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Bayou Cresting: The Wanting Women of Huet Pointe
In Huet Pointe, ambition is as dangerous as the brackish water that surrounds the sliver of land. But, the women of this antebellum hamlet yearn for more than society insists they be-devout, feminine, and content with living according to cultural norms. So, what's a girl to do? She could employ poison, perhaps a bit of adultery, and drowning in alligator-infested waters is always a choice-whatever it takes to achieve her goal. A novel-in-stories, Bayou Cresting: The Wanting Women of Huet Pointe, tells the stories of ten women brought together by proximity, forever entangled by the actions they take.
- GenresAdultSouthern Gothic
182 pages, Paperback
First published July 31, 2021
About the author
Jodie Cain Smith
9 books41 followersJodie Cain Smith is the author of two Southern Gothic novels, The Woods at Barlow Bend (1st edition Deer Hawk Publications, Nov 2014; 2nd edition Kat Biggie Press, July 2021) and Bayou Cresting: The Wanting Women of Huet Pointe. More than any other character, Jodie enjoys creating ambitious women who often fly across the line to dangerous women.
When she is not creating southern fiction, Jodie can be found in the worlds of superheroes, Lego, and Mario Kart with her little boy and husband. Her Mario Kart driving needs work.
Jodie Cain Smith's short stories, feature articles, and columns have appeared in The Petigru Review, Chicken Soup for the Military Spouse's Soul, The Savannah Morning News, and the Fort Hood Sentinel.
To learn more about Jodie Cain Smith and her random thoughts on writing, books, and life, visit her website www.jodiecainsmith.com.
When she is not creating southern fiction, Jodie can be found in the worlds of superheroes, Lego, and Mario Kart with her little boy and husband. Her Mario Kart driving needs work.
Jodie Cain Smith's short stories, feature articles, and columns have appeared in The Petigru Review, Chicken Soup for the Military Spouse's Soul, The Savannah Morning News, and the Fort Hood Sentinel.
To learn more about Jodie Cain Smith and her random thoughts on writing, books, and life, visit her website www.jodiecainsmith.com.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 6, 2022
A Voodoo priestess, the town Madame, the outlaw’s woman, and many more local players in Huet Pointe’s social fabric use their wits and gifts to navigate the man’s world of the 19th century South. This novel highlights the trials and tribulations of the women of Huet Pointe Louisiana in 1851 and is a fascinating study of the struggles women faced in historical times. The story is told from multiple points of view as the characters' lives weave together in small-town society.
The women of this novel were resourceful and strong in the face of all that life threw at them. Their varied life situations were necessarily intertwined in such a small society and they often relied on one another to solve their problems and keep their secrets even when relationships were not of a friendly nature. You’ll be surprised at how some of their sticky situations are resolved, and that’s part of the allure of this work.
Read this one if you enjoy a colorful cast of characters in an intriguing historical setting. The writing will draw you into the Louisiana swamp alongside these tough and capable women for a finish you won’t see coming.
The women of this novel were resourceful and strong in the face of all that life threw at them. Their varied life situations were necessarily intertwined in such a small society and they often relied on one another to solve their problems and keep their secrets even when relationships were not of a friendly nature. You’ll be surprised at how some of their sticky situations are resolved, and that’s part of the allure of this work.
Read this one if you enjoy a colorful cast of characters in an intriguing historical setting. The writing will draw you into the Louisiana swamp alongside these tough and capable women for a finish you won’t see coming.
February 13, 2023
Bayou Cresting mixes the lilt of the Southern past with the eternal power of its nature in this must-read for today.
Jodie Cain Smith has a voice not easily set down. Her story flows effortlessly, like a breeze rustling the Spanish moss over a bayou or caressing the hair of one of her memorable characters. The storyline hops from character to character—wealthy white elite, shackled slave, scorned free woman, scandalous entrepreneur—while rising to a crashing conclusion.
Jodie Cain Smith has a voice not easily set down. Her story flows effortlessly, like a breeze rustling the Spanish moss over a bayou or caressing the hair of one of her memorable characters. The storyline hops from character to character—wealthy white elite, shackled slave, scorned free woman, scandalous entrepreneur—while rising to a crashing conclusion.
August 27, 2021
A wild ride amid colorful characters in a dreary swamp. One of the beautiful things about Gothic literature--and this is Southern Gothic, for sure--is the characters don't have to be likeable to keep you reading. Plenty of "oh, no she didn't" moments, heartaches, and descriptions that help you feel the setting.
April 26, 2022
An interconnected set of short stories, weaving together the lives of ten women who inhabit a small town in forgotten swampland, Bayou Cresting is a must-read for fans of Southern Gothic literature. Set in the mid-1800s, this book brings together everything that is appealing and emotive about this enticing genre. Earthiness, darkness, voodoo, magic, murder and mayhem, with a feminist spin, this is a deeply fascinating piece of work.
Firstly, the writing transports the reader directly to the heart of the humid, hidden bayous of the Deep South at an important point in history and this book has one of the strongest senses of place in a novel I have read for a long time. You can feels the steamy, oppressive heat rising from the page, feel the isolation of this forgotten place and experience the simmering tensions that undercut life in this town. Even those characters who seem genteel on the surface can be hiding black hearts and those who are looked down upon by the community can surprise you with their consideration and kindness. This is a book that questions every stereotype you have ever come across in Southern Gothic literature.
The book focuses solely on the women of the town. The men play bit parts, only relevant insofar as they affect and impact the lives and behaviour of those women, which is a fascinating way to portray a society where the women are secondary and subservient to the men in every way – or so it would seem. the abiding takeaway for me from reading this novel is that women’s strength will make itself felt, come what may, and there is little that men can do about it in the end.
Many of the characters in this book are not liable, but this does not make them any less interesting, possibly more so. Some of the characters, in fact, are downright appalling, but they are still fully realised, well-rounded and recognisable individuals, not caricatures. What makes this book such compelling reading is that the characters are realistic and believable, which makes their behaviour much more impactful. There are some terrible goings on in these stories, the tension will pull you in and hold you from story to story. Every facet of life in the town is covered, from the ladies in their antebellum mansions to the slaves in their quarters and the women in the local brothel, and the ones who are happiest are not necessarily the ones you would expect, if indeed anyone who is truly happy in this lost town.
A really unusual construction for a novel, where they are only loosely connected by location and character crossover, this nonetheless feels like a complete story, drawn together to the inevitable denouement, which left me with a deep sense of unease and disturbance at the lives of these women. Any book which evokes a strong reaction in the reader is an achievement in writing and, whilst not being what I expected, this book certainly left its mark on me. I hope it finds a wide readership, it is a fantastic piece of work.
Firstly, the writing transports the reader directly to the heart of the humid, hidden bayous of the Deep South at an important point in history and this book has one of the strongest senses of place in a novel I have read for a long time. You can feels the steamy, oppressive heat rising from the page, feel the isolation of this forgotten place and experience the simmering tensions that undercut life in this town. Even those characters who seem genteel on the surface can be hiding black hearts and those who are looked down upon by the community can surprise you with their consideration and kindness. This is a book that questions every stereotype you have ever come across in Southern Gothic literature.
The book focuses solely on the women of the town. The men play bit parts, only relevant insofar as they affect and impact the lives and behaviour of those women, which is a fascinating way to portray a society where the women are secondary and subservient to the men in every way – or so it would seem. the abiding takeaway for me from reading this novel is that women’s strength will make itself felt, come what may, and there is little that men can do about it in the end.
Many of the characters in this book are not liable, but this does not make them any less interesting, possibly more so. Some of the characters, in fact, are downright appalling, but they are still fully realised, well-rounded and recognisable individuals, not caricatures. What makes this book such compelling reading is that the characters are realistic and believable, which makes their behaviour much more impactful. There are some terrible goings on in these stories, the tension will pull you in and hold you from story to story. Every facet of life in the town is covered, from the ladies in their antebellum mansions to the slaves in their quarters and the women in the local brothel, and the ones who are happiest are not necessarily the ones you would expect, if indeed anyone who is truly happy in this lost town.
A really unusual construction for a novel, where they are only loosely connected by location and character crossover, this nonetheless feels like a complete story, drawn together to the inevitable denouement, which left me with a deep sense of unease and disturbance at the lives of these women. Any book which evokes a strong reaction in the reader is an achievement in writing and, whilst not being what I expected, this book certainly left its mark on me. I hope it finds a wide readership, it is a fantastic piece of work.
April 18, 2023
Cover: I love the black-white theme and the fonts. Very fitting.
I love Southern Gothic, I do, I do. It’s one of my favorite genres.
Bayou Cresting is an original story. The MC is not a character, per se, but a town. Huet Pointe is the fulcrum of the novel, where the lives of many women cross and clash. The peculiar structure of Bayou Cresting works—and works well—just because of that reason. I’ll admit I was a bit confused in the beginning, when the pov kept changing and never came back as main, but! Hey! This is how you experiment with plot and structure in the right way. Good job 😀
The women of Huet Pointe, however, have much to give to the reader, too. Some are despicable, some are smart, some are downright interesting—there isn’t a single one of them that doesn’t work, even the ones who read a little weaker than the others. Of course, I have my favorites: Lulu, Coraline, and Sabine are the ones who stayed with me the longest; I wouldn’t mind knowing more about them, maybe in a companion book?
A special praise goes to the ending. It took me by surprise, and it was a punch in the guts. Oof. Nice!
Flaws, I’m not sure if Cain Smith used a proofreader. Say, there are mixed-up words here and there (palette-palate, for example), and Walter becomes Harold in a couple of instances—tiny things a proofreader shouldn’t have missed. That, epithets, and a loose end or two (the powder was a good idea, but what happened next?) prevent Bayou Cresting from getting five stars.
4,5 stars on GR.
[Want more? Check out Bookshelves & Teacups]
I love Southern Gothic, I do, I do. It’s one of my favorite genres.
Bayou Cresting is an original story. The MC is not a character, per se, but a town. Huet Pointe is the fulcrum of the novel, where the lives of many women cross and clash. The peculiar structure of Bayou Cresting works—and works well—just because of that reason. I’ll admit I was a bit confused in the beginning, when the pov kept changing and never came back as main, but! Hey! This is how you experiment with plot and structure in the right way. Good job 😀
The women of Huet Pointe, however, have much to give to the reader, too. Some are despicable, some are smart, some are downright interesting—there isn’t a single one of them that doesn’t work, even the ones who read a little weaker than the others. Of course, I have my favorites: Lulu, Coraline, and Sabine are the ones who stayed with me the longest; I wouldn’t mind knowing more about them, maybe in a companion book?
A special praise goes to the ending. It took me by surprise, and it was a punch in the guts. Oof. Nice!
Flaws, I’m not sure if Cain Smith used a proofreader. Say, there are mixed-up words here and there (palette-palate, for example), and Walter becomes Harold in a couple of instances—tiny things a proofreader shouldn’t have missed. That, epithets, and a loose end or two (the powder was a good idea, but what happened next?) prevent Bayou Cresting from getting five stars.
4,5 stars on GR.
[Want more? Check out Bookshelves & Teacups]
April 28, 2022
This was a gothic and atmospheric read that was full of vivid descriptions and rich imagery. So much so that I could smell the smells and see the sights although tbf I would be happy to never see an alligator swamp.
The book follows ten women that are flawed and relatable and the struggles that they have in life. I really liked the characters and they were so well developed that they really jumped off the page for me, and although there were times that I hated what they were doing I still related to them or knew why they were doing what they did and that was part of why I liked them because it felt real to me.
I couldn't put this book down and I loved how the story went back in time which provided back stories for the characters. I can't wait to reread this book as I think I will keep getting more out of it with every read. I really enjoyed it.
The book follows ten women that are flawed and relatable and the struggles that they have in life. I really liked the characters and they were so well developed that they really jumped off the page for me, and although there were times that I hated what they were doing I still related to them or knew why they were doing what they did and that was part of why I liked them because it felt real to me.
I couldn't put this book down and I loved how the story went back in time which provided back stories for the characters. I can't wait to reread this book as I think I will keep getting more out of it with every read. I really enjoyed it.
April 27, 2022
Bayou Cresting is set in the mid 1800s in a small forgotten town about 10 women told through connecting short stories. This was an interesting read. It a dark read with voodoo, murder & magic! The characters are mostly ones no one will like but they are compelling, real and believable. There were a few oh my moments when it came to some of their actions and I still couldn't help myself. I wanted to know more. I really enjoyed this book which was a little surprising since I'm not a huge fan of goth but I couldn't put this one down. Great read!
April 30, 2022
Bayou Cresting is a Southern Gothic historical fiction collection of connecting short stories set in the 1800s. Each story connects ten women who are relatable, strong, and flawed. Smith has done a fantastic job crafting these ten unique characters and bringing them to life.
Smith doesn’t just present the characters at a specific point in their lives. She gives their backstories and allows us to develop well-rounded views on these women and their lives.
This wasn’t what I expected, but I certainly enjoyed it.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Smith doesn’t just present the characters at a specific point in their lives. She gives their backstories and allows us to develop well-rounded views on these women and their lives.
This wasn’t what I expected, but I certainly enjoyed it.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
September 24, 2021
Wow, southern gothic!!
The novel left me with an inquisitive itch under my skin, one that can only be salved by a second reading. Please don’t give up on this book. Yes it travels back in time, and seems deep in character and in plot, but a definite thread does tie it all together. Expertly crafted I’d say, and unusual, and creative. Plus I love the subtitle. The Wanting Women…. What more needs to be said!
The novel left me with an inquisitive itch under my skin, one that can only be salved by a second reading. Please don’t give up on this book. Yes it travels back in time, and seems deep in character and in plot, but a definite thread does tie it all together. Expertly crafted I’d say, and unusual, and creative. Plus I love the subtitle. The Wanting Women…. What more needs to be said!
June 23, 2022
A gothic short story collection of interconnected lives of a small town.
This was certainly a very different take on historical fiction that I myself am used to.
However I really enjoyed the lives that the author created- even with characters I didn’t really like.
I think this will be one that I’ll need to re-read again to really take everything in.
I do recommend if you want a different historical fiction pace.
This was certainly a very different take on historical fiction that I myself am used to.
However I really enjoyed the lives that the author created- even with characters I didn’t really like.
I think this will be one that I’ll need to re-read again to really take everything in.
I do recommend if you want a different historical fiction pace.
August 30, 2021
BAYOU CRESTING is an atmospheric Southern Gothic romp through alligator infested swamps, brothels, funeral parlors, and the lives of ten women wrestling with the constraints of their lives. Smith does something amazing with her characters that makes them fully spring to life, in ways that make you root & empathize with them, despite their choices and--more often than not--devious deeds. ;)
April 29, 2022
I'm not really sure what to say buy wow. This southern gothic novel will have you shaking your head and thinking "did she really just say/do that". This book is definitely a different style. It does travel back in time, and some of the characters may not be your favorites, but overall I felt it was a good book.
May 2, 2022
Thank you to @lovebookstours for my copy of this book.
I really enjoyed this one from the start. Told in 5 parts, each a different season and telling the tales of some of Huet Pointe’s women.
My favourite part was the story of Ernestine and Ellie, and the battle of the dog and the roses - just brilliant and so funny. The whole book is so well written and the stories intertwine so well, really clever how they all join up at the end.
And what an end, certainly wasn’t expecting that!! Definitely one I’d recommend to all, just fabulous.
I really enjoyed this one from the start. Told in 5 parts, each a different season and telling the tales of some of Huet Pointe’s women.
My favourite part was the story of Ernestine and Ellie, and the battle of the dog and the roses - just brilliant and so funny. The whole book is so well written and the stories intertwine so well, really clever how they all join up at the end.
And what an end, certainly wasn’t expecting that!! Definitely one I’d recommend to all, just fabulous.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews