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Bucklin Family Reunion #1
High Cotton
Some families are filled with so much love they can’t help but drive each other crazy
Shay Henke has mixed feelings about going to her family’s next reunion. On the one hand, she’ll get to see everyone in her mama's family—folks she loves unconditionally. On the other hand, she knows there’ll be more drama than you can shake a stick at.
The days leading up to the event bring one surprise after another. First Shay must deal with her sister-in-law’s deep, dark secret. Then she has to contend with the childish ways of her business-mogul twin cousins. And when her high school crush wants to be her date to the reunion . . . well, it may have been a dream come true for Shay’s teen self, but the woman she’s become doesn’t know what to make of this.
Shay’s contentment is challenged, and she’s determined to shake things up a bit. But will she find the excitement she’s looking for, or will Shay realize she prefers her quiet and predictable life? One thing is certain: Life in the Bucklin family is never boring.
Shay Henke has mixed feelings about going to her family’s next reunion. On the one hand, she’ll get to see everyone in her mama's family—folks she loves unconditionally. On the other hand, she knows there’ll be more drama than you can shake a stick at.
The days leading up to the event bring one surprise after another. First Shay must deal with her sister-in-law’s deep, dark secret. Then she has to contend with the childish ways of her business-mogul twin cousins. And when her high school crush wants to be her date to the reunion . . . well, it may have been a dream come true for Shay’s teen self, but the woman she’s become doesn’t know what to make of this.
Shay’s contentment is challenged, and she’s determined to shake things up a bit. But will she find the excitement she’s looking for, or will Shay realize she prefers her quiet and predictable life? One thing is certain: Life in the Bucklin family is never boring.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2018
26 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
Debby Mayne
134 books73 followersDebby Mayne has published more than 30 books and novellas, 400 print short stories and articles, more than 1,000 web articles, and a slew of devotions for women. She has also worked as managing editor of a national health magazine, product information writer for HSN, a creative writing instructor for Long Ridge Writers Group, and a copy editor and proofreader for several book publishers. For the past eight years, she has judged the Writers Digest Annual Competition, Short-Short Contest, and Self-Published Book Competition. Three of Debby’s books have been top ten favorites by the Heartsong Presents book club. Love Finds You in Treasure Island, Florida received 4-1/2 stars from Romantic Times Magazine, and was named a Top Pick for the month of July 2009.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
March 24, 2026
High Cotton
Debby Mayne
Shay Henke can’t believe her eyes when she receives an invitation to another family reunion. She loves her family to death, but it seems like every few months they are having another reunion. Yes, she is excited to see her mother’s family once again but she knows the reunion will be filled with so much drama. I’ve never read a Debby Mayne novel before, but after reading HIGH COTTON I know this one won’t be my last. This heart warming story is filled with laugh out loud moments and so much family drama that the reader will not be able to put it down.
While all of this is going on, Shay is trying to keep a big secret from her brother, Digger and it has to do with his wife, Puddin. Yes, that is really her name. She has been working behind his back and doesn’t want him to know because of his pride and being able to provide for his family. Shay really tries to keep everyone happy and tries to take care of all of her family, but there is only so much she can do. This latest family reunion is going to be the death of her if she doesn’t put on the brakes with trying to keep the peace. Every one of her family members knows there’s going to be family drama and trust me, they are not disappointed. HIGH COTTON is so funny but also filled with family, love, faith, and depth.
HIGH COTTON is a quick read and unputdownable! There were quite a few times when reading it that I wanted to reach into the pages and slap a few of these family members. But that’s how families are, you love them and they drive you crazy at the same time. If you love southern women’s fiction and small town stories, HIGH COTTON will not disappoint. I found myself laughing one second and then tearing up the next. If you are looking for a beautiful story to pull you out of your book slump, you can’t go wrong with HIGH COTTON. I’m so excited to continue with this series. I’d much rather deal with the Bucklin family then my very own. Debby Mayne is now one of my auto buy authors.
HIGH COTTON is the first book in the Bucklin Family Reunion series. I received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Debby Mayne
Shay Henke can’t believe her eyes when she receives an invitation to another family reunion. She loves her family to death, but it seems like every few months they are having another reunion. Yes, she is excited to see her mother’s family once again but she knows the reunion will be filled with so much drama. I’ve never read a Debby Mayne novel before, but after reading HIGH COTTON I know this one won’t be my last. This heart warming story is filled with laugh out loud moments and so much family drama that the reader will not be able to put it down.
While all of this is going on, Shay is trying to keep a big secret from her brother, Digger and it has to do with his wife, Puddin. Yes, that is really her name. She has been working behind his back and doesn’t want him to know because of his pride and being able to provide for his family. Shay really tries to keep everyone happy and tries to take care of all of her family, but there is only so much she can do. This latest family reunion is going to be the death of her if she doesn’t put on the brakes with trying to keep the peace. Every one of her family members knows there’s going to be family drama and trust me, they are not disappointed. HIGH COTTON is so funny but also filled with family, love, faith, and depth.
HIGH COTTON is a quick read and unputdownable! There were quite a few times when reading it that I wanted to reach into the pages and slap a few of these family members. But that’s how families are, you love them and they drive you crazy at the same time. If you love southern women’s fiction and small town stories, HIGH COTTON will not disappoint. I found myself laughing one second and then tearing up the next. If you are looking for a beautiful story to pull you out of your book slump, you can’t go wrong with HIGH COTTON. I’m so excited to continue with this series. I’d much rather deal with the Bucklin family then my very own. Debby Mayne is now one of my auto buy authors.
HIGH COTTON is the first book in the Bucklin Family Reunion series. I received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
May 17, 2021
High Cotton
High Cotton is the latest in first in the "Bucklin Family Reunion Series", a Christian contemporary series about a Southern family who is crazy about family reunions. The story is told from the perspective of few different females in the family and alternates between them. From the young, twenty- something wealthy entrepreneurial twins, Sarah and Sally, to Shay, in her 30's and still looking for Mr. Right, to Puddin' and Missy, both been married for a couple decades each and having their own relationship challenges. The story culminates with the family reunion, a local long-standing tradition that is famous in that area for its antics and people who aren't related long to go to, attended by all the nosey busybody Bucklin relations, each trying to outdo the other with the culinary delights they bring and stories of their own successes. I thought the faith message twining through the tale nicely done and shown the Biblical guidelines practiced in a contemporary real-life way. I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review-- thank you!
High Cotton is the latest in first in the "Bucklin Family Reunion Series", a Christian contemporary series about a Southern family who is crazy about family reunions. The story is told from the perspective of few different females in the family and alternates between them. From the young, twenty- something wealthy entrepreneurial twins, Sarah and Sally, to Shay, in her 30's and still looking for Mr. Right, to Puddin' and Missy, both been married for a couple decades each and having their own relationship challenges. The story culminates with the family reunion, a local long-standing tradition that is famous in that area for its antics and people who aren't related long to go to, attended by all the nosey busybody Bucklin relations, each trying to outdo the other with the culinary delights they bring and stories of their own successes. I thought the faith message twining through the tale nicely done and shown the Biblical guidelines practiced in a contemporary real-life way. I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review-- thank you!
April 6, 2018
Southern women’s fiction is a genre I’ve found to be a delightful mix of sassy, sweet, and poignant. It’s about strong women who ‘bless your heart’ when you’re a hot mess and feed you something fried or baked or casseroled if you stand still for two seconds put together. Despite the fact that I grew up in the Northern US, my family has deep Southern roots and I now live in Kentucky – so, these characters in Mayne’s latest are my people.
In High Cotton we meet a passel of characters – most of them Bucklins by birth or by marriage. However, we see the story from the varying first-person perspectives of four specific women: Shay Henke, her sister-in-law Puddin’, her cousin Missy and her second-cousin Sally (one half of a set of twins). The shift in POVs is clear (thanks to chapter headings & different personalites) and this choice in structure is very effective at adding layers to the story and making the characters come alive.
None of these women have it all together, making them easy to relate to and cheer on. Readers become fully invested in each woman, watching to see how the various threads intersect and waiting to see how it all plays out. We start the book watching each of the four main characters react to the invitation to another upcoming – infamous – Bucklin family reunion, and as the book progresses everything is gearing up for the big event – one which each of them are attending rather reluctantly. I enjoyed all four of the women and their compelling storylines – from new romance to conflict within marriage to family interaction, they all involve some measure of forging your own identity apart from the expectations of others and letting God shape your path.
Bottom Line: High Cotton from Debby Mayne builds up anticipation for a family reunion where anything can happen – and it does not disappoint. Yet, even more than the few chapters dedicated to the family reunion itself, the heart of this novel is the characters and their growth throughout. Four different personalities, four different areas of conflict, four different Bucklin women with authentic and sincere hearts. Their story is fun and southern, with a little sass and a lot of family thrown in for good measure. You will laugh and maybe even cry a little but you will definitely be looking forward to what’s in store in book 2!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
In High Cotton we meet a passel of characters – most of them Bucklins by birth or by marriage. However, we see the story from the varying first-person perspectives of four specific women: Shay Henke, her sister-in-law Puddin’, her cousin Missy and her second-cousin Sally (one half of a set of twins). The shift in POVs is clear (thanks to chapter headings & different personalites) and this choice in structure is very effective at adding layers to the story and making the characters come alive.
None of these women have it all together, making them easy to relate to and cheer on. Readers become fully invested in each woman, watching to see how the various threads intersect and waiting to see how it all plays out. We start the book watching each of the four main characters react to the invitation to another upcoming – infamous – Bucklin family reunion, and as the book progresses everything is gearing up for the big event – one which each of them are attending rather reluctantly. I enjoyed all four of the women and their compelling storylines – from new romance to conflict within marriage to family interaction, they all involve some measure of forging your own identity apart from the expectations of others and letting God shape your path.
Bottom Line: High Cotton from Debby Mayne builds up anticipation for a family reunion where anything can happen – and it does not disappoint. Yet, even more than the few chapters dedicated to the family reunion itself, the heart of this novel is the characters and their growth throughout. Four different personalities, four different areas of conflict, four different Bucklin women with authentic and sincere hearts. Their story is fun and southern, with a little sass and a lot of family thrown in for good measure. You will laugh and maybe even cry a little but you will definitely be looking forward to what’s in store in book 2!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
March 11, 2018
Sweet tea and a southern family reunion. This book was not what I expected, I loved the whole story. All five of the main characters brought something different and they all felt like family, even the ones that I want to knock up side the head.
You are going to want to grab a copy of this fun, light hearted read.
I am so excited that this is a series and we are going back to the family reunion again this fall. I can't wait.
I gave this book 4 stars. I recommend getting your copy right away and getting to know the Bucklin family.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
You are going to want to grab a copy of this fun, light hearted read.
I am so excited that this is a series and we are going back to the family reunion again this fall. I can't wait.
I gave this book 4 stars. I recommend getting your copy right away and getting to know the Bucklin family.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
April 4, 2018
From the first page, High Cotton has you jumping into the family with both feet and before you know it you're knee deep in characters with their quirks, smirks, roses and thorns, and pure southern goodness. Be prepared because there are stories within the story and you have to have your bonnet tied on tight to keep them all straight as you switch from one point of view to another.
What I like about some of the characters.......
"Shay" is a strong young Southern woman who is successful in business. She is single, but recently having encountered former high school crush has the date scene looking a bit promising. She is smart. She is successful. She is considerate and loving.
"The Twins: Sara and Sally" are in their early 20's and are highly successful (think large bank balances) with their Etsy business of making large bows! I totally love these two energetic, sentence sharing sweeties!
"Puddin'" is the middle aged wife and mother who is hiding a secret and who feels unappreciated and unloved. Nothing bad or sinister here, just simple middle age stuff that some sweet women experience.
Lots of other characters, but these hit the spot of favoritism with me. And they and all the others prepare for some southern living that really isn't too much different from northern or western living.
This is a delightfully fun book to read full of charm, quirkiness, sweetness, and humor that is a good book to share. Who knows? You just might find yourself written in as one of the characters. Will you find yourself in the pages of High Cotton?
I receive a complimentary copy from Gilead Publishing on behalf of the author to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and are freely given.
What I like about some of the characters.......
"Shay" is a strong young Southern woman who is successful in business. She is single, but recently having encountered former high school crush has the date scene looking a bit promising. She is smart. She is successful. She is considerate and loving.
"The Twins: Sara and Sally" are in their early 20's and are highly successful (think large bank balances) with their Etsy business of making large bows! I totally love these two energetic, sentence sharing sweeties!
"Puddin'" is the middle aged wife and mother who is hiding a secret and who feels unappreciated and unloved. Nothing bad or sinister here, just simple middle age stuff that some sweet women experience.
Lots of other characters, but these hit the spot of favoritism with me. And they and all the others prepare for some southern living that really isn't too much different from northern or western living.
This is a delightfully fun book to read full of charm, quirkiness, sweetness, and humor that is a good book to share. Who knows? You just might find yourself written in as one of the characters. Will you find yourself in the pages of High Cotton?
I receive a complimentary copy from Gilead Publishing on behalf of the author to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and are freely given.
March 22, 2018
A lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest, reading southern fiction is like entering another country. Mayne has done a good job, I think, at presenting the family dynamics of an extended southern family. There are the tendrils of jealousy that weave their way through relationships. There are the young women who are happily single but whose mothers think they'll end up old maids. There are the husbands who would rather go hunting than to a family reunion. There are also the sweetest of sisters-in-law who would help a family member regardless the cost.
The point of view alternates between five women in the extended family. That might not be the easiest way to present a story but it did flow more smoothly than I had anticipated. I did find it interesting to read how the various women reacted to events.
I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy a character driven plot highlighting the complex relationships found in an extended southern family. There is not a whole lot of excitement, action or suspense. But the family drama is intense and very interesting for a northerner like me.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
The point of view alternates between five women in the extended family. That might not be the easiest way to present a story but it did flow more smoothly than I had anticipated. I did find it interesting to read how the various women reacted to events.
I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy a character driven plot highlighting the complex relationships found in an extended southern family. There is not a whole lot of excitement, action or suspense. But the family drama is intense and very interesting for a northerner like me.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
March 19, 2018
High Cotton is a fun and delightful read. It is full relatable characters. They are connected to the Bucklin Family and the story is centered around their family reunion. I believe Puddin would have to be my favorite character. As a stay at home mom, I knew what she was going through on so many levels. There a variety of scenes that touched on my emotions. I giggled and I cried. It is just a down home, heartwarming read.
I give High Cotton 5 plus stars and I hope to read the next book in the series.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I give High Cotton 5 plus stars and I hope to read the next book in the series.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
March 21, 2018
HIGH COTTON is southern women's fiction, a whole different culture than say women's fiction set in the north. It's about a family, four different women, Shay, Puddin', Sally, and Missy, and the upcoming family reunion and why they don't all want to go (oh, the drama) and why they feel obligated to go, and all their deeply held secrets that they don't want everyone to know as well as those they want to use to impress everyone.
This is written in first person, with each character having their own chapter. It is sort of chick-litty but without the sarcasm. It is very definitely women's fiction (the back cover says romance, but romance is not the focus).
The mainest main character is Shay. She has the most points of view and she is also the one the blurb on the back cover of the book is about. She has her own drama, plus family drama, and then she accidentally becomes privy to her sister-in-law Puddin's big dark secret, adding even more drama.
I was a bit confused at first with all the first person main characters (who is Missy and how is she related to Shay again?) so it took awhile for me to get each character straight in my head and to remember what individual drama each character is dealing with. I think I would've enjoyed it more if she would have picked one character and stuck with her, and maybe used the other three as secondary characters, but for whatever reason that is not the way it was written. It does give us inside thoughts on the four different women and the big five questions: why, what, where, when and how...
Ms. Mayne is a stellar writer and if you like southern fiction, women's fiction, chicklit (minus sarcasm) and family drama you will love HIGH COTTON. This is the first book in her new series, Bucklin Family Reunion (and the series title says it all).
I absolutely adore the cover.
I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own. 3.5 stars rounded up.
This is written in first person, with each character having their own chapter. It is sort of chick-litty but without the sarcasm. It is very definitely women's fiction (the back cover says romance, but romance is not the focus).
The mainest main character is Shay. She has the most points of view and she is also the one the blurb on the back cover of the book is about. She has her own drama, plus family drama, and then she accidentally becomes privy to her sister-in-law Puddin's big dark secret, adding even more drama.
I was a bit confused at first with all the first person main characters (who is Missy and how is she related to Shay again?) so it took awhile for me to get each character straight in my head and to remember what individual drama each character is dealing with. I think I would've enjoyed it more if she would have picked one character and stuck with her, and maybe used the other three as secondary characters, but for whatever reason that is not the way it was written. It does give us inside thoughts on the four different women and the big five questions: why, what, where, when and how...
Ms. Mayne is a stellar writer and if you like southern fiction, women's fiction, chicklit (minus sarcasm) and family drama you will love HIGH COTTON. This is the first book in her new series, Bucklin Family Reunion (and the series title says it all).
I absolutely adore the cover.
I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own. 3.5 stars rounded up.
March 26, 2018
What do you think when you hear the word "Family Reunion?"
For some, it might be the opportunity to get together with those wonderful members of the family that are separated by the miles on rare moments like a family reunion.
For others it might be cringe worthy. Those are the times when you know family drama is about to become a full-blown theatrical production and that is just what Shay Henke has on her mind when she receives another invitation to the Bucklin Family Reunion. It seems like her family is always finding a way to bring everyone together even though its not all that it is cracked up to be. But then again, it's probably like that for most families. Time to reunite, share some beloved family memories and traditions and leave the drama hopefully in the closet for now and just smile and get along right?
Well if you have read any of Debby Mayne's novels, you know you are about to join in, whether you're ready or not to join in with the Bucklin clan. So grab a glass of sweet tea and sit back and unwind as all the wonderful characters she has created in her latest novel High Cotton is unveiled in the first of her series, the Bucklin Family Reunion! This is truly all about bringing a bit of the South and all it's traditions, sayings, accents and more to those who have never been privy to such a family affair. And you just know its not going to go off without a hitch either.
Just the cover alone is what got me wanting to read this, besides the premise of a wonderful drama filled family reunion that doesn't involve me personally and being a fan of anything Debby Mayne rights just makes me pick it up without having to know if it's going to be good or not. That's the thing with exceptional authors that write books that take you into the story line transporting you right in the middle of things. You've got those well-meaning elderly women who are wondering when you are going to find the right man and settle down before one becomes an old maid, the men in the family who would rather be doing anything but attending another one of these lively events and those in the family who believe it is their job to be a personal savior to anyone needing help.
I received High Cotton by Debby Mayne compliments of Litfuse Publicity and Gilead Publishing. I can't wait to read the very next novel Fit to Be Tied coming on the heels of this one, but as all exceptional series are, they are never soon enough for those of us that want even more. This is a wonderful summer novel and one I highly recommend and that is why I am giving this a 4.5 out of 5 stars. If this is your first Debby Mayne novel, you will want to check out everything else she has written, they are all wonderful novels that would definitely make it to my summer reading list.
For some, it might be the opportunity to get together with those wonderful members of the family that are separated by the miles on rare moments like a family reunion.
For others it might be cringe worthy. Those are the times when you know family drama is about to become a full-blown theatrical production and that is just what Shay Henke has on her mind when she receives another invitation to the Bucklin Family Reunion. It seems like her family is always finding a way to bring everyone together even though its not all that it is cracked up to be. But then again, it's probably like that for most families. Time to reunite, share some beloved family memories and traditions and leave the drama hopefully in the closet for now and just smile and get along right?
Well if you have read any of Debby Mayne's novels, you know you are about to join in, whether you're ready or not to join in with the Bucklin clan. So grab a glass of sweet tea and sit back and unwind as all the wonderful characters she has created in her latest novel High Cotton is unveiled in the first of her series, the Bucklin Family Reunion! This is truly all about bringing a bit of the South and all it's traditions, sayings, accents and more to those who have never been privy to such a family affair. And you just know its not going to go off without a hitch either.
Just the cover alone is what got me wanting to read this, besides the premise of a wonderful drama filled family reunion that doesn't involve me personally and being a fan of anything Debby Mayne rights just makes me pick it up without having to know if it's going to be good or not. That's the thing with exceptional authors that write books that take you into the story line transporting you right in the middle of things. You've got those well-meaning elderly women who are wondering when you are going to find the right man and settle down before one becomes an old maid, the men in the family who would rather be doing anything but attending another one of these lively events and those in the family who believe it is their job to be a personal savior to anyone needing help.
I received High Cotton by Debby Mayne compliments of Litfuse Publicity and Gilead Publishing. I can't wait to read the very next novel Fit to Be Tied coming on the heels of this one, but as all exceptional series are, they are never soon enough for those of us that want even more. This is a wonderful summer novel and one I highly recommend and that is why I am giving this a 4.5 out of 5 stars. If this is your first Debby Mayne novel, you will want to check out everything else she has written, they are all wonderful novels that would definitely make it to my summer reading list.
April 6, 2018
High Cotton was a story that took me by surprise as it was cute, whimsical, and heartfelt about a Southern family and its dysfunctions. This story is told by four people and each has their own voice. They are all family: Shay who seems to be the main character, her sister-in-law Puddin’, Sally who is a younger cousin and who is the twin of Sara, and finally Missy. The story centers on a big family reunion that is coming up and in this family there seems to be a lot of those. I found it humorous that even though the cousins didn’t want to go, none of them dared to miss the reunions.
As the time leads up to the reunion, we get a glimpse into each one of these ladies lives. Two of them are married with kids, Shay is nearing forty and not married, and Sally who is in her early twenties is also not married. Between the larger family drama, the inner family conflicts, and some crazy “secrets” that are kept from the light of day, I found this journey with the Bucklin family to be quite amusing. Their different mannerisms and how they related to each other brought this heartwarming story to life.
Families are blessings and sometimes irritating so. We don’t really choose them, we are either born or married into them and that makes for an interesting and sometimes funny combinations.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
As the time leads up to the reunion, we get a glimpse into each one of these ladies lives. Two of them are married with kids, Shay is nearing forty and not married, and Sally who is in her early twenties is also not married. Between the larger family drama, the inner family conflicts, and some crazy “secrets” that are kept from the light of day, I found this journey with the Bucklin family to be quite amusing. Their different mannerisms and how they related to each other brought this heartwarming story to life.
Families are blessings and sometimes irritating so. We don’t really choose them, we are either born or married into them and that makes for an interesting and sometimes funny combinations.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
March 31, 2018
High Cotton by Debby Mayne is a unique book in that each chapter brings a different point of view for the reader. Each chapter is the voice of the main character—the character that is experiencing pain, joy, or growth within that particular scene. Therefore, each chapter is titled with varying names, such as Shay, Puddin’, or Sally. I do not believe I have ever read a book constructed in this manner, but I love it! It was so interesting getting to know each character and how they viewed the world they were in—especially since all of the characters were a part of the same setting and family. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
Shay is the first person the reader is introduced to, and she is a single girl surround by married family members who want to see her enter the same circle. Love has been challenging for her, but at present, she knows two guys who might be potential boyfriend material. Yet, it is difficult to know and understand who these men really are, and what they want out life, because they seem to be constantly sending mixed messages to those around them. As Shay tries to observe their words and actions, she must come to some sort of conclusion about which path she should follow.
Puddin’ is married but sees herself entertaining a different role—besides wife and mother. She wants to be challenged in a different way, and she finds a new kind of fulfillment in a bookkeeping job. Of course, she keeps this a secret from her husband and family, and she dreads the day she must tell them about it. Interestingly, throughout Puddin’s journey, the reader beings to understand how each character wants something different out of life. Each character seems to be unhappy with his or her existing circumstance, and the reader must wait to see how each person will strive to find true contentment—in truth, the reader goes on the journey with them.
If you love stories where characters find true happiness, learn something about life and themselves, because they pursue wisdom from others, then you will love this book. I recommend checking it out! Happy reading!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to Litfuse for my copy.
Shay is the first person the reader is introduced to, and she is a single girl surround by married family members who want to see her enter the same circle. Love has been challenging for her, but at present, she knows two guys who might be potential boyfriend material. Yet, it is difficult to know and understand who these men really are, and what they want out life, because they seem to be constantly sending mixed messages to those around them. As Shay tries to observe their words and actions, she must come to some sort of conclusion about which path she should follow.
Puddin’ is married but sees herself entertaining a different role—besides wife and mother. She wants to be challenged in a different way, and she finds a new kind of fulfillment in a bookkeeping job. Of course, she keeps this a secret from her husband and family, and she dreads the day she must tell them about it. Interestingly, throughout Puddin’s journey, the reader beings to understand how each character wants something different out of life. Each character seems to be unhappy with his or her existing circumstance, and the reader must wait to see how each person will strive to find true contentment—in truth, the reader goes on the journey with them.
If you love stories where characters find true happiness, learn something about life and themselves, because they pursue wisdom from others, then you will love this book. I recommend checking it out! Happy reading!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to Litfuse for my copy.
April 5, 2018
I really enjoyed getting to know the characters of this book. Each character is facing their own challenge and looks with apprehension towards the upcoming family reunion.
The story is set in the south and the author includes a lot of southern references (sweet tea, biscuits, and "high cotton"). I really enjoyed this setting as I'm a Pennsylvania native but love visiting the southern states...southern hospitality is very special.
The writing style flowed easily and the pacing was good. I loved the family dynamics. The reunion scene was definitely my favorite part of the book. Anyone who has been to a family reunion would be able to relate to the wild and crazy antics that occur in these scenes. The story has sweet moments, sad moments, a few twists, and many funny moments.
This book was a nice change from some heavier historical books I've been reading. It was a lot of fun.
My Rating:
I received this book from the publisher to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The story is set in the south and the author includes a lot of southern references (sweet tea, biscuits, and "high cotton"). I really enjoyed this setting as I'm a Pennsylvania native but love visiting the southern states...southern hospitality is very special.
The writing style flowed easily and the pacing was good. I loved the family dynamics. The reunion scene was definitely my favorite part of the book. Anyone who has been to a family reunion would be able to relate to the wild and crazy antics that occur in these scenes. The story has sweet moments, sad moments, a few twists, and many funny moments.
This book was a nice change from some heavier historical books I've been reading. It was a lot of fun.
My Rating:
I received this book from the publisher to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 28, 2018
I was sent this book as part of a blog tour. My ratings and reviews will be my own personal opinions and are in no way influenced by publishers or authors who may have sent me books to review.
The cover immediately hooked me and then I read the synopsis. I knew I wanted to give this a chance.
As soon as I started to read this, I was not sure how I was going to feel about it. This started off with four different characters points of views which I am just not a huge fan of in stories. However; I loved each characters introduction and found them all relatable. I was so happy I decided to push on, as I ended up loving this.
This follows four characters: Shay, Puddin’, Sally, and Missy. Each character is dealing with a different battle. I liked how real each situation really was. I really enjoyed once the characters began to intertwine, and you get to see how they lean on one another for support. The power of family is so important. I live several states away from mine, and this really made me miss them even more.
I also loved the humor in this story. I found myself laughing and smiling throughout with the relatability it really does bring.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and hope to continue on with the series.
The cover immediately hooked me and then I read the synopsis. I knew I wanted to give this a chance.
As soon as I started to read this, I was not sure how I was going to feel about it. This started off with four different characters points of views which I am just not a huge fan of in stories. However; I loved each characters introduction and found them all relatable. I was so happy I decided to push on, as I ended up loving this.
This follows four characters: Shay, Puddin’, Sally, and Missy. Each character is dealing with a different battle. I liked how real each situation really was. I really enjoyed once the characters began to intertwine, and you get to see how they lean on one another for support. The power of family is so important. I live several states away from mine, and this really made me miss them even more.
I also loved the humor in this story. I found myself laughing and smiling throughout with the relatability it really does bring.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and hope to continue on with the series.
March 21, 2018
About the Book:
Some families are filled with so much love they can’t help but drive each other crazy
Shay Henke has mixed feelings about going to her family’s next reunion. On the one hand, she’ll get to see everyone in her mama's family—folks she loves unconditionally. On the other hand, she knows there’ll be more drama than you can shake a stick at.
The days leading up to the event bring one surprise after another. First Shay must deal with her sister-in-law’s deep, dark secret. Then she has to contend with the childish ways of her business-mogul twin cousins. And when her high school crush wants to be her date to the reunion . . . well, it may have been a dream come true for Shay’s teen self, but the woman she’s become doesn’t know what to make of this.
Shay’s contentment is challenged, and she’s determined to shake things up a bit. But will she find the excitement she’s looking for, or will Shay realize she prefers her quiet and predictable life? One thing is certain: Life in the Bucklin family is never boring.
My Review:
Life in the south to me, is the best life. We have our times of upheaval but it usually slows back down. We live a life where the front porch is usually called a sitting porch and the fireflies are called lightning bugs. This southern life is how I grew up and I wouldn't change it for anything.
My children were born in Alabama and many of the ideals and situations described in High Cotton are similar to mine. The setting of the story is about four hours from my home. Life in Alabama is about the same as Mississippi maybe just a tad more fast paced but basically the same. I love my life here but the humidity is something I can do without.
Shay on the other hand isn't quite sure as an adult returning for a family reunion if she misses the old home place. So the story takes you through the twists and turns and encounters she makes trying to make sense of it all. But she has to take an honest look by the time the story ends to determine if she is missing out on life here in this small town, after all. If you would like to purchase this book or learn more you can at this link.
A great down home country life type story that warms your heart.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Some families are filled with so much love they can’t help but drive each other crazy
Shay Henke has mixed feelings about going to her family’s next reunion. On the one hand, she’ll get to see everyone in her mama's family—folks she loves unconditionally. On the other hand, she knows there’ll be more drama than you can shake a stick at.
The days leading up to the event bring one surprise after another. First Shay must deal with her sister-in-law’s deep, dark secret. Then she has to contend with the childish ways of her business-mogul twin cousins. And when her high school crush wants to be her date to the reunion . . . well, it may have been a dream come true for Shay’s teen self, but the woman she’s become doesn’t know what to make of this.
Shay’s contentment is challenged, and she’s determined to shake things up a bit. But will she find the excitement she’s looking for, or will Shay realize she prefers her quiet and predictable life? One thing is certain: Life in the Bucklin family is never boring.
My Review:
Life in the south to me, is the best life. We have our times of upheaval but it usually slows back down. We live a life where the front porch is usually called a sitting porch and the fireflies are called lightning bugs. This southern life is how I grew up and I wouldn't change it for anything.
My children were born in Alabama and many of the ideals and situations described in High Cotton are similar to mine. The setting of the story is about four hours from my home. Life in Alabama is about the same as Mississippi maybe just a tad more fast paced but basically the same. I love my life here but the humidity is something I can do without.
Shay on the other hand isn't quite sure as an adult returning for a family reunion if she misses the old home place. So the story takes you through the twists and turns and encounters she makes trying to make sense of it all. But she has to take an honest look by the time the story ends to determine if she is missing out on life here in this small town, after all. If you would like to purchase this book or learn more you can at this link.
A great down home country life type story that warms your heart.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
March 13, 2018
I agreed to read “High Cotton” by Debby Mayne with misgivings that I would like the story. How wrong I was! This novel about a family reunion, mothers, aunts, and cousins, who really do not want to attend, but have to in order to keep peace with their mothers, is a riot. Following Shay Henke as she tries to take care of everyone and ends up not taking care of herself is tiring. However, the characters in this book draw you in to their individual stories and they all mesh into one as the day of the reunion looms.
Everyone expects drama during this event and they are not disappointed. What family perceives to be the right life for their members doesn’t necessarily have to correspond to what those members choose for themselves. It all brings on humor, drama and challenges. The dialogue that I identified with is that sometimes you have to fib a little to spare hurt feelings. I found it so in tune with reality the way Ms. Mayne dealt with this. I am looking forward to more novels in this series, Bucklin Family Reunion.
I was sent a complimentary print copy of this book by LitFuse.com for my honest review. You can find this review on my blog at https://wp.me/p2pjIt-up. Other reviews can be found at http://imhookedonbooks.wordpress.com.
Everyone expects drama during this event and they are not disappointed. What family perceives to be the right life for their members doesn’t necessarily have to correspond to what those members choose for themselves. It all brings on humor, drama and challenges. The dialogue that I identified with is that sometimes you have to fib a little to spare hurt feelings. I found it so in tune with reality the way Ms. Mayne dealt with this. I am looking forward to more novels in this series, Bucklin Family Reunion.
I was sent a complimentary print copy of this book by LitFuse.com for my honest review. You can find this review on my blog at https://wp.me/p2pjIt-up. Other reviews can be found at http://imhookedonbooks.wordpress.com.
April 4, 2018
4.5 stars
It’s time for the Bucklin family reunion … again. They have more in a year than many people have in five years. Shay Henke likes to see her family, but she could do without all the associated drama. In fact, the drama has already begun, from trying to keep her sister-in-law’s secret, to trying to help out her twin cousins with their business and real estate ventures, and, finally, being the only one without a significant other to take to the reunion. However, the latter changes when her high school crush returns to town and agrees to go with her. His attendance will certainly raise eyebrows at the reunion. But, that’s par for the course in the Bucklin family. Shay sums it all up quite nicely: “When someone mentions family, I think of unconditional love, hearth, home, and all things safe and wonderful. That is, until the word ‘reunion’ is added to it.”
You can read the full review on my blog: https://lmckeeediting.blogspot.com/20...
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy as part of the LitFuse blog tour. I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.
It’s time for the Bucklin family reunion … again. They have more in a year than many people have in five years. Shay Henke likes to see her family, but she could do without all the associated drama. In fact, the drama has already begun, from trying to keep her sister-in-law’s secret, to trying to help out her twin cousins with their business and real estate ventures, and, finally, being the only one without a significant other to take to the reunion. However, the latter changes when her high school crush returns to town and agrees to go with her. His attendance will certainly raise eyebrows at the reunion. But, that’s par for the course in the Bucklin family. Shay sums it all up quite nicely: “When someone mentions family, I think of unconditional love, hearth, home, and all things safe and wonderful. That is, until the word ‘reunion’ is added to it.”
You can read the full review on my blog: https://lmckeeediting.blogspot.com/20...
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy as part of the LitFuse blog tour. I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.
February 24, 2018
The first word that comes to mind about this book is delightful, yes and the pages flew, a real fast read.
We with the author’s help are invited to a family reunion, the Bucklin Family, to be exact, and before we go we get to meet some of this expansive kinfolk up close and personal.
You will find yourself really liking some, others will grow on you, and by the end of the book some are still questionable.
There is a bit of clean romance here, and so very enjoyable, whether it is among the young single cousins, or the old married folks.
Generations are going on here from preschool to grandparents, and these people do reunions up right, everyone brings their best food, as true southerners, and we are deep in the southern Mississippi!
I loved being with most of this family, and really can’t wait for the next book, I want to spend more time here!
I received this book through Lit Fuse Publicity Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
We with the author’s help are invited to a family reunion, the Bucklin Family, to be exact, and before we go we get to meet some of this expansive kinfolk up close and personal.
You will find yourself really liking some, others will grow on you, and by the end of the book some are still questionable.
There is a bit of clean romance here, and so very enjoyable, whether it is among the young single cousins, or the old married folks.
Generations are going on here from preschool to grandparents, and these people do reunions up right, everyone brings their best food, as true southerners, and we are deep in the southern Mississippi!
I loved being with most of this family, and really can’t wait for the next book, I want to spend more time here!
I received this book through Lit Fuse Publicity Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
March 20, 2018
It's been quite sometime since I read a Debby Mayne novel, and I must tell you that I so glad to be brought back to her talented work. When I read the blurb of High Cotton, I knew it was one that I needed to pull me out of my book funk, and that's just what it did! To me, that says a a lot about the book and the person writing it.
Being southern born and bred, and loving anything that has to do with drinking sweet tea from a mason jar( I mean, really? How perfect is that cover!?), I really related to Shay. Her character was quirky, loving and I really enjoyed walking beside her in this story, watching how she handled things. Life isn't always easy in a family of people that you love but drive you absolutely, utterly wonky, but Shay.......she really gave me a lot to think about with my own life.
This book is worthy of so much more than just 4.5 stars. It deserves to be sitting on a shelf, to be read again and again. If you are looking for a book that is at times laugh-out-loud, dysfunctional and altogether, down right inspirational. Friends, family and old memories come together to create a novel that is both emotionally moving, and utterly heartwarming. Praise goes to Debby Mayne for her trademark writing style and bringing me back to the love her books! Well done!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Being southern born and bred, and loving anything that has to do with drinking sweet tea from a mason jar( I mean, really? How perfect is that cover!?), I really related to Shay. Her character was quirky, loving and I really enjoyed walking beside her in this story, watching how she handled things. Life isn't always easy in a family of people that you love but drive you absolutely, utterly wonky, but Shay.......she really gave me a lot to think about with my own life.
This book is worthy of so much more than just 4.5 stars. It deserves to be sitting on a shelf, to be read again and again. If you are looking for a book that is at times laugh-out-loud, dysfunctional and altogether, down right inspirational. Friends, family and old memories come together to create a novel that is both emotionally moving, and utterly heartwarming. Praise goes to Debby Mayne for her trademark writing style and bringing me back to the love her books! Well done!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
April 7, 2018
High Cotton (2018) by Debby Mayne is the first book in her Bucklin Family Reunion series. High Cotton recently released on March 13, 2018 through Gilead Publishing. This book comes in all forms including eBook, and is 304 pages in length. With a full-time job and a busy, busy five-year old at home, this story took me three days to read. I received a review copy of this novel in paperback form from Gilead Publishing. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own. I give High Cotton 4.5 STARS. This novel is a Contemporary Christian Romance.
High Cotton is a well-written, lighthearted, quick and easy read that follows four women as they prepare for a family reunion. This is my first read of Debby Mayne’s work, but it definitely won’t be my last. I very much enjoyed the way the four main characters interacted with one another, with their respective immediate families, and with their VERY large extended family.
I dislike family reunions. I know this is not cool to admit, but they make me SO uncomfortable. Part of it is because I’m one of the biggest introverts God has ever created. The idea of living as a hermit sometimes sounds like a great idea to me. But another part is that I’ve always been the black sheep of my family, and I’m definitely the odd one out in my husband’s family. Being the black sheep combined with my introverted personality means gatherings — family or other — cause me severe struggle. BUT, you do for family. And, that is the main point of this book. Family is messy. Family is judgmental. Family is hard. But, family is also there for you when you need them most. Family is a support system that you should be able to lean on in times of struggle. In this day and age where the notion of family seems to be changing at alarming rates, it is exceptionally refreshing to read a story that shows family as it should be: loud, messy, frustrating, nosy, caring, and loving!
The four main characters include Shay, Puddin, Sally, and Missy. Each woman is unique in her own right, but I love Shay the best as she is the character I can relate to the most. Shay has an insecurity that keeps her from living life to its fullest. Somewhere along the way, probably at one of her many family reunions where someone said an unkind and/or judgmental thing to her, she got it into her head that she is less than everyone else, which is exactly the opposite of reality. In reality, she is responsible and dependable. She is the person everyone turns to when they need help. Shay has a well-paying, stable job and she owns her own home. But, none of this matters because running on loop in her brain is this message that she isn’t what she should be. This leads to major doubt when Elliot enters her life. Elliot is a handsome man who sees Shay’s value as a woman, but Shay struggles to believe him when he says things like, “You are an amazing woman,” or “You are so beautiful.” She just can’t believe Elliot because his words go against the message she’s believed about herself for so long. Shay’s character is a good reminder to us women. It is so easy for the devil to whisper into our ears all the ways we are unworthy or less than. Once those words are in, we start to think they are our truth. I can’t fathom how many things I may have missed out on because of the lies I felt about myself. We need to, instead, remember that God made us exactly as He deemed perfect. We need to kick the devil’s silver-tongued words out of our heads and replace them with the loving Words of our Father. His opinion of us is the only opinion that truly matters!
High Cotton is an engaging novel that I definitely recommend. If you are looking for a fast-paced, fun, sweet story that has some really timely themes for today, then this book is for you!
High Cotton is a well-written, lighthearted, quick and easy read that follows four women as they prepare for a family reunion. This is my first read of Debby Mayne’s work, but it definitely won’t be my last. I very much enjoyed the way the four main characters interacted with one another, with their respective immediate families, and with their VERY large extended family.
I dislike family reunions. I know this is not cool to admit, but they make me SO uncomfortable. Part of it is because I’m one of the biggest introverts God has ever created. The idea of living as a hermit sometimes sounds like a great idea to me. But another part is that I’ve always been the black sheep of my family, and I’m definitely the odd one out in my husband’s family. Being the black sheep combined with my introverted personality means gatherings — family or other — cause me severe struggle. BUT, you do for family. And, that is the main point of this book. Family is messy. Family is judgmental. Family is hard. But, family is also there for you when you need them most. Family is a support system that you should be able to lean on in times of struggle. In this day and age where the notion of family seems to be changing at alarming rates, it is exceptionally refreshing to read a story that shows family as it should be: loud, messy, frustrating, nosy, caring, and loving!
The four main characters include Shay, Puddin, Sally, and Missy. Each woman is unique in her own right, but I love Shay the best as she is the character I can relate to the most. Shay has an insecurity that keeps her from living life to its fullest. Somewhere along the way, probably at one of her many family reunions where someone said an unkind and/or judgmental thing to her, she got it into her head that she is less than everyone else, which is exactly the opposite of reality. In reality, she is responsible and dependable. She is the person everyone turns to when they need help. Shay has a well-paying, stable job and she owns her own home. But, none of this matters because running on loop in her brain is this message that she isn’t what she should be. This leads to major doubt when Elliot enters her life. Elliot is a handsome man who sees Shay’s value as a woman, but Shay struggles to believe him when he says things like, “You are an amazing woman,” or “You are so beautiful.” She just can’t believe Elliot because his words go against the message she’s believed about herself for so long. Shay’s character is a good reminder to us women. It is so easy for the devil to whisper into our ears all the ways we are unworthy or less than. Once those words are in, we start to think they are our truth. I can’t fathom how many things I may have missed out on because of the lies I felt about myself. We need to, instead, remember that God made us exactly as He deemed perfect. We need to kick the devil’s silver-tongued words out of our heads and replace them with the loving Words of our Father. His opinion of us is the only opinion that truly matters!
High Cotton is an engaging novel that I definitely recommend. If you are looking for a fast-paced, fun, sweet story that has some really timely themes for today, then this book is for you!
March 29, 2018
High Cotton is Debby Mayne's first installment in her Bucklin Family Series and it's a hoot! If you loved Steel Magnolias or Fried Green Tomatoes you are sure to love this book. Even if you haven't seen either of those movies, I know you will enjoy this book.
Shay Henke loves her family although she could do without the dreaded family reunions. It's hard to be a self sufficient single woman in a family who are all married. You know you're going to be the talk of the reunion if you show up without a date, you will also be the subject of gossip if you don't show up at all. What's a girl to do? You bring your favorite dish and put your best foot forward. Shay loves her job, well she used to, now it's just one boring task after another. She used to feel fulfilled, but now? Now she's wondering where her zest for life has gone. Could she be ready for a change or is it the upcoming reunion that's stirring up all these emotions?
Puddin' Henke has everything a girl could wish for. A husband who works hard so she doesn't have to. Coming from a very humble beginning Puddin' is so proud of her home, her children, and her husband. Never wanting to feel poor again, Puddin' takes on a secret part time job at a local boutique, La Chic, helping with the books. She has to keep it quiet because Digger is set in his old fashioned ways and doesn't want his wife to work. She really is a lucky woman. She really wishes her sister in law Shay could find her someone so she could be just as happy as she and Digger are.
Missy Wright Montague has been married to the same man, Foster, for most of her life. She loves him and knows that he loves her, but, it seems the spark has died. She doesn't think about it often just when she's lonely. Like when her chili takes first prize and there's no one to share it with because Foster is out on a fishing trip. She tries to tell him about it when he comes home but it's like he doesn't even hear her and goes on and on about his buddies and his trip. Oh well, what can you do? At least she knows what dish she's bringing to this years reunion, her blue ribbon chili.
Sally and Sara Wright are identical twins. In fact, most of their family can't tell them apart and just refer to them as "the twins". They run a successful hair bow business out of their home. You'd think it would be difficult to be around your twin all the time but for them it's second nature. They can complete each other's sentences and know exactly what the other is thinking with just a look. There is the occasional squabble, but it's quickly settled and they go on about their day. When Sara elopes and marries Justin, a guy she has been dating for mere weeks, the twins bond is tested. Can they survive this? They've always been "the twins" and did everything together, what's Sally supposed to do now?
Never in my life have I laughed so hard while reading a book! It has the perfect blend of humor, romance and southern charm. I loved how Ms. Mayne's was able to capture the southern spirit without making it too hokey. Who doesn't love and dread a family reunion at the same time? She was able to take a southern staple and make you feel as though you had a front row seat to the family's/ shenanigans! I really enjoyed High Cotton and cannot wait for the next book in the Bucklin family series!
*I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions expressed above are my own.
Shay Henke loves her family although she could do without the dreaded family reunions. It's hard to be a self sufficient single woman in a family who are all married. You know you're going to be the talk of the reunion if you show up without a date, you will also be the subject of gossip if you don't show up at all. What's a girl to do? You bring your favorite dish and put your best foot forward. Shay loves her job, well she used to, now it's just one boring task after another. She used to feel fulfilled, but now? Now she's wondering where her zest for life has gone. Could she be ready for a change or is it the upcoming reunion that's stirring up all these emotions?
Puddin' Henke has everything a girl could wish for. A husband who works hard so she doesn't have to. Coming from a very humble beginning Puddin' is so proud of her home, her children, and her husband. Never wanting to feel poor again, Puddin' takes on a secret part time job at a local boutique, La Chic, helping with the books. She has to keep it quiet because Digger is set in his old fashioned ways and doesn't want his wife to work. She really is a lucky woman. She really wishes her sister in law Shay could find her someone so she could be just as happy as she and Digger are.
Missy Wright Montague has been married to the same man, Foster, for most of her life. She loves him and knows that he loves her, but, it seems the spark has died. She doesn't think about it often just when she's lonely. Like when her chili takes first prize and there's no one to share it with because Foster is out on a fishing trip. She tries to tell him about it when he comes home but it's like he doesn't even hear her and goes on and on about his buddies and his trip. Oh well, what can you do? At least she knows what dish she's bringing to this years reunion, her blue ribbon chili.
Sally and Sara Wright are identical twins. In fact, most of their family can't tell them apart and just refer to them as "the twins". They run a successful hair bow business out of their home. You'd think it would be difficult to be around your twin all the time but for them it's second nature. They can complete each other's sentences and know exactly what the other is thinking with just a look. There is the occasional squabble, but it's quickly settled and they go on about their day. When Sara elopes and marries Justin, a guy she has been dating for mere weeks, the twins bond is tested. Can they survive this? They've always been "the twins" and did everything together, what's Sally supposed to do now?
Never in my life have I laughed so hard while reading a book! It has the perfect blend of humor, romance and southern charm. I loved how Ms. Mayne's was able to capture the southern spirit without making it too hokey. Who doesn't love and dread a family reunion at the same time? She was able to take a southern staple and make you feel as though you had a front row seat to the family's/ shenanigans! I really enjoyed High Cotton and cannot wait for the next book in the Bucklin family series!
*I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions expressed above are my own.
April 1, 2018
This was a very enjoyable story about four very different ladies from the Bucklin family. Another Bucklin family reunion is coming up and there's plenty of family drama to go around. The chapters alternated between the women as we were shown what's happening in each of their lives and how they feel about it! Shay's in her late 30's, a career woman who just hasn't met the right guy, much to her family's chagrin. She's feeling bored in her job but not sure what else is out there. Her high school crush shows up acting interested in her, which throws her for a loop. She's ready for some excitement and a change. Her sister-in-law. Puddin', has a secret she's keeping from everyone and she worries her husband will be upset if he found out; she also worries she's not getting everything done she should and that she's neglecting her youngest son. Shay's much younger twin cousins are arguing, especially when one makes an impulsive and huge life decision and we get Sally's side of the story. The fourth lady is Missy and she's having marital problems; she feels like her husband doesn't listen to her and takes her for granted.
I really liked Shay and could relate to her the best. I enjoyed seeing the transitions she made throughout the book. Her faith was very important to her and she tried to keep a level head when dealing with two potential love interests. Puddin' was entertaining; it seemed like her life was hectic, what with her secret and a toddler to manage. Missy's story I liked the least. Both she and I got frustrated with her husband as he seemed almost mean sometimes and really clueless the others. I thought it seemed like these wives needed to communicate with their husbands, spell things out for them rather than assume they knew what they were thinking. Sally, the twin, was arguing with her sister about their business, their home and this was before her sister went and made a huge life decision with discussing it with her first. I loved how the family was close to each other and the southern feel of the story. Faith in God and prayer were discussed among the different ladies, especially Shay. I really enjoyed this story and want to see where the next one takes this wonderful family!
I received this book free from Litfuse Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked Shay and could relate to her the best. I enjoyed seeing the transitions she made throughout the book. Her faith was very important to her and she tried to keep a level head when dealing with two potential love interests. Puddin' was entertaining; it seemed like her life was hectic, what with her secret and a toddler to manage. Missy's story I liked the least. Both she and I got frustrated with her husband as he seemed almost mean sometimes and really clueless the others. I thought it seemed like these wives needed to communicate with their husbands, spell things out for them rather than assume they knew what they were thinking. Sally, the twin, was arguing with her sister about their business, their home and this was before her sister went and made a huge life decision with discussing it with her first. I loved how the family was close to each other and the southern feel of the story. Faith in God and prayer were discussed among the different ladies, especially Shay. I really enjoyed this story and want to see where the next one takes this wonderful family!
I received this book free from Litfuse Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2018
This book is a little bit like the sweet tea featured on the cover! Yes, it’s sweet, southern, and keeps you coming back for more!
I enjoyed this family-centered story. It’s full of family drama from the first to the very last. A wife keeping a job a secret from her husband. A girl trying to please her mom by agreeing to date. Same girl trying to keep a secret for her sister-in-law. Twin sisters disagreeing in their joint business dealings. And more. Much more.
Shay was my favorite. She kept finding herself in the middle of stuff–right where she didn’t want to be.
One thing I had to keep reminding myself when I started was reading, was to check to see who was doing the ‘talking’ in each chapter, because there is some switching back and forth between characters, as they take turns talking from one chapter to the next.
Yes, this book is about family. And being there for each other, in spite of differences and hard times.There are some excellent truths scattered here and there in the pages of this book.
And here’s a quote that made me smile:
“Families are such interesting and complex institutions. Not only do they show you how you can love and hate the same person at the same time, but they have the ability to make you feel as though you’re the only sane person in the world. At least that’s the way it is in my family, and I assume we’re not the only ones.”
I love this author’s writing style and will be anxiously waiting the arrival of the next book in this series.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
I enjoyed this family-centered story. It’s full of family drama from the first to the very last. A wife keeping a job a secret from her husband. A girl trying to please her mom by agreeing to date. Same girl trying to keep a secret for her sister-in-law. Twin sisters disagreeing in their joint business dealings. And more. Much more.
Shay was my favorite. She kept finding herself in the middle of stuff–right where she didn’t want to be.
One thing I had to keep reminding myself when I started was reading, was to check to see who was doing the ‘talking’ in each chapter, because there is some switching back and forth between characters, as they take turns talking from one chapter to the next.
Yes, this book is about family. And being there for each other, in spite of differences and hard times.There are some excellent truths scattered here and there in the pages of this book.
And here’s a quote that made me smile:
“Families are such interesting and complex institutions. Not only do they show you how you can love and hate the same person at the same time, but they have the ability to make you feel as though you’re the only sane person in the world. At least that’s the way it is in my family, and I assume we’re not the only ones.”
I love this author’s writing style and will be anxiously waiting the arrival of the next book in this series.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
April 5, 2018
Get ready for some southern sass in Debby Mayne’s novel, High Cotton, the first book in the Bucklin Family Reunion Series. Four women of various ages and life experiences tell their stories and reveal that life in small town Pinewood, Mississippi isn’t that much different than your town or mine. Sure, there may be a different twang in their voice, but women are women all over. If you like women’s fiction with wit and wisdom, then this novel is for you.
High Cotton is told in the first person voice of four Bucklin women — Shay, Puddin’, Missy, and Sally. Alternating chapters follow the days leading up to yet another family reunion. The women have little in common except their family connections. Shay is a successful and single career woman, Puddin’ is a stay at home mom with an oops baby still in the nest, Missy is a discontented housewife, and Sally is a twenty-something with a thriving Etsy business. The women struggle with a variety of issues, but rely on each other and their family for support.
There really is something for everyone in High Cotton, and I wager that you’ll see yourself somewhere in the pages. These women are part sweet, part sassy, and pure Southern in their views. But . . . as they look for independence, love, fulfillment, and connection, they will resonate with those who have never set foot across the Mason-Dixon line. They are also part of a huge and quirky family, a family of definite opinions. I bet you have run across those characters too! 😉 Faith is a big part of the women’s lives and is woven naturally throughout the story.
You’ll laugh (sometimes out loud) at the antics of the Bucklin family as you journey with Shay, Puddin’, Missy, and Sally. And you’ll enjoy every minute!
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(Thanks to Gilead Publishing for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
High Cotton is told in the first person voice of four Bucklin women — Shay, Puddin’, Missy, and Sally. Alternating chapters follow the days leading up to yet another family reunion. The women have little in common except their family connections. Shay is a successful and single career woman, Puddin’ is a stay at home mom with an oops baby still in the nest, Missy is a discontented housewife, and Sally is a twenty-something with a thriving Etsy business. The women struggle with a variety of issues, but rely on each other and their family for support.
There really is something for everyone in High Cotton, and I wager that you’ll see yourself somewhere in the pages. These women are part sweet, part sassy, and pure Southern in their views. But . . . as they look for independence, love, fulfillment, and connection, they will resonate with those who have never set foot across the Mason-Dixon line. They are also part of a huge and quirky family, a family of definite opinions. I bet you have run across those characters too! 😉 Faith is a big part of the women’s lives and is woven naturally throughout the story.
You’ll laugh (sometimes out loud) at the antics of the Bucklin family as you journey with Shay, Puddin’, Missy, and Sally. And you’ll enjoy every minute!
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(Thanks to Gilead Publishing for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
July 5, 2018
A fun, heartfelt, chick-lit-ish, southern story with a lot of Drama drama drama!
I love southern fiction. I lived in Savannah GA for a couple and I have the best memories! I just loved it there. So anytime I read a book that take place in the south and has that southern flair it warms my heart. And this one was no exception.
I do love books with changing POV (point of view) but with 4 (5 if you count the twins as separate) different characters, that was even a bit much for me. I did get the women confused at times. It took me well into the story before I really knew who was who. But... I still did love the changing POV. It is one of my favorite features of a book. I loved getting to know all these women and their quirky lives. They were all so different and yet all connected. Shay (love that name!) was the main character and I loved her!
With this story comes quite a few laughs and even a tear or two. A very real feeling story-line. I haven't been to a family reunion in YEARS! And honestly, just like the characters in this book, I think I would dread it! I love my family, and love getting together with them, some of them. But, put us all together and it is a recipe for ... CRAZY!
I had never read one by this author before even though she has a ton of books! I would definitely read another!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Litfuse - Thank You!!
I love southern fiction. I lived in Savannah GA for a couple and I have the best memories! I just loved it there. So anytime I read a book that take place in the south and has that southern flair it warms my heart. And this one was no exception.
I do love books with changing POV (point of view) but with 4 (5 if you count the twins as separate) different characters, that was even a bit much for me. I did get the women confused at times. It took me well into the story before I really knew who was who. But... I still did love the changing POV. It is one of my favorite features of a book. I loved getting to know all these women and their quirky lives. They were all so different and yet all connected. Shay (love that name!) was the main character and I loved her!
With this story comes quite a few laughs and even a tear or two. A very real feeling story-line. I haven't been to a family reunion in YEARS! And honestly, just like the characters in this book, I think I would dread it! I love my family, and love getting together with them, some of them. But, put us all together and it is a recipe for ... CRAZY!
I had never read one by this author before even though she has a ton of books! I would definitely read another!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Litfuse - Thank You!!
April 9, 2018
The Bucklin family has a family reunion almost every few months which is why no one really wants to go but they go to avoid being talked about. Shay Henke has mixed feelings about the next reunion. She is looking forward to meeting her family and spending time with them but she has been single for so long and knows everyone would only focus on her being single. Days leading up to the event, Shay learns a secret her sister-in-law is keeping along with juggling her childish twin cousins. When Shay's high school crush moves back home, will Shay be able to deal with all the drama?
The book is enriched with Southern heritage values with names such as Digger, Puddin', Missy, Southern gentleman values, and sweet tea. When I first read the summary, I assumed the deep, dark secret was going to be something terrible and horrendous. When, the cat was out of the bag, the secret was quite laughable especially since the person already knew. The characters' dynamics were interesting and fun to read especially at the family reunion pieces but I felt some of their values were a bit old fashioned. I also found it disheartening that three people go from being alone to finding love in less than 100 pages at breakneck speed. Along with many characters thinking their problems would end their world but was solved a few pages in. The story was told by four females' point-of-view, but I think I would have preferred maybe just two, so we would get more details into that person's life.
The book is enriched with Southern heritage values with names such as Digger, Puddin', Missy, Southern gentleman values, and sweet tea. When I first read the summary, I assumed the deep, dark secret was going to be something terrible and horrendous. When, the cat was out of the bag, the secret was quite laughable especially since the person already knew. The characters' dynamics were interesting and fun to read especially at the family reunion pieces but I felt some of their values were a bit old fashioned. I also found it disheartening that three people go from being alone to finding love in less than 100 pages at breakneck speed. Along with many characters thinking their problems would end their world but was solved a few pages in. The story was told by four females' point-of-view, but I think I would have preferred maybe just two, so we would get more details into that person's life.
March 29, 2018
My review is 4.5 Stars
I wasn’t sure what to expect from High Cotton or the author. I really liked the way the story was told from the perspectives of four different women in the Bucklin family of varying ages and life stages. The dynamics of this large Southern family made for an enjoyable reading experience. Each of the four women dealt with a crisis in her life.
Shay’s love for her family despite their eccentricities and the way they hounded her about the fact she was an old maid was quite admirable. She got to know Sally and Sara, her younger twin cousins and ended up sharing her condo and her knowledge about life and cooking and buying property with them. Her conflict was related to relationships and work.
Sally was one of Shay’s twin cousins. She had always done everything with her sister, Sara but change was on the horizon. Navigating this change and learning to develop her identity apart from Sarah was critical for her to accomplish.
Puddin’, Shay’s sister-in-law, had a secret she had kept from her husband out of fear that he wouldn’t approve. Despite their deep love for each other, she was afraid to trust that he would not get mad.
Missy felt that her husband just didn’t listen to her anymore. He didn’t seem to hear her or to care about the things that were important to her. It was so sad when she won the chili contest and none of her family was there to celebrate, and especially when her husband didn’t even seem to respond when she told him.
These four women needed to learn to trust the Lord through their conflicts and fears. Though the story didn’t speak much about their faith, there was a definite thread of it throughout the story.
The way the story was told was comfortable and friendly. The characters were enjoyable and the story was very well written.
This review was originally posted on AmongTheReads.net
I would like to thank Gilead Publishing for giving me this item. My opinion and review were not influenced by this gift.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from High Cotton or the author. I really liked the way the story was told from the perspectives of four different women in the Bucklin family of varying ages and life stages. The dynamics of this large Southern family made for an enjoyable reading experience. Each of the four women dealt with a crisis in her life.
Shay’s love for her family despite their eccentricities and the way they hounded her about the fact she was an old maid was quite admirable. She got to know Sally and Sara, her younger twin cousins and ended up sharing her condo and her knowledge about life and cooking and buying property with them. Her conflict was related to relationships and work.
Sally was one of Shay’s twin cousins. She had always done everything with her sister, Sara but change was on the horizon. Navigating this change and learning to develop her identity apart from Sarah was critical for her to accomplish.
Puddin’, Shay’s sister-in-law, had a secret she had kept from her husband out of fear that he wouldn’t approve. Despite their deep love for each other, she was afraid to trust that he would not get mad.
Missy felt that her husband just didn’t listen to her anymore. He didn’t seem to hear her or to care about the things that were important to her. It was so sad when she won the chili contest and none of her family was there to celebrate, and especially when her husband didn’t even seem to respond when she told him.
These four women needed to learn to trust the Lord through their conflicts and fears. Though the story didn’t speak much about their faith, there was a definite thread of it throughout the story.
The way the story was told was comfortable and friendly. The characters were enjoyable and the story was very well written.
This review was originally posted on AmongTheReads.net
I would like to thank Gilead Publishing for giving me this item. My opinion and review were not influenced by this gift.
April 5, 2018
I just felt so comfortable with the characters in this book, it was if I have known them for years. I could easily imagine sitting down with Shay having a glass of tea and commiserating over another family reunion. Let’s be honest, they are fun once you get there, but it’s the “getting there” that can cause stress in people, myself included.
I loved that each of the five main characters had a dedicated chapter making it easy to keep track of them so I never felt lost or confused. There were times when I thought that I’d have a favorite but I didn’t because they each had a unique and charming storyline. The ages and marital status differed in the ladies which appealed to me and kept me interested from start to finish.
Overall, High Cotton is a fast read that is cleverly written. The characters are relatable and so much fun that you’ll want to tag along with them to all of their family reunions. I think this book is suitable for both younger and mature readers and is one that you can recommend to your mothers, sisters and friends.
I’m looking forward to reading the second book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I loved that each of the five main characters had a dedicated chapter making it easy to keep track of them so I never felt lost or confused. There were times when I thought that I’d have a favorite but I didn’t because they each had a unique and charming storyline. The ages and marital status differed in the ladies which appealed to me and kept me interested from start to finish.
Overall, High Cotton is a fast read that is cleverly written. The characters are relatable and so much fun that you’ll want to tag along with them to all of their family reunions. I think this book is suitable for both younger and mature readers and is one that you can recommend to your mothers, sisters and friends.
I’m looking forward to reading the second book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
March 28, 2018
Everyone’s family has reunions – don’t they? I grew up in a family that got together at least once a year, usually at Christmas but often for summer BBQs or other occasions that called for getting together and eating, much like the Bucklin family. As I read “High Cotton” I found quite a bit of familiar ground that brought back good memories. But on the other hand, that Bucklin family was just a tad over the top, weren’t they?
This first book of the Bucklin Family Reunion series seems to feature Shay, the family old maid, but several other members of the family share a good bit of page space with her, especially her twin cousins and her sister-in-law Puddin. Y’all, this is a Southern novel after all! Well, before this story is done, Shay finds herself with two contenders as potential love interests and changes her mind about them a time or two. Plenty of other shenanigans pop up in due course including an elopement, a move, and even an explosion.
I really liked how the author took all the different elements of this story and wove it all together into one special novel. Despite plenty of humor and hijinks, Shay managed to speak her wisdom and faith into the lives of several of her relatives as she gave generously of her time and heart. You really don’t want to miss reading “High Cotton” and I look forward to the next installment. I hope the wait isn’t too long!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Gilead Publishing. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
This first book of the Bucklin Family Reunion series seems to feature Shay, the family old maid, but several other members of the family share a good bit of page space with her, especially her twin cousins and her sister-in-law Puddin. Y’all, this is a Southern novel after all! Well, before this story is done, Shay finds herself with two contenders as potential love interests and changes her mind about them a time or two. Plenty of other shenanigans pop up in due course including an elopement, a move, and even an explosion.
I really liked how the author took all the different elements of this story and wove it all together into one special novel. Despite plenty of humor and hijinks, Shay managed to speak her wisdom and faith into the lives of several of her relatives as she gave generously of her time and heart. You really don’t want to miss reading “High Cotton” and I look forward to the next installment. I hope the wait isn’t too long!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Gilead Publishing. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
March 25, 2018
Families are all unique, but I think the Bucklin family takes the cake. I really loved all the different characters and the way the chapters were from different character perspectives. I am not from the South but I felt like I was while reading this book, sweet tea and mason jars spoke to my soul, meeting this family will surely be a highlight in your reading year. So come settle in on the porch swing and meet the family.
This book gives you a taste of a realistic and charming family. Many of the memebers make appearances throughout the novel, either sharing with the reader their thoughts and perspective, or by being in another character’s chapter. And really you can’t go wrong with a character named Puddin’. She is truly called that and I loved it (even started calling my cat that). Beyond the names, these characters truly act like a family.
Shay is one of those that would be the pink sheep of the family. Not married, a hard working gal, Shay is unsure of the reunion and her feelings on being home. I can relate to Shay trying to find herself and spread her wings but home is where our hearts are. Puddin’ is married to Digger, her love is strong but she does have a secret part of her life. She holds this secret in order to not hurt Digger. Digger is a true southern man, a provider for his family. Missy and Sally are other characters that give perspectives in assigned chapters, I love these ladies, and their insight in the novel.
These characters may get their name for a chapter but the entire family play large roles in each character’s life and thoughts. If there is anything to take away from them all is that families can be weird,but there is love and love will survive.
Full Review: https://bibliophile.reviews/book-revi...
This book gives you a taste of a realistic and charming family. Many of the memebers make appearances throughout the novel, either sharing with the reader their thoughts and perspective, or by being in another character’s chapter. And really you can’t go wrong with a character named Puddin’. She is truly called that and I loved it (even started calling my cat that). Beyond the names, these characters truly act like a family.
Shay is one of those that would be the pink sheep of the family. Not married, a hard working gal, Shay is unsure of the reunion and her feelings on being home. I can relate to Shay trying to find herself and spread her wings but home is where our hearts are. Puddin’ is married to Digger, her love is strong but she does have a secret part of her life. She holds this secret in order to not hurt Digger. Digger is a true southern man, a provider for his family. Missy and Sally are other characters that give perspectives in assigned chapters, I love these ladies, and their insight in the novel.
These characters may get their name for a chapter but the entire family play large roles in each character’s life and thoughts. If there is anything to take away from them all is that families can be weird,but there is love and love will survive.
Full Review: https://bibliophile.reviews/book-revi...
March 26, 2018
First, in the Bucklin Family Reunion Series Debby Mayne’s High Cotton is the story of several members of a loving but somewhat dysfunctional Southern family dynamic. For anyone who appreciates sweet tea, names like Digger and Puddin’ and interfering family members, then High Cotton will feel like home.
As she prepares for an upcoming family reunion, Shay Henke, a successful but single career woman finds herself strangely uncomfortable with her life. An unexpected grocery store conversation with her twin cousins Sally & Sara kicks off some major disruptions to Shay’s tidy little bubble.
Along with Shay, Sally, and Sara, High Cotton intermingles the stories of several members of the Bucklin family to include Digger, Puddin’, Missy, and a few other minor characters. Creating an easy to follow dialogue, each chapter begins with a character’s name; that said, keeping up with all the characters and their family connections does get a bit overwhelming.
With a Southern heritage myself, there was much about the story that felt familiar and yet sometimes a bit exaggerated. However, readers will surely appreciate much of the self-discovery experienced by Shay and some of her family members.
***In exchange for this review, the publisher provided a complimentary copy of the book.
As she prepares for an upcoming family reunion, Shay Henke, a successful but single career woman finds herself strangely uncomfortable with her life. An unexpected grocery store conversation with her twin cousins Sally & Sara kicks off some major disruptions to Shay’s tidy little bubble.
Along with Shay, Sally, and Sara, High Cotton intermingles the stories of several members of the Bucklin family to include Digger, Puddin’, Missy, and a few other minor characters. Creating an easy to follow dialogue, each chapter begins with a character’s name; that said, keeping up with all the characters and their family connections does get a bit overwhelming.
With a Southern heritage myself, there was much about the story that felt familiar and yet sometimes a bit exaggerated. However, readers will surely appreciate much of the self-discovery experienced by Shay and some of her family members.
***In exchange for this review, the publisher provided a complimentary copy of the book.
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