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Shiloh Legacy
Shiloh Autumn
Birch and Trudy Tucker are proud of what they've built with their love and labor. The farm produces fine cotton. The pantry and cellar are full of food for the winter. Tom and Bobby are old enough to help with the family chores, yet still young enough to get into mischief. Baby Joey, the joy of his mother's heart, is a loving, laughing child--as full of hope as the life they had before that disastrous autumn came like a whirlwind.
When the farm is threatened and tragedy strikes, the Tuckers battle to save what they worked so hard to build. But even the forces of nature seem determined to drive them from their home. Through the hard times the Tuckers learn that the love they have for each other and faith in a loving God are the only things they can hold on to.
470 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 1996
61 people are currently reading
760 people want to read
About the author
Bodie Thoene
201 books1,363 followersBODIE AND BROCK THOENE (pronounced Tay-nee) have written over 45 works of historical fiction. These best sellers have sold more than 10 million copies and won eight ECPA Gold Medallion Awards.
Bodie began her writing career as a teen journalist for her local newspaper. Eventually her byline appeared in prestigious periodicals such as U.S. News and World Report, The American West, and The Saturday Evening Post. She also worked for John Wayne’s Batjac Productions (she’s best known as author of The Fall Guy) and ABC Circle Films as a writer and researcher. John Wayne described her as “a writer with talent that captures the people and the times!” She has degrees in journalism and communications.
Bodie and Brock have four grown children—Rachel, Jake Thoene, Luke Thoene, and Ellie—and five grandchildren. Their sons, Jake and Luke, are carrying on the Thoene family talent as the next generation of writers, and Luke produces the Thoene audiobooks.
Bodie and Brock divide their time between London and Nevada.
Bodie began her writing career as a teen journalist for her local newspaper. Eventually her byline appeared in prestigious periodicals such as U.S. News and World Report, The American West, and The Saturday Evening Post. She also worked for John Wayne’s Batjac Productions (she’s best known as author of The Fall Guy) and ABC Circle Films as a writer and researcher. John Wayne described her as “a writer with talent that captures the people and the times!” She has degrees in journalism and communications.
Bodie and Brock have four grown children—Rachel, Jake Thoene, Luke Thoene, and Ellie—and five grandchildren. Their sons, Jake and Luke, are carrying on the Thoene family talent as the next generation of writers, and Luke produces the Thoene audiobooks.
Bodie and Brock divide their time between London and Nevada.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
July 13, 2020
The Thoene books were a huge influence when I was growing up. I was a voracious reader and any non-Christian books were frowned on. The Thoenes provided me with quality stories that were approved by my parents. Reading them again now that I am older, I realize how much they laid the framework for many of my beliefs today. This series in particular talks about the injustices of the American system. How the rich take advantage of the poor, the white treat the black without dignity and respect, and politicians look out for themselves.
This series definitely goes on my re-read shelf.
This series definitely goes on my re-read shelf.
June 11, 2012
The Great Depression is well, depressing, but I couldn’t put this book down because I just wanted something good to happen to the main characters.
The story had layers of happy and sad but the days were far from ordinary. In Arkansas 1931, the farmers are dealing with the Depression, a drought and a devastating drop in the price of cotton. The poverty and desperation is heart wrenching while at the same time the determination to make the best of hard times is inspiring.
There is a Christian theme to the book and the characters talk of their faith; however it completely fit the people of rural Arkansas in the 1930s and the story. I cannot get these characters out of my mind and can highly recommend this glimpse of life during a difficult period in our nation’s history.
Jeff figured by the measure of his own days that life was mostly like that – layer upon layer of happy and sad all mixed up with ordinary days.
The story had layers of happy and sad but the days were far from ordinary. In Arkansas 1931, the farmers are dealing with the Depression, a drought and a devastating drop in the price of cotton. The poverty and desperation is heart wrenching while at the same time the determination to make the best of hard times is inspiring.
There is a Christian theme to the book and the characters talk of their faith; however it completely fit the people of rural Arkansas in the 1930s and the story. I cannot get these characters out of my mind and can highly recommend this glimpse of life during a difficult period in our nation’s history.
September 3, 2008
This book is actually the sequel to the Shiloh Legacy trilogy. I really like all of the books, but this is my favorite. I was very engaged by the characters and when I had finished the book, I felt depressed that I wouldn't be able to follow the lives of these people anymore. It is very well written and, although it probably sounds cliche, it made me laugh and cry. It's historical fiction, which is a genre that I really love, which made it even better.
March 13, 2019
I really loved this book. It's one of those books that makes me want to be a better person and at the same time ashamed of all the complaining I do. I gave 4 stars because I really wanted just a little more at the end, a little more detail to how they managed once they arrived at the "promised land." However, most really good books leave you wanting more, I suppose. It's definitely worth your time.
June 30, 2021
This is such a great book, definitely worth your time! I love the truth that stuck out so clearly: no matter what, God is faithful!
September 6, 2008
Finished this book tonight. I love how it is based on the story of Bodie's grandparents. The spiritual truths are bold and well-stated. Great read! Encouraging and educational about times after the depression.
June 20, 2022
What Depression?
What I love most about these books is that they show struggles and hope, disaster and miracle, buts most of all, they show God through it all. I appreciate the authors for their commitment and love for God and country, and the people who make it all happen
What I love most about these books is that they show struggles and hope, disaster and miracle, buts most of all, they show God through it all. I appreciate the authors for their commitment and love for God and country, and the people who make it all happen
March 2, 2009
I read this in one sitting (or should I say one laying), all 470 pages. It was wonderful. A continuation of the Shiloh Legacy series.
January 11, 2018
Although this story is fiction, it is based on stories told to the author by her grandmother. It is part of her "Shiloh" series. I haven't read the entire series, but plan to do so (in the spirit of being honest, my TBR list is long enough to reach to Mars and back). When the cotton market drops out in 1931, families who relied on it began to suffer tremendously. This book is about two families caught up in extremely difficult times (putting it mildly). The story is about how people find the strength to yank thenselves up by the bootstraps and face just one more day, because looking farther ahead than that is much too difficult. Excellently written with believable characters.
March 4, 2014
This is the first book I have read by Brodie and Brock Thoene. It will not be the last! I absolutely loved the story as well as the history behind the book. (Yes I looked up an event mentioned in the book on the Internet and learned some American History of which I was not aware!) I laughed, cried and enjoyed the story of the poor people from Oklahoma in the 1930's.
September 23, 2019
My friend, Mel led me to this book. I owe her for that.
The Great Depression is one more critical piece of our history that is gradually being forgotten. This book portrays its impact better than any I’ve ever read.
If you take my recommendation to read it, be patient. The author starts slow. Trust me, she builds.
The Great Depression is one more critical piece of our history that is gradually being forgotten. This book portrays its impact better than any I’ve ever read.
If you take my recommendation to read it, be patient. The author starts slow. Trust me, she builds.
August 11, 2012
A wonderful descriptive look at the 1930's Arkansas farmers and what all they went through - right at the time of the depression, drought, dust storms and harsh land owners which all led to the move to CA.
Excellent read. Could not put it down!
Excellent read. Could not put it down!
February 24, 2020
Oh my goodness... this book really played with my emotions. Happiness, sadness, rage. I ACTUALLY got fuming mad at one character (I dont think I've ever been that riled by a book, lol). Anyway, it was a slow beginning but worth getting into. I really felt for the characters.
October 12, 2007
I loved this series! I really liked this last one a lot. It was, in my opinion, a lot more emotional, but ends beautifully! I wish they'd write more in the series!!! :)
September 7, 2009
I have read a lot of the Thoene books and have not found one I haven't loved. They are historical novels based in many different places and I have learned a lot about history from them. Great read!
September 8, 2011
Excellent read on the effects of the Great Deppression on the people of the Arkansas mountains.
January 6, 2012
Excellent book - couldn't put it down
Highly recommended
Highly recommended
January 29, 2018
If you belong to God, even down is up.
July 27, 2022
This story of faith in the midst of hardship is based on the lives of the author's grandparents during the years following the Great Depression.
Birch and Trudy Tucker work hard to keep up with the 70 acres of their Arkansas farm. Birch raises cotton and Trudy's garden provides vegetables for the whole year. Their three young sons help out too, including their delightful preschooler, Joey, who has a beloved pet hen. Their friends, Jefferson Canfield and his family -- whose parents had been slaves -- live on ten acres of the land, which Birch has promised to Jefferson. Life is good . . . the boys hunt possums and Joey's hen beats out snobby Caroline Jenson's prize banty hens at the county fair.
In the fall of 1931, a series of tragedies hit the proud family. First, the price of cotton plummets overnight, rendering a year's work nearly worthless. Unlike many of his neighbors who had purchased farm equipment and seed on credit, Birch is able to hold on to his land when the bank comes to call. They also help with a plot to keep other friends from losing their farm and everything they own. This angers the rich and powerful Jenson family, who covet Tucker's rich land with its natural artesian well. Sadly, two of the Tucker boys contract polio and Birch is forced to borrow money from the Jensons to pay the hospital bill. They quickly draw up an unfair contract which the dazed father doesn't read before signing.
In order to get the money to pay the Jenson, Birch and Jefferson, both veterans of WWI, travel to Washington in hopes of receiving a bonus promised to veterans. With no money, they travel like hoboes, jumping on moving freight trains and living hand to mouth. When they arrive in Washington with thousand of other veterans and their families, they are treated like scum and eventually beaten and forced out. They travel to California, which people refer to as "The Promised Land," in search of jobs and promise to send for their families as soon as possible.
While they are gone, the greedy Jensons make a move to take the Tucker's land, building a railroad spur through the middle of their best field. Trudy comes back from this with an ingenious plan to feed the railroad workers, further infuriating the Jensons. For spite, the Jensons set explosives to destroy the well and hire the local KKK to burn down the Canfield's cabin, which had been used for the cafe. All the money burns with it.
Trudy struggles to keep going, facing drought and a dust storm, which forces her to sell the family's cow and mules. Finally, the Jensons find a way to take their farm and Trudy has to watch as her whole life is auctioned off to strangers. With the clock ticking, she waits for word from California . . . only to face one more hurdle, a literal plague of locusts.
Through all these trials, God provides for the family in miraculous ways, just at the moment when Trudy's faith is at it lowest. Jefferson's mother, Willa Mae, is always ready with a prayer and words of wisdom from the Bible. Many other characters are also kind and helpful; the kind of neighbors you can count on.
I have read this twice. We can learn from the struggles of previous generations. We can also be reminded that God is always with us in the midst of our troubles, which may feel just as big to us as Trudy's did back in 1931.
Birch and Trudy Tucker work hard to keep up with the 70 acres of their Arkansas farm. Birch raises cotton and Trudy's garden provides vegetables for the whole year. Their three young sons help out too, including their delightful preschooler, Joey, who has a beloved pet hen. Their friends, Jefferson Canfield and his family -- whose parents had been slaves -- live on ten acres of the land, which Birch has promised to Jefferson. Life is good . . . the boys hunt possums and Joey's hen beats out snobby Caroline Jenson's prize banty hens at the county fair.
In the fall of 1931, a series of tragedies hit the proud family. First, the price of cotton plummets overnight, rendering a year's work nearly worthless. Unlike many of his neighbors who had purchased farm equipment and seed on credit, Birch is able to hold on to his land when the bank comes to call. They also help with a plot to keep other friends from losing their farm and everything they own. This angers the rich and powerful Jenson family, who covet Tucker's rich land with its natural artesian well. Sadly, two of the Tucker boys contract polio and Birch is forced to borrow money from the Jensons to pay the hospital bill. They quickly draw up an unfair contract which the dazed father doesn't read before signing.
In order to get the money to pay the Jenson, Birch and Jefferson, both veterans of WWI, travel to Washington in hopes of receiving a bonus promised to veterans. With no money, they travel like hoboes, jumping on moving freight trains and living hand to mouth. When they arrive in Washington with thousand of other veterans and their families, they are treated like scum and eventually beaten and forced out. They travel to California, which people refer to as "The Promised Land," in search of jobs and promise to send for their families as soon as possible.
While they are gone, the greedy Jensons make a move to take the Tucker's land, building a railroad spur through the middle of their best field. Trudy comes back from this with an ingenious plan to feed the railroad workers, further infuriating the Jensons. For spite, the Jensons set explosives to destroy the well and hire the local KKK to burn down the Canfield's cabin, which had been used for the cafe. All the money burns with it.
Trudy struggles to keep going, facing drought and a dust storm, which forces her to sell the family's cow and mules. Finally, the Jensons find a way to take their farm and Trudy has to watch as her whole life is auctioned off to strangers. With the clock ticking, she waits for word from California . . . only to face one more hurdle, a literal plague of locusts.
Through all these trials, God provides for the family in miraculous ways, just at the moment when Trudy's faith is at it lowest. Jefferson's mother, Willa Mae, is always ready with a prayer and words of wisdom from the Bible. Many other characters are also kind and helpful; the kind of neighbors you can count on.
I have read this twice. We can learn from the struggles of previous generations. We can also be reminded that God is always with us in the midst of our troubles, which may feel just as big to us as Trudy's did back in 1931.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2018
This book focuses on Birch Tucker, Trudy Tucker, and their children: Tom, Bobby and Joey.
Max Meyer, Rebecca Meyer, and David Meyer are headed for China. Before David leaves, he participates in a possum hunt with Tom and Bobby.
Joey won a blue ribbon: for their chicken.
Tom and another boy have a possum hunting challenge with their dogs.
Polio. Borrowing money from the Jensen's at Meribah.
Choosing which child survives.
Neighborly help in making leg braces. The treatment for Bobby's leg.
Birch and Jeff, being Veterans, march on Washington for the Bonus Bill. And then being forced out after the Bill failed.
Birch and Jeff learned to ride the trains before (the Jensen's owned most of the job opportunities and so they couldn't get jobs) and went to California.
The Jensen's worked with the railroad and destroyed the Tucker cotton crop to make a railroad spur for coal. The fights between Trudy and Caro-line Jensen for control as Trudy kept losing and Caro-line kept gaining. Dreamland Cafe to feed the workers - and then blowing up the well. Mr. Frost bringing water. Arson of the building.
Threats. Inventory. Auction. Neighborly help.
Mr. Frost trading traveling with him to California for Trudy, Lily and Willa-Mae's cooking.
Reuniting with the Griers and their husbands - Tom stuck speechless by Sally Grier...... Unknown if these two actually got married.
Max Meyer, Rebecca Meyer, and David Meyer are headed for China. Before David leaves, he participates in a possum hunt with Tom and Bobby.
Joey won a blue ribbon: for their chicken.
Tom and another boy have a possum hunting challenge with their dogs.
Polio. Borrowing money from the Jensen's at Meribah.
Choosing which child survives.
Neighborly help in making leg braces. The treatment for Bobby's leg.
Birch and Jeff, being Veterans, march on Washington for the Bonus Bill. And then being forced out after the Bill failed.
Birch and Jeff learned to ride the trains before (the Jensen's owned most of the job opportunities and so they couldn't get jobs) and went to California.
The Jensen's worked with the railroad and destroyed the Tucker cotton crop to make a railroad spur for coal. The fights between Trudy and Caro-line Jensen for control as Trudy kept losing and Caro-line kept gaining. Dreamland Cafe to feed the workers - and then blowing up the well. Mr. Frost bringing water. Arson of the building.
Threats. Inventory. Auction. Neighborly help.
Mr. Frost trading traveling with him to California for Trudy, Lily and Willa-Mae's cooking.
Reuniting with the Griers and their husbands - Tom stuck speechless by Sally Grier...... Unknown if these two actually got married.
December 2, 2021
This is the only book about the author's ancestors that I have read. (I've previously read some of their other offerings and that's what made me pick this one up.) The fact that this book is based on the author's family history made it very interesting to me. I haven't read much about the effects of the Great Depression or the lives of folks in the midwest during that time, and this book educated me and kept me interested. I also learned about the injustices of the rich on the poor that occurred at least in this area during that time and it reminded me of John Adams' quote: "Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." Although there is much to be depressed about in this historical narrative, the overriding theme was that God can be trusted in spite of evidence to the contrary and the struggle to maintain this belief. I did think the ending was abrupt and would appreciate a sequel. How did the family do in CA???
October 11, 2025
IMO this suffered from too many trials and tribulations. At nearly 500 pages maybe it should have been broken into two volumes. Here comes a spoiler: near the end it turns out that the money they've been trying to send home has really been stolen by someone who promised to mail it home for them. When they figure out what has happened---the farm was already lost, the family might never find them---we don't really know what happened to the thief. The boss "makes it up" to them by giving them better paying job. Mind you, they probably got cheated out of months worth of pay.
But it's just glossed over. That REALLY doesn't sit well with me. The author has something of a duty to the reader. For that reason I would be mighty hesitant to pick up another book by this author or recommend to another reader.
Grapes of Wrath is better.
But it's just glossed over. That REALLY doesn't sit well with me. The author has something of a duty to the reader. For that reason I would be mighty hesitant to pick up another book by this author or recommend to another reader.
Grapes of Wrath is better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2018
My dad grew up in Hartford, so reading all these familiar names - Jim Fork, Sugar Loaf, Huntington - made me really nostalgic. He was a town kid, and these are farm kid stories, so they aren't his stories, but they are true to the time period and how desperate everyone was during the drought and the depression, the closing of the mines, epidemics and bankruptcies and foreclosures. To the end of her life, my mom maintained that there were only two kinds of people, rich people and regular people, and there's a big strain of resentment running through the book, but that's true to the time period as well.
July 4, 2021
While not officially part of the Shiloh Legacy trilogy, this novel follows the Tucker and Canfield families as they must revise their dreams in the face of drought, greedy land barons, the advancing railroad, coal miners, racism, the Depression, dust storms, grasshoppers, and family tragedy.
These are characters so deeply felt by readers that it is bittersweet to reach the end of the novel, knowing that we've really turned the last page on their lives, even if we wish we could follow the trajectories of their lives for the rest of the Great American Century.
These are characters so deeply felt by readers that it is bittersweet to reach the end of the novel, knowing that we've really turned the last page on their lives, even if we wish we could follow the trajectories of their lives for the rest of the Great American Century.
August 19, 2025
This is a wonderful read, it was like the Grapes of Wrath and Where the Red Fern Grows. Set in Arkansas during the dust bowl and the great depression a family must deal with crooker bankers, and cotton gin owners to try and survive during some of the hardest times in American history.
This book can be read alone but there are 3 other books that tells their story even farther back.
A great book is one that you don't want to end, you are so involved with the characters and their lives you want to continue to be part of their lives. This was one such book.
This book can be read alone but there are 3 other books that tells their story even farther back.
A great book is one that you don't want to end, you are so involved with the characters and their lives you want to continue to be part of their lives. This was one such book.
November 29, 2025
Excellent book. I'd give it more stars if I could. I love these authors. The characters are believable, and the situations are described so well that you are able to imagine yourself being there. The story takes place in Arkansas in 1931/32 and gives a picture of what it must have been like for the farmers and people of small towns as the depression and drought (dust bowl) takes hold of their lives. This book embodies how the human spirit can survive in the midst of cruelty, betrayal, and hopelessness. And yet, the spirit can survive when surrounded by faith and determination.
November 9, 2018
An engrossing tale of a small, poor community in rural Arkansas during the early 1930s. We follow the few ups and many downs that people of the area must have lived through during this time of depression and dust-bowl. It takes 30-40 pages to get into the story but after that you are totally engaged in the life of each character. Recommended for historical fiction fans and those that like human interest stories.
March 16, 2021
The overall story arch was good. I enjoyed learning the story of a time that isn’t hugely popular in historical fiction.
I feel like the book could have used another round of editing. 100 pages could have been cut out and it would have been a more enjoyable read while keeping the entire plot the same. Also, dialectical writing like this makes me cringe. The characters were nice but a little saccharine.
Overall it was a nice, long weekend read.
I feel like the book could have used another round of editing. 100 pages could have been cut out and it would have been a more enjoyable read while keeping the entire plot the same. Also, dialectical writing like this makes me cringe. The characters were nice but a little saccharine.
Overall it was a nice, long weekend read.
July 6, 2025
My opinion of this book changed throughout the story. Riveting though it may been for the last 100 pages…it took me 370 pages to get to that point. I detest stopping books, but I almost did with this one. I have heard nothing but wonderful things from these authors and the reviews are all very high. I found it to be truthful, realistic, depressing, heartbreaking, angering, boring, page-turning, and wonderful at the same time. But…it will be a minute before I read one of their books again.
July 5, 2020
A wonderful ending to the Shiloh Series! I am going to miss all the characters especially the Canfield and the Tucker's, they had begun to feel like family! Reading this series during all that is going on in the world right now was at times a little strange. The series gave me some perspective on things and how resilient the human spirit is.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews