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Runaway Soul
Jackie Macon has built a successful career for herself, first as a special-needs teacher, then as principal of one of L.A.'s most diverse public schools. Only months before her retirement, new mandatory background checks threaten to expose Jackie's darkest secrets, secrets she's kept buried for nearly fifty years. As Jackie pleads with her husband Peter for help, her carefully hidden past unfolds. Alabama, 1961- As an ambitious student, Jackie is looking forward to her senior year, with hopes for college. However, on Homecoming morning, her father's infidelity causes her world to change suddenly and irrevocably. In the year that follows, Jackie and her sister are increasingly trapped by poverty, Jim Crow, and ongoing violence and abuse-and Jackie is ultimately forced to protect herself in ways she never imagined. Ways which now, fifty years later, may prove to be her undoing.
226 pages, Paperback
Published October 29, 2017
151 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
Tiffani Quarles-Sanders
6 books52 followersA native of Montgomery, Alabama, Tiffani Quarles-Sanders is an author and the owner of Hollow Bridge Publishing. She holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Alabama State University. Tiffani retired from the Montgomery Board of Education with over 25 years of teaching experience.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
December 28, 2017
Runaway Gem!!!
This book is an outstanding read! It was exciting, thought provoking, interesting, and I was on the edge of my seat! I would recommend this for anyone to read. 👏👏👏
This book is an outstanding read! It was exciting, thought provoking, interesting, and I was on the edge of my seat! I would recommend this for anyone to read. 👏👏👏
August 25, 2018
Excellent Story
I love a good love story and since I'm from Montgomery it was interesting hearing about landmarks such as ASU and other areas around Montgomery. Overall I enjoyed the story and it was a quick read.
I love a good love story and since I'm from Montgomery it was interesting hearing about landmarks such as ASU and other areas around Montgomery. Overall I enjoyed the story and it was a quick read.
August 29, 2018
Secrets Come To Light
This story of life and tragedy in the 60s was an easy read and a page turner. The author did an excellent job pulling you into the main character, Gloria,s life. You felt her dreams, fear, and happiness!
This story of life and tragedy in the 60s was an easy read and a page turner. The author did an excellent job pulling you into the main character, Gloria,s life. You felt her dreams, fear, and happiness!
August 6, 2018
An excellent read. This book had me so caught up. It reminded me of those cautionary tales from the South my great grandmother Mama Nu or others may have whispered when we kids should not have been listening.
December 30, 2022
Excellent Read!
This book really hit me in my feelers! It has a little history, delves into the difficulty of familial ties back in the time of Jim Crow, as well as the helplessness endured by both genders of the black race. For many men in that dispensation of time strong drink and a roving eye dimmed the pain of their endurance. Yet for the women - endurance is seen in a fierce determination to keep the family in tact - regardless of it’s underpinnings, to dependency on God in the midst, while also turning blind eye to the actions of their spouse - even though steeped in shame and heartache. It also sets forth the relationship between siblings. In addition, it touches on the burden of being unable to release the burden of tragedies so as not to be further inundated with suffering caused by revealing the truth of such tragedies and racial injustices - even to your own family. It definitely lays open-face how devastating events can derail someone’s life, all but killing dreams, hopes and aspirations but for that “something” on the inside SO strong - determined! The essence of the character Black Gal is reminiscent of the closeness and common cause of blacks during that period in time, regardless of extenuating circumstances or the interconnection between the characters (the main character’s father’s relationship with Black Gal’s daughter). The character Richard is of great comfort and help to Gloria a/k/a Jackie, and is instrumental in helping to secure her safe passage. He is honored by her in the end, though that honor is posthumously.
Although the ending played out well insofar as how it written - in theory, I found it a little unrealistic insofar as how the main heroine is received by law enforcement upon her return. I dare say it would not be that cut and dry, racial progress notwithstanding even today.
My response to the ending was mixed. Nice to see some form of reconciliation between the main heroine and her father, but left unsaid was the resolution of what caused her to reveal her past in the first place, at least as it related to her position as principal.
Having said as much, I nevertheless found this novel to be excellent read!
This book really hit me in my feelers! It has a little history, delves into the difficulty of familial ties back in the time of Jim Crow, as well as the helplessness endured by both genders of the black race. For many men in that dispensation of time strong drink and a roving eye dimmed the pain of their endurance. Yet for the women - endurance is seen in a fierce determination to keep the family in tact - regardless of it’s underpinnings, to dependency on God in the midst, while also turning blind eye to the actions of their spouse - even though steeped in shame and heartache. It also sets forth the relationship between siblings. In addition, it touches on the burden of being unable to release the burden of tragedies so as not to be further inundated with suffering caused by revealing the truth of such tragedies and racial injustices - even to your own family. It definitely lays open-face how devastating events can derail someone’s life, all but killing dreams, hopes and aspirations but for that “something” on the inside SO strong - determined! The essence of the character Black Gal is reminiscent of the closeness and common cause of blacks during that period in time, regardless of extenuating circumstances or the interconnection between the characters (the main character’s father’s relationship with Black Gal’s daughter). The character Richard is of great comfort and help to Gloria a/k/a Jackie, and is instrumental in helping to secure her safe passage. He is honored by her in the end, though that honor is posthumously.
Although the ending played out well insofar as how it written - in theory, I found it a little unrealistic insofar as how the main heroine is received by law enforcement upon her return. I dare say it would not be that cut and dry, racial progress notwithstanding even today.
My response to the ending was mixed. Nice to see some form of reconciliation between the main heroine and her father, but left unsaid was the resolution of what caused her to reveal her past in the first place, at least as it related to her position as principal.
Having said as much, I nevertheless found this novel to be excellent read!
December 6, 2017
Excellent
This book was so good. It touched my soul. Made me feel things I didn't want to feel and remember a South that I wish could be erased. The story of Jackie's life and her dream to help make a better world was so vividly told, I felt I was her. Her dreams, her struggle to be more than a housewife or maid to a white household were discouraged by her father. A black man in the South of the fifties/sixties era just wanted to fly under the radar and not seem too haughty to the white man. But his struggle was his undoing; his failures led to an affair that eventually tore his family apart. Jackie had to take on so much, relinquishing her goals to a now functioning alcoholic as a father. Her story is raw and sad. Even though she eventually meets her goal, an unspeakable past hangs over her head; not even her husband knows. The author did an excellent job with this story. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more by Ms. Quarles+Sanders.
This book was so good. It touched my soul. Made me feel things I didn't want to feel and remember a South that I wish could be erased. The story of Jackie's life and her dream to help make a better world was so vividly told, I felt I was her. Her dreams, her struggle to be more than a housewife or maid to a white household were discouraged by her father. A black man in the South of the fifties/sixties era just wanted to fly under the radar and not seem too haughty to the white man. But his struggle was his undoing; his failures led to an affair that eventually tore his family apart. Jackie had to take on so much, relinquishing her goals to a now functioning alcoholic as a father. Her story is raw and sad. Even though she eventually meets her goal, an unspeakable past hangs over her head; not even her husband knows. The author did an excellent job with this story. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more by Ms. Quarles+Sanders.
April 17, 2022
African American Fiction. African American Historical Fiction.
Tiffani Sanders did her thang on Runaway Soul. This was a page turner. I had to finish this one. I wasn't moving until I finished it. That's how much this story held my attention. It will pull at those heart strings.
Jackie Macon is a principal approaching retirement. An announcement at the district's principal meeting one afternoon rocks her world. Her husband comes to realize that it's strange he knows nothing about his wife's past. The demands of her place of employment and husband has cornered her. Just as she's approaching retirement, her past has returned to haunt her.
This story will reflect upon Jackie's past in the 60's coming up in Alabama.
This is another story that should be made into a movie.
I enjoyed this novel.
Tiffani Sanders did her thang on Runaway Soul. This was a page turner. I had to finish this one. I wasn't moving until I finished it. That's how much this story held my attention. It will pull at those heart strings.
Jackie Macon is a principal approaching retirement. An announcement at the district's principal meeting one afternoon rocks her world. Her husband comes to realize that it's strange he knows nothing about his wife's past. The demands of her place of employment and husband has cornered her. Just as she's approaching retirement, her past has returned to haunt her.
This story will reflect upon Jackie's past in the 60's coming up in Alabama.
This is another story that should be made into a movie.
I enjoyed this novel.
April 23, 2018
Beautiful heart and soul
This is my first time reading this author's book, and I wasn't sure what to expect. This book displayed love, happiness, sadness, death, secrets, cruelty, but mainly showed the strength, relentless love, resilience, tenacity, determination, gentle spirit, beautiful heart and soul, and the fortitude of the main character. Jackie endured so much during her life that she only allowed people in half way. The New safety feature at school was a blessing in disguise because she released her burden and past to her husband Peter and found the courage to finally confront her past. In doing so, Jackie was able to make peace as well as found precious treasures that was worth far more than gold.
This is my first time reading this author's book, and I wasn't sure what to expect. This book displayed love, happiness, sadness, death, secrets, cruelty, but mainly showed the strength, relentless love, resilience, tenacity, determination, gentle spirit, beautiful heart and soul, and the fortitude of the main character. Jackie endured so much during her life that she only allowed people in half way. The New safety feature at school was a blessing in disguise because she released her burden and past to her husband Peter and found the courage to finally confront her past. In doing so, Jackie was able to make peace as well as found precious treasures that was worth far more than gold.
July 28, 2023
Exceptionally moving
This book pulls on the heartstrings. It held my interest during the entire story. It had Mr adevoted to my seat. Unthinkable things happened to many of the characters and some of them were the culprits. It contains life lessons which can still be learned from to this day. It contains Lessons of perserverance, not Giving up, strength beyond understanding and some twists which I'll never tell. A must read. Thank you Tiffany quad leaves needs for this movie worthy book.
This book pulls on the heartstrings. It held my interest during the entire story. It had Mr adevoted to my seat. Unthinkable things happened to many of the characters and some of them were the culprits. It contains life lessons which can still be learned from to this day. It contains Lessons of perserverance, not Giving up, strength beyond understanding and some twists which I'll never tell. A must read. Thank you Tiffany quad leaves needs for this movie worthy book.
May 30, 2018
Excellent
I really enjoyed this book. Read it in one day. Even though Jackie was running from her past, she found redemption and reconciliation in the end. She was able to make peace with her father in the end. This was the work of historical fiction. Reminds me of the story called The Help and how black maids were treated in the deep south during the Jim Crow era. I recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this book. Read it in one day. Even though Jackie was running from her past, she found redemption and reconciliation in the end. She was able to make peace with her father in the end. This was the work of historical fiction. Reminds me of the story called The Help and how black maids were treated in the deep south during the Jim Crow era. I recommend this book.
September 7, 2018
*grumble grumble grumble* Most of this book is a trip into the past, to discover Gloria's long buried secret of the man she killed and the family she left behind. The current day portion is....thin. I didn't buy Peter's reaction to Gloria's news and once she got back to her old hometown, things were just too... pat.
The actual story, though is pretty gripping, though I'm tired of reading books where young girls are raped by nasty old men.
The actual story, though is pretty gripping, though I'm tired of reading books where young girls are raped by nasty old men.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2018
Great story
A great read. Once you begin reading it, you cannot put the book down. You quickly get caught up in the emotions ... The anger, the sadness, the joy! Truly enjoyed each of the characters...Gloria, Linda, Black Gal, Stella, Richard.... And how the story unraveled around each of them. Black Gal was more than you ever could have imagined, and there are so many heroines in the real world depicted by this character. Loved this book!
A great read. Once you begin reading it, you cannot put the book down. You quickly get caught up in the emotions ... The anger, the sadness, the joy! Truly enjoyed each of the characters...Gloria, Linda, Black Gal, Stella, Richard.... And how the story unraveled around each of them. Black Gal was more than you ever could have imagined, and there are so many heroines in the real world depicted by this character. Loved this book!
November 2, 2018
Excellent read☺
5 stars because it was a great read from the beginning to the end. I would recommend this book to others . Story was well written and keep me interested from beginning to end. Will check out other books by this author.
5 stars because it was a great read from the beginning to the end. I would recommend this book to others . Story was well written and keep me interested from beginning to end. Will check out other books by this author.
April 19, 2019
Good book
I enjoyed the story, from the very beginning .first chapters pulls you in, ending a little predictable , yet did not blemish my reading experience. I would and have recommended this book.
I enjoyed the story, from the very beginning .first chapters pulls you in, ending a little predictable , yet did not blemish my reading experience. I would and have recommended this book.
August 25, 2020
A Great Novel
This was a great read. No matter what went on in the Russell family, Gloria was always the forgiving, loving daughter. Loved how she took care of Linda . Will recommend this book.
This was a great read. No matter what went on in the Russell family, Gloria was always the forgiving, loving daughter. Loved how she took care of Linda . Will recommend this book.
August 9, 2021
Great book for an afternoon read
Good read. Great storyline, quite heartfelt. I started it and couldn't put it down until I finished. The author made you feel a wave of emotions . I enjoyed it.
Good read. Great storyline, quite heartfelt. I started it and couldn't put it down until I finished. The author made you feel a wave of emotions . I enjoyed it.
July 16, 2022
Excellent Read
This book kept my interest from the very beginning all the way to the last word. I was quite surprised at what had evolved as a result of the tragedy that caused Gloria to run away.
This book kept my interest from the very beginning all the way to the last word. I was quite surprised at what had evolved as a result of the tragedy that caused Gloria to run away.
November 17, 2022
Past and present comes together to unite lost souls
An expanding story that finds its way through unresolved history and frees those that were captives in time. You will struggle to care about some of these people. And you even forgive them.
An expanding story that finds its way through unresolved history and frees those that were captives in time. You will struggle to care about some of these people. And you even forgive them.
February 11, 2023
an incredible book
It is hard to describe this book. It is gut wrenching & sad, yet it’s character show strength and integrity, hope and determination. It is a true story for so many women.. Kudos to this author,she not only touched my heart but also my soul.
It is hard to describe this book. It is gut wrenching & sad, yet it’s character show strength and integrity, hope and determination. It is a true story for so many women.. Kudos to this author,she not only touched my heart but also my soul.
June 30, 2023
Runaway Soul had me on an emotional roller coaster. Jackie Macon bothered me because she didn't tell her husband about her past. Gloria and Linda Russell stole my heart and my emotions on high alert. This is my first book by Tiffani Quarles-Sanders. However, it won't be my last.
August 6, 2023
Great book!
I could not stop reading this book. The characters were real and engaging. I could feel their emotions, and I understood the choices that they felt that they had to make. The ending made me happy and sad. Great read!
I could not stop reading this book. The characters were real and engaging. I could feel their emotions, and I understood the choices that they felt that they had to make. The ending made me happy and sad. Great read!
June 29, 2024
10/10
What a remarkable story! It was at different from anything I've read. It was an easy read, the storyline was remarkable, and the secrets that came out had me on the edge of my seat. I would recommend this book to anyone that loves a good story! 10/10
What a remarkable story! It was at different from anything I've read. It was an easy read, the storyline was remarkable, and the secrets that came out had me on the edge of my seat. I would recommend this book to anyone that loves a good story! 10/10
January 18, 2018
Great read!
This is my third book by this author. I’m a fan! She is going on my read first list. Great story!
This is my third book by this author. I’m a fan! She is going on my read first list. Great story!
August 15, 2018
Wow
This book was very informative, excellent read I would definitely recommend it. I loved how the story unfolded again a very good read
This book was very informative, excellent read I would definitely recommend it. I loved how the story unfolded again a very good read
January 10, 2019
Really good read. So realistic. I love the characters. I felt so sorry for Gloria. Couldn’t even imagine a life where I wasn’t able to go chase my dreams.
January 20, 2019
Loved it
Really good and we'll written. Very interesting and well told story. Plus I love happy endings. I definitely recommend this book.
Really good and we'll written. Very interesting and well told story. Plus I love happy endings. I definitely recommend this book.
May 20, 2019
Captivating, well written. Could not put the book down. I recommend this read
November 4, 2019
Good read. Recommend it.
Good read. Jackie secret life is revealed in such a interesting way. Peter was very supportive. He loved her very much.
Good read. Jackie secret life is revealed in such a interesting way. Peter was very supportive. He loved her very much.
April 21, 2020
Wonderful
My girlfriend recommended this book and I couldn't put it down. I loved it. You are a great writer and glad I aS introduced.
My girlfriend recommended this book and I couldn't put it down. I loved it. You are a great writer and glad I aS introduced.
November 19, 2020
Trying to open my view to different authors and family stories. Enjoyed the flight from the past which the main character makes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews