Cradle in the Oak

by Candace Cox Wheeler

Carrie Burns, a young mother in early twentieth-century Biloxi, Mississippi, seems to have it a doting husband, two adorable little boys, and a wealth of friends and family support. But her world is shattered when she wakes one morning to find that not only are her husband and sons gone, so is their sitter, a teenage girl from a good family. As a full-time homemaker, Carrie has no marketable skills or the financial means to launch her own search when police inform her that her husband and kids may already be far from home. But what Carrie does possess is courage and moxie. After talking her way into an entry-level position with the thriving Desportes seafood business, she learns the industry and develops a lucrative enterprise of her own, finally making her journey possible. In a harrowing trek along the East Coast of Florida and, ultimately, to a city hundreds of miles away, Carrie receives crucial assistance from her cousin David Tauzin, a powerful Biloxi attorney. While David appears to have her best interests at heart, his murky background frightens Carrie. As she hunts for her beloved sons, can she really trust this caring but mysterious man who knows so many influential people? A page-turner layered with the rich history of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Cradle in the Oak introduces the enviable gifts of storyteller Candace Cox Wheeler with a cast of characters that will get under your skin and a heroine in Carrie Burns you will never forget.

347 pages, Hardcover

Published April 1, 2021

Reviews

[Ally Blomberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I enjoyed all the history throughout this novel, it kind of felt like that was the whole point and the plot was secondary. Things felt rushed. Some major event would happen with no build up and no resolution, and you flip the page and it’s the next day in the story.

Living on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, it was interesting to hear about the place in the 1900s and being able to make connections to businesses and people still here.

[Ron James Sonnier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Giant Oak Tree Adorned With Spanish Moss

Cradle in the Oak is very well written tale with quality wording and construction. I find no fault in this extraordinary example of time travel depicting the seafood industry; blending the rich cultural mixture depicting our coastal character more especially with crustacean cuisine of our friends and ancestors Hebert; Wheeler; Cox; ....And Others that deserve mentioning. The story is sad and describes challenges of this mother with required alterations in her persona; And her very demeanor. This is about the higher end owners pioneers in their professions with some time dedicated to describing vessels of many types and the people building them and sailing them. The numerous golf clubs, sail clubs, and social status is well identified and a part of Candace Cox Wheeler. I love the ambience of this her first work to be published. Thank you Candace my fellow Alumni of The University of Southern Mississippi.

[Suzy McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun and fast read.

My sister in law bought me the second book in the series for Christmas because my maiden name was Wheeler. I went on line and bought this book. I was captivated and loved every minute of it's romance and mystery and most of all the knowledge I gleaned about so many subjects. It was like a history book and it makes me want to explore the Gulf Coast more thoroughly. I cAnnot wait to read the second book.

[Stephanie Dunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book in a giftshop in Biloxi, MS. The book reads as a youthful YA . Which isn't bad, but just a heads up if you think it'll read differently. The story is artfully crafted, and the characters are sweet and a little unbelievable. But the overall plot and slice of life glimpse during early 1900s is neat.

[Judyspadoni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read and entertaining. Can't describe what makes me feel like the book is not up another level

[Melody · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story based on a real life occurrence. Easy read but writing pretty flat.

[Wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Cradle in the Oak” setting is Biloxi, Mississippi in 1906. It looks at life along the Mississippi Gulf Coast in the early twentieth-century. Carrie Burn wakes to her husband and children gone from her home. When she determines her husband is not who she thought and has absconded with her children, she becomes determined to get her boys back. I believe Wheeler does a wonderful job of describing coastal Mississippi in 1906.

I enjoyed her writing and the story. There is a sequel and I hope to read it soon.