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The Sweet Taste of Muscadines
A woman returns to her small southern hometown in the wake of her mother’s sudden death—only to find the past upended by stunning family secrets—in this intimate debut novel, written with deep compassion and sharp wit.
“A deeply moving work of Southern fiction that will appeal to fans of Where the Crawdads Sing . . . a story to remember long after the last page is turned.”—Susan Wiggs, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lost and Found Bookshop
Lila Bruce Breedlove never quite felt at home in Wesleyan, Georgia, especially after her father’s untimely demise when she was a child. Both Lila and her brother, Henry, fled north after high school, establishing fulfilling lives of their own. In contrast, their younger sister, Abigail, opted to remain behind to dote on their domineering, larger-than-life mother, Geneva. Yet despite their independence, Lila and Henry know deep down that they’ve never quite reckoned with their upbringing.
When their elderly mother dies suddenly and suspiciously in the muscadine arbor behind the family estate, Lila and Henry return to the town that essentially raised them. But as they uncover the facts about Geneva’s death, shocking truths are revealed that overturn the family’s history as they know it, sending the pair on an extraordinary journey to chase a truth that will dramatically alter the course of their lives. The Sweet Taste of Muscadines reminds us all that true love never dies.
“A deeply moving work of Southern fiction that will appeal to fans of Where the Crawdads Sing . . . a story to remember long after the last page is turned.”—Susan Wiggs, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lost and Found Bookshop
Lila Bruce Breedlove never quite felt at home in Wesleyan, Georgia, especially after her father’s untimely demise when she was a child. Both Lila and her brother, Henry, fled north after high school, establishing fulfilling lives of their own. In contrast, their younger sister, Abigail, opted to remain behind to dote on their domineering, larger-than-life mother, Geneva. Yet despite their independence, Lila and Henry know deep down that they’ve never quite reckoned with their upbringing.
When their elderly mother dies suddenly and suspiciously in the muscadine arbor behind the family estate, Lila and Henry return to the town that essentially raised them. But as they uncover the facts about Geneva’s death, shocking truths are revealed that overturn the family’s history as they know it, sending the pair on an extraordinary journey to chase a truth that will dramatically alter the course of their lives. The Sweet Taste of Muscadines reminds us all that true love never dies.
304 pages, Paperback
First published March 16, 2021
607 people are currently reading
19109 people want to read
About the author
Pamela Terry
4 books292 followersA lifelong Southerner, Pamela Terry learned the power of storytelling at a very early age. For the past decade, Terry has been the author of the internationally popular blog From the House of Edward, which was named one of the top ten home blogs of the year by London's The Telegraph. She lives in Smyrna, Georgia, with her songwriter husband, Pat, and their three dogs, Apple, Andrew, and George. She travels to the Scottish Highlands as frequently as possible and is currently at work on her second novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,060 reviews
October 19, 2023
On paper, The Sweet Taste of Muscadines sounded great (and it does have a lot of redeeming qualities), but did I enjoy reading Lila’s adventures? Nope. I was bored to tears.
The Bad
The writing style. The author, Pamela Terry, would drone on and on with these long paragraphs.
For example, in one scene, there is a storm. I wanted to feel the suspense rising, turning pages quickly, heart racing. However, the scene was bogged down in long paragraphs.
Terry included way too many flowery sentences, far too many adjectives and descriptions, that didn’t move the plot forward.
My gosh….when someone spoke, it was like a monologue. Lila asked a simple question, “How do you get to Ben Mathan?” The response was 14 lines! 14!
There was not enough action, and the author overexplained things. It seemed like the author would plan out a scene and then try to write as many words as possible about it.
When I started The Sweet Taste of Muscadines, I went into it blind, knowing nothing about it. After reading the very beginning of the book, I thought that I knew where it was going, what promise the author was trying to make. The author did such a poor job benchmarking progress that I had to look up the blurb at around the 25% mark because I didn’t have a clue where the book was going (and not in a good way).
The Sweet Taste of Muscadines is set in 2011; however, the characters didn’t act like it. They don’t use social media, google basic information, or hire a private investigator. It isn’t always a great idea to just show up at someone’s house and “Ta-Da! Here I am!”
When it came to the ending, I was so bored that I didn’t care what happened to the characters; I just hoped that the ending would come swiftly to put me out of my misery. When we finally reached the ending, it was unremarkable and cliché, devaluing the complexity of relationships.
The Good
Lila is living in Wigeon Island when her mother unexpectedly dies in her Southern hometown.
Personally, I grew up in a small town. It was so small that it wasn’t even a town—it was a village. Yes, everyone knew everyone.
When I go back home, there are always a flood of thoughts and emotions. In my mind are the fields that I used to run, the freshest air, where you could work things out in your mind, a stillness located nowhere else on Earth. That field is a subdivision now packed with homes.
Also, there is a nagging question of “What if?” What if I never moved away? What if I moved back? What if I wasn’t an anonymous name in the city?
These are interesting questions which our main character, Lila, noodles on.
Lila also has two siblings, and there are various family dynamics at play.
Of course, I was happy to have a main female character doing something other than talking about boys.
The main character, Lila, is 47 years old, and there aren’t enough books that represent women in their late 40’s.
The Sweet Taste of Muscadines started off quite promising—two major deaths at the beginning of the book.
Conclusion
Good storytelling trumps all. If a cereal box has an interesting blurb, I will read it. Is there a good story buried under this? Yes. Was it told in a compelling way? No.
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The Bad
The writing style. The author, Pamela Terry, would drone on and on with these long paragraphs.
For example, in one scene, there is a storm. I wanted to feel the suspense rising, turning pages quickly, heart racing. However, the scene was bogged down in long paragraphs.
Terry included way too many flowery sentences, far too many adjectives and descriptions, that didn’t move the plot forward.
My gosh….when someone spoke, it was like a monologue. Lila asked a simple question, “How do you get to Ben Mathan?” The response was 14 lines! 14!
There was not enough action, and the author overexplained things. It seemed like the author would plan out a scene and then try to write as many words as possible about it.
When I started The Sweet Taste of Muscadines, I went into it blind, knowing nothing about it. After reading the very beginning of the book, I thought that I knew where it was going, what promise the author was trying to make. The author did such a poor job benchmarking progress that I had to look up the blurb at around the 25% mark because I didn’t have a clue where the book was going (and not in a good way).
The Sweet Taste of Muscadines is set in 2011; however, the characters didn’t act like it. They don’t use social media, google basic information, or hire a private investigator. It isn’t always a great idea to just show up at someone’s house and “Ta-Da! Here I am!”
When it came to the ending, I was so bored that I didn’t care what happened to the characters; I just hoped that the ending would come swiftly to put me out of my misery. When we finally reached the ending, it was unremarkable and cliché, devaluing the complexity of relationships.
The Good
Lila is living in Wigeon Island when her mother unexpectedly dies in her Southern hometown.
Personally, I grew up in a small town. It was so small that it wasn’t even a town—it was a village. Yes, everyone knew everyone.
When I go back home, there are always a flood of thoughts and emotions. In my mind are the fields that I used to run, the freshest air, where you could work things out in your mind, a stillness located nowhere else on Earth. That field is a subdivision now packed with homes.
Also, there is a nagging question of “What if?” What if I never moved away? What if I moved back? What if I wasn’t an anonymous name in the city?
These are interesting questions which our main character, Lila, noodles on.
Lila also has two siblings, and there are various family dynamics at play.
Of course, I was happy to have a main female character doing something other than talking about boys.
The main character, Lila, is 47 years old, and there aren’t enough books that represent women in their late 40’s.
The Sweet Taste of Muscadines started off quite promising—two major deaths at the beginning of the book.
Conclusion
Good storytelling trumps all. If a cereal box has an interesting blurb, I will read it. Is there a good story buried under this? Yes. Was it told in a compelling way? No.
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dnf
May 8, 2021This is probably a wonderful story. I enjoy the setting in the South, and there’s a bit of mystery and complicated family dynamics, which I usually love.
However, the writing is too flowery for me:
- The wind hitting her face like “fistfuls of quilting needles” (just what does that feel like and how does she know?)
- .... broken leg bent like a spaghetti noodle (I’ve seen plenty of broken legs and they do not look like spaghetti noodles!)
-“...the trunk of a tree sticking like a tongue depressor through the gaping mouth of the living room wall.” (No comment necessary 🙄)
- ...a dogs feathery tail held aloft like flags on a parade float(I’ve had dogs with tails “held aloft” and never once thought of a parade float)
...windows looked down “staring at me as though they might instruct the doors to refuse me entry” (huh?)
Many readers enjoy this type of writing but I do not. I don’t like nonsensical metaphors and similes. It’s neither right or wrong, just a personal preference. I’m including quotes simply to give examples. If you love it and find it lyrical then you’d probably love this book. If your eyes are rolling, probably best to give it a pass.
However, the writing is too flowery for me:
- The wind hitting her face like “fistfuls of quilting needles” (just what does that feel like and how does she know?)
- .... broken leg bent like a spaghetti noodle (I’ve seen plenty of broken legs and they do not look like spaghetti noodles!)
-“...the trunk of a tree sticking like a tongue depressor through the gaping mouth of the living room wall.” (No comment necessary 🙄)
- ...a dogs feathery tail held aloft like flags on a parade float(I’ve had dogs with tails “held aloft” and never once thought of a parade float)
...windows looked down “staring at me as though they might instruct the doors to refuse me entry” (huh?)
Many readers enjoy this type of writing but I do not. I don’t like nonsensical metaphors and similes. It’s neither right or wrong, just a personal preference. I’m including quotes simply to give examples. If you love it and find it lyrical then you’d probably love this book. If your eyes are rolling, probably best to give it a pass.
August 2, 2022
This is a women's fiction with some suspense. This book is all about family secrets coming out after the Mother passes away. I found this book very different from most of the books I read, but I really enjoyed reading this book. This book is everything wrapped up in one book (sadness, happiness, suspenseful, little mystery, family secrets, love, and family drama). I think this was very well written and has great characters. This book will keep you reading, and the ending is everything. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Ballantine Books) or author (Pamela Terry) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
January 27, 2021
4.5 stars, rounded up
I’m usually not a fan of anything that smacks of women’s literature. But a comparison to Where the Crawdads Sing drew me in. It lacks the dark gravitas of that book, but it’s lovely in its own right.
Lila Bruce returns to her southern home upon the death of her mother. She’s joined by her gay brother as they deal with the sister that stayed behind. All the characters are great, especially Abby the sister who is finally revolting after having lived under her mother’s thumb all those years.
This is a beautifully written book and I adored Terry’s descriptions and her choices of phrases. For example, “the south is as tenacious as mint in a garden.” It was like she drew pictures, I was able to see each and every location.
It’s a big hearted book. These are people I’d like to know, that I would happily spend my days with.
Terry incorporates numerous themes in her story - religion, family and home, forgiveness. She tackles each with insight and I found myself highlighting numerous passages.
My thanks to NetGalley and Random House for an advance copy of this book.
I’m usually not a fan of anything that smacks of women’s literature. But a comparison to Where the Crawdads Sing drew me in. It lacks the dark gravitas of that book, but it’s lovely in its own right.
Lila Bruce returns to her southern home upon the death of her mother. She’s joined by her gay brother as they deal with the sister that stayed behind. All the characters are great, especially Abby the sister who is finally revolting after having lived under her mother’s thumb all those years.
This is a beautifully written book and I adored Terry’s descriptions and her choices of phrases. For example, “the south is as tenacious as mint in a garden.” It was like she drew pictures, I was able to see each and every location.
It’s a big hearted book. These are people I’d like to know, that I would happily spend my days with.
Terry incorporates numerous themes in her story - religion, family and home, forgiveness. She tackles each with insight and I found myself highlighting numerous passages.
My thanks to NetGalley and Random House for an advance copy of this book.
February 5, 2021
Thank you, @randomhouse, for the gifted book.
Wow, this was so much more than I expected it to be. The Sweet Taste of Muscadines starts off with Lila’s mother passing away. What ensues is a witty southern story filled with secrets and so much heart.
Pamela Terry’s southern storytelling voice is strong from the start. I felt as if she were speaking directly to me. I could hear the Georgia drawl (or at least the sharp and sweet drawl of one of my dear friends who happens to be from Georgia).
The family dynamics and this story evolved into such a surprise I don’t want to give any of that away. I’ll just say that the mom, Geneva’s, death has a bit of mystery to it. Why was she found in that place? What happened to her? And what secrets may she have been trying to hide?
I enjoyed it all, and especially its messages about “home.” A completely satisfying read from a new voice I can’t wait to hear from again!
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Wow, this was so much more than I expected it to be. The Sweet Taste of Muscadines starts off with Lila’s mother passing away. What ensues is a witty southern story filled with secrets and so much heart.
Pamela Terry’s southern storytelling voice is strong from the start. I felt as if she were speaking directly to me. I could hear the Georgia drawl (or at least the sharp and sweet drawl of one of my dear friends who happens to be from Georgia).
The family dynamics and this story evolved into such a surprise I don’t want to give any of that away. I’ll just say that the mom, Geneva’s, death has a bit of mystery to it. Why was she found in that place? What happened to her? And what secrets may she have been trying to hide?
I enjoyed it all, and especially its messages about “home.” A completely satisfying read from a new voice I can’t wait to hear from again!
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
March 16, 2021
"Seems you're always braver the farther you are from home."
Lila Breedlove and her brother, Henry return to their hometown of Wesleyan, Georgia after learning of the sudden death of their mother. While Lilia and Henry both moved North, their younger sister,
Abigail (Abby) stayed behind with their mother. As they begin to learn more about their mother's death, they learn more about their family's history, its secrets, and surprising truths.
"Maybe home is more something you carry inside of you than the ground on which you stand."
What a wonderful debut novel which touches on many issues such as family, religion, expectations, love, acceptance, judgement, home, forgiveness, the consequence of actions, and secrets. The tail is carefully woven between the past, growing up and the present. The characters will grow on you and their tale was pleasing. Plus, that cover!
I really enjoyed the pace of this book and how secrets and truths came into play. Like a beautifully woven tapestry, this book was put together with care. There are some aha moments and some quiet moments where you want to give the characters a hug for their care for each other.
Home is a resounding theme. I loved this aspect of the book. The Sweet Taste of the Muscadines is beautifully written and well plotted. When I finished this book, I leaned back and let out a sign of content. It's always nice to read an enjoyable book.
I hope to read more of Pamela Terry's work in the future.
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Lila Breedlove and her brother, Henry return to their hometown of Wesleyan, Georgia after learning of the sudden death of their mother. While Lilia and Henry both moved North, their younger sister,
Abigail (Abby) stayed behind with their mother. As they begin to learn more about their mother's death, they learn more about their family's history, its secrets, and surprising truths.
"Maybe home is more something you carry inside of you than the ground on which you stand."
What a wonderful debut novel which touches on many issues such as family, religion, expectations, love, acceptance, judgement, home, forgiveness, the consequence of actions, and secrets. The tail is carefully woven between the past, growing up and the present. The characters will grow on you and their tale was pleasing. Plus, that cover!
I really enjoyed the pace of this book and how secrets and truths came into play. Like a beautifully woven tapestry, this book was put together with care. There are some aha moments and some quiet moments where you want to give the characters a hug for their care for each other.
Home is a resounding theme. I loved this aspect of the book. The Sweet Taste of the Muscadines is beautifully written and well plotted. When I finished this book, I leaned back and let out a sign of content. It's always nice to read an enjoyable book.
I hope to read more of Pamela Terry's work in the future.
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
March 16, 2021
Now Available!
The Sweet Taste of Muscadines is a beautifully written story by Pamela Terry. Her prose about being Southern immediately captured my attention. She says “Growing up in the South is not for the faint of heart. An enigmatic place at the best of times, it is paradoxical to the core.” Truer words have not been spoken!
I laughed out loud when I read this line:
“When I was growing up, Jungle Gardenia was the favorite perfume of every older Southern woman I knew.” Can anybody relate?? I was so proud when I was able to buy my first bottle in the early 1970s.
This novel is about Lila Bruce Breedlove who left her small hometown of Wesleyan, Georgia when she was 18 and never wanted to go back. Her father, who had been a Baptist minister, died during the Vietnam War. After his death, her mother Geneva was very distant. When the novel starts, Lila is a widow, living on an island in Maine. She owns a successful weaving business. Likewise, her younger brother, Henry, also left Georgia for college. Because of his homosexuality, he never felt comfortable returning. He owns an art gallery in Rhode Island where he lives with his partner, Andrew. Their younger sister, Abigail, had always been their mother’s favorite child. Abigail remained in Wesleyan and considered Geneva her best friend.
One day, Lila and Henry get a call from Abigail telling them that their mother had died unexpectedly. Abigail found Geneva lying inside an old muscadine arbor holding a spoon. When Lila and Henry return to Wesleyan, they must deal with Abigail’s bizarre behavior, as well as a startling discovery they dig up inside the muscadine arbor. Once they realize what they knew of their mother and father had been a lie, the two of them travel to Scotland to find the answers to the questions raised by the long-buried secrets.
This story is about having a sense of home and a feeling of belonging to your ancestral roots. It also deals with family love, family secrets, saving face, and forgiveness. Pamela Terry is a gifted storyteller. This is the first of what I hope is many novels by her.
4-Stars. I would not recommend this to a book club where members are uncomfortable with discussing homosexuality.
Thank you to NetGalley and to Ballentine Books (Penguin/Random House) for allowing me to have an advanced copy of this book. It is expected to be published on March 16, 20201.
The Sweet Taste of Muscadines is a beautifully written story by Pamela Terry. Her prose about being Southern immediately captured my attention. She says “Growing up in the South is not for the faint of heart. An enigmatic place at the best of times, it is paradoxical to the core.” Truer words have not been spoken!
I laughed out loud when I read this line:
“When I was growing up, Jungle Gardenia was the favorite perfume of every older Southern woman I knew.” Can anybody relate?? I was so proud when I was able to buy my first bottle in the early 1970s.
This novel is about Lila Bruce Breedlove who left her small hometown of Wesleyan, Georgia when she was 18 and never wanted to go back. Her father, who had been a Baptist minister, died during the Vietnam War. After his death, her mother Geneva was very distant. When the novel starts, Lila is a widow, living on an island in Maine. She owns a successful weaving business. Likewise, her younger brother, Henry, also left Georgia for college. Because of his homosexuality, he never felt comfortable returning. He owns an art gallery in Rhode Island where he lives with his partner, Andrew. Their younger sister, Abigail, had always been their mother’s favorite child. Abigail remained in Wesleyan and considered Geneva her best friend.
One day, Lila and Henry get a call from Abigail telling them that their mother had died unexpectedly. Abigail found Geneva lying inside an old muscadine arbor holding a spoon. When Lila and Henry return to Wesleyan, they must deal with Abigail’s bizarre behavior, as well as a startling discovery they dig up inside the muscadine arbor. Once they realize what they knew of their mother and father had been a lie, the two of them travel to Scotland to find the answers to the questions raised by the long-buried secrets.
This story is about having a sense of home and a feeling of belonging to your ancestral roots. It also deals with family love, family secrets, saving face, and forgiveness. Pamela Terry is a gifted storyteller. This is the first of what I hope is many novels by her.
4-Stars. I would not recommend this to a book club where members are uncomfortable with discussing homosexuality.
Thank you to NetGalley and to Ballentine Books (Penguin/Random House) for allowing me to have an advanced copy of this book. It is expected to be published on March 16, 20201.
May 8, 2021
Love, love, love this story! Flowery language and all, it was a definite winner in my "book". The story was touching, understandable and the result of a secret uncovered that would impact the lives of many.
A mother, Geneva Bruce, has died and the family is to come home. Lila Bruce Breedlove, her brother Henry, and their younger sister are once again all in the small town they were raised in, Wesleyan, Georgia. It's a town where gossip flies and secrets abound but not such a huge secret that Lila and her twin brother Henry are about to learn. Their mother, Geneva, wife to a Baptist minister who died suddenly while in service in Vietnam as a chaplain, is a tough, demanding woman, so tough in fact that no tears were shed at their father's memorial service. She never was close to her children except for the youngest daughter, so when time allowed both Lila and Henry escaped to other places far from Wesleyan.
However, home they are now and confronted with an enormous lie that was told to them so many years ago. It is a lie that sends their lives into a search that impacts their lives in ways they never imagined. They never pictured themselves searching for the truth, or on board a plane headed to Scotland, but life always has a funny ironic way of handing us a curve that for a times sends us spiraling out of our depth.
They often say that family secrets tend to come out at funerals and for this family, that is certainly true. As in my own family, when my grandmother passed, we, the grandchildren, all learned a family secret that many of our ancestors took to their graves. So afraid, so ashamed, so embarrassed that they let a lie linger and grow!
This touching story had true to life characters that were able to touch my heart and make me see that secrets kept are often the ones that hurt most deeply. In its own way, it is a tale of what once was, and now, through a changing world has become better. It was a story of how family can break apart, but then come once again to the realization that it is love, trust, and the truth that ultimately binds one to another.
Muscadines do have a sweet taste but for the characters in this story that taste is bittersweet for a time, but then the lovely vines produce that sweet grape they once loved.
A mother, Geneva Bruce, has died and the family is to come home. Lila Bruce Breedlove, her brother Henry, and their younger sister are once again all in the small town they were raised in, Wesleyan, Georgia. It's a town where gossip flies and secrets abound but not such a huge secret that Lila and her twin brother Henry are about to learn. Their mother, Geneva, wife to a Baptist minister who died suddenly while in service in Vietnam as a chaplain, is a tough, demanding woman, so tough in fact that no tears were shed at their father's memorial service. She never was close to her children except for the youngest daughter, so when time allowed both Lila and Henry escaped to other places far from Wesleyan.
However, home they are now and confronted with an enormous lie that was told to them so many years ago. It is a lie that sends their lives into a search that impacts their lives in ways they never imagined. They never pictured themselves searching for the truth, or on board a plane headed to Scotland, but life always has a funny ironic way of handing us a curve that for a times sends us spiraling out of our depth.
They often say that family secrets tend to come out at funerals and for this family, that is certainly true. As in my own family, when my grandmother passed, we, the grandchildren, all learned a family secret that many of our ancestors took to their graves. So afraid, so ashamed, so embarrassed that they let a lie linger and grow!
This touching story had true to life characters that were able to touch my heart and make me see that secrets kept are often the ones that hurt most deeply. In its own way, it is a tale of what once was, and now, through a changing world has become better. It was a story of how family can break apart, but then come once again to the realization that it is love, trust, and the truth that ultimately binds one to another.
Muscadines do have a sweet taste but for the characters in this story that taste is bittersweet for a time, but then the lovely vines produce that sweet grape they once loved.
March 25, 2021
☆ Stunning Debut ☆
4.5 Stars — THE SWEET TASTE OF MUSCADINES is a gorgeously written novel about siblings who uncover shocking family secrets after their mother Geneva Bruce dies unexpectedly.
Lila and Henry have avoided their childhood home in Wesleyan, Georgia, for most of their adult lives. Their relationship with Geneva was strained, yet their younger sister (who never left) was very close to their mother. All three Bruce children are baffled as to why Geneva died under the muscadine arbor in the middle of the night, and they also have no idea about the secrets she kept hidden for decades that will upend their lives.
The prose is lovely and lyrical, and you can pull passages from every page and say "wow!" As someone who grew up in small-town Georgia, I can say that the author perfectly captured the South in her rich descriptions and within her characters. If you enjoy compelling women's fiction with true Southern flair, move this book to the top of your list!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 Stars — THE SWEET TASTE OF MUSCADINES is a gorgeously written novel about siblings who uncover shocking family secrets after their mother Geneva Bruce dies unexpectedly.
Lila and Henry have avoided their childhood home in Wesleyan, Georgia, for most of their adult lives. Their relationship with Geneva was strained, yet their younger sister (who never left) was very close to their mother. All three Bruce children are baffled as to why Geneva died under the muscadine arbor in the middle of the night, and they also have no idea about the secrets she kept hidden for decades that will upend their lives.
The prose is lovely and lyrical, and you can pull passages from every page and say "wow!" As someone who grew up in small-town Georgia, I can say that the author perfectly captured the South in her rich descriptions and within her characters. If you enjoy compelling women's fiction with true Southern flair, move this book to the top of your list!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 27, 2022
Why would Geneva be out in the muscadine grove with a spoon in her hand when they found her. What even possessed her to go there in the night?
Geneva’s three grown children were puzzled about why, but did one of them have an idea?
Lila and Henry hadn’t been back to their Southern hometown in Wesleyan, Georgia, for ten years.
Abigail had never left Wesleyan and was the one who found their mother the morning she stopped to pick her up for their breakfast outing.
Abigail was the one who was most out of sorts especially since her mother didn’t want a formal funeral. Abigail couldn’t understand why because that was just what you did.
We follow the children as they unravel the lives of their parents and try to make sense of it all.
The writing in THE SWEET TASTE OF MUSCADINES is absolutely marvelous, beautifully detailed, and pulls you in just like the taste of sweet tea and Southern charm.
If you grew up in the South, you will love this entertaining book that has life-changing, heartbreaking secrets revealed after many years. It is truly an enjoyable, thoughtful read.
If you have ever been to Scotland, this book will also take you back to its magic and beauty.
A do-not-miss, heartwarming read. 5/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Geneva’s three grown children were puzzled about why, but did one of them have an idea?
Lila and Henry hadn’t been back to their Southern hometown in Wesleyan, Georgia, for ten years.
Abigail had never left Wesleyan and was the one who found their mother the morning she stopped to pick her up for their breakfast outing.
Abigail was the one who was most out of sorts especially since her mother didn’t want a formal funeral. Abigail couldn’t understand why because that was just what you did.
We follow the children as they unravel the lives of their parents and try to make sense of it all.
The writing in THE SWEET TASTE OF MUSCADINES is absolutely marvelous, beautifully detailed, and pulls you in just like the taste of sweet tea and Southern charm.
If you grew up in the South, you will love this entertaining book that has life-changing, heartbreaking secrets revealed after many years. It is truly an enjoyable, thoughtful read.
If you have ever been to Scotland, this book will also take you back to its magic and beauty.
A do-not-miss, heartwarming read. 5/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 15, 2021
A delightful, humorous look at life in a small southern town during the Vietnam War era - sweet iced tea, hot apple pie, muscadine wine . . . and a dead woman under an old muscadine arbor. Full Review coming soon.
March 15, 2021 Full Review:
When Abigail Bruce finds her elderly mother Geneva Bruce lying on the ground partially beneath the Bruce family's old muscadine arbor, one thing is crystal clear. This time, she's really dead. It's time for Abigail to call siblings Lila Breedlove and Henry Bruce back to their ancestral home in Wesleyan, Ga. - the home the two fled upon graduation from high school in an effort to escape the high expectations and limitations of life in a small, judgmental southern town while seeking their own place in the world. When the three reunite, it is obvious Abigail’s losing it and on a suicide mission in regards to her reputation and community standing as a proper southern lady. As strange revelations surface, Lila and Henry begin digging into the mystery surrounding their mother's death. Why would the devoutly devoted, bible-carrying southern matriarch leave her home in the wee morning hours, wearing nothing but her nightgown to traipse to the far edge of the property and dig under a muscadine arbor . . . with an old spoon that was stored in the gardening shed? What Lila and Henry discover leads them to Scotland seeking answers to newly unearthed, long ago buried family secrets that threaten to destroy their family history and life as they know it.
The Sweet Taste of Muscadines flows easily from a humorous spoof on southern culture in the first half to an emotionally charged exploration into the depth and consequences of Southern family traditions and expectations in the second half - speaking gracefully of the ramifications of unresolved childhood issues, of growing up with impossible expectations, of denying one's true self. Terry flawlessly weaves plot, setting and characters into a mysterious yet beautifully rich story with all the distinctive southern flavors of hot apple pie, muscadine wine and sweet iced tea, rendering a sensual exploration of the south during the time period of the Vietnam War - highlighting the overwhelming sense of place felt by southerners - of binding ties and roots buried deep in southern soil.
In a distinctly southern voice, Terry's lyrical prose carries hints of honeysuckle on a warm breeze and Sunday morning sermons heard through open doors and windows at the local Baptist Church. Having lived my entire life in the South, I can say it stirred some childhood memories within me as I found the exaggerations on the Southern culture quite entertaining. The Sweet Taste of Muscadines delves beneath the surface humor to reveal an emotionally evocative story that resonates with unresolved childhood memories, societal judgement, and lost dreams. The author's rendering of this story is rich in poignant quotes, but this one stuck with me "So much hurt in the world, and for so many years. All over who people love".
Many will call The Sweet Taste of Muscadines "women's fiction", but this profound story's also a fascinating mystery - a story of secrets kept buried until death by a proud southern woman - and the compelling journey of her children as they seek answers that will lead them out of the darkness into the light. A story of the many ties and complexities of home and family. Ultimately, a warm story of forgiveness and acceptance. I highly recommend it to fans of mystery, family drama, and yes, women's fiction.
*Special thanks to Ballantine Books for an arc of this book.
**Reviewed for: Mystery and Suspense Magazine
***Review post at: Cross My Heart Reviews>
March 15, 2021 Full Review:
When Abigail Bruce finds her elderly mother Geneva Bruce lying on the ground partially beneath the Bruce family's old muscadine arbor, one thing is crystal clear. This time, she's really dead. It's time for Abigail to call siblings Lila Breedlove and Henry Bruce back to their ancestral home in Wesleyan, Ga. - the home the two fled upon graduation from high school in an effort to escape the high expectations and limitations of life in a small, judgmental southern town while seeking their own place in the world. When the three reunite, it is obvious Abigail’s losing it and on a suicide mission in regards to her reputation and community standing as a proper southern lady. As strange revelations surface, Lila and Henry begin digging into the mystery surrounding their mother's death. Why would the devoutly devoted, bible-carrying southern matriarch leave her home in the wee morning hours, wearing nothing but her nightgown to traipse to the far edge of the property and dig under a muscadine arbor . . . with an old spoon that was stored in the gardening shed? What Lila and Henry discover leads them to Scotland seeking answers to newly unearthed, long ago buried family secrets that threaten to destroy their family history and life as they know it.
The Sweet Taste of Muscadines flows easily from a humorous spoof on southern culture in the first half to an emotionally charged exploration into the depth and consequences of Southern family traditions and expectations in the second half - speaking gracefully of the ramifications of unresolved childhood issues, of growing up with impossible expectations, of denying one's true self. Terry flawlessly weaves plot, setting and characters into a mysterious yet beautifully rich story with all the distinctive southern flavors of hot apple pie, muscadine wine and sweet iced tea, rendering a sensual exploration of the south during the time period of the Vietnam War - highlighting the overwhelming sense of place felt by southerners - of binding ties and roots buried deep in southern soil.
In a distinctly southern voice, Terry's lyrical prose carries hints of honeysuckle on a warm breeze and Sunday morning sermons heard through open doors and windows at the local Baptist Church. Having lived my entire life in the South, I can say it stirred some childhood memories within me as I found the exaggerations on the Southern culture quite entertaining. The Sweet Taste of Muscadines delves beneath the surface humor to reveal an emotionally evocative story that resonates with unresolved childhood memories, societal judgement, and lost dreams. The author's rendering of this story is rich in poignant quotes, but this one stuck with me "So much hurt in the world, and for so many years. All over who people love".
Many will call The Sweet Taste of Muscadines "women's fiction", but this profound story's also a fascinating mystery - a story of secrets kept buried until death by a proud southern woman - and the compelling journey of her children as they seek answers that will lead them out of the darkness into the light. A story of the many ties and complexities of home and family. Ultimately, a warm story of forgiveness and acceptance. I highly recommend it to fans of mystery, family drama, and yes, women's fiction.
*Special thanks to Ballantine Books for an arc of this book.
**Reviewed for: Mystery and Suspense Magazine
***Review post at: Cross My Heart Reviews>
June 13, 2021
The Sweet Taste of Muscadines by Pamela Terry is a women’s fiction novel that is full of family secrets giving this contemporary a touch of suspense. Seeing that I love novels full of family drama and secrets I picked this one up thinking it would be right up my alley.
Lila, her brother Henry and their little sister Abigail grew up in the southern small town of Wesleyan, Georgia with their over the top mother, Geneva. As soon as they could after school Lila and Henry took off away from the town and their mother heading north where they stayed rarely thinking of the home they left behind.
One day however Lila gets a call that no one wants to hear and that is that Geneva has passed. The strange thing though was she was found out behind the family home near the muscadines. As Lila and Henry head back to their small town they weren’t prepared for what they would find when secrets begin surfacing.
The Sweet Taste of Muscadines is another case of finding myself in the minority when I look around at other reviews for this novel. When I finished I had one of those cases of feeling a bit meh as the book felt very slow moving to me which is the type that I have a hard time getting into. The story was fine but normally family secrets draw me in and have me completely engaged but this one was easy to put down and take a break from. I’d say if this one sounds good to you to form your own opinion though especially if not minding a more slow burn pace.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Lila, her brother Henry and their little sister Abigail grew up in the southern small town of Wesleyan, Georgia with their over the top mother, Geneva. As soon as they could after school Lila and Henry took off away from the town and their mother heading north where they stayed rarely thinking of the home they left behind.
One day however Lila gets a call that no one wants to hear and that is that Geneva has passed. The strange thing though was she was found out behind the family home near the muscadines. As Lila and Henry head back to their small town they weren’t prepared for what they would find when secrets begin surfacing.
The Sweet Taste of Muscadines is another case of finding myself in the minority when I look around at other reviews for this novel. When I finished I had one of those cases of feeling a bit meh as the book felt very slow moving to me which is the type that I have a hard time getting into. The story was fine but normally family secrets draw me in and have me completely engaged but this one was easy to put down and take a break from. I’d say if this one sounds good to you to form your own opinion though especially if not minding a more slow burn pace.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
January 21, 2021
This is a great read and has a definite permeating southern flavor - I live in the South and there were many things in the book I could relate to. The book started off a little slow and I was afraid I wasn't going to like it, but I became absorbed in this story of family drama and hidden secrets after a little while. I put the slow start down to creating the right atmosphere. There are many things in the South people don't talk about and keep hidden in families, things that influence the course of lives - and that is the situation here. The Bruce family in this book had their share of secrets that affected all their lives. Lila Breedlove is my favorite character in the story, but I also like her brother, Henry. Simply felt sorry for Abigail, though.
The writing is atmospheric and lovely. Definitely a well-written book that will lure you in with the descriptive language and sense of place.
Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine through Netgalley for an advance copy.
The writing is atmospheric and lovely. Definitely a well-written book that will lure you in with the descriptive language and sense of place.
Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine through Netgalley for an advance copy.
February 26, 2021
A Delightful and Distinct Southern debut novel
SUMMARY
Lila Bruce Breedlove and her brother Henry return to their small southern hometown of Wesleyan, Georgia when their elderly mother, Geneva dies suddenly and strangely in the muscadine arbor behind the family home. As they sibling uncover more about Geneva’s death, shocking secrets are revealed that may upend the family’s history as they know it. The two siblings embark on a journey to find the truth about the death of their father, who died when they were young.
REVIEW
The Sweet Taste of Muscadines is a captivating blend of characters, setting and story in this delightful debut novel. Author Pamela Terry has woven a moving tale of drama and suspense in a distinct and delightful Southern voice. The characters are colorful and the writing is beautifully descriptive.
Author Pamela Terry is a lifelong southerner and an internationally popular blogger. Her blog From the House of Edward was named one of the top ten home blogs of the year by London’s The Telegraph. She lives in Smyrna, Georgia with her husband and three dogs, and travels to the Scottish Highlands as frequently as possible.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher Ballantine Books
Published March 16, 2021
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
SUMMARY
Lila Bruce Breedlove and her brother Henry return to their small southern hometown of Wesleyan, Georgia when their elderly mother, Geneva dies suddenly and strangely in the muscadine arbor behind the family home. As they sibling uncover more about Geneva’s death, shocking secrets are revealed that may upend the family’s history as they know it. The two siblings embark on a journey to find the truth about the death of their father, who died when they were young.
REVIEW
The Sweet Taste of Muscadines is a captivating blend of characters, setting and story in this delightful debut novel. Author Pamela Terry has woven a moving tale of drama and suspense in a distinct and delightful Southern voice. The characters are colorful and the writing is beautifully descriptive.
Author Pamela Terry is a lifelong southerner and an internationally popular blogger. Her blog From the House of Edward was named one of the top ten home blogs of the year by London’s The Telegraph. She lives in Smyrna, Georgia with her husband and three dogs, and travels to the Scottish Highlands as frequently as possible.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher Ballantine Books
Published March 16, 2021
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
October 15, 2023
I rather enjoyed this slow read. The writing was absolutely exquisitely beautiful. I listened to it on audio, and at times I just marveled at the authors ability to describe an action or scene. There was something very beautiful and spiritual about this, particularly at the end, but it was a journey of grief to get there. Very well done, and very very worth it.
September 4, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Sweet Taste of Muscadines
This is a bit of a heavy read but flows quickly. I really enjoyed it and believe it’s one of those books that make you reflect. It has mystery and family drama along with a bit of heartache for some because you see clearly how it can effect those in the book. I thought it was well written, and a really good plot.
.
.
This is a story about a family of two sisters and a brother whose mother suddenly dies and after a horrible experience growing up with her they find out that what they believed happened to their father may not be what it seemed. Secrets are often kept because of no other choice which can lead to heartache and time missed.
The Sweet Taste of Muscadines
This is a bit of a heavy read but flows quickly. I really enjoyed it and believe it’s one of those books that make you reflect. It has mystery and family drama along with a bit of heartache for some because you see clearly how it can effect those in the book. I thought it was well written, and a really good plot.
.
.
This is a story about a family of two sisters and a brother whose mother suddenly dies and after a horrible experience growing up with her they find out that what they believed happened to their father may not be what it seemed. Secrets are often kept because of no other choice which can lead to heartache and time missed.
Read
December 5, 2020I found this book so beautifully written that I ended up wanting to quote the entire thing. The problem with a review is that loading superlatives is tedious, and yet describing the unfolding of the plot is a great disservice to a book that had one plot element I predicted, and many more that not only caught me by surprise, but in every sense was better than I expected.
Altogether this book was better written that I had expected from the marketing material, and within the story, depicted better humans, and people trying to be better people.
So, a few quotes:
As with so many of the women in my family, there were no subtleties in my sister's life; all her choices, from adjectives to earrings, were outside and theatrical. It's possible that the seeds of this behavior were planted by maternal ancestors desperate to be heard, otherwise mutely invisible women in hoop skirts who learned early to manipulate by drama, exaggerating whatever means of communication they could grab in their liz-white fists in order to solidify their gauzy shadows and prove that they mattered.
Another:
Every house is haunted. Some are haunted in the traditional way: by spirits generally more mischievous than malevolent, who take delight in closing the open door, rocking the empty chair, or snuffing out the flaming candle, unfortunately souls who failed to squeeze enough enjoyment out of their party allotment of days to sufficiently satisfy their eternity. Most, however, are haunted by our own memories: bits of ourselves, individual and unique, left behind and lying dormant for decades but with the power to quicken and breathe the moment we step back inside. . . . They wait for us with the patience of angels, . . . like rainbows through beveled glass, they coalesce in the stillness, ethereal as a dream yet visible to our eyes only.
So many more, about sharp memories that thread through the garments we were wearing that day; the rain in the highlands;
Truly a lovely book.
Copy provided by NetGalley
Altogether this book was better written that I had expected from the marketing material, and within the story, depicted better humans, and people trying to be better people.
So, a few quotes:
As with so many of the women in my family, there were no subtleties in my sister's life; all her choices, from adjectives to earrings, were outside and theatrical. It's possible that the seeds of this behavior were planted by maternal ancestors desperate to be heard, otherwise mutely invisible women in hoop skirts who learned early to manipulate by drama, exaggerating whatever means of communication they could grab in their liz-white fists in order to solidify their gauzy shadows and prove that they mattered.
Another:
Every house is haunted. Some are haunted in the traditional way: by spirits generally more mischievous than malevolent, who take delight in closing the open door, rocking the empty chair, or snuffing out the flaming candle, unfortunately souls who failed to squeeze enough enjoyment out of their party allotment of days to sufficiently satisfy their eternity. Most, however, are haunted by our own memories: bits of ourselves, individual and unique, left behind and lying dormant for decades but with the power to quicken and breathe the moment we step back inside. . . . They wait for us with the patience of angels, . . . like rainbows through beveled glass, they coalesce in the stillness, ethereal as a dream yet visible to our eyes only.
So many more, about sharp memories that thread through the garments we were wearing that day; the rain in the highlands;
Truly a lovely book.
Copy provided by NetGalley
March 1, 2021
Goodreads giveaway.
I wish I could give more stars to this book, unfortunately, there are a couple of reasons I can't go above rating it only as "okay." The book was engaging, and filled with enough twists and turns to keep me reading until the end, so I commend the author on that, especially considering it is her debut novel.
However, the author was way too overzealous with their writing. Each sentence had to be described with extremely specific metaphors, mainly using A TON of random, unfamiliar terms. When I have to stop and Google what "Morris Dancing" is, that draws away from the flow of the story, distracts the reader, and gets them off pace. It's distracting, and quite frankly, a bit annoying.
My other major complaint is the bashing of Southern Baptists, and their "unacceptance" of those that deviate from traditional southern norms. I found this stereotype offensive, and was turned off from this book about halfway through. I did end up finishing the book, but all it did for me was make me feel exhausted and frustrated by the end.
I'm not saying I wouldn't recommend this book to those that are a fan of this type of genre, because it fits in nicely next to Debbie Macomber and Susan Wiggs. The cover is beautiful, and the story itself was good, but I can't say it was good enough to pull me in and keep me there. Not sure if I'll be returning to this author any time soon, or even at all.
I wish I could give more stars to this book, unfortunately, there are a couple of reasons I can't go above rating it only as "okay." The book was engaging, and filled with enough twists and turns to keep me reading until the end, so I commend the author on that, especially considering it is her debut novel.
However, the author was way too overzealous with their writing. Each sentence had to be described with extremely specific metaphors, mainly using A TON of random, unfamiliar terms. When I have to stop and Google what "Morris Dancing" is, that draws away from the flow of the story, distracts the reader, and gets them off pace. It's distracting, and quite frankly, a bit annoying.
My other major complaint is the bashing of Southern Baptists, and their "unacceptance" of those that deviate from traditional southern norms. I found this stereotype offensive, and was turned off from this book about halfway through. I did end up finishing the book, but all it did for me was make me feel exhausted and frustrated by the end.
I'm not saying I wouldn't recommend this book to those that are a fan of this type of genre, because it fits in nicely next to Debbie Macomber and Susan Wiggs. The cover is beautiful, and the story itself was good, but I can't say it was good enough to pull me in and keep me there. Not sure if I'll be returning to this author any time soon, or even at all.
March 16, 2021
The Sweet Taste of Muscadines is a debut novel by author Pamela Terry- but- it doesn’t read like a new novel. The writing flows in this slow starting novel about three very different siblings and the mystery they uncover when they get together after their mother dies unexpectedly.
I thought this was a really good read- crisp writing, descriptive settings and the characters are so well thought out and developed they just felt real. The suspense builds slowly as well, but it’s one of those plots where you need to keep reading to find out all the answers!!!
Well done, smooth novel and I really wouldn’t change a single thing!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group- Ballentine and author Pamela Terry for a temporary digital advance review copy for me to read and enjoy. As always, my review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
I thought this was a really good read- crisp writing, descriptive settings and the characters are so well thought out and developed they just felt real. The suspense builds slowly as well, but it’s one of those plots where you need to keep reading to find out all the answers!!!
Well done, smooth novel and I really wouldn’t change a single thing!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group- Ballentine and author Pamela Terry for a temporary digital advance review copy for me to read and enjoy. As always, my review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
July 23, 2021
Maybe home is more something you carry inside you than the ground on which you stand.
The Prologue and first chapter had me so absorbed I hardly took a breath as I read. Told in first person narrative that had tight, crisp prose, with phrases that make you take a second look, so you won’t miss a detail. Not to mention a memorable opening line.
Set in Wesleyan, a pious small town in Georgia, the story centers on the return of the two eldest siblings that are called home, by their younger sister, when their elderly mother dies. With no other family to see to the arrangements, Lila, Henry, and Abigail Bruce balance between how to honor Geneva Bruce’s last wishes and the town’s expectations of the proper funeral manners.
Discussing the unusual circumstance of their mother’s death sets them onto a shocking family discovery, one that will forever change all their lives.
Lila and Henry travel together asking questions that may never be answered. Meanwhile, Abigail uncovers her true self.
_____________
Lila, the oldest of the Bruce children and the story’s narrator, was devastated by her father’s death when she was eight. She left Wesleyan for college to never return making her life in Maine. Henry, the middle child, was never comfortable in town, even as a young child. He, too, left to seek a life elsewhere. Abigail remained in the hometown with her mother, constantly devoted, happy to please. The author tells the story of their lives, from the time around their father’s death in the early seventies, to their mother’s death thirty years later, with well transitioned flashbacks from Lila’s early memories. There’s a lot going on in this story; the author seamlessly weaves all the layers together.
Each of the Bruce siblings have been deeply affected by their parent’s choices – it sets up a chasm between them. A good portion of the book explores the details how those choices triggered a domino effect and where that leaves them all.
My favorite scenes, humorous ones, that made a spectacle of the situation, were about the obituary and the time during the wake. Here, Abigail finds her backbone so to speak.
Pacing ranged from page-gripping to boredom. For the most part, the pacing progressed at a steady rate. However, in the middle, during background on Lila and Henry’s lives, I got a bit bored. It was just mundane, filler. Like I mentioned earlier, the opening was excellent, the kind of writing that sucks you into a story. Toward the end there was another lull, when I knew the likely outcome, I kept reading only to confirm my thoughts.
The writing span between mostly excellent prose, but would dip into feeling forced, and occasionally veer into bashing tones. The examples that follow are not spoilers:
Overall, this is a story I will likely remember. While a few parts annoyed me, others awed me, like during a scene near the end when the author drew a parallel between the past and present about how “irrelevant” time can be. Possible
I would recommend the book and advise the reader to jump in without seeking spoilers about the main characters/events. Since this is a character driven story, knowing too much beforehand will likely lessen your enjoyment of the story.
The Prologue and first chapter had me so absorbed I hardly took a breath as I read. Told in first person narrative that had tight, crisp prose, with phrases that make you take a second look, so you won’t miss a detail. Not to mention a memorable opening line.
The first time Mama died, I ran off to hide in the muscadine arbor.
Set in Wesleyan, a pious small town in Georgia, the story centers on the return of the two eldest siblings that are called home, by their younger sister, when their elderly mother dies. With no other family to see to the arrangements, Lila, Henry, and Abigail Bruce balance between how to honor Geneva Bruce’s last wishes and the town’s expectations of the proper funeral manners.
Discussing the unusual circumstance of their mother’s death sets them onto a shocking family discovery, one that will forever change all their lives.
Lila and Henry travel together asking questions that may never be answered. Meanwhile, Abigail uncovers her true self.
_____________
Lila, the oldest of the Bruce children and the story’s narrator, was devastated by her father’s death when she was eight. She left Wesleyan for college to never return making her life in Maine. Henry, the middle child, was never comfortable in town, even as a young child. He, too, left to seek a life elsewhere. Abigail remained in the hometown with her mother, constantly devoted, happy to please. The author tells the story of their lives, from the time around their father’s death in the early seventies, to their mother’s death thirty years later, with well transitioned flashbacks from Lila’s early memories. There’s a lot going on in this story; the author seamlessly weaves all the layers together.
Each of the Bruce siblings have been deeply affected by their parent’s choices – it sets up a chasm between them. A good portion of the book explores the details how those choices triggered a domino effect and where that leaves them all.
My favorite scenes, humorous ones, that made a spectacle of the situation, were about the obituary and the time during the wake. Here, Abigail finds her backbone so to speak.
Pacing ranged from page-gripping to boredom. For the most part, the pacing progressed at a steady rate. However, in the middle, during background on Lila and Henry’s lives, I got a bit bored. It was just mundane, filler. Like I mentioned earlier, the opening was excellent, the kind of writing that sucks you into a story. Toward the end there was another lull, when I knew the likely outcome, I kept reading only to confirm my thoughts.
The writing span between mostly excellent prose, but would dip into feeling forced, and occasionally veer into bashing tones. The examples that follow are not spoilers:
Overall, this is a story I will likely remember. While a few parts annoyed me, others awed me, like during a scene near the end when the author drew a parallel between the past and present about how “irrelevant” time can be. Possible
I would recommend the book and advise the reader to jump in without seeking spoilers about the main characters/events. Since this is a character driven story, knowing too much beforehand will likely lessen your enjoyment of the story.
March 7, 2021
I do not normally read this type of book, and I’m not sure what made me choose to do so now. When I started it, I was just going to read the first chapter or so because I had things to do and I really didn’t expect it to hold my attention, especially within the first few pages. I could not have been more wrong.
This story immediately pulled me in. With it’s lush descriptions and emotion pouring out of every word, I was quickly swept up into Lila’s current life, as well as her past. With each word I found myself immersed in the southern atmosphere she grew up in. I cannot recall another book that evoked such a feeling of being present in the story, as The Sweet Taste of Muscadines did.
I found myself loving each of the siblings and captivated by the way they dealt with the issues at hand. The plot is multi-layered but so beautifully woven together, I didn’t even recognize its many dimensions until I reflected back on it.
This has a fast pace and while it richly paints a picture of life in the South, it never bogs down or becomes repetitive. I was unable to stop reading once I began. How is it possible this is this author’s debut novel? I’m astounded at her talent and would not be surprised if this were to ever be made into a movie.
Single POV
Safe - not a romance
Triggers
This story immediately pulled me in. With it’s lush descriptions and emotion pouring out of every word, I was quickly swept up into Lila’s current life, as well as her past. With each word I found myself immersed in the southern atmosphere she grew up in. I cannot recall another book that evoked such a feeling of being present in the story, as The Sweet Taste of Muscadines did.
I found myself loving each of the siblings and captivated by the way they dealt with the issues at hand. The plot is multi-layered but so beautifully woven together, I didn’t even recognize its many dimensions until I reflected back on it.
This has a fast pace and while it richly paints a picture of life in the South, it never bogs down or becomes repetitive. I was unable to stop reading once I began. How is it possible this is this author’s debut novel? I’m astounded at her talent and would not be surprised if this were to ever be made into a movie.
Single POV
Safe - not a romance
Triggers
March 16, 2021
This is a well written, deep, thought provoking, and emotional story. I found myself rereading sentences to make sure that I understood what the author was saying. It is not a story to skim over.
Lila Bruce Breedlove grew up in a small Georgia town but now lives in Maine where she is a successful weaver. When her younger sister Abby calls in tears that she has found their mother dead, she and her brother Henry, who owns an art gallery in Rhode Island, fly to Atlanta and meet in the airport to drive home together. When they arrive they find that Abby is not herself, not handling things well at all. Their mother didn't want a funeral so they decided to have a reception at the family home where the family is showered with kindness and love.
This is a story that I went into without knowing much about it and so I don't want to talk about it too much except to say that there are many mysterious issues and family secrets that Lila and Henry work to unravel about their family, in particular their parents. Their father was pastor of the Baptist church until he joined the Army as chaplain, only to die in action when the children were all young.
Told from Lila's point of view, she came to realize is that you have to separate God from religion to see His love. Home is more something that you carry inside more than the ground on which you stand. While not a religious story per se, this is a story of healing and forgiveness.
I received a complimentary ARC from Ballentine Books through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
Lila Bruce Breedlove grew up in a small Georgia town but now lives in Maine where she is a successful weaver. When her younger sister Abby calls in tears that she has found their mother dead, she and her brother Henry, who owns an art gallery in Rhode Island, fly to Atlanta and meet in the airport to drive home together. When they arrive they find that Abby is not herself, not handling things well at all. Their mother didn't want a funeral so they decided to have a reception at the family home where the family is showered with kindness and love.
This is a story that I went into without knowing much about it and so I don't want to talk about it too much except to say that there are many mysterious issues and family secrets that Lila and Henry work to unravel about their family, in particular their parents. Their father was pastor of the Baptist church until he joined the Army as chaplain, only to die in action when the children were all young.
Told from Lila's point of view, she came to realize is that you have to separate God from religion to see His love. Home is more something that you carry inside more than the ground on which you stand. While not a religious story per se, this is a story of healing and forgiveness.
I received a complimentary ARC from Ballentine Books through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
April 5, 2021
For a very brief moment at the start, I didn’t know if I was going to love this one. And then, bam, just a couple chapters later I was hooked and couldn’t put the book down.
This is lighter, happier fiction, but it also digs into some pretty serious family drama. The main character discovers some old letters that her mother tried to hide before she died, and the letters reveal alllllll kinds of family secrets—the kind that make her question her place in her own family, as well as her relationships with her mother, father, and siblings.
This ended up being a solid read for me. Not too light, not too heavy. Relatable, believable, insightful, and fun to read. Highly recommended!
FYI, a muscadine is a grape. I had to look that up... 😆
This is lighter, happier fiction, but it also digs into some pretty serious family drama. The main character discovers some old letters that her mother tried to hide before she died, and the letters reveal alllllll kinds of family secrets—the kind that make her question her place in her own family, as well as her relationships with her mother, father, and siblings.
This ended up being a solid read for me. Not too light, not too heavy. Relatable, believable, insightful, and fun to read. Highly recommended!
FYI, a muscadine is a grape. I had to look that up... 😆
July 23, 2025
Felt like we were missing an element in the story. More suspense? More emotion? Not sure. It was good and an easy listen, but I found myself a bit bored.
September 7, 2020
The Sweet Taste of Muscadines by Pamela Terry is an excellent novel that delves into the complex world of family relationships and dynamics. This novel is set amongst the wonderful landscapes of Scotland, as well as given a southern touch by also taking place at the current family home in Georgia.
The author did a fantastic job weaving a story of family secrets, misunderstandings, complex pasts and childhoods, resentments, love, loss, hope, forgiveness, acceptance, and finally family lost and found.
I loved reading how this mystery played out between siblings: Lila, Henry, and Abby and all that they uncovered in regards to their less then ideal childhood between their recently passed mother, Geneva with secrets and deceptions of her own, and the loss of their father while they were young. The characters were well drawn, realistic, and thoughtful. Not all is what it appears, and as they unravel these mysteries, understanding and change occurs.
I loved Ms. Terry's literary descriptions of the cultures and landscapes of Southern life in Georgia as well as the alternative visions of Scotland. The images that she was able to conjure was by far, for me, the best part of the novel.
A wonderful novel that took me to another time and place and was a great respite from my daily routines.
Excellent. 5/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine/Random House Publishing for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
This review is posted to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will be posted to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
The author did a fantastic job weaving a story of family secrets, misunderstandings, complex pasts and childhoods, resentments, love, loss, hope, forgiveness, acceptance, and finally family lost and found.
I loved reading how this mystery played out between siblings: Lila, Henry, and Abby and all that they uncovered in regards to their less then ideal childhood between their recently passed mother, Geneva with secrets and deceptions of her own, and the loss of their father while they were young. The characters were well drawn, realistic, and thoughtful. Not all is what it appears, and as they unravel these mysteries, understanding and change occurs.
I loved Ms. Terry's literary descriptions of the cultures and landscapes of Southern life in Georgia as well as the alternative visions of Scotland. The images that she was able to conjure was by far, for me, the best part of the novel.
A wonderful novel that took me to another time and place and was a great respite from my daily routines.
Excellent. 5/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine/Random House Publishing for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
This review is posted to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will be posted to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
August 30, 2021
I vacillated between two and three stars but the actual story was okay so I went with three. Here’s the problem- I am hypersensitive when it comes to novels set in “The South” because rarely does the author get it right. Geography was a mess in this one. If you live “between Atlanta and Savannah” , you do not move “ up to Memphis.” You do not drive “down to the Outer Banks.” That just bugged me. I also questioned the character development of the uncle. He was described as one of the most powerful attorneys in town. Very quiet and in the background of social settings. But when we meet him, he is almost silly. That didn’t ring true. And where did the mom get all the money it would take for upkeep of that house ?The ending was tied up in a nice bow and that was fine but predictable. There were a few things I DID think the author got right. The description of the department store rang true. I remember stores like that. And the placement of the deviled egg plate was spot on. Lots of folks love this book. I’m glad they do. Just not me. Fiddledeedee.
Read
June 1, 2021DNF
I should have followed JanB’s advice on her review.
I should have followed JanB’s advice on her review.
March 15, 2021
Thank you to Ballantine Books and Random House for the gifted copy of The Sweet Taste of Muscadines!
I often find it difficult to craft a review of a book where the author wrote with such incredible lyricism, as I know that there is no way I can do their work justice. From page one of Sweet Taste of Muscadines, I was transported into the vivid world that Pamela Terry painted her readers. I hung on every word that she used to describe the most mundane of objects or the way that she drifted between past and present so effortless. I honestly felt like this entire book was a work of art.
Being from the South, I have often felt that I live in a world that is a true paradox and Terry perfectly described my feelings about the matter on more than one occasion. One of my favorite lines of the book appeared early on and it’s one that I know will stick with me.
“Growing up in the South is not for the faint of heart. An enigmatic place at the best of times, it is paradoxical to its core... It is a land where heart-stopping beauty and heartrending ugliness flourish in tandem, a land of kindness and hate, of ignorance and wit, of integrity, blindness, and pride.”
I fell into this story and was completely immersed in the characters as they navigated through a life that they discovered was full of a string of lies leading to one big lie that they never saw coming.
One of the pieces of this book that I loved most was that the main characters weren’t in their 20’s. Lila and Henry had sailed through their 20’s and secured their lives in their 30’s and were happily resting somewhere in the middle. I often get tired of books that feature a young character finding themselves as I am left thinking ‘I guess once you hit 30, that all the fun is over and there’s no more adventure to have’. I cherish the authors who write about characters who are paving new ways in their lives while in their 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and so on. No matter our age, it’s never too late to start fresh and create a fulfilling life. Our lives don’t simply end when we hit 3-0. So, I applaud Pamela Terry for being real and writing about characters that I would want to be friends with in real life.
I also found that there were several important lessons on grief nestled within the pages of this story that seemed poignant for my current life.
“It’s just easier, I suppose, to be angry over who got the gooseneck rocker when Aunt Jo died than it is to admit you’re scared because you don’t know why Aunt Jo had to die in the first place.”
But, above all else, I loved the way that the author solidified that love is love. No person, church, or place can change who someone is and who someone loves. The Sweet Taste of Muscadines was a heartrending look at how far we have come but, also, have far we have left to go.
There are some triggers that I would like to bring to your attention: the death of a parent, suicide, and cancer. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these topics. Please, message me so we can chat!
The Sweet Taste of Muscadines will publish on March 16, 2021. I am currently hosting a giveaway of the book on my Instagram. If you don’t want to wait to win the book, you can order it here.
I often find it difficult to craft a review of a book where the author wrote with such incredible lyricism, as I know that there is no way I can do their work justice. From page one of Sweet Taste of Muscadines, I was transported into the vivid world that Pamela Terry painted her readers. I hung on every word that she used to describe the most mundane of objects or the way that she drifted between past and present so effortless. I honestly felt like this entire book was a work of art.
Being from the South, I have often felt that I live in a world that is a true paradox and Terry perfectly described my feelings about the matter on more than one occasion. One of my favorite lines of the book appeared early on and it’s one that I know will stick with me.
“Growing up in the South is not for the faint of heart. An enigmatic place at the best of times, it is paradoxical to its core... It is a land where heart-stopping beauty and heartrending ugliness flourish in tandem, a land of kindness and hate, of ignorance and wit, of integrity, blindness, and pride.”
I fell into this story and was completely immersed in the characters as they navigated through a life that they discovered was full of a string of lies leading to one big lie that they never saw coming.
One of the pieces of this book that I loved most was that the main characters weren’t in their 20’s. Lila and Henry had sailed through their 20’s and secured their lives in their 30’s and were happily resting somewhere in the middle. I often get tired of books that feature a young character finding themselves as I am left thinking ‘I guess once you hit 30, that all the fun is over and there’s no more adventure to have’. I cherish the authors who write about characters who are paving new ways in their lives while in their 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and so on. No matter our age, it’s never too late to start fresh and create a fulfilling life. Our lives don’t simply end when we hit 3-0. So, I applaud Pamela Terry for being real and writing about characters that I would want to be friends with in real life.
I also found that there were several important lessons on grief nestled within the pages of this story that seemed poignant for my current life.
“It’s just easier, I suppose, to be angry over who got the gooseneck rocker when Aunt Jo died than it is to admit you’re scared because you don’t know why Aunt Jo had to die in the first place.”
But, above all else, I loved the way that the author solidified that love is love. No person, church, or place can change who someone is and who someone loves. The Sweet Taste of Muscadines was a heartrending look at how far we have come but, also, have far we have left to go.
There are some triggers that I would like to bring to your attention: the death of a parent, suicide, and cancer. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these topics. Please, message me so we can chat!
The Sweet Taste of Muscadines will publish on March 16, 2021. I am currently hosting a giveaway of the book on my Instagram. If you don’t want to wait to win the book, you can order it here.
October 5, 2020
Narrator Lila Breedlove is a transplanted Southerner now living as a young widow on Wigeon Island, off the coast of Maine, who says of the South, “The roots of its influence still run through me like vines, entwining memories and creeping under the doors of my dreams.” A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, she lives quietly and successfully seaside, designing and creating woven garments, an occupation metaphoric of The Sweet Taste of Muscadines’ intricately woven tale.
In an intimate, first person voice as confessional as a private journal, author Pamela Terry lulls the reader with descriptive passages both atmospheric and introspective in such a subtextual manner as to significantly assist a story built on a family dynamic predicated on secrets forcing their way to the light.
The sudden death of her cool, distant mother calls Lila home to Wesleyan, South Carolina, where she’s reunited with younger siblings, Henry, her beloved brother, and Abigail, the doting sister who remained tied to their mother’s side. Lila muses, “It’s never wise to wonder if you’d be friends with your family were you not bound together by blood.” In the case of Henry, “There was no one on earth I’d rather be with than my brother.” In the case of the emotionally erratic Abigail, it’s another story, and although the sisters have culled different lives, a bond remains out of familial loyalty.
Southern tradition, cultural nuance, and unresolved childhood memories lie at the foundation of this engaging story. Because matriarch Geneva Burns is found dead with a spoon in her hand in the family’s muscadine arbor, the questions raised begin the unearthing of the family’s well-kept secret, which startlingly redefines their understanding of what happened to their father, and sets the wheels in motion for Lila and Henry to ultimately go to Scotland in search of further discovery.
Lovely, lyrical, and often profound, The Sweet Taste of Muscadines is women’s fiction at its finest and then something more. Written in two parts while weaving familial loyalty with the meaning of home throughout, the search for truth on the backdrops of Wesleyan and the remote island of Ben Mathan, Scotland is breathtakingly visceral, in an emotionally evocative story with a strong sense of place. Deep seated fear pertaining to keeping up appearances in the face of societal judgement against what the family is hiding impact the story, and Terry writes with a warm-hearted, equitable hand. There are no loose threads in The Sweet Taste of Muscadines’ rich fabric. A sonorous look at “the past we take with us, along with new understanding and the seeds of forgiveness,” it’s a satisfying, heart and soul read with resonance, sure to make you a fan of author Pamela Terry.
My gratitude to Random House, Pamela Terry and NetGalley.
In an intimate, first person voice as confessional as a private journal, author Pamela Terry lulls the reader with descriptive passages both atmospheric and introspective in such a subtextual manner as to significantly assist a story built on a family dynamic predicated on secrets forcing their way to the light.
The sudden death of her cool, distant mother calls Lila home to Wesleyan, South Carolina, where she’s reunited with younger siblings, Henry, her beloved brother, and Abigail, the doting sister who remained tied to their mother’s side. Lila muses, “It’s never wise to wonder if you’d be friends with your family were you not bound together by blood.” In the case of Henry, “There was no one on earth I’d rather be with than my brother.” In the case of the emotionally erratic Abigail, it’s another story, and although the sisters have culled different lives, a bond remains out of familial loyalty.
Southern tradition, cultural nuance, and unresolved childhood memories lie at the foundation of this engaging story. Because matriarch Geneva Burns is found dead with a spoon in her hand in the family’s muscadine arbor, the questions raised begin the unearthing of the family’s well-kept secret, which startlingly redefines their understanding of what happened to their father, and sets the wheels in motion for Lila and Henry to ultimately go to Scotland in search of further discovery.
Lovely, lyrical, and often profound, The Sweet Taste of Muscadines is women’s fiction at its finest and then something more. Written in two parts while weaving familial loyalty with the meaning of home throughout, the search for truth on the backdrops of Wesleyan and the remote island of Ben Mathan, Scotland is breathtakingly visceral, in an emotionally evocative story with a strong sense of place. Deep seated fear pertaining to keeping up appearances in the face of societal judgement against what the family is hiding impact the story, and Terry writes with a warm-hearted, equitable hand. There are no loose threads in The Sweet Taste of Muscadines’ rich fabric. A sonorous look at “the past we take with us, along with new understanding and the seeds of forgiveness,” it’s a satisfying, heart and soul read with resonance, sure to make you a fan of author Pamela Terry.
My gratitude to Random House, Pamela Terry and NetGalley.
May 10, 2021
Sometimes you open up a book with no expectations beyond hoping for a good story with compelling characters. But from the moment I started this book, on the very first page, I knew I was about to read something very special. This book has a lyrical quality to it, with beautiful prose that I read over and over to FEEL all of the emotions in each word. There is incredible imagery within the pages of this extraordinary debut novel—I was instantly swept away to the setting, and intimately involved with Lila, Henry, Abby, and the rest of the intriguing characters. The story itself kept me reading long into the night, and up early each morning, so that I could return to it and find out what happens next. There are so many layers to this book that centers around a family filled with long-buried secrets and betrayals that chart the course of the three siblings, whose lives twisted and turned as they searched for love and the home of their heart. I highly recommend this debut novel for fans of Kristy Woodson Harvey, Karen White, and Diane Chamberlain. I look forward to reading many more novels written by this gifted author.
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