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Grace, Grits and Ghosts: Southern Short Stories
This delightful collection of short stories from acclaimed writer, Susan Gabriel (The Secret Sense of Wildflower, a Best Book of 2012 by Kirkus Reviews), is rich in humor, as well as mystery and meaning.
Whether white or black, living or dead, down home country or upscale urban, Gabriel’s characters are quirky, poignant and deep. They include: A Gullah woman using folk magic to cast her latest spell. A girl coming-of-age dealing with death in 1940s Tennessee. A wealthy Savannah matriarch with gastrointestinal issues guarding family secrets. A good ol’ boy observing himself shortly after his death. An agoraphobic woman striking up a unique friendship with the girl across the street. And a band of seventy-year-olds finding healing in a mountain stream.
Written in the tradition of Flannery O’Connor and Eudora Welty, the eight short stories in Grace, Grits and Ghosts: Southern Short Stories are all rooted in the southern landscape—from the steamy coast of Georgia, to the current day Atlanta suburbs, to the ancient Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina.
Pull up a rocker on the front porch, take a sip of your sweet iced tea and lose yourself in these original stories of soulful southerners and their sultry landscape.
Whether white or black, living or dead, down home country or upscale urban, Gabriel’s characters are quirky, poignant and deep. They include: A Gullah woman using folk magic to cast her latest spell. A girl coming-of-age dealing with death in 1940s Tennessee. A wealthy Savannah matriarch with gastrointestinal issues guarding family secrets. A good ol’ boy observing himself shortly after his death. An agoraphobic woman striking up a unique friendship with the girl across the street. And a band of seventy-year-olds finding healing in a mountain stream.
Written in the tradition of Flannery O’Connor and Eudora Welty, the eight short stories in Grace, Grits and Ghosts: Southern Short Stories are all rooted in the southern landscape—from the steamy coast of Georgia, to the current day Atlanta suburbs, to the ancient Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina.
Pull up a rocker on the front porch, take a sip of your sweet iced tea and lose yourself in these original stories of soulful southerners and their sultry landscape.
- GenresShort StoriesFiction
75 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 9, 2015
510 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
About the author
Susan Gabriel
15 books194 followersSusan Gabriel is an acclaimed southern author who lives in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Her novels, The Secret Sense of Wildflower (a Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2012) and Temple Secrets (2015) are Amazon and Nook #1 bestsellers.
Find out more about Susan and her other novels at www.SusanGabriel.com.
Easiest place to contact:
Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/SusanGabriel...
Find out more about Susan and her other novels at www.SusanGabriel.com.
Easiest place to contact:
Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/SusanGabriel...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
March 13, 2021
Down south.
A collection of short stories rich in Southern wisdom and lifestyle. They are filled with family and neighbor interactions and tell of the south through the eyes of her inhabitants.
A collection of short stories rich in Southern wisdom and lifestyle. They are filled with family and neighbor interactions and tell of the south through the eyes of her inhabitants.
February 1, 2021
Delightful! These short stories and excerpts were entertaining and left me wanting more.
September 22, 2019
Susan Gabriel knows the Southern soul and represents it well in the depiction of her characters, scenes, and circumstances. Instead of my usual book, I listened this time to the audio version of "Grace, Grits, & Ghosts" as narrated by Holly Adams. I was not disappointed even though I missed turning the pages. Readers become immediately invested in her characters: the Temple family: Old Sally, Violet, Iris & Oscar, Rose, Ivy (as introduced in "Temple Secrets"), Louisa May McAllister, Johnny Monroe and his sister Ruby(as introduced in "The Secret Sense of Wildflower"), Allison and Melody Whitworth, the Crawfords. There is much to love in her descriptions. Track 6, "A River Reunion", introduces a group of 70 some year old ladies (Julie, Maggie, Claire, Jane, Shirley, and Maryanne) who are collectively grieving events of the past and are described in these words: "...wrinkles like tree rings showing the number of seasons that they've survived." While the aforementioned books are not required reading (the audio version is a stand alone), I feel like you would be depriving yourself of some wonderful writing by dismissing them. Looking for a breezy front porch with a rocking chair and a glistening glass of sweet Southern tea, don't miss what Susan Gabriel has to offer. You won't be disappointed. I was given the audio book in return for an honest review.
July 24, 2018
Although I seldom like to read short stories, this book was a delight for me. A southerner by birth and rearing, I could not resist the temptation of these oh so true to life characters and stories. I was quite simply enchanted. I am an instant fan of Susan Gabriel and will definitely be reading more of her books.
May 20, 2018
I enjoyed this book of short stories very much. There were some that were about characters I’ve already met in the author’s books, and I loved revisiting those characters. The other stories were very good too!
February 8, 2019
I enjoyed this book of short stories. They were very descriptive and held my attention even though each story was no more than 10 pages each. This is the first time I've read Susan Gabriel's work and I am going to seek out more from her.
January 30, 2020
Lovely short stories that evoke the slower pace of the south, along with sweet tea and magic potions.
Revisited a few familiar places and characters and met a few more. A collection to make you homesick for a place you've never been.
Revisited a few familiar places and characters and met a few more. A collection to make you homesick for a place you've never been.
June 1, 2018
Good book
I don't usually like to read short stories, but I figured I'd check this book out. The stories are really quite good. Check it out for yourself!
I don't usually like to read short stories, but I figured I'd check this book out. The stories are really quite good. Check it out for yourself!
June 12, 2018
Wonderful
I could not put this book down. I am now going to purchase the books relating to the short stories. These stories have it all.
I could not put this book down. I am now going to purchase the books relating to the short stories. These stories have it all.
October 22, 2019
Really enjoyed these short stories. Written by a true southerner! I Want to read Temple Secrets now.
September 25, 2023
Southern Short Stories. EBK-M, Book Funnel, @ 2015, Read 9/23/23. Fiction, Short Stories, Southeastern U.S.A.
Includes: Temple Secrets, The Mail Slot, The End, Gullah Secrets, County Obit #1, County Obit #2, River Reunion, Scarlett and Rhett Redux, The Secret Sense of Wildflower.
4☆'s = Very Good. I enjoyed the rhythm of these stories, and look forward to reading my copy of the novel, Temple Secrets.
Includes: Temple Secrets, The Mail Slot, The End, Gullah Secrets, County Obit #1, County Obit #2, River Reunion, Scarlett and Rhett Redux, The Secret Sense of Wildflower.
4☆'s = Very Good. I enjoyed the rhythm of these stories, and look forward to reading my copy of the novel, Temple Secrets.
June 13, 2018
I truly enjoyed this book, enough so that I will be buying her books to learn more about the families in the short stories.
May 23, 2021
Review of eBook
A collection of nine stories, all set in the south:
“Temple Secrets,” based on the novel, centers on the family matriarch, Iris, her companion, Queenie [Ivy], and the secrets Ivy holds over everyone.
“The Mail Slot” tells the heartwarming story of a young girl, Beth, and her agoraphobic neighbor, Allison Whitworth.
“The End” finds a just-deceased man observing events and wishing he’d paid more attention to his own health.
“Gullah Secrets” returns to the Temple family saga, this time focused on Sally, Rose, Violet, and Ivy.
“Country Obituary - #1 remembers Cecil “Bluebird” Crawford, who has passed away at the age of 102. The bits of irreverence in the death notice are sure to make readers chuckle [just a bit].
“Country Obituary - #2 remembers Cecil’s wife, Maggie, who passed away a short three months after Cecil. The same appealing irreverence appears here.
“River Reunion” brings together ladies of a certain age, all victims of some violent events at the hands of one Jeremy K. Watson. Their pain is palpable; their support for each other heartfelt and uplifting.
“Scarlett and Rhett Redux” is a humorous tale sure to keep readers smiling and giggling.
“The Secret Sense of Wildflower,” based on the novel, takes a heart-wrenching look at families, dealing with loss, and moving forward.
These stories introduce readers to characters that are delightful, strong, quirky, and completely believable. With a strong Southern sense, these enchanting tales evoke a poignancy in the reader as they impart their gentle nuggets of wisdom.
Recommended.
A collection of nine stories, all set in the south:
“Temple Secrets,” based on the novel, centers on the family matriarch, Iris, her companion, Queenie [Ivy], and the secrets Ivy holds over everyone.
“The Mail Slot” tells the heartwarming story of a young girl, Beth, and her agoraphobic neighbor, Allison Whitworth.
“The End” finds a just-deceased man observing events and wishing he’d paid more attention to his own health.
“Gullah Secrets” returns to the Temple family saga, this time focused on Sally, Rose, Violet, and Ivy.
“Country Obituary - #1 remembers Cecil “Bluebird” Crawford, who has passed away at the age of 102. The bits of irreverence in the death notice are sure to make readers chuckle [just a bit].
“Country Obituary - #2 remembers Cecil’s wife, Maggie, who passed away a short three months after Cecil. The same appealing irreverence appears here.
“River Reunion” brings together ladies of a certain age, all victims of some violent events at the hands of one Jeremy K. Watson. Their pain is palpable; their support for each other heartfelt and uplifting.
“Scarlett and Rhett Redux” is a humorous tale sure to keep readers smiling and giggling.
“The Secret Sense of Wildflower,” based on the novel, takes a heart-wrenching look at families, dealing with loss, and moving forward.
These stories introduce readers to characters that are delightful, strong, quirky, and completely believable. With a strong Southern sense, these enchanting tales evoke a poignancy in the reader as they impart their gentle nuggets of wisdom.
Recommended.
November 15, 2023
3.5 rounded down. I received this for free for Kindle from Amazon ages ago.
So this is a collection of short stories, most condensed from books the author has written. That explains why a few of them felt so chopped off at the end...I had to check my kindle pages to make sure I didn't skip a page. I'd agree the short stories would be easily expanded into novels, but this is the first time I've seen a writer do the opposite.
Really loved the obituary and the stories of the Temple family, especially Iris. I'd have fun writing about an older lady who "toots".
So this is a collection of short stories, most condensed from books the author has written. That explains why a few of them felt so chopped off at the end...I had to check my kindle pages to make sure I didn't skip a page. I'd agree the short stories would be easily expanded into novels, but this is the first time I've seen a writer do the opposite.
Really loved the obituary and the stories of the Temple family, especially Iris. I'd have fun writing about an older lady who "toots".
May 5, 2022
Disappointed
Maybe I was expecting too much from this book. I knew it was short stories and that's not a problem for me. But I'm used to reading short stories by Rosamund Pitcher or Maeve Binchey or the Mossy Creek books in which there was substance and a beginning and a conclusion. I don't need a happily ever after but I'd like an ending. Some of these stories drop off without any resolution. As it happens, I have Temple Secrets and I plan to read it. I hope it'll be more interesting.
Maybe I was expecting too much from this book. I knew it was short stories and that's not a problem for me. But I'm used to reading short stories by Rosamund Pitcher or Maeve Binchey or the Mossy Creek books in which there was substance and a beginning and a conclusion. I don't need a happily ever after but I'd like an ending. Some of these stories drop off without any resolution. As it happens, I have Temple Secrets and I plan to read it. I hope it'll be more interesting.
January 29, 2022
not much to it
I gave this book a low rating. Maybe that’s unfair. It’s exactly what it’s described to be, short stories. My low rating, though, is not so much because the stories are short, but, because there is no “ story” to the stories. By that, I mean no real beginnings, no plot, no ending. They just stop. If this was designed to whet my taste for this author, it failed miserably
I gave this book a low rating. Maybe that’s unfair. It’s exactly what it’s described to be, short stories. My low rating, though, is not so much because the stories are short, but, because there is no “ story” to the stories. By that, I mean no real beginnings, no plot, no ending. They just stop. If this was designed to whet my taste for this author, it failed miserably
October 21, 2021
I struggled between deciding to rate this a 3 or 4 star rating. The writing is good, the stories begin good and hold your attention, and there is humor but... they are so short (only a page or two) that they stop almost before they begin. I did enjoy the writing style and hope to read one of Susan Gabriel's full books.
April 12, 2022
Disappointed
This was a new author for me and I will not read any of her other books. I am not sure just what I thought this book would be, I can tell you I did not expect to something that felt like gossip. Some of it was kind of interesting but most of it was not. Maybe a style of writing I don't like. I am sure she is a good author though.
This was a new author for me and I will not read any of her other books. I am not sure just what I thought this book would be, I can tell you I did not expect to something that felt like gossip. Some of it was kind of interesting but most of it was not. Maybe a style of writing I don't like. I am sure she is a good author though.
June 30, 2025
Great short stories
I absolutely love Susan Gabriel’s books and have read and reread many of them. The Temple Secrets books are my favorite and two excerpts from them are here in short story form. I think you’ll enjoy this book and if you haven’t already read Temple Secrets do yourself a favor and get it now.
I absolutely love Susan Gabriel’s books and have read and reread many of them. The Temple Secrets books are my favorite and two excerpts from them are here in short story form. I think you’ll enjoy this book and if you haven’t already read Temple Secrets do yourself a favor and get it now.
June 21, 2017
Two of these short stories have been adapted from a longer work, a novel by the same name. However, I feel that all of these short stories could easily be turned into a great Southern book. I enjoyed reading them and wish to find out what happened to these ‘quirky, poignant and deep characters’.
August 10, 2018
Grace, Grits,and Ghosts short stories
I do like shirt stories and these are definitely different. This book is a quick read. Since I read these stories I will lol into the books that complete the short stories.
I do like shirt stories and these are definitely different. This book is a quick read. Since I read these stories I will lol into the books that complete the short stories.
August 11, 2018
This was a book of short stories by the author of Secret Sense of Wildflower, which was a very good book. Most of these stories, however, were so short they were over before I could even get interested.
January 7, 2019
Wonderful short stories
As a born Northerner I have always loved stories of the south. The writing is just so well done in this book, you get involved in the stories. A beautifully written group of great stories
As a born Northerner I have always loved stories of the south. The writing is just so well done in this book, you get involved in the stories. A beautifully written group of great stories
June 10, 2021
Absolutely love this book!
Susan Gabriel is an amazing writer. Just finish reading Grace, grits and ghosts. A series of short stories from the south. The stories had a variety of emotions, sadness and humor. I highly recommend the book.
Susan Gabriel is an amazing writer. Just finish reading Grace, grits and ghosts. A series of short stories from the south. The stories had a variety of emotions, sadness and humor. I highly recommend the book.
January 18, 2022
Delightful short stories
I enjoyed reading these Southern short stories, each one unique in its characters and plots. I wanted them to last longer to get to know the characters more. I highly recommend this author and will read more by her.
I enjoyed reading these Southern short stories, each one unique in its characters and plots. I wanted them to last longer to get to know the characters more. I highly recommend this author and will read more by her.
July 1, 2018
Loved the stories and the characters. Left me wanting more.
July 2, 2018
Southern stories
This is a peek into olden southern stories. Many people lived like what's portrayed in this short read. It's a good place to start.
This is a peek into olden southern stories. Many people lived like what's portrayed in this short read. It's a good place to start.
September 1, 2018
Love her voice !
March 16, 2019
Short but will fill you full!
Great stories, you will laugh, think and maybe a few tears, but all in all these short stories leave you filled, but wanting more.
Great stories, you will laugh, think and maybe a few tears, but all in all these short stories leave you filled, but wanting more.
bad-click
December 21, 2019I'm reading a different version of this on my phone. The program is called Authors Direct. It is a nice way to read stories like this a bit at a time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews