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A Long Time Comin'
To hear Beatrice Agnew tell it, she entered the world with her mouth tightly shut. Just because she finds out she’s dying doesn’t mean she can’t keep it that way. If any of her children have questions about their daddy and the choices she made after he abandoned them, they’d best take it up with Jesus. There’s no room in Granny B’s house for regrets or hand-holding. Or so she thinks.
Her granddaughter, Evelyn Lester, shows up on Beatrice’s doorstep anyway, burdened with her own secret baggage. Determined to help her Granny B mend fences with her far-flung brood, Evelyn turns her grandmother’s heart and home inside out. Evelyn’s meddling uncovers a tucked-away box of old letters, forcing the two women to wrestle with their past and present pain as they confront the truth Beatrice has worked a lifetime to hide.
Her granddaughter, Evelyn Lester, shows up on Beatrice’s doorstep anyway, burdened with her own secret baggage. Determined to help her Granny B mend fences with her far-flung brood, Evelyn turns her grandmother’s heart and home inside out. Evelyn’s meddling uncovers a tucked-away box of old letters, forcing the two women to wrestle with their past and present pain as they confront the truth Beatrice has worked a lifetime to hide.
432 pages, Hardcover
First published January 7, 2020
143 people are currently reading
2712 people want to read
About the author
Robin W. Pearson
5 books461 followersRobin W. Pearson’s writing sprouts from her Southern upbringing, her belief in Jesus Christ, and her love of her husband, seven children, and their dog, Oscar. Her novels are “rooted in the soul of the story” and include her Christy Award–winning debut, A Long Time Comin’, as well as ’Til I Want No More, Walking in Tall Weeds, and her latest, Dysfunction Junction. Robin has corrected grammar up and down the East Coast in her career as an author and editor and in her calling as a homeschooling mama of many. She loves to share about her faith and her family through her fiction; her blog, https://robinwpearson.com/mommy-conce... at conferences such as Breathe, Fiction Readers Summit, and Vision Christian Writers; and with her friends and followers @robinwpearson. They're the source of all the characters living and breathing in the stories waiting to be told about her belief in Jesus Christ and the experiences at her own kitchen sink. Learn more on https://robinwpearson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
January 27, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
We often judge the elder women in our families based upon how we see them today. We don't fully understand the struggles they had to endure in order to become those women. Granny B is such a woman.
Granny B has to come to terms with a complicated past situations in order to right several wrongs of the past. This story is one of how untold secrets harm future generations as well. It is also a testament to a generation of women who did not have the options available to younger women today, but they chose what they saw best for their children.
You will see your own family in Granny B's. You will laugh. You will cry. And you will love Granny B all the more by the end of this book.
We often judge the elder women in our families based upon how we see them today. We don't fully understand the struggles they had to endure in order to become those women. Granny B is such a woman.
Granny B has to come to terms with a complicated past situations in order to right several wrongs of the past. This story is one of how untold secrets harm future generations as well. It is also a testament to a generation of women who did not have the options available to younger women today, but they chose what they saw best for their children.
You will see your own family in Granny B's. You will laugh. You will cry. And you will love Granny B all the more by the end of this book.
August 8, 2020
I really enjoyed the beginning of A Long Time Comin' but it was probably the second half that I struggled with, but I continued with it because it had intelligent and rich writing and real-life sprouted characters who had sharp and clever dialogue.
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July 10, 2020I have been wanting to read this one since before it came out--the cover and title alone just drew me in! The structure of the novel is unusual--which I knew ahead of time, and enjoyed. This contemporary novel is a memorable story of family, secrets, forgiveness, and generational history. I can't wait to read whatever Robin W. Pearson publishes next!
February 6, 2020
This debut novel brings together a heart-hurting story of family drama, their struggle with faith, hope and love. I liked the diverse and complex characters who are the siblings, spouses and grandchildren of Beatrice Agnew AKA Granny B. Granny B had lots of children and her children had children, a few times I found it hard to keep up with them all. But the author spot lights them up close and personal, giving the reader a deeper look at the cast as Evelyn helps her grandmother share the news no one wants to hear.
Evelyn Lester is closer to her Granny B than her own mother. She is in a tailspin over something she came across on her husband’s phone. She confronts him about it. He’s been hiding things from her, then again, she’s been hiding something pretty big from him. Except her secret will come out sooner than later.
This is an honest, moving story of family relationships and how they deal with life's blows. I liked this roller coaster of a read that holds you to the end and warms your heart. The novel would be a great book club pick. This author is one to watch.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
This author brings up some pretty heavy topics that this family has to deal with. This is a thought-provoking read I couldn’t put down. The author gets the reader thinking, what would I do in this situation? How would I handle my kids? What would I want?
I love the depth of characterization as this author jumps from present to past and gives readers a peek into each of Granny B’s children. I also liked the effective use of letters in this novel. It made things more intimate and memorable.
I like how the author showed a change in many of her characters even Granny B, who discovers hope, grace and the lover of her soul wishing she could have found him sooner so she could have passed this on to her children. The author has readers wonder, “Given a second chance to make things right would you do it.? Would you share your heart and perspective on life when others may not want to hear it?”
This would make a great book club pick. There is so much to discuss. This author is one to watch.
Evelyn Lester is closer to her Granny B than her own mother. She is in a tailspin over something she came across on her husband’s phone. She confronts him about it. He’s been hiding things from her, then again, she’s been hiding something pretty big from him. Except her secret will come out sooner than later.
This is an honest, moving story of family relationships and how they deal with life's blows. I liked this roller coaster of a read that holds you to the end and warms your heart. The novel would be a great book club pick. This author is one to watch.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
This author brings up some pretty heavy topics that this family has to deal with. This is a thought-provoking read I couldn’t put down. The author gets the reader thinking, what would I do in this situation? How would I handle my kids? What would I want?
I love the depth of characterization as this author jumps from present to past and gives readers a peek into each of Granny B’s children. I also liked the effective use of letters in this novel. It made things more intimate and memorable.
I like how the author showed a change in many of her characters even Granny B, who discovers hope, grace and the lover of her soul wishing she could have found him sooner so she could have passed this on to her children. The author has readers wonder, “Given a second chance to make things right would you do it.? Would you share your heart and perspective on life when others may not want to hear it?”
This would make a great book club pick. There is so much to discuss. This author is one to watch.
September 3, 2020
This book, y'all!
One of the best I've read in a long time. It felt like home, like I know these people.
I related so much with Beatrice(Granny B) and I could see the relationships I'd had with my own grandmothers in the relationship between her and her granddaughter, Evelyn.
God's grace is on full display from beginning to end in this well written novel, and I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next.
I highly recommend!
One of the best I've read in a long time. It felt like home, like I know these people.
I related so much with Beatrice(Granny B) and I could see the relationships I'd had with my own grandmothers in the relationship between her and her granddaughter, Evelyn.
God's grace is on full display from beginning to end in this well written novel, and I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next.
I highly recommend!
February 16, 2022
This isn't a novel just to be read. It's to be savored. Pearson writes with a strong voice, and the memorable characters became like members of my own family. I can still hear Granny B in my head, and a part of me wishes she could share some of her salty, unsentimental wisdom with me as she did with her granddaughter Evelyn. There were times when the back and forth in time was a little confusing, but overall, the unraveling of the past was well-done
May 3, 2023
Unfortunately this book wasn't for me, I hope to try other works by this author that I will like more. It was a very hard hitting book, and I was not a fan of the family drama.
January 17, 2020
It’s hard to believe that this is Pearson’s debut novel! The author crafted a family story that quickly pulls the reader in. Faith, hope, love, self-discovery, and family drama are key themes.
Beatrice Agnew, “Granny B,” is a complex character … and she’s someone we need more of in the world! Her relationship with Evelyn is one that will resonate with many readers. Both characters demonstrate what can happen when secrets are kept, since they are always revealed at some point in time.
You can read the full review on my blog: https://lmckeeediting.blogspot.com/20...
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.
Beatrice Agnew, “Granny B,” is a complex character … and she’s someone we need more of in the world! Her relationship with Evelyn is one that will resonate with many readers. Both characters demonstrate what can happen when secrets are kept, since they are always revealed at some point in time.
You can read the full review on my blog: https://lmckeeediting.blogspot.com/20...
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.
March 20, 2020
I really enjoyed this story, and I loved Granny B. Can't wait for the next novel from Robin W. Pearson.
January 13, 2020
A breakout debut novel about love, family, heartbreak and healing. Great read to kick off the new year!
Evelyn Lester is trying to figure out if she wants to save her marriage. She discovered that her husband has been having an emotional affair with a subordinate at work. Once discovered, he quickly dissolved the relationship and is trying to show Evelyn that he wants to keep their marriage alive. To complicate matters, she just found out she is pregnant, which is making the decision that much more difficult. She decides to take some time away and goes to stay at her mother’s home. Shortly after arriving, she learns that her grandmother, known as Granny B, has leukemia and has decided not to pursue treatment. Granny B has had a rough life herself raising seven children without having a husband present. She became a hard woman and even harder on her children. Even so, her children have become very successful professionally, but they all harbor secrets from the past and present. Evelyn begins spending more and more time with Granny B and each begins to unburden their secrets to the other. Before long, they devise a plan to help Granny B close out her grievances before she passes on from this life.
This was really an incredible debut novel. There is a lot of pain displayed throughout this book caused between family members. But deep down, people begin to realize how alike they are, which can be why the pain is caused. And do we ever really understand each other’s circumstances to judge? As it is said, Remove the log in your own eye so that you can see the speck in your neighbor’s eye more clearly. That is part of the message of this book. Everyone seemed to think they knew what was best, but no one knew the whole story.
The local North Carolina dialect written throughout the book made me feel like I was there. The letters written showed the education that some of the characters received made it very believable. Sometimes it is easy to take for granted how things were in the past because some of the readers never experienced it. Pearson did a great job with this story. Terrific novel to kick off the new year!
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
Evelyn Lester is trying to figure out if she wants to save her marriage. She discovered that her husband has been having an emotional affair with a subordinate at work. Once discovered, he quickly dissolved the relationship and is trying to show Evelyn that he wants to keep their marriage alive. To complicate matters, she just found out she is pregnant, which is making the decision that much more difficult. She decides to take some time away and goes to stay at her mother’s home. Shortly after arriving, she learns that her grandmother, known as Granny B, has leukemia and has decided not to pursue treatment. Granny B has had a rough life herself raising seven children without having a husband present. She became a hard woman and even harder on her children. Even so, her children have become very successful professionally, but they all harbor secrets from the past and present. Evelyn begins spending more and more time with Granny B and each begins to unburden their secrets to the other. Before long, they devise a plan to help Granny B close out her grievances before she passes on from this life.
This was really an incredible debut novel. There is a lot of pain displayed throughout this book caused between family members. But deep down, people begin to realize how alike they are, which can be why the pain is caused. And do we ever really understand each other’s circumstances to judge? As it is said, Remove the log in your own eye so that you can see the speck in your neighbor’s eye more clearly. That is part of the message of this book. Everyone seemed to think they knew what was best, but no one knew the whole story.
The local North Carolina dialect written throughout the book made me feel like I was there. The letters written showed the education that some of the characters received made it very believable. Sometimes it is easy to take for granted how things were in the past because some of the readers never experienced it. Pearson did a great job with this story. Terrific novel to kick off the new year!
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
March 29, 2020
3.5 stars
"There are so many things that can happen to a person, things that other people can't understand - even the person involved sometimes doesn't understand."
And the one person who has the ability to explain it all is nearing the end of explanations.
When Evelyn Lester arrives at her grandmother's little house, she is unprepared for the stream of unfettered words that the crotchety old woman spews out of her mouth. Granny B isn't exactly mean, but she can seem that way to those who don't really know her; she knows a lot more about life and death than most people, but she sure doesn't crave any sympathy; she has lived a lifetime of ups and downs, but is finally ready to admit . . . . that grace took a "long time comin'".
What a lovely journey along the raw edges of a family, where pain always hovered just beneath the surface, and secrets lived and breathed much longer than the truth. What matters most is that in the end, a mother's sacrifce and determination to give her children what they needed the most, gifted them with a legacy that they are finally able to recognize and understand.
"There are so many things that can happen to a person, things that other people can't understand - even the person involved sometimes doesn't understand."
And the one person who has the ability to explain it all is nearing the end of explanations.
When Evelyn Lester arrives at her grandmother's little house, she is unprepared for the stream of unfettered words that the crotchety old woman spews out of her mouth. Granny B isn't exactly mean, but she can seem that way to those who don't really know her; she knows a lot more about life and death than most people, but she sure doesn't crave any sympathy; she has lived a lifetime of ups and downs, but is finally ready to admit . . . . that grace took a "long time comin'".
What a lovely journey along the raw edges of a family, where pain always hovered just beneath the surface, and secrets lived and breathed much longer than the truth. What matters most is that in the end, a mother's sacrifce and determination to give her children what they needed the most, gifted them with a legacy that they are finally able to recognize and understand.
September 8, 2021
I did not finish this book. I got about 2 1/2 hours in it and it was very heavy, lies, secrets, etc., and I just couldn't deal. The narration was good and I am sure the story gets where it is going, but this one is just not for me at this time.
July 14, 2020
Haaaaaaa! This just shows that you can't tell someone to forgive and face their problems unless you intend to do the same. What a sweet read... Granny B rocked!
It was a little too inspirational for my taste... I like my books a little on the trashy side (not really). This is a book about forgiveness and responsibility. Great plot, well done.
4 stars
Happy Reading!
It was a little too inspirational for my taste... I like my books a little on the trashy side (not really). This is a book about forgiveness and responsibility. Great plot, well done.
4 stars
Happy Reading!
March 10, 2020
Robin Pearson's emotional, honest debut examines the ties that bind family and the secrets and pain that keeps them apart as well. The author takes readers into the hearts of three generations of women: a spitfire of a grandmother dying of cancer, a mother, and a granddaughter hiding her own secret while struggling with her marriage. They're bound together by blood but walking very separate paths. Granny B., Evelyn, and Lis were incredibly well-developed characters who came alive on the pages. The scenes were so vivid I felt like I was standing outside Granny B's house hanging laundry and eating with her and Evelyn in the kitchen. Crackling dialogue made me smile, laugh, and tear up.
With gorgeous writing that often demanded another read for its sheer beauty, A Long Time Comin' is southern inspirational fiction at its best. Highly recommend, and I'm eager to read more by this gifted storyteller.
With gorgeous writing that often demanded another read for its sheer beauty, A Long Time Comin' is southern inspirational fiction at its best. Highly recommend, and I'm eager to read more by this gifted storyteller.
June 15, 2020
I love celebrating debut novels. When they're good, I'm soooo happy. When they're great, I'm ecstatic.
A LONG TIME COMIN' by Robin W. Pearson made me beyond giddy. It's lovely, with a strong voice, memorable characters, and an engrossing story with repercussions that reach through the generations.
Evelyn Lester has a problem. Several of them. She visits her mother to sort them out and ends up spending a lot of time with her elderly grandmother. Granny B. has her own problems and secrets.
The two women must come to an understanding as they help each other navigate through uncharted territory of family and relationships.
I highly recommend it!
A LONG TIME COMIN' by Robin W. Pearson made me beyond giddy. It's lovely, with a strong voice, memorable characters, and an engrossing story with repercussions that reach through the generations.
Evelyn Lester has a problem. Several of them. She visits her mother to sort them out and ends up spending a lot of time with her elderly grandmother. Granny B. has her own problems and secrets.
The two women must come to an understanding as they help each other navigate through uncharted territory of family and relationships.
I highly recommend it!
March 22, 2026
This is a good family story that spans generations. It unfolds with mystery that keeps you engaged. The characters are interesting and well-developed. The Southern dialects are captured well, and the details of the land and food are captivating. The depth of the feelings and emotions is realistic between the characters. I enjoyed this unique book and I am now interested in her other books.
December 27, 2019
A Long Time Comin' is a story about family and the ties that bind and blind our journeys through life’s trials and tribulations. This author sure has a gift for clever untangling of truth - for that artful slow reveal you are yearning to see.
Central to this story are 1.) Evelyn, who is forced onto the road of self-discovery by a betrayal, and 2.) Evelyn’s cantankerous grandmother -- crusty old Beatrice. The reader cannot help but love them both.
The chapters are chockfull of insights on the complexities of multigenerational family dramas. You will connect immediately with the Agnew crew as every character is masterfully developed and rendered fully human and fully flawed. Anchored in Scripture, peppered with modern-day struggles, and flavored with Southern gentility, charm and grit -- as Pearson’s debut novel, she has complete control of her narrative. So impressive.
We all have baggage (!) and the Agnew are no exception. As the family suitcase gets unpacked, chapter by chapter, the reader is reminded that families are a lot like music, with some high notes and some low notes, to make a beautiful song.
If everyone had a Granny B in their life, I’m convinced the world would come to its senses!
Two thumbs up for “A Long Time Comin’”!
Central to this story are 1.) Evelyn, who is forced onto the road of self-discovery by a betrayal, and 2.) Evelyn’s cantankerous grandmother -- crusty old Beatrice. The reader cannot help but love them both.
The chapters are chockfull of insights on the complexities of multigenerational family dramas. You will connect immediately with the Agnew crew as every character is masterfully developed and rendered fully human and fully flawed. Anchored in Scripture, peppered with modern-day struggles, and flavored with Southern gentility, charm and grit -- as Pearson’s debut novel, she has complete control of her narrative. So impressive.
We all have baggage (!) and the Agnew are no exception. As the family suitcase gets unpacked, chapter by chapter, the reader is reminded that families are a lot like music, with some high notes and some low notes, to make a beautiful song.
“Granny B yanked Evelyn from her wading pool of sentimentality and threw her unceremoniously into the deep end of indignation.”
If everyone had a Granny B in their life, I’m convinced the world would come to its senses!
Two thumbs up for “A Long Time Comin’”!
January 13, 2020
This novel is about a strong elderly woman who finds out she is dying and needs to get closure before leaving the earth.
However, it is not quite that simple.
Granny B aka Beatrice has always kept secrets, kept people and family at a distance and provided a tough exterior.
It was not an easy life, but she managed fine as a single parent or so she thinks. The kids grew up and seemed alright.
Now..... as time is winding down she will have to let her family know the truth.
Granny sees her granddaughter Evelyn heading down the same path and is determined to make sure this doesn't happen!
Life is just too short for anger, regret and hate.
I loved Granny B. .
She definitely is a hero in my opinion!
However, it is not quite that simple.
Granny B aka Beatrice has always kept secrets, kept people and family at a distance and provided a tough exterior.
It was not an easy life, but she managed fine as a single parent or so she thinks. The kids grew up and seemed alright.
Now..... as time is winding down she will have to let her family know the truth.
Granny sees her granddaughter Evelyn heading down the same path and is determined to make sure this doesn't happen!
Life is just too short for anger, regret and hate.
I loved Granny B. .
She definitely is a hero in my opinion!
June 1, 2023
This is a story about a young girl whose marriage is on rocky ground and finds herself running from the situation and instead of dealing with it head on. Evelyn finds that her husband, Kevin, has been unfaithful and she has a hard time digesting this. Her relationship with her family is not all what it’s cracked up to be either. She finds herself going to the one person she not only shared a name with, Granny B’s house.
Granny B reminds me so much of my grandmother, a straight with no chaser type of personality. Evelyn finds a box of letters and is in need of answers. These answer will open wounds that are still oozing for some.
I look forward to reading more from this Robin in the future.
Granny B reminds me so much of my grandmother, a straight with no chaser type of personality. Evelyn finds a box of letters and is in need of answers. These answer will open wounds that are still oozing for some.
I look forward to reading more from this Robin in the future.
May 20, 2020
Evelyn heads home to escape the disappointment in her husband, Kevin, who almost cheated on her. Kevin is repentant, but he travels a lot for business and those trips do not bolster Evelyn's confidence in his fidelity. Turns out, though, the Evelyn is pregnant and Kevin doesn't know.
Granny B knows, though, just after spending a short time with Evelyn. She uses the stories of her past to connect to Evelyn and help Evelyn sort out her options.
I was OK about the story. I thought it was disjointed in parts as they tried to introduce the reader to ALL the children of Granny B.
Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for providing me an ARC for a review in my own words.
Granny B knows, though, just after spending a short time with Evelyn. She uses the stories of her past to connect to Evelyn and help Evelyn sort out her options.
I was OK about the story. I thought it was disjointed in parts as they tried to introduce the reader to ALL the children of Granny B.
Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for providing me an ARC for a review in my own words.
October 10, 2020
Struggled with getting into this one. Lots of characters and short visits with each one prevented me from getting to know them...just stayed on the surface. Thus, for me, it kept me from enjoying the story. The author writes well and I will try more from her but this one fell short on keeping my interest
February 18, 2021
I loved this book! Granny B is a feisty, southern grandmother who has "no room for regrets or hand-holding." Her granddaughter, Evelyn, uncovers a box of secret letters that prompt an enlightening but often painful journey into family history and secrets, forgiveness, determination and grace. I look forward to reading more from Robin Pearson.
February 5, 2020
With a deft hand and an unflinching eye, Pearson tackles the cobwebby corners of her characters’ lives and in doing so reveals truths that ultimately help us all to heal . . . even when we’ve convinced ourselves we don’t need to.
February 23, 2020
A Long Time Comin’ isn’t the type of story you rush through to find out how it ends. It’s the type of story you savor. I loved the way the author dug deep to explore themes like regret and grace. These characters were beautifully drawn—real and raw and authentically flawed.
February 4, 2020
Now I want to hug my grandmothers!
August 11, 2020
Summary: An excellent read—not the kind of book you see very often.
This is a story I have a hard time reviewing! It’s a great book, but there were some elements I struggled with.
First, though, the good: This book had some excellent characters! I loved watching the grandmother/granddaughter relationship grow in here, and seeing them work through their own struggles and try to help each other at the same time. Some of the things featured here are ones that many would be able to relate to, and I think that made the message even more compelling. I also loved the setting—almost all books I read feature white characters, but that wasn’t so here, and the African-American culture came through very well in these pages. I could hear the characters speaking through their word choices, and I really enjoyed that!
I did struggle with some of the content in here, though. Since this book deals with two different affairs or almost-affairs, part of it was to be expected, I guess. One part I didn’t enjoy was the one or two subjects brought up over and over in the course of conversation (body parts and hints at marital subjects). With that, though, I wonder if it isn’t the normal way of speaking for that particular cultural group, but since it isn’t acceptable in my culture, I didn’t enjoy it. There was one particular scene that I really didn’t enjoy—when a young boy got stuck in his mother’s closet and heard things he wasn’t supposed to hear—but at the same time, I can imagine it happening.
Little things, I know. But they did taint the whole somewhat for me.
The good part is that this book is quite good! I loved the way the author told the story; it flowed along very well, and for the most part, aside from one or two scenes where I thought the time gap wasn’t explained quite enough to make the start of the scene go well, it was a very well-written book. It’s not one I’ll forget anytime soon!
I requested a free review copy of this book from the publisher, and this is my honest opinion of it.
This is a story I have a hard time reviewing! It’s a great book, but there were some elements I struggled with.
First, though, the good: This book had some excellent characters! I loved watching the grandmother/granddaughter relationship grow in here, and seeing them work through their own struggles and try to help each other at the same time. Some of the things featured here are ones that many would be able to relate to, and I think that made the message even more compelling. I also loved the setting—almost all books I read feature white characters, but that wasn’t so here, and the African-American culture came through very well in these pages. I could hear the characters speaking through their word choices, and I really enjoyed that!
I did struggle with some of the content in here, though. Since this book deals with two different affairs or almost-affairs, part of it was to be expected, I guess. One part I didn’t enjoy was the one or two subjects brought up over and over in the course of conversation (body parts and hints at marital subjects). With that, though, I wonder if it isn’t the normal way of speaking for that particular cultural group, but since it isn’t acceptable in my culture, I didn’t enjoy it. There was one particular scene that I really didn’t enjoy—when a young boy got stuck in his mother’s closet and heard things he wasn’t supposed to hear—but at the same time, I can imagine it happening.
Little things, I know. But they did taint the whole somewhat for me.
The good part is that this book is quite good! I loved the way the author told the story; it flowed along very well, and for the most part, aside from one or two scenes where I thought the time gap wasn’t explained quite enough to make the start of the scene go well, it was a very well-written book. It’s not one I’ll forget anytime soon!
I requested a free review copy of this book from the publisher, and this is my honest opinion of it.
June 29, 2020
I listen to this book as an audiobook. I think I liked it. There were a lot of characters. I sometimes got a bit mixed up with the names of the main characters siblings and their side stories. You did get a feel for the life that Grandma Bea lived and the difficulties she overcame. She did have a connection to God but that wasn't too overt.
And I think she had a real troubled soul at least in the main part of her growing up years, but she did not have an easy life. And she did make the best of a life she had. Grandma Bes's life was contrasted with the life of the main character who was Evelyn. She also really had a lot going on in her life too that she was having to deal with and did not want to deal with. Grandma Bea helped her see the way to deal with those things without telling her anything she making her do them but making her work through a difficult parts of life.
I thought the story was good and probably really read it more like a three and a half. I didn't feel real connected the story most of the time. It wasn't a hard book to listen to it did keep me engaged. and I think I could recommend it for somebody who wanted to see a life that was internally torn apart by the situations that the main characters found themselves in. It was a bit of a involved family life that had a bunch of secrets. Grandma Bea had kept a lot in her heart and didn't dump out her history easily. That is where the boot title comes from.
And I think she had a real troubled soul at least in the main part of her growing up years, but she did not have an easy life. And she did make the best of a life she had. Grandma Bes's life was contrasted with the life of the main character who was Evelyn. She also really had a lot going on in her life too that she was having to deal with and did not want to deal with. Grandma Bea helped her see the way to deal with those things without telling her anything she making her do them but making her work through a difficult parts of life.
I thought the story was good and probably really read it more like a three and a half. I didn't feel real connected the story most of the time. It wasn't a hard book to listen to it did keep me engaged. and I think I could recommend it for somebody who wanted to see a life that was internally torn apart by the situations that the main characters found themselves in. It was a bit of a involved family life that had a bunch of secrets. Grandma Bea had kept a lot in her heart and didn't dump out her history easily. That is where the boot title comes from.
June 8, 2020
A Long Time Comin’ is author Robin W Pearson’s debut Christian women’s fiction novel.
Grandma B and her granddaughter, Evelyn, both have baggage they have kept secret and need to work through.
WOW!! This novel has all the emotions of a good women’s novel. Some parts of the writing style were hard for me to think through, but the majority of it was great writing. This author will be on my auto-buy list.
This is a story of loss, betrayal, and forgiveness, written with a Christian flair. It had me thinking of my own generations past and the hurts and betrayals that were there. The only One who is without fault is Christ Jesus. He loves and cares for the world no matter your past. I appreciated that the Christian faith was brought out in this story.
This novel would make a great book club choice. It is one of my most favorites of 2020.
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
Grandma B and her granddaughter, Evelyn, both have baggage they have kept secret and need to work through.
WOW!! This novel has all the emotions of a good women’s novel. Some parts of the writing style were hard for me to think through, but the majority of it was great writing. This author will be on my auto-buy list.
This is a story of loss, betrayal, and forgiveness, written with a Christian flair. It had me thinking of my own generations past and the hurts and betrayals that were there. The only One who is without fault is Christ Jesus. He loves and cares for the world no matter your past. I appreciated that the Christian faith was brought out in this story.
This novel would make a great book club choice. It is one of my most favorites of 2020.
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
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June 18, 2020This is a wonderful debut from Robin W. Pearson, perfect for a summer day in a shaded hammock with a tall glass of iced tea. The story revolves around the complicated relationship between Agnew family matriarch Granny B and her granddaughter, Evelyn. Both women are immediately lovable, particularly the formidable Granny B, but both are deeply flawed in ways that are more alike than different. Family secrets are revealed, presenting opportunities for healing, in a beautifully-written, peaceful writing voice. Robin has a new book coming out next winter, and I can't wait!! If you're a fan of fiction revolving around families, the southern US, great food, hope, healing, characters that are so well-drawn they leap off the page and spring to life, or just plain outstanding writing, you'll love "A Long Time Comin'!"
May 8, 2020
I picked this book up at my local bookstore because I like to take chances on new authors and I like to support them. Writing is a tough job. I’m so glad I did! Author Robin W Pearson’s debut novel is incredible. I couldn’t put it down once I started reading.
Set in the present day south, Pearson tells us about the Agnew family. The good, the bad, and the ugly yet does it in such a way that you can’t help but love them. Her characters are so well developed that you will be sure they are real. I suppose they are real in our minds. They are flawed, they go through difficult times, but they always rally around each other. And Granny B. I’d love to meet her, although I’m sure I’d get kicked out of her house more than once.
This book is raw, honest, and compelling. It’s definitely worth a re-read. I can’t wait for Book 2!!
Set in the present day south, Pearson tells us about the Agnew family. The good, the bad, and the ugly yet does it in such a way that you can’t help but love them. Her characters are so well developed that you will be sure they are real. I suppose they are real in our minds. They are flawed, they go through difficult times, but they always rally around each other. And Granny B. I’d love to meet her, although I’m sure I’d get kicked out of her house more than once.
This book is raw, honest, and compelling. It’s definitely worth a re-read. I can’t wait for Book 2!!
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