching and deeply human portrayal of a young woman navigating life in the rugged green highlands of mid-twentieth-century America. After a significant loss following a mostly supportive childhood, she sees herself as somewhat vulnerable to the ways of the world and attracted to a small, devout community determined to shield its people from such ‘ways’, or what it considers corrupted values.

Alice finds stability and promise in a man who offers safety, security, and scripture. On the surface, such a life seems familiar and comforting. It seems a quietly sanctioned path forward, pre-ordained and proper, a pattern she has been taught to believe is both normal and natural.

Alice is a solitary soul, deeply introspective and quietly attuned to the rhythms of her world. Refusing to get caught up in distractions, she takes time to recognise what is unfolding around her. Thompson reveals the pervasive and ongoing tension between traditional wisdom and authentic awakening. Going with the flow in a small community has all the appearances of wisdom, of having everything worked out, but is devoid of real agency.

The novel’s world comprises revival tents, women’s meetings, and Sunday sermons and becomes the stage for this inner coming-of-age tale. It’s a setting where faith and fear often share the same pew, and where obedience is mistaken for virtue.

The front cover depicts Alice holding a mini terrarium, a strong metaphor that threads through the entire story. I loved the way that Alice’s creativity and focus on creating living ecosystems in jars was both a creative outlet and a doorway to her future. Building a beautiful piece of living artwork can be an activating spark for authoring one's own destiny. Likewise, I loved the theme of time, as conveyed through clocks and the ticking of time at key points in the story. Alice listens to the voice of time and hears what many others do not hear.

Though Alice Anyway is presented as historical fiction, its truths reach far beyond its time and place. For many, the forces shaping Alice’s life remain painfully familiar. I found myself deeply moved by its exploration of autonomy and life authorship—the fragile, radical act of choosing one’s own voice.

Alice Anyway is a warm, melancholy tale set in the past, but it explores issues that are just as relevant today. It is an enjoyable and engaging read that provokes deep thought about community expectations, agency, and the scary process of transitioning between the two. It is an uplifting story about resilience in the face of loss, the temptation of security in lieu of agency, and the deep yearning of the human spirit to find its own way forward.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly good

I was taken in by the story from the start. It was like a composite of so many people I've known over the years. Ms Thompson is a gifted writer with an insight that is seldom expressed so eloquently.

[JAMES D · Rating 5 out of 5]

What struck me most about Alice Anyway was how rich the writing is. The prose pulls you straight into the Appalachian hills. I could almost feel the air, hear the quiet, and carry the weight Alice carries.

Alice herself is unforgettable. She’s fragile but tough, always searching for a way through the shadows life throws at her. Thompson’s writing has a depth and honesty that makes you stop and think. This is a story that stays with you. I'm looking forward to either the sequel or her next book.

[Jom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never know what to expect with a new author. I started this book with low expectations but WOW was I pleasantly surprised. Took a few pages to get into it but then I went down the rabbit hole. It's as emotionally immersive a book as I believe I have ever read. I felt as if I were walking right alongside Alice and found myself alternating between crying and cheering for her. Give this one a try, you will be glad you did.

[Susie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poignant Story

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

What a sometimes sweet, mostly angering story! I wanted to slap Darrell and his father, not to mention all the snooty women in the church. Religion isn't for show and appearances. It's built on love, kindness and helping others with charity. I'm glad Alice left and will have a future with Eldon and sweet little Joey. And be able to be her sweet, loving self.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Wow. Wow. I absolutely LOVED LOVED LOVED this book. The writing was so beautiful. At times it actually brought me to tears. It was a simple story yet also complex. I loved all the characters. They all brought something impactful to the story. The message was one I’ll remember.. I I isn’t want the story to end. I can’t wait to read more of this author. This is definitely one of my all time favorite books.

[Sharon Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Job, Ms. Thompson

Characters well developed and well loved. Emotions were pure, and while understated, spoke to the reader in loud voices. I loved this book. The prose and symmetry were so well done. Thank you for sharing your beautiful story with us. Can't wait to read more of your work. Wonderful!

[Diana Kocher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I almost didn't finish it. This isn’t to scare anyone off, but to encourage you. Alice Anyway is a true gem. Its voice filled with authenticity, love, loss, and truth. Proof that sometimes the uncomfortable is meant to be worked through, and that time and silence can coax our way forward.

An excellent book.

[Denise E. Latch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving. Loved it!

I could relate to this story on so many levels. I was much like Alice growing up and into adulthood. I like Alice, grew stronger through adversity. God speaks softly, heals broken hearts, and leads us to a better life by his grace.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be

Be true to yourself!
Alice Anyway knows what works for herself and she lives her life trying to be honest to herself and the world.

[Julie Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent shows how being quiet and lonely can lead to bad choices. This shows strength and determination for a good outcome I highly recommend this

[Cathy Atchison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story, how a young woman grew up with some adversity. She learned how to cope with and grow from it I love when she took charge of her life on her own terms.

[Brandy Lemire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really great read! Alice just wanted to be part of something and use her voice as well and she really learned how to advocate for herself.

[Janie Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alice

Such a great book! Would love a sequel to see where she continues to flourish. Good clean read and real.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lovely story was one that I was fortunate enough to win in a goodreads giveaway! I will say that this was a very heartfelt story. it goes to show that when someone is introverted those who are extroverted will try to make them feel bad. However, I reakly admired the strengh of our main character Alice. she had a special kindness about her and you really have to admire that.

[Barbara Tweed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! Alice will quickly have you cheering her on, as she discovers her true self and stops letting others dictate her path.

This is a can't put down book. Even after finishing, it will not easily leave you.

[Deb Gripp · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is set is mid-century Appalachia. Alice grew up with her loving dad and three stepsisters who wouldn't allow her to be part of the family. She flourished with her dad, learning about the home, garden and how to take care of herself. She felt most confident surrounded by nature. After her dad died, she was truly on her own. She managed just fine until a man seeking leadership in his church decided Alice would be his perfect wife and set about to make her just that. Along the way, Alice lost herself. Alice finally made a difficult life changing decision to find her way back. I loved the story. And I liked the author's writing style, but I felt the lyrical prose was too much and too repetitive.

[Lisa NOBLE · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this poignant story of a young woman coming into her own — a tender, uplifting narrative of grief, renewal, personal growth, and self-discovery that stayed with me long after I finished reading. There is grace in Alice's resolve — the kind of perseverance that doesn't roar, but instead whispers with unwavering calm.

The author's gift is her ability to transport us back in time with prose as warm as a summer breeze at a church picnic. This book doesn't just tell a story — it immerses you in an era.

[Shelly Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first sentence, I was fully immersed in Alice's world. After immense loss, she becomes self-reliant and lives alongside her grief. She tenuously enters into marriage with Darrell, an aspiring minister and life changes for both of them, pushing Alice and Darrell to consider what is truly important. Alice's story is beautifully told by Brenda K. Thompson. I experienced it with all of my senses while reading this gently beautiful novel.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a Kindle copy as a GoodReads giveaway. The story drew me in so that I wanted to find out how it ended, but the writing style was not my cup of tea. Extremely slow, and overly simplistic writing.