On the Eighteenth of May

by Jordan R. Samuel

On the evening of the eighteenth of May, a young woman walks alone into the small village of Chimney Rock, North Carolina, with the intention of staying for exactly one year. As she sets about to find lodging and work, she quickly meets two precocious children, a caring and generous business owner, and the neighboring town's Chief of Police. Family and loss make up many of their stories, and while these people and others attempt to get to know and help the stranger, the history and troubled memories of what led her to this place begin to gradually unfold. As the date of her planned departure approaches, the potential for love and a path to healing become clearer, but the chains of long-held regret and despair are strong. Eventually, all must decide how forcefully they are willing to hold to the past, to the pain, and to the person.As the first book in The Broad River Trilogy, On the Eighteenth of May is a novel that examines the true test of strength in the deepest depths of sorrow. It is a story that reminds each of us of the overwhelming power of comforting influences in all our lives, and of the challenges that come even with comfort, as our human souls struggle, against all odds, to survive.

Genres: Fiction

428 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 20, 2021

About the author

Jordan R. Samuel, the breakout author of The Broad River Trilogy and The Wings Saga, provides captivating dramatic series through which readers are introduced to the beauty of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Appalachia Mountains. Compelling characters, heartbreaking dilemmas, and meaningful journeys make up each of these stories, as Jordan weaves elements of romance, suspense, and historical perspective in creating breathtaking literary experiences. Jordan lives near Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband, John, and is a fulltime professor at Queens University of Charlotte. While not teaching or writing, she enjoys traveling across the country to visit their three children, as well as exploring new locations abroad. For more information, please visit jordanrsamuel.com.

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The setting and rich storytelling of this book captured me from the first page.

The characters —- some I connected with immediately and some that took me half or even nearly the whole book to really root for while their complex stories came to light —- are framed beautifully by the simple rolling passage of time in one small spot on a map.

I felt less like I was reading and more like I was sitting on a bench in the center of Chimney Rock watching the story unfold.

I can’t wait to see future novels from this author!

[Rajiv · Rating 5 out of 5]

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Reading this book is like basking on sunlight after the clouds depart. It was beautiful, heart-warming and left me speechless. I loved reading it.

Even though it is a relatively simple story, the beauty lies in the way the author narrates it. The story progresses like fine wine. The author describes every emotion that the characters go through in such a poignant manner. It’s a beautiful tale that shows the courage it takes to face your fears instead of running away from them.

You fall in love with the Lucas and Cass from page one. Both of them are vibrant and enchanting in their own manner. I became so engrossed with the characters that I was at the edge of my seat towards the climax. The plot progresses beautifully, as we slowly start to see snippets of Cass’s past, and the reason why she doesn’t stick to one place. There are a few moments in the story which are pretty violent. But otherwise, everyone in Chimney Rock is so friendly and adorable that makes you want to go and live in such a town. I loved Ella and just wanted to hug her through the pages.

Moreover, I also loved some passages that Lucas describes about his Cherokee heritage, like the symbolism of water. In fact, there are so many priceless moments that I loved, like how Cass talks about umbrellas and rain, and how she reflects on the shattered vase. The way the author adds these moments to the story makes it so memorable.

Overall, “On the Eighteenth of May” is a beautiful love story that I truly loved reading.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cass is a very enigmatic character, but you cannot help but trust her and feel sorry for her in a way and also want to get to know her better without stepping on her toes. It's a whole lot of emotions wrapped up all together with her. We get snippets of her past when she has flashbacks, and you have a pretty good sense of what has happened to her to trigger her annual wandering. But you really want her to give in to the wonderful people she encounters in this new town and let them help her and love her, because that's what she really needs.

Lucas was hard for me to take a first. He seemed very abrupt and was understandably not very trusting. I liked watching him soften as the story goes on.

Ella is a favorite. She is the kind of mother figure you would always want to run into when you are down and out and in need of some simple care and love. It's no wonder her son dotes on her so much.

Also a character in this book in a different way is Lucas's Cherokee heritage. I enjoyed learning about some of the traditions and seeing how the messages and medicine were able to help them both.

This is a different kind of a romance and a different kind of a story. It's not one you're going to tear through in one sitting, but you're going to be compelled to finish and savor every moment of it. I'm very impressed with this debut novel.

Thank you to YA Bound and the author for providing me a requested review copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Glenn Gurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am fortunate to live in North Carolina and often visited Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. One of my best friends growing up had parents that owned a gift store in Chimney Rock. While reading this book I could visually see the small town and its people through the author's vivid descriptions. I was captivated at the beginning as Cass enters the town sharing she would remain there for exactly one year. One of my favorite characters is Ella who owns a bakery and took Cass under her wing when she arrived. As the weeks and months passed, I wanted to know much more about Cass. The author shared fragments of her past throughout the book concluding with “the rest of the story” bringing everything together in the reader’s mind. At times I could not put the book down having to read more and more to find a good stopping point before closing the book. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to more by this author. Excellent read!

[Beth Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cass is a young lady traveling through the mountains of North Carolina to escape her past. She changes her location every 365 days, moving on to the next place every May 18. Even before you know what has happened to Cass, you can feel the effects throughout her year-long stay in Chimney Rock. You long for Cass to find, not just peace, but complete happiness. As the story progresses, the very last thing you want is for the eighteenth of May to arrive.

The author has described Chimney Rock and Lake Lure in such a way that it makes you want to be there. You will fall in love with the setting and the characters as you read On the Eighteenth of May.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

what an amazing book

This book was recommended to me by a friend. And boy it didn’t disappoint. First the story was amazing, it is about brokenness and healing. Forgiveness of oneself in the face of grief that is devastating. So deep but so cleansing. Second, I live in the area where the book is set. I take for granted the beauty of Rutherford County NC. The beauty of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock. The beauty and healing power of the beautiful foothills I live in. Thank you so much Jordan Samuel for this beautiful story. I will be thinking about it for days

[Amber Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I read this book, the characters came alive in my mind as people who could be my neighbors and friends. Though they all have their own burdens, they help each other no matter what. It was a great book that embodies small town life in North Carolina. This book was not a cheesy romance or suspense thriller, but yet it had romance and mystery woven throughout the story. I truly enjoyed this book and believe others will too!

[Carrie Tulbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comfort. Healing. Characters that are real and full of grace and hurt and love all at the same time. This is the third book I have read by Jordan R. Samuel, and each time I am so grateful for the peace her writing and characters bring to my heart. The writing is intentional and well crafted. The settings are pure perfection as they are set in North Carolina. And this book in particular is impactful with the growth and power of community and unconditional love. I highly recommend!!!

[Dee Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!!!!!!!

This book was fantastic. The story kept me hooked all the way thru. The characters, I could picture in my head as I read. There was an even flow and I could just be there, watching as it unfolded. I have and will continue to recommend this to others. Well done my friend, well done.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book truly kept me wanting to know what was going to happen with all the characters. This is not my typical genre, and this book may have switched me over to loving romance. The writing made you feel as if you were right there with Cass and Lucas in the mountains of North Carolina. Absolutely loved this fantastic book!

[Heather Irwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Cass, Ella, Lucas and even Farley at the end! The characters were so well developed and Cass’ story evolved in just the right tidbits at the perfect intervals. It kept the pages turning quickly. I hate predictability and this was anything but. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this trilogy!

[Jessica Bourque · Rating 5 out of 5]

This would make a great movie! Very interesting story and characters. Kept me guessing and I was never bored. Lost a couple nights sleep because I couldn’t put it down. Couldn’t wait to see how it ended.

[Taunia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Instantly you are enthralled with the characters- devoured the book in one day! You could not help but want to know each characters story and how they evolved. Setting is beautifully described and the books message is even more beautiful. Definitely looking forward to a sequel!!

[Kathy Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book

This was a very enjoyable book that I couldn’t put down! I read it in one day. The author described the Lake Lure/Chimney Rock area precisely, so that I pictured the familiar areas vividly. A heartwarming story that’s very well written. Can’t wait for her next novel!

[Genora Cheshire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book that had me in awe of the characters!!! I loved the story of Cass and Lucas!! I also love that it takes place in NC at Chimney Rock!!! Intertwined are tales of the Cherokee!!! Awesome read!!!

[Debbi Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabbed me from the start. Living near the locations in the book added interest to a spell binding story of love, trust, and friendships. As the characters became family to each other they did to me as well. References to memories of the past were interwoven thru the story in such a way you couldn’t help but to try to fit all the pieces together before the author did it for you. Very enjoyable read, I highly recommend.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely novel!

You will enjoy the wonderful love story of two friends who share a bond and fall in love and a very unexpected time. The author depicts the influence of past trauma perfectly and how it impacts Cass and her daily life.

[Sharon Grim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book worth Reading

This book is very special, and I will always remember it! It has touched me deeply, as it will you. Do yourself a favor and feed your soul by reading it! Thank you Jordan Samuel, for sharing it!

[Eileen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dull

I read through three quarters of this book and finally stopped. It was dull, the characters didn't really have any excitement and I didn't like the way the story was told. Two stars because someone actually did write the story.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book, and I can't wait to start the next one! You immediately fall in love with the characters. I love the setting and are familiar with the places that are mentioned in the book. I am truly a fan of this author now!

[Diana Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome novel that will have your feelings all over the place, not knowing what’s going to happen next.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story of triumph

So hard to put down, as each chapter builds suspense leading to that fateful date. Loved every word of this beautiful story.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet story, such good relationships with patience and kindness and time together. I also love the truths of small town North Carolina. I loved this story!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read! The story place in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, North Carolina. The characters are well written and I felt like I was living the story through them. I could not put this book down!

[Joe Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great job by a wonderful lady

I stayed up until 2 finishing this. Loved the safe drama, regional history and connections, and redemptive story. Thank you

[Jen Melton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This was a beautiful story of overcoming traumatic challenges. My new favorite love story! I’m excited to see what book number 2 in The Broad River Trilogy brings.

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story. It was sweet while telling a painful story of Cass’ life. Loved it!

[Anna Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I liked this book. I love the area inwhich it is set and distantly know the author. In places it see.ed to drag and in others it needed more detail but overall, I liked it.

[Noelle Van Der Meid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story with a genuine romance and soft mystery. The characters were interesting and the setting was beautiful and felt as magical as I know it to be.

[Nicole Wills · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a time when there is so much craziness in the world, this book was the perfect escape with a great story!