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Shadows of Pecan Hollow
Set in 1970s and 90s East Texas, Shadows of Pecan Hollow is a literary debut about a scrappy young woman and the partner-in-crime she can’t escape from, perfect for readers of Where the Crawdads Sing and Valentine.
It was 1970 when thirteen-year-old Kit Walker was abducted by Manny Romero, a smooth-talking, low-level criminal. Longing for the family and security she never had, she allowed herself to be coddled and groomed into Manny’s partner-in-crime. Before long, Kit and Manny became infamous for their string of gas station robberies throughout Texas, making a name for themselves as the Texaco Twosome.
But as Manny’s fatherly demeanor shifts to something darker and more violent, Kit is forced to reconsider their relationship and her own safety. In a flash decision, she leaves Manny at a holdup gone wrong.
Thirteen years after her escape, she has made a home for herself and her daughter amongst the pecan trees and muddy creeks of the claustrophobic town of Possum Run. When Manny shows up at her doorstep a new man, fresh out of prison, Kit’s profound and twisted attachment to him compels her to let him in. Immediately, Kit’s world is transformed and her community is sent into a tailspin.
With its rich landscape, indelible characters, and evocative language, Shadows of Pecan Hollow is a hauntingly intimate and distinctly original debut about the strength and vulnerability of womanhood and the complexity of love—both romantic and familial. This penetrating, gritty, and unexpectedly tender novel ensnares the reader in its story of resilience and the bonds that define us.
It was 1970 when thirteen-year-old Kit Walker was abducted by Manny Romero, a smooth-talking, low-level criminal. Longing for the family and security she never had, she allowed herself to be coddled and groomed into Manny’s partner-in-crime. Before long, Kit and Manny became infamous for their string of gas station robberies throughout Texas, making a name for themselves as the Texaco Twosome.
But as Manny’s fatherly demeanor shifts to something darker and more violent, Kit is forced to reconsider their relationship and her own safety. In a flash decision, she leaves Manny at a holdup gone wrong.
Thirteen years after her escape, she has made a home for herself and her daughter amongst the pecan trees and muddy creeks of the claustrophobic town of Possum Run. When Manny shows up at her doorstep a new man, fresh out of prison, Kit’s profound and twisted attachment to him compels her to let him in. Immediately, Kit’s world is transformed and her community is sent into a tailspin.
With its rich landscape, indelible characters, and evocative language, Shadows of Pecan Hollow is a hauntingly intimate and distinctly original debut about the strength and vulnerability of womanhood and the complexity of love—both romantic and familial. This penetrating, gritty, and unexpectedly tender novel ensnares the reader in its story of resilience and the bonds that define us.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 8, 2022
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25845 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 884 reviews
February 23, 2022
4.5*
It is hard to believe this is a DEBUT novel! The writing is incredible and the story fascinating, disturbing, heartbreaking and hopeful!
Part One of the novel takes place in the 1970's. Twelve year old Kit has been in and out of foster homes her whole life having been abandoned as a baby by her mother. She's hungry and tired and at a gas station she tries to steal some food. While walking out she notices a Mustang parked with a bag of fast food in the front seat. The smell of it reminds her of how hungry she is. She tries to steal it but the man who owns the car comes out and catches her. He's Manny Romero, an older man in his late 20's. He takes her with him and she ends up staying with him permanently. The trouble starts...he begins to groom her and they begin to commit crimes together.
Part Two takes place in 1990 when Kit has broken away from Manny and is raising her child in a small East Texas town called, Pecan Hollow. Now Manny has been released from prison and sets out to find Kit.
This is an epic type of story. I listened to the audio and it is 15 hours long. It's highly entertaining but I think I may have enjoyed reading this one more as the writing is so beautiful and full of depth. I cannot wait to see what else Caroline Frost will write. This is already down as a "favourite" of 2022.
It is hard to believe this is a DEBUT novel! The writing is incredible and the story fascinating, disturbing, heartbreaking and hopeful!
Part One of the novel takes place in the 1970's. Twelve year old Kit has been in and out of foster homes her whole life having been abandoned as a baby by her mother. She's hungry and tired and at a gas station she tries to steal some food. While walking out she notices a Mustang parked with a bag of fast food in the front seat. The smell of it reminds her of how hungry she is. She tries to steal it but the man who owns the car comes out and catches her. He's Manny Romero, an older man in his late 20's. He takes her with him and she ends up staying with him permanently. The trouble starts...he begins to groom her and they begin to commit crimes together.
Part Two takes place in 1990 when Kit has broken away from Manny and is raising her child in a small East Texas town called, Pecan Hollow. Now Manny has been released from prison and sets out to find Kit.
This is an epic type of story. I listened to the audio and it is 15 hours long. It's highly entertaining but I think I may have enjoyed reading this one more as the writing is so beautiful and full of depth. I cannot wait to see what else Caroline Frost will write. This is already down as a "favourite" of 2022.
March 15, 2022
with the same heaviness of ‘rust & stardust’ and resilience of ‘all the ugly and wonderful things,’ this is a story that will make you both hate and love humanity.
for a debut, this is a really ambitious story. it relies solely on the characters and i think their development is done pretty well, fleshed out enough for the most part (charlie could have used some more work, imo). i did find the writing to be dense in some parts, as if the author was over thinking some paragraphs and it didnt flow as effortlessly as it could have, but the secretive atmosphere of a small southern town with conflicting citizens and a woman hiding from her past is definitely achieved.
i think this story accomplishes was its meant to do. is it perfect? not really. would i compare it ‘where the crawdad sings,’ like the blurb? no, i wouldnt. but its a heartfelt story about the struggles of teen and what she is willing to do as an adult to make sure the troubles of past doesnt catch up to her.
↠ 3.5 stars
for a debut, this is a really ambitious story. it relies solely on the characters and i think their development is done pretty well, fleshed out enough for the most part (charlie could have used some more work, imo). i did find the writing to be dense in some parts, as if the author was over thinking some paragraphs and it didnt flow as effortlessly as it could have, but the secretive atmosphere of a small southern town with conflicting citizens and a woman hiding from her past is definitely achieved.
i think this story accomplishes was its meant to do. is it perfect? not really. would i compare it ‘where the crawdad sings,’ like the blurb? no, i wouldnt. but its a heartfelt story about the struggles of teen and what she is willing to do as an adult to make sure the troubles of past doesnt catch up to her.
↠ 3.5 stars
April 25, 2022
5 Brilliant stars! This book was amazing!! I think this is my favorite book of 2022 now, so far! This book is the cause of me being very sleepy today because I could not put it down and stayed up hours past my bedtime reading it. I had to keep reading to know what was happening next. The writing was wonderful and very engaging! The storyline was intriguing, and the characters were very well developed. Everything about this book was perfect!! To top it off, this is Caroline Frost’s debut novel, which is mind blowing to me!
There are a lot of sensitive topics in this book so if you’re easily triggered, avoid this one!
There are a lot of sensitive topics in this book so if you’re easily triggered, avoid this one!
March 18, 2022
3.5 stars
A gritty, backroads, small town story.
Kit had an extremely rough childhood. As an orphan who had to find her own way, she partnered with Manny in her teenage years and lived a life on the run until they were forced to part ways. Decades later, she is living a quiet life with her teenage daughter when Manny unexpectedly shows back up in her life.
This book included so many aspects I love — small town atmosphere, rugged characters, strong females. The writing was excellent! The smooth wording easily flowed off the pages.
The storyline was unique and interesting but failed to truly pull me in. I enjoyed meeting the gritty characters but never felt fully invested. I was curious but not engrossed. I believe part of my issue was the pacing which seemed to continually move slower as the novel progressed. Toward the end, I found myself wanting to skim read as the plot fell flat and I lost interest.
Overall, the writing was beautiful and I enjoyed the rugged characters and atmosphere. But, the pace was too slow and the storyline didn’t hold enough of an appeal to make me feel truly invested.
Thank you to the publisher for my review copy!
A gritty, backroads, small town story.
Kit had an extremely rough childhood. As an orphan who had to find her own way, she partnered with Manny in her teenage years and lived a life on the run until they were forced to part ways. Decades later, she is living a quiet life with her teenage daughter when Manny unexpectedly shows back up in her life.
This book included so many aspects I love — small town atmosphere, rugged characters, strong females. The writing was excellent! The smooth wording easily flowed off the pages.
The storyline was unique and interesting but failed to truly pull me in. I enjoyed meeting the gritty characters but never felt fully invested. I was curious but not engrossed. I believe part of my issue was the pacing which seemed to continually move slower as the novel progressed. Toward the end, I found myself wanting to skim read as the plot fell flat and I lost interest.
Overall, the writing was beautiful and I enjoyed the rugged characters and atmosphere. But, the pace was too slow and the storyline didn’t hold enough of an appeal to make me feel truly invested.
Thank you to the publisher for my review copy!
April 26, 2022
“Kit had survived by keeping a keen and suspicious eye on the present—planning was pointless, regret even more so. No patience for mystery, she dealt in concretes.”
In 1976, nineteen-year-old Kit Walker flees from the scene of an armed robbery leaving her partner Manuel “Manny” Romero behind. Kit, at the time of breaking away from Manny, was pregnant and saw an open opportunity to escape from the toxic and abusive and criminal partnership and took it. Kit and Manny were dubbed the “Texaco Twosome” and were wanted for other robberies they had committed. In 1970, Manny, then in his late 20s befriended Kit when she was barely thirteen years old, a runaway abandoned by her mother as a child and moving through the foster care system. Manny, a small-time criminal and conman, grooms Kit to become his partner in crime and their relationship gradually develops into a more exploitative one.
In 1990, Kit is raising her thirteen-year-old daughter, Charlie, in Pecan Hollow, Texas in the home of her great aunt who has since passed. Her relationship with the community is not particularly cordial and her only friends seem to be the local veterinarian who is also her employer and local law enforcement officer Caleb, of whom she remains wary, given her criminal past which she has shared with no one. Manny had taken the full blame for the crimes and thus she was no longer fearful of arrest. Charlie is a rebellious child who frequently gets into trouble at school and does not have any close friends. Her relationship with her mother is strained and knows nothing about her father. After fourteen years in prison, Manny is released and manages to track them down to Pecan Hollow. Manny supposedly embraced religion while in prison and presents himself as a changed man, God-fearing and devout holding no grudges against Kit. He charms the community with his calm, helpful and friendly demeanor and hopes to reconnect with Kit and Charlie. Kit is conflicted over her feelings for Manny and given her past experiences with him is concerned for her daughter. She is not completely convinced of the new and improved version of Manny. Will Kit and Manny be able to move past their differences? Is Manny truly a changed man or does he have an ulterior motive? Is Kit right in trusting her instincts?
With strong characterizations, a well-structured plot and engaging narrative, Shadows of Pecan Hollow by Caroline Frost is an impressive debut novel. The narrative switches between past and present timelines and covers Kit’s past with Manny (1970-76) and her present life (1990) in Pecan Hollow. Besides Kit, Charlie and Manny, we also meet an interesting cast of characters in the small-town community of Pecan Hollow. This is an intense novel, with dark and disturbing depictions of abusive relationships, sexual exploitation of a minor and gaslighting. However, there are moments of personal triumphs and hope and throughout the novel, I kept rooting for Kit and Charlie. The pace does waver in parts but does not detract from the reading experience. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
In 1976, nineteen-year-old Kit Walker flees from the scene of an armed robbery leaving her partner Manuel “Manny” Romero behind. Kit, at the time of breaking away from Manny, was pregnant and saw an open opportunity to escape from the toxic and abusive and criminal partnership and took it. Kit and Manny were dubbed the “Texaco Twosome” and were wanted for other robberies they had committed. In 1970, Manny, then in his late 20s befriended Kit when she was barely thirteen years old, a runaway abandoned by her mother as a child and moving through the foster care system. Manny, a small-time criminal and conman, grooms Kit to become his partner in crime and their relationship gradually develops into a more exploitative one.
In 1990, Kit is raising her thirteen-year-old daughter, Charlie, in Pecan Hollow, Texas in the home of her great aunt who has since passed. Her relationship with the community is not particularly cordial and her only friends seem to be the local veterinarian who is also her employer and local law enforcement officer Caleb, of whom she remains wary, given her criminal past which she has shared with no one. Manny had taken the full blame for the crimes and thus she was no longer fearful of arrest. Charlie is a rebellious child who frequently gets into trouble at school and does not have any close friends. Her relationship with her mother is strained and knows nothing about her father. After fourteen years in prison, Manny is released and manages to track them down to Pecan Hollow. Manny supposedly embraced religion while in prison and presents himself as a changed man, God-fearing and devout holding no grudges against Kit. He charms the community with his calm, helpful and friendly demeanor and hopes to reconnect with Kit and Charlie. Kit is conflicted over her feelings for Manny and given her past experiences with him is concerned for her daughter. She is not completely convinced of the new and improved version of Manny. Will Kit and Manny be able to move past their differences? Is Manny truly a changed man or does he have an ulterior motive? Is Kit right in trusting her instincts?
With strong characterizations, a well-structured plot and engaging narrative, Shadows of Pecan Hollow by Caroline Frost is an impressive debut novel. The narrative switches between past and present timelines and covers Kit’s past with Manny (1970-76) and her present life (1990) in Pecan Hollow. Besides Kit, Charlie and Manny, we also meet an interesting cast of characters in the small-town community of Pecan Hollow. This is an intense novel, with dark and disturbing depictions of abusive relationships, sexual exploitation of a minor and gaslighting. However, there are moments of personal triumphs and hope and throughout the novel, I kept rooting for Kit and Charlie. The pace does waver in parts but does not detract from the reading experience. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
February 7, 2022
East Texas, 1970's
Kit Walker, an orphan, that bounces from one foster home to another has a hunger in her belly that can not be diminished. She heads to the local gas station where she pockets some snacks to satiate her appetite. Upon leaving she sees inside a parked car a bag of fast food. The smell of the grease and salt have her salivating so she makes a move to grab it when she is stopped by the car owner. Manny Romero.
Manny can't believe this slight child of 12 years of age with a feral ferocity that could rival a pack of dogs is trying to steal from him but at the same time he admires her and sees a bit of himself in her. This is a girl with gumption and bravado that he can use in his various grifting schemes.
Kit, having never been loved by anyone, can't resist this handsome man with the bright blue eyes. Not only does he feed her anything her heart desires but he keeps her feeling safe and secure and those are feelings she has never experienced before.
The grifting goes well for several years until things go bad. Really bad.
East Texas, 1990's
Kit, now a mother to Charlie, has a small life in Pecan Hollow. Considered outcasts by the locals her and her daughter mind their own business and keep their heads down. Kit, wracked with guilt over her life choices keeps many secrets from her daughter but those secrets are about to come to light when Manny is released from prison and heads straight to Pecan Hollow to right his wrongs. Now a God fearing man he lives by the word of the Lord and he will do anything to get in Kit's good graces.
Wow, what an exceptional debut novel this is. Both timelines were equally compelling. Kit was a fascinating character that I wanted to reach into the pages to hug even if that would have gotten me an ass whooping. She was guarded and insecure and flawed and .... lovely, in her own sort of way. Ruth Langmore-esque if I dare make the comparison. She would do anything, and I mean anything, for her child. Manny was a character that will have you gritting your teeth with anger. The entire story was so well drawn, and vivid, that it was almost like watching a movie in my mind. There were some lulls in the middle but it was worth it. The ending made me misty eyed with emotion. If you enjoy the grit-lit genre then this is a novel not to be missed! 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookclub Girl Early Read Program, and William Morrow for my complimentary copy.
Kit Walker, an orphan, that bounces from one foster home to another has a hunger in her belly that can not be diminished. She heads to the local gas station where she pockets some snacks to satiate her appetite. Upon leaving she sees inside a parked car a bag of fast food. The smell of the grease and salt have her salivating so she makes a move to grab it when she is stopped by the car owner. Manny Romero.
Manny can't believe this slight child of 12 years of age with a feral ferocity that could rival a pack of dogs is trying to steal from him but at the same time he admires her and sees a bit of himself in her. This is a girl with gumption and bravado that he can use in his various grifting schemes.
Kit, having never been loved by anyone, can't resist this handsome man with the bright blue eyes. Not only does he feed her anything her heart desires but he keeps her feeling safe and secure and those are feelings she has never experienced before.
The grifting goes well for several years until things go bad. Really bad.
East Texas, 1990's
Kit, now a mother to Charlie, has a small life in Pecan Hollow. Considered outcasts by the locals her and her daughter mind their own business and keep their heads down. Kit, wracked with guilt over her life choices keeps many secrets from her daughter but those secrets are about to come to light when Manny is released from prison and heads straight to Pecan Hollow to right his wrongs. Now a God fearing man he lives by the word of the Lord and he will do anything to get in Kit's good graces.
Wow, what an exceptional debut novel this is. Both timelines were equally compelling. Kit was a fascinating character that I wanted to reach into the pages to hug even if that would have gotten me an ass whooping. She was guarded and insecure and flawed and .... lovely, in her own sort of way. Ruth Langmore-esque if I dare make the comparison. She would do anything, and I mean anything, for her child. Manny was a character that will have you gritting your teeth with anger. The entire story was so well drawn, and vivid, that it was almost like watching a movie in my mind. There were some lulls in the middle but it was worth it. The ending made me misty eyed with emotion. If you enjoy the grit-lit genre then this is a novel not to be missed! 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookclub Girl Early Read Program, and William Morrow for my complimentary copy.
January 3, 2025
Note: I received a free copy of this book. In exchange here is my honest review.
This was a whirlwind read. 😝 Sad at times and edge of your seat at others. 🤓 I love the mother daughter duo. Update: I had to come back and update my rating on this one. I cannot stop thinking about this book. It’s disturbing in ways that kinda stay with you. But it’s hopeful as well. Any book that stays with me days after I’ve finished deserves an extra ⭐️!
This was a whirlwind read. 😝 Sad at times and edge of your seat at others. 🤓 I love the mother daughter duo. Update: I had to come back and update my rating on this one. I cannot stop thinking about this book. It’s disturbing in ways that kinda stay with you. But it’s hopeful as well. Any book that stays with me days after I’ve finished deserves an extra ⭐️!
July 10, 2022
A darker, significantly less heartwarming "Where the Heart Is".
I wish this had been a movie, a couple of 90 second montages would have helped the pacing of this slow and excessively wordy tale.
I had a hard time finishing this one. I tried both the printed ARC I received and the audiobook. The first 60% of the book is just life shitting on the main character and while I felt bad for her I struggled to care about her outcome.
I also think I may have missed the lesson of the book, which seemed to be that sometimes people treat you shittily, but if they bring food to your house all should be forgiven?
I wish this had been a movie, a couple of 90 second montages would have helped the pacing of this slow and excessively wordy tale.
I had a hard time finishing this one. I tried both the printed ARC I received and the audiobook. The first 60% of the book is just life shitting on the main character and while I felt bad for her I struggled to care about her outcome.
I also think I may have missed the lesson of the book, which seemed to be that sometimes people treat you shittily, but if they bring food to your house all should be forgiven?
February 8, 2022
3.5 stars
The older I get, the more I appreciate the opportunity to read books featuring characters who are very different from me. That's one of the reasons I enjoyed this book. I have next to nothing in common with the main character, Kit, in terms of personality and life experience. That presented a challenge, in a good way, to try to get inside her head to her understand her more. In the end it was worth the effort.
The setting is 1970s East Texas and 13 year old Kit has bounced around from one foster home to the next. She's had enough and decides to try and make it on her own. She meets Manny Romero, a low level criminal, and the pair become inseparable. She's his partner in crime as they commit robberies all over the state. Years later, Kit is living in the small town of Pecan Hollow and raising her daughter. And of course, her past is going to catch up to her.
I tried to write a very general synopsis even though most readers will have a decent idea where the story is headed early on. Sometimes it's better to just watch everything unfold without knowing too many details before you pick up the book. The story alternates between Kit as a teenager in the 1970s and later on in the early 1990s when she is a single mother. The time periods and location really helped set the tone for the book and I found myself captivated by what was going on in Kit's life both in the past and present. I wouldn't say this book is the most incredible thing I have ever read, but I was fully engaged in the story and that counts for a whole lot.
Thank you to William Morrow for providing me with an advance copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
The older I get, the more I appreciate the opportunity to read books featuring characters who are very different from me. That's one of the reasons I enjoyed this book. I have next to nothing in common with the main character, Kit, in terms of personality and life experience. That presented a challenge, in a good way, to try to get inside her head to her understand her more. In the end it was worth the effort.
The setting is 1970s East Texas and 13 year old Kit has bounced around from one foster home to the next. She's had enough and decides to try and make it on her own. She meets Manny Romero, a low level criminal, and the pair become inseparable. She's his partner in crime as they commit robberies all over the state. Years later, Kit is living in the small town of Pecan Hollow and raising her daughter. And of course, her past is going to catch up to her.
I tried to write a very general synopsis even though most readers will have a decent idea where the story is headed early on. Sometimes it's better to just watch everything unfold without knowing too many details before you pick up the book. The story alternates between Kit as a teenager in the 1970s and later on in the early 1990s when she is a single mother. The time periods and location really helped set the tone for the book and I found myself captivated by what was going on in Kit's life both in the past and present. I wouldn't say this book is the most incredible thing I have ever read, but I was fully engaged in the story and that counts for a whole lot.
Thank you to William Morrow for providing me with an advance copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
February 15, 2022
WOW!! WOW!! WOW!!
Abandoned at birth, many foster homes, and unknowingly kidnapped by a "kind" man.
Kit was thirteen and tired of her foster care. She ran away again, was starving, and stopped at a gas station. While there she spied a bag from McDonald’s inside a Mustang. She reached for it, but a man reached for her.
Manny took her with him, and she was surprised how nice he was to her, but was he really nice? She wasn't used to people treating her kindly.
He was nice for a while, and Kit didn’t know the life she was heading toward. She turned in to a thief and con artist.
Kit and Manny’s life was always on the run.
We are with Kit while she is with Manny and after she isn’t.
SHADOWS OF PECAN HOLLOW flows easily and is very descriptive. You will be right there with the characters experiencing their feelings and the places they take themselves. There are some upsetting parts, violence, and abuse, but all in all very good.
A very well written, outstanding debut. You will be pulled in from the start.
Did you ever read a book you didn’t want to put down or couldn’t wait to get back to? SHADOWS OF PECAN HOLLOW is that book.
Those readers who enjoy Southern fiction and a main character you definitely will feel for will not want to miss SHADOWS OF PECAN HOLLOW. 5/5
This book was given to me by the publisher for an honest review.
Abandoned at birth, many foster homes, and unknowingly kidnapped by a "kind" man.
Kit was thirteen and tired of her foster care. She ran away again, was starving, and stopped at a gas station. While there she spied a bag from McDonald’s inside a Mustang. She reached for it, but a man reached for her.
Manny took her with him, and she was surprised how nice he was to her, but was he really nice? She wasn't used to people treating her kindly.
He was nice for a while, and Kit didn’t know the life she was heading toward. She turned in to a thief and con artist.
Kit and Manny’s life was always on the run.
We are with Kit while she is with Manny and after she isn’t.
SHADOWS OF PECAN HOLLOW flows easily and is very descriptive. You will be right there with the characters experiencing their feelings and the places they take themselves. There are some upsetting parts, violence, and abuse, but all in all very good.
A very well written, outstanding debut. You will be pulled in from the start.
Did you ever read a book you didn’t want to put down or couldn’t wait to get back to? SHADOWS OF PECAN HOLLOW is that book.
Those readers who enjoy Southern fiction and a main character you definitely will feel for will not want to miss SHADOWS OF PECAN HOLLOW. 5/5
This book was given to me by the publisher for an honest review.
February 3, 2022
A fantastic debut.
Full review to come.
Thank you to William Morrow Books for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date: 02/08/2022
Full review to come.
Thank you to William Morrow Books for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date: 02/08/2022
February 25, 2022
I love and thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. I will be recommending this to everyone. Go grab a copy right now, you won't be sorry! 🙌🏼
In 1970, Kit was 13 years old, and desperate for a family. In and out of foster care. Manny Romero abducts her and takes on a "fatherly figure" role. He grooms her into who he wants her to be. Together, they commit robberies and crimes and become known as the Texaco Twosome. Eventually, things take a turn and their relationship turns twisted and dark. (Be warned, there are tons of triggers in this book). Kit decides she needs to take off. She starts a new life in Pecan Hollow. She's doing well for herself, until Manny, fresh out of prison, shows up again, and throws Kits life completely into chaos again. This book has lots of dark aspects and characters, but I still was rooting for them. This is a must read debut, and I can't wait to read future books by this author!!
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
In 1970, Kit was 13 years old, and desperate for a family. In and out of foster care. Manny Romero abducts her and takes on a "fatherly figure" role. He grooms her into who he wants her to be. Together, they commit robberies and crimes and become known as the Texaco Twosome. Eventually, things take a turn and their relationship turns twisted and dark. (Be warned, there are tons of triggers in this book). Kit decides she needs to take off. She starts a new life in Pecan Hollow. She's doing well for herself, until Manny, fresh out of prison, shows up again, and throws Kits life completely into chaos again. This book has lots of dark aspects and characters, but I still was rooting for them. This is a must read debut, and I can't wait to read future books by this author!!
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
December 28, 2021
The blurb for this book drew me in and it was promoted as “Paper Moon meets Badlands.” I have to add my own spin on that. To me, it was more like “Where The Crawdads Sing” meets John Steinbeck.
I’ve read a lot of books this year and this one is landing at the top of my “best books” ever list! I don’t think I’ve met such horribly flawed characters.
A baby girl without a name, unwanted, discarded at birth like a piece of garbage, who never knows acceptance or love through the many foster homes is the main character. “The policeman who had found her as an infant had supposedly named her Katherine, but the only time she heard her name spoken was when a teacher called roll or a social worker handed her off to a new foster family.“
At thirteen, she ran. She has one tiny piece of paper that tells her of an aunt who lives in Pecan Hollow and that’s where she blindly heads. Starving, she steals food from a gas station, then attempts to steal a bag of food from a Mustang parked outside when she gets caught. Instead of Manny turning her over to the authorities, he takes her in. She struggles when he asks her name and finally tells him it’s Kit. He feeds her. He grooms her for his wants and needs. Like in Paper Moon, she distracts the victims while Manny steals. She finally knows what it feels like to be loved, wanted, and useful.
But Manny’s petty theft escapades soon escalate to more and they became known as the Texaco Twosome for the string of armed robberies across the state. As Kit grows and develops into a teenager, her infatuation for Manny grows. He has not made any sexual advances toward her, and that is his one redeeming quality.
That eventually changes and Kit gets pregnant. Manny insists on an abortion. I don’t want to reveal too much about this story, but Manny gets caught in an armed robbery while Kit escapes. She arrives in Pecan Hollow at her aunt’s house with nothing but a baby inside her. It’s here she puts down roots.
Kit is tough. And her daughter, Charlie, refers to her mom as “bat-shit crazy.” Kit cannot feel pain. She only knows she is wounded when blood flows. But the pain that rests in her heart makes up for the lack of physical pain.
This story is well-written, gripping and I absolutely devoured it. The plot twists and thriller ending left me reeling. Kudos to this author for such a tremendous debut novel. While Caroline Frost is a new author to me, I can promise I will be reading everything she writes! She’s that good!
I’ve read a lot of books this year and this one is landing at the top of my “best books” ever list! I don’t think I’ve met such horribly flawed characters.
A baby girl without a name, unwanted, discarded at birth like a piece of garbage, who never knows acceptance or love through the many foster homes is the main character. “The policeman who had found her as an infant had supposedly named her Katherine, but the only time she heard her name spoken was when a teacher called roll or a social worker handed her off to a new foster family.“
At thirteen, she ran. She has one tiny piece of paper that tells her of an aunt who lives in Pecan Hollow and that’s where she blindly heads. Starving, she steals food from a gas station, then attempts to steal a bag of food from a Mustang parked outside when she gets caught. Instead of Manny turning her over to the authorities, he takes her in. She struggles when he asks her name and finally tells him it’s Kit. He feeds her. He grooms her for his wants and needs. Like in Paper Moon, she distracts the victims while Manny steals. She finally knows what it feels like to be loved, wanted, and useful.
But Manny’s petty theft escapades soon escalate to more and they became known as the Texaco Twosome for the string of armed robberies across the state. As Kit grows and develops into a teenager, her infatuation for Manny grows. He has not made any sexual advances toward her, and that is his one redeeming quality.
That eventually changes and Kit gets pregnant. Manny insists on an abortion. I don’t want to reveal too much about this story, but Manny gets caught in an armed robbery while Kit escapes. She arrives in Pecan Hollow at her aunt’s house with nothing but a baby inside her. It’s here she puts down roots.
Kit is tough. And her daughter, Charlie, refers to her mom as “bat-shit crazy.” Kit cannot feel pain. She only knows she is wounded when blood flows. But the pain that rests in her heart makes up for the lack of physical pain.
This story is well-written, gripping and I absolutely devoured it. The plot twists and thriller ending left me reeling. Kudos to this author for such a tremendous debut novel. While Caroline Frost is a new author to me, I can promise I will be reading everything she writes! She’s that good!
May 1, 2022
This was a First Reads book I'd chosen. I loving getting these as many are a change of pace from what I normally read.
In the beginning of this story I must admit I felt no, not for me when suddenly I was gripped with the drama, excitement, danger and thrill that was felt until the very ending. I had tears In my eyes several times with the sadness of what had been taken from a young girl that left her with no knowledge to relate to real life once she became a woman. Good story throughout and well written by this author.
In the beginning of this story I must admit I felt no, not for me when suddenly I was gripped with the drama, excitement, danger and thrill that was felt until the very ending. I had tears In my eyes several times with the sadness of what had been taken from a young girl that left her with no knowledge to relate to real life once she became a woman. Good story throughout and well written by this author.
February 10, 2025
Ehhhh, ya this wasn’t my type of read at all.
The storyline jumped timelines, going back and forth walking us through the FMC experiences as an adolescent and then to her life in present day with her daughter.
I initially wanted to read this because it was advertised for readers who enjoyed “Where the Crawdads sing” (which I absolutely sure as heck did!). It was a let down in that arena however.
Listen, I can get through some gritty stuff, even if it isn’t quite what I like or it bothers me a little, but in order to do that, the overall story has to be exceptional and well put together with maybe some suspense and mystery. This just fell flat in that regard.
I found myself not wanting to finish the book, trudging on at times and just kinda feeling icky or grossed out. Because of these reasons I gave it a 3 star and would have to say that in order to enjoy this read, you’d have to like the slow pacing, not mind the gritty ick and enjoy a type of flatline story with no real highs or lows. Just not my kind of story.
TW - animal cruelty/abuse/grooming
The storyline jumped timelines, going back and forth walking us through the FMC experiences as an adolescent and then to her life in present day with her daughter.
I initially wanted to read this because it was advertised for readers who enjoyed “Where the Crawdads sing” (which I absolutely sure as heck did!). It was a let down in that arena however.
Listen, I can get through some gritty stuff, even if it isn’t quite what I like or it bothers me a little, but in order to do that, the overall story has to be exceptional and well put together with maybe some suspense and mystery. This just fell flat in that regard.
I found myself not wanting to finish the book, trudging on at times and just kinda feeling icky or grossed out. Because of these reasons I gave it a 3 star and would have to say that in order to enjoy this read, you’d have to like the slow pacing, not mind the gritty ick and enjoy a type of flatline story with no real highs or lows. Just not my kind of story.
TW - animal cruelty/abuse/grooming
February 6, 2022
Thank you, William Morrow Books, for gifting me a copy of Shadows of Pecan Hollow {partner}
Genre: Historical Fiction
Time: 1970’s & 1990’s
Pub Date: 2.8.2022
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆.5
“There is no reason to run except that deep inside, she knew she was not free, that had always been the choice, between freedom and longing. He had saved her life, and she belonged to him.”
Shadows of Pecan Hollow is one of those books that I love, but I also have difficulty putting together my thoughts because it made me so uncomfortable. I knew from the beginning that it would not be an easy read, but I don’t think I was prepared for the journey that it would take me on.
There were several very intense and uncomfortable scenes involving the MC. Some scenes were so challenging to read that I felt like I needed to close the book and step away for a moment. Some chapters left me wanting to scream at the unfairness of the situation. I felt like countless scenes had me holding my breath, and they all involved Manny. He made me disgusted, uncomfortable and angry — which are all signs that Caroline Frost is a talented writer, but how could I “enjoy” a story like this?
I’m in awe of all of the details that Frost packed into her story and the characters she created that were full of good and evil.
Instead of my “quick takes,” I feel like aspects of the book that I should warn you about. There are two reasonably graphic depictions of animal cruelty that result in the death of the animals. There is a fairly graphic scene involving an assault of one of the characters. There are also many scenes involving Manny and Kit that depict her mistreatment (grooming, gaslighting, violence). DM me, and I can provide some page numbers if you need more info.
Again, not an easy read, and I can’t say that it left me feeling happy at the end.. maybe hopeful. But, it was an incredible debut from the author, and I look forward to reading what she writes next.
I recommend you read Shadows of Pecan Hollow if you enjoyed reading The Great Alone. It also could be compared to Where the Crawdads Sing but Shadows of Pecan Hollow is definitely a darker version.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Time: 1970’s & 1990’s
Pub Date: 2.8.2022
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆.5
“There is no reason to run except that deep inside, she knew she was not free, that had always been the choice, between freedom and longing. He had saved her life, and she belonged to him.”
Shadows of Pecan Hollow is one of those books that I love, but I also have difficulty putting together my thoughts because it made me so uncomfortable. I knew from the beginning that it would not be an easy read, but I don’t think I was prepared for the journey that it would take me on.
There were several very intense and uncomfortable scenes involving the MC. Some scenes were so challenging to read that I felt like I needed to close the book and step away for a moment. Some chapters left me wanting to scream at the unfairness of the situation. I felt like countless scenes had me holding my breath, and they all involved Manny. He made me disgusted, uncomfortable and angry — which are all signs that Caroline Frost is a talented writer, but how could I “enjoy” a story like this?
I’m in awe of all of the details that Frost packed into her story and the characters she created that were full of good and evil.
Instead of my “quick takes,” I feel like aspects of the book that I should warn you about. There are two reasonably graphic depictions of animal cruelty that result in the death of the animals. There is a fairly graphic scene involving an assault of one of the characters. There are also many scenes involving Manny and Kit that depict her mistreatment (grooming, gaslighting, violence). DM me, and I can provide some page numbers if you need more info.
Again, not an easy read, and I can’t say that it left me feeling happy at the end.. maybe hopeful. But, it was an incredible debut from the author, and I look forward to reading what she writes next.
I recommend you read Shadows of Pecan Hollow if you enjoyed reading The Great Alone. It also could be compared to Where the Crawdads Sing but Shadows of Pecan Hollow is definitely a darker version.
May 20, 2022
Are you looking for a lighthearted read to give you all the warm and fuzzies? Well, you ain't gonna find it in Shadows of Pecan Hollow by Caroline Frost, so you best look elsewhere for that. I definitely needed something light and funny after I got finished with this rather long, really tough read. In my opinion, this was on the slower side, but I loved the setting in Texas and the way Frost made it come alive in her writing. The story is mostly told from Kit's viewpoint, and there is such a tense and melancholic mood to the whole book. There is quite a bit of violence throughout as well, and my heart was constantly breaking for Kit and what she had to go through. Things get incredibly intense towards the end especially, and I loved seeing how both Kit and her daughter grew throughout the book.
I was really impressed that this was a debut considering how much was going on in the story, and I thought all of Frost's characters were wonderfully fleshed out. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook which Alex McKenna narrates, and I was really happy with her narration of the entire book. Shadows of Pecan Hollow did feel a bit wordy to me at times, and the audiobook is almost 16 hours, but luckily, I really enjoyed it so that wasn't an issue, and helped me with the slower pace. It was an interesting premise and I think Frost's writing was fairly fluid and it definitely kept me engaged. I do think this is a TOUCH overhyped, but it will be worth the read for so many people, and I highly recommend it if you are pulled in by the premise!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I was really impressed that this was a debut considering how much was going on in the story, and I thought all of Frost's characters were wonderfully fleshed out. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook which Alex McKenna narrates, and I was really happy with her narration of the entire book. Shadows of Pecan Hollow did feel a bit wordy to me at times, and the audiobook is almost 16 hours, but luckily, I really enjoyed it so that wasn't an issue, and helped me with the slower pace. It was an interesting premise and I think Frost's writing was fairly fluid and it definitely kept me engaged. I do think this is a TOUCH overhyped, but it will be worth the read for so many people, and I highly recommend it if you are pulled in by the premise!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 27, 2022
**ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Kit Walker didn't have an easy childhood - abandoned by her mother shortly after birth she is constantly being moved from one foster home to another. During one of her escape attempts she stumbles upon Manny Romero - a much older guy that unexpectedly shows her some kindness. Being 13 years old, lost and hungry, she immediately clings to the guy and a wicked spiral of psychological abuse starts. It was absolutely terrifying to read about all the cruelty delivered slowly in an almost casual way. The portrait of grooming and exploitation were very realistic and broke my heart multiple times.
Second timeline starts 20 years later with Kit struggling to build an emotional connection with her growing daughter. Since all Kit ever experienced was different versions of abuse she is withdrawn, desperately trying to protect her daughter from all the ugliness that she is holding inside. They are living simple life tiptoeing around each other till one day Manny, freshly released from prison, shows on their doorstep and brings back all the bad memories.
It's a very solid book with chilling psychological portrait of mechanisms of abuse and how the unprocessed trauma keeps affecting you years after damage has been done. The story is heavy and even though the ending wraps everything with cheerful, optimistic bow the uneasiness lingers. Only for readers ready to face the ugly parts of life.
Kit Walker didn't have an easy childhood - abandoned by her mother shortly after birth she is constantly being moved from one foster home to another. During one of her escape attempts she stumbles upon Manny Romero - a much older guy that unexpectedly shows her some kindness. Being 13 years old, lost and hungry, she immediately clings to the guy and a wicked spiral of psychological abuse starts. It was absolutely terrifying to read about all the cruelty delivered slowly in an almost casual way. The portrait of grooming and exploitation were very realistic and broke my heart multiple times.
Second timeline starts 20 years later with Kit struggling to build an emotional connection with her growing daughter. Since all Kit ever experienced was different versions of abuse she is withdrawn, desperately trying to protect her daughter from all the ugliness that she is holding inside. They are living simple life tiptoeing around each other till one day Manny, freshly released from prison, shows on their doorstep and brings back all the bad memories.
It's a very solid book with chilling psychological portrait of mechanisms of abuse and how the unprocessed trauma keeps affecting you years after damage has been done. The story is heavy and even though the ending wraps everything with cheerful, optimistic bow the uneasiness lingers. Only for readers ready to face the ugly parts of life.
April 8, 2022
Our March bookclub pick. This isn’t for the faint of heart.
February 6, 2022
The sleek, metallic, black paint glimmered in the sunshine as the Mustang sped down the highway. The wind whipped her hair around her shoulders and the sun warmed her exposed skin as she pressed her foot down harder on the gas pedal. The engine roared to life as the speedometer crept up, the car purring smoothly as the speed increased. You’d think she’d feel a lightness, a joy, a sense of intense freedom… but no, all she felt was a heavy dread that threatened to crush her soul.
Shadows of Pecan Hollow just swallowed my heart whole. My heart is officially trapped within the pages of this book along with every ounce of emotion my body could muster while reading this gem of a story. I was angry, I was heartbroken, I was crying… this story tore me apart.
Kit’s story will rattle you and if you want a thrilling, emotional ride as you turn the pages of her wild story… then grab this book ASAP. I don’t want to say anything more, because I just want you to read this book.
Where the Crawdads Sing meets Kristin Hannah’s heart-wrenching books in this genius debut novel.
TW: Abandonment, Death of a Loved One, Animal Death, Murder, Rape, Drug Use/Addiction, Racism/Racist Comments Physical Assault/Violence, Emotional Abuse/Manipulation, Abortion.
*I received a gifted copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.
Shadows of Pecan Hollow just swallowed my heart whole. My heart is officially trapped within the pages of this book along with every ounce of emotion my body could muster while reading this gem of a story. I was angry, I was heartbroken, I was crying… this story tore me apart.
Kit’s story will rattle you and if you want a thrilling, emotional ride as you turn the pages of her wild story… then grab this book ASAP. I don’t want to say anything more, because I just want you to read this book.
Where the Crawdads Sing meets Kristin Hannah’s heart-wrenching books in this genius debut novel.
TW: Abandonment, Death of a Loved One, Animal Death, Murder, Rape, Drug Use/Addiction, Racism/Racist Comments Physical Assault/Violence, Emotional Abuse/Manipulation, Abortion.
*I received a gifted copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.
August 4, 2022
Abandoned at birth, Kit Walker has been bounced around in the foster care system by an overburdened social worker. At thirteen she runs away where she first meets Manny Romero, a charismatic petty criminal. Over time Manny grooms Kit to become his partner where they become known as the Texas Twosome. After years of a relationship based on possessiveness and abuse a moment comes that Kit escapes and Manny goes to jail.
Now years later Kit has settled in the small town of Pecan Hollow, Texas, Kit has made a life for herself and her daughter Charlie. But when Manny, fresh out of prison, shows up in town Kit is forced to revisit her past and do everything possible to protect Charlie from the mistakes she made.
Gritty and heart wrenching, an amazing debut novel of survival, obsession, passion, love, family and community.
Now years later Kit has settled in the small town of Pecan Hollow, Texas, Kit has made a life for herself and her daughter Charlie. But when Manny, fresh out of prison, shows up in town Kit is forced to revisit her past and do everything possible to protect Charlie from the mistakes she made.
Gritty and heart wrenching, an amazing debut novel of survival, obsession, passion, love, family and community.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2022
3.75 stars - rounded down
For a debut novel this one was pretty good. It has a strong sense of place and time, with powerful stimulating characters always on the move.
An unloved thirteen year old hooks up with a much older drifter and is groomed to help him commit crimes. Under his tutelage, she becomes as savage as he is, but retains her own will power. It is this will power that sends her back to her own stomping grounds and allows her to settle down with her daughter and make a life. Until the day the drifter shows back up. Now the results are too expensive to let him back into her life and she will fight like never before.
The bonds of love are richly developed in this novel - both familial and romantic, along with the actions people take to protect their hearts.
For a debut novel this one was pretty good. It has a strong sense of place and time, with powerful stimulating characters always on the move.
An unloved thirteen year old hooks up with a much older drifter and is groomed to help him commit crimes. Under his tutelage, she becomes as savage as he is, but retains her own will power. It is this will power that sends her back to her own stomping grounds and allows her to settle down with her daughter and make a life. Until the day the drifter shows back up. Now the results are too expensive to let him back into her life and she will fight like never before.
The bonds of love are richly developed in this novel - both familial and romantic, along with the actions people take to protect their hearts.
October 27, 2021
The kind of story that stays with you even when you’re not actively reading it. Beautifully written.
April 8, 2022
I LOVED this!
January 25, 2022
Contemporary Fiction
I'm struggling with how to describe this novel. On the one hand, it is reminiscent of John Steinbeck with the contemporary feel of Texas in the book Valentine, but then it also brings to mind the stories of Bonnie & Clyde and then adds in classic mother/daughter tensions. It is an entity unto itself.
Kit Walker is an orphan. She was left by her mother when she was a baby and has bounced around various foster homes her whole life. She knows she has an aunt in Pecan Hollow, but that aunt turned down adopting her at one point. She is 13 when the story begins and has just run away from her latest foster home. She is hoping to change her aunt's mind. Along the way, she steals items from a convenience store and attempts to steal a takeout bag from a car in the parking lot, but gets caught by the owner. Manny can see that she is hungry and takes her to a diner to get some food. He promises to take her to her aunt's, but first they have a little adventure. That adventure turns into more outings and when Manny asks if she wants to stay with him, Kit says yes. No one has ever wanted her before and it fills her soul in a way that was broken. Kit doesn't really know what Manny does for work, but he shows her how to steal and get away with it. When Kit is 15 and takes Manny's car out for a spin, he decides that she is old enough to start driving the car as a getaway vehicle while he robs convenience stores. Kit isn't really keen on doing this, but she keeps having to up the ante to keep Manny close to her. He is the only home she has ever known.
In an alternate timeline set in the 90's. Kit is living in Pecan Hollow with her 13 year old daughter. She works for a veterinarian and is living a hardscrabble life. She and her daughter have been growing apart. Kit only wants to hold her close, but never really learned about how to be a family while living in foster care.
The stories come crashing together when Manny shows up on Kit's doorstep after 13 years. It is a glimpse into Kit's past that her daughter has known nothing about. Tensions rise, past and present collide and a small town is thrown into turmoil. There is always a reckoning and boy was this a doozy!
Frost keeps the story's pacing moving along like a well seasoned writer. These characters are multi-faceted and interesting even if you may not like them. The story is different while seeming familiar. It's a book that resonates and has staying power. Kudos on a glorious debut!
Thank you to the publisher and Swampfox Bookstore for my ARC of this novel.
I'm struggling with how to describe this novel. On the one hand, it is reminiscent of John Steinbeck with the contemporary feel of Texas in the book Valentine, but then it also brings to mind the stories of Bonnie & Clyde and then adds in classic mother/daughter tensions. It is an entity unto itself.
Kit Walker is an orphan. She was left by her mother when she was a baby and has bounced around various foster homes her whole life. She knows she has an aunt in Pecan Hollow, but that aunt turned down adopting her at one point. She is 13 when the story begins and has just run away from her latest foster home. She is hoping to change her aunt's mind. Along the way, she steals items from a convenience store and attempts to steal a takeout bag from a car in the parking lot, but gets caught by the owner. Manny can see that she is hungry and takes her to a diner to get some food. He promises to take her to her aunt's, but first they have a little adventure. That adventure turns into more outings and when Manny asks if she wants to stay with him, Kit says yes. No one has ever wanted her before and it fills her soul in a way that was broken. Kit doesn't really know what Manny does for work, but he shows her how to steal and get away with it. When Kit is 15 and takes Manny's car out for a spin, he decides that she is old enough to start driving the car as a getaway vehicle while he robs convenience stores. Kit isn't really keen on doing this, but she keeps having to up the ante to keep Manny close to her. He is the only home she has ever known.
In an alternate timeline set in the 90's. Kit is living in Pecan Hollow with her 13 year old daughter. She works for a veterinarian and is living a hardscrabble life. She and her daughter have been growing apart. Kit only wants to hold her close, but never really learned about how to be a family while living in foster care.
The stories come crashing together when Manny shows up on Kit's doorstep after 13 years. It is a glimpse into Kit's past that her daughter has known nothing about. Tensions rise, past and present collide and a small town is thrown into turmoil. There is always a reckoning and boy was this a doozy!
Frost keeps the story's pacing moving along like a well seasoned writer. These characters are multi-faceted and interesting even if you may not like them. The story is different while seeming familiar. It's a book that resonates and has staying power. Kudos on a glorious debut!
Thank you to the publisher and Swampfox Bookstore for my ARC of this novel.
February 19, 2022
I really enjoyed Shadows of Pecan Hollow. The way the past and the present were woven together was really well done. The characters were well developed and the plot was fast moving and engaging. I would highly recommend this book to readers who enjoyed Where the Crawdads Sing and All the Ugly and Wonderful Things.
September 2, 2022
This book took me an entire month to read. It’s not that I didn’t like it, because I did. It was just so easy to put down and I never felt overly compelled to pick it up.
A lot of people are comparing it to All The Ugly And Wonderful Things. This is a fair comparison but unfortunately for Pecan, it falls way, way short of Ugly.
Kit was an interesting character and while her shortcomings as a mother were perhaps understandable, they were still hard to read. Manny was a complex character who would probably translate well to the big screen.
This book was good enough, but won’t stick with me and won’t be one I will likely recommend often.
A lot of people are comparing it to All The Ugly And Wonderful Things. This is a fair comparison but unfortunately for Pecan, it falls way, way short of Ugly.
Kit was an interesting character and while her shortcomings as a mother were perhaps understandable, they were still hard to read. Manny was a complex character who would probably translate well to the big screen.
This book was good enough, but won’t stick with me and won’t be one I will likely recommend often.
August 10, 2023
The #DearBasicBuddyReads selection for May. I'm glad I got around to this one.
A character driven DEBUT story set in Texas during the 70s. A young girl longing for family is abducted and groomed into being a partner in crime.
For fans of We Began at the End and My Dark Vanessa (although not nearly as dark as MDV).
4 solid stars and a good book club discussion.
A character driven DEBUT story set in Texas during the 70s. A young girl longing for family is abducted and groomed into being a partner in crime.
For fans of We Began at the End and My Dark Vanessa (although not nearly as dark as MDV).
4 solid stars and a good book club discussion.
February 11, 2022
Ban đầu cuốn sách này khiến mình hơi khó chịu tí, nhưng dần dần nó sưởi ấm trái tim mình. Câu chuyện xen kẽ giữa hai mốc thời gian năm 70 (quá khứ) và 90 (hiện tại), tại Texas.
Và chúng ta làm quen với Kit Walker, người từ năm 70 - là một cô bé 13 tuổi, mồ côi cha mẹ. Và năm 90 - Kit là một bà mẹ đơn thân, sống cùng cô con gái tuổi teen - Charlie, tại Pecan Hollow, Texas.
Xuyên suốt câu chuyện, tất cả những gì Kit muốn chỉ là một gia đình. Và Manny Romero - tên tội phạm cấp thấp, quyến rũ; là người đã từng cho Kit (lúc cô 13 tuổi) những sự ân cần mà chưa ai làm cho cô ấy, kể cả cô ấy nghĩ đó là tình yêu. Cách Manny thao túng mọi người (trong đó có Kit) là một điều đáng sợ.
Một câu chuyện có mất mát, có đau đớn, có chuộc lỗi, có tha thứ. Cả ba phần của cuốn sách đều vừa phải, ở Phần III sự cao trào tăng dần. Và mình cảm thấy hạnh phúc khi đọc xong, cách một người muốn tìm cho mình một hạnh phúc, đấu tranh để rũ bỏ quá khứ tăm tối luôn đeo bám.
Và chúng ta làm quen với Kit Walker, người từ năm 70 - là một cô bé 13 tuổi, mồ côi cha mẹ. Và năm 90 - Kit là một bà mẹ đơn thân, sống cùng cô con gái tuổi teen - Charlie, tại Pecan Hollow, Texas.
Xuyên suốt câu chuyện, tất cả những gì Kit muốn chỉ là một gia đình. Và Manny Romero - tên tội phạm cấp thấp, quyến rũ; là người đã từng cho Kit (lúc cô 13 tuổi) những sự ân cần mà chưa ai làm cho cô ấy, kể cả cô ấy nghĩ đó là tình yêu. Cách Manny thao túng mọi người (trong đó có Kit) là một điều đáng sợ.
Một câu chuyện có mất mát, có đau đớn, có chuộc lỗi, có tha thứ. Cả ba phần của cuốn sách đều vừa phải, ở Phần III sự cao trào tăng dần. Và mình cảm thấy hạnh phúc khi đọc xong, cách một người muốn tìm cho mình một hạnh phúc, đấu tranh để rũ bỏ quá khứ tăm tối luôn đeo bám.
June 18, 2023
Buddy read with @substititelibrarian, @bubblebathbookworm and @lauralovestoread
Review to come!❤️
Review to come!❤️
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