Walking in Tall Weeds (Christian Series Level I

by Robin W. Pearson

Paulette and Fred Baldwin find themselves wading through a new season of life in Hickory Grove, North Carolina. Their only son, McKinley, now works hundreds of miles away, and the distance between the husband and wife feels even farther. When their son returns home, his visit dredges up even more conflict between Fred and Paulette.

Genres: Contemporary, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Audiobook, Womens Fiction

448 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 2022

About the author

Robin W. Pearson’s writing sprouts from her Southern upbringing, her belief in Jesus Christ, and her love of her husband, seven children, and their dog, Oscar. Her novels are “rooted in the soul of the story” and include her Christy Award–winning debut, A Long Time Comin’, as well as ’Til I Want No More, Walking in Tall Weeds, and her latest, Dysfunction Junction. Robin has corrected grammar up and down the East Coast in her career as an author and editor and in her calling as a homeschooling mama of many. She loves to share about her faith and her family through her fiction; her blog, https://robinwpearson.com/mommy-conce... at conferences such as Breathe, Fiction Readers Summit, and Vision Christian Writers; and with her friends and followers @robinwpearson. They're the source of all the characters living and breathing in the stories waiting to be told about her belief in Jesus Christ and the experiences at her own kitchen sink. Learn more on https://robinwpearson.com.

Reviews

[Toni Shiloh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robin W. Pearson has a gift with drawing a reader into the heart of family. The family may not look like yours or it may be exactly what you're familiar with. But even in the familiar, she has a way of pulling truths to the light and coaxing the reader to see a situation after a different fashion. Her southern style of writing is like a warm blanket on a winter's day and makes the journey all the more enticing. Fans won't want to miss her newest read and newbies will fall in love with the way she explores familial relationships and how they shape us all.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. My review was not required nor influenced.

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
Full and rich family drama and their dynamics. The author explores this family and their issues well. The reader almost ‘sees’ them as they make their way through their problems.

My thanks to Tyndale House for a copy of this book via Net Galley.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robin W. Pearson has a gift for capturing the complexity and nuances of family relationships. She brings a remarkable tenderness and compassion to the struggle we all face to know and be known in a family. Prepare yourself for a rich and satisfying read!

[Robin Hatcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook
Wow! I loved this book. Confession: I didn’t read the blurb. I saw the author and put the book into my To Read list. And boy, am I glad I did. As I read, I experienced all the emotions as this family made its way through those tall weeds that life can grow around us.

Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Loved it. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Glad I read it. Will probably read more by this author.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed others so much more.
1🌟 = I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.

[Rosalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a story, I loved it from beginning to end.
This book beautifully delves into the complexities that can be found in family relationships.
Fred & Paulette have been married long enough to wonder about their marriage. Can it survive? Is there any spark left?
When their son Mckinley returns home, in time to celebrate Paulette's 60th birthday, thinks get even more complicated.
This story deals with some hard topics. Marriage complications. Racial tensions. Family relationships.
And much more.
I found it heartwarming, inspirational, and a down-to-earth story.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Few books in the inspirational market have such a strong and dynamic writing "voice" as those penned by Pearson.

A unique and intriguing novel, Walking in Tall Weeds, conquers complicated topics with deftness of skill that is breathtaking upon the page. Though much of the novel is filled with character to character dynamics and dialogue without much action, you really don't miss it. In fact, I found pages and chapters flying by as these characters danced to life on the page.

I debated between 4 and 5 stars and settled as I did only because the prose, while the gem of this story, was also at times its stumbling block.

Regardless, I would very much recommend this novel and chance to guess it will see many awards in its future.

[Becca Kinzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this story about complex family dynamics that I don’t typically read. The characters each felt so distinct and real. Part of me couldn’t decide whether I wanted to hide from Juju because she intimidated the heck out of me, or if she was actually my favorite character because I couldn’t wait to hear what she spouted off next.

[Bethany Meadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

I immensely enjoy reading books that introduce me to characters and culture differently than my own. This book is no exception.

Set in the south ( and my home state), there are many regional and cultural references that I related to and gave me such cozy, warm feelings.

Yet, I also found myself in a world I’ve never been. Watching the family dynamics of a middle-aged bi-racial couple. Fred and Paulette Baldwin find themselves navigating the drift in their marriage, family racial struggles, and a generational gap with their adult son. Through it all they process their faith in God and how it relates to each of these issues.

I enjoyed navigating the journey with the Baldwin family. I learned and I felt and I grew.

For me, this was a book to read slowly and allow it to simmer. It has a mild “stream of consciousness” writing style and that took me a little while to get used to. It’s a book that I’ll continue to think on for a long time. I definitely plan to read this author’s previous two books!

[Debra Slonek · Rating 4 out of 5]

While enjoying the author’s eloquent writing, I was invited to spend some time in Hickory Grove, North Carolina. I became immersed in the lives of the deeply developed and well connected characters.

Paulette and Fred were very much in love at the beginning of their marriage. As children, they each had experienced loss, painful histories and betrayals. They had seemingly built a beautiful life together.

As they worked hard for their beautiful life, they became disconnected. Fred poured everything into his career and she poured everything into mothering and homeschooling. There wasn’t much left to be poured into each other.

I loved their journey of reconnecting and reclaiming their marriage. Because of their common faith and deeply rooted love, there was always hope.

I loved Paulette and the ways she demonstrated love, kindness and respect to most everyone, even to the most prickly of relatives. I enjoyed her system of using sticky notes to help sort out her thoughts and next steps. I would enjoy having her as a friend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Jenny Erlingsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her latest book, Robin Pearson once again delivers a multi-layered look at family dynamics and legacy. It reads like a recipe, throwing in dashes of experience and dialogue and humor that lead you deeper into the lives of the Baldwins and leaves you craving a bit more. As I turned the last page I wanted to know how things turned out. What became of their relationships and business and families as they moved forward from what had been revealed?

Walking through tall weeds doesn’t shy away from the challenges. Tension drips onto every page as the characters deal with implications of the past and how that is affecting the present. The realities of racial bias and experiences stir solidarity and compassion. Robin doesn’t just write stories to be entertained by; she writes characters for us to know. And in doing so, we get a more authentic look into ourselves. As the book unfolded, I could not help feeling for each member of the Pearson family and wondered what scenarios in my life are motivated by my own personal wounds and filters. I’m going to be pondering this book for a while as I love and engage with my own family. I was provided an advanced copy of the book but all opinions are authentically my own.

[Patrice Doten · Rating 4 out of 5]

I experienced a significant loss shortly before this book released and, as this is definitely not a light-hearted feel-good story, it took me a long time to finish and left me with a wide range of reactions. It’s hauntingly heartbreaking, full of lovely prose, uncomfortable truths handled with deft sensitivity, difficult relationships, and deep faith, which are this wonderful author’s hallmarks. I laughed at some parts and teared up at others (especially the bigotry and racial profiling too many of my friends and family have experienced). I loved Uncle Lawrence, Paulette, Mackenzie, and his friends. But despite understanding Fred, I disliked him from start to finish, which made it hard for me to see what Paulette saw in him or to root for their marriage. I also sometimes got mired down in the metaphors and lost the story thread, having to backtrack to find it. The last couple chapters were a bit confusing for me, though the ending cleared things up and it finished on a hopeful note.

I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley, but all opinions expressed are my own.

[Susie Finkbeiner]

Read for endorsement. Review to come!

[Candy 2FRIENDSTALKBOOKS · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Frederick, Paulette, and McKinley Baldwin have always been a family of "onlys" in their town of Hickory Grove, North Carolina. An only son . . . married to an only daughter . . . blessed with a one and only child, McKinley." This quote from the book blurb sets the stage for a poignant story of personal struggles and the impact of upbringing on the person we become, and the way we relate to one another.

The title for Robin W. Pearson's latest book is one of the most intriguing we’ve encountered. It’s meant to convey the past baggage we constantly meander back through letting it grow into the present with deeper roots. This book certainly tackles some heavy baggage that is full of tension and family controversy. Pearson’s story confronts racism both ways and brings that struggle on to the printed page vividly.

This book was harder to “enjoy” because of the tension between characters, but an analogy written toward the end made the journey worthwhile. “We have to remember once was to see how far we’ve come and to motivate us to keep goin’. “ Pearson shares that patriarchs of the faith pointed to the past to remind us of God’s power and faithfulness rather than to highlight evil and breed vengeance. She concludes, “We have to let go of the pain if we’re going to heal and do better.” That’s a powerful statement that urges us into the future whole rather than broken. Only the power of God can do that in our lives if we release our “right” to anger and not give the devil a foothold. May we all choose healing.

We've given this book a rating of 3.5 only due to the necessary strife and tension surrounding the topic. It isn't a relaxing read, but it is a worthwhile read. Pearson does an excellent job with her writing in order to capture the racial controversy and character depth representative of the human condition.

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book over a couple of busy weeks via audibook, although I do own the book that was sent to me for a book tour.

This is my second book by Robin and I really enjoyed it. There are challenges that people can face when they're an interracial family. On top of that, when wrongs happen or perceived wrongs happen, if it's partly "race" based, that throws in a whole other level of issues!

I really enjoyed Paulette! She's feisty and such a loving mama. She loves her McKinley, but sometimes her husband, Fred takes a backseat with their closeness. McKinley is enjoying living his life outside of the town he grew up in so it's no wonder his parents would love for him to move back home. Listen, I can completely relate to Paulette.

Fred is carrying a burden that was really never meant for him to carry, but we all know what it's like to take up the umbrage of someone else at some point or another. He's also made some choices that causes a secret between himself and Paulette.

There's a pretty deep life lesson that we can all learn though this story. Well, probably several, but one thing I took away from this is that when we love someone, the color of their skin should never matter to others. I mean, I already knew this, but the struggle the author shows through the characters was powerful. Also, secrets between spouses is never good.

I look forward to my next read by Robin!

*I received the book for a book tour, but was not asked to write a review. This is my personal opinion.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Walking in Tall Weeds is story rich in family, history, love, and legacy. Each of the characters brings a different dynamic that's laced with difficulty. But the truth of difficulties lies in how each chooses to learn from them, grow in them, and whether or not they move past them. The characters are very well written. I enjoyed the plot and characters. I even found myself cheering them on! The depths of truth layered within this story are beautifully woven in history and family. How God sees each of us and who He created us to be. These are lessons we all can still use! A great read and one I highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this book in broken segments due to circumstances, so yes it took me a while. I enjoyed the southern realness of the book. The family was so genuine and the author delved into some tough subjects. I just feel as if the ending was rushed and wish it had had more of finished feeling for the story we were given. And maybe that was the point, there’s still much to keep working on as we walk through the tall weeds of life? I did like that the main characters were a married couple who were struggling and older. That was a nice change. It’s a book worth reading if nothing else but to make you think about some hard topics.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading books that give me a different perspective but I have to be honest—this one was hard for me. The Baldwin family definitely had a past colored by injustice and wrongs, but it was hard for me to reconcile that anyone (let alone an entire family) would let ancient history affect their every waking moment—especially one that had given their life to God. It took me a long time to even figure out the direction of this book, but once I realized that it was just about the journey, I settled in and enjoyed it. There were a lot of things that it took me a while to catch on to, a lot of things that we learned “the rest of the story” before we got to the punchline. I think that was mostly due to the stream of consciousness format, but as long as the story is savored just for what it was, it’s a worthwhile read for anyone.

[Susie Sellner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walking in Tall Weeds is the first book I've read by Robin Pearson. It is well written with well drawn characters. The family dynamics are explored as Junior returns home as a grown man and wants to share with his parents that he's becoming engaged to the love of his life. Unfortunately, McKinley's announcement creates quite a stir with his parents, Fred and Paulette Baldwin, whose own relationship has become quite distant over the years. The characters must decide that their family relationships are worth pursuing. I listened to the book on MP3 CD read expertly by Robin Ray Eller.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one had a bit of a slow start for me but once it got going, I really enjoyed it. It was interesting to see the dynamics of the family in this one and what struggles they faced. The last part of the book had several revelations and exciting moments and I couldn't put it down because I had to see how everything was going to turn out. Robin has become a must read author for me and I can not wait for her next book, now that I am caught up. Fall 2025 can't come soon enough for me!!

[Caryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

BRILLIANT! Pearson has crafted an exquisite masterpiece. It is well written and nicely paced. I so enjoyed this thought provoking novel. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Pearson.

Recommend to readers who enjoy contemporary fiction.

I won a copy. I have expressed my honest view.

[Kriste · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Robin Pearson! This book very much discussed race with 3 generations of black / white couples w/ lots of past pain.

[LA · Rating 4 out of 5]

BOOK BY: Robin W. Pearson
Walking in Tall Weeds by Robin W. Pearson is women’s fiction at its best. An emotional read takes readers into the southern States, where racial divides still exist, and where faith and love are challenged to trump prejudices.
The main characters are a bi-racial family with a difficult history. Wanting the best for their only child, both Etta and Frederick work hard at providing a different life for Mackenzie. Readers are exposed to the harsh realities that families like the Baldwins face on a daily basis. Frederick is chased by the injustices of his childhood and is determined to right a wrong at all costs. Etta chooses to deal with her past in a different manner, which causes a lot of tension between them.
The Georges are hard-working people who inherited a furniture company. They have a close relationship with the Baldwins, despite coming from “the other side of the tracks”. But the past is still a wedge between them, and will test what’s left of a once-close friendship.
The literary style narrative takes the reader through the present and past memories in a seamless manner, without pulling the reader far from the current conundrum. So much of what happens in the past is relevant to the present-day story that it only makes sense to weave the two together.
It’s a challenging story to read. Readers are left questioning their own prejudices, asking what they would do in a similar circumstance. I appreciate the author exposing the perceived prejudices held by both black and white skinned people. There is a faith thread that provides a hope-filled ending.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

[JoAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well written book. Good plot and character dynamics. I recommend this book. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.

[Perrianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A contentious relationship with their only son is at the heart of Fred Sr and Paulette’s story. The author always delves deep into the heart of family matters and may make you squirm a bit but I always feel like it is part of the essence of who she is as a mother of a large family. I enjoyed the family dynamics with the fireworks that they sparked and a surprise announcement that caused way more chaos than I would have imagined for this day and age. The story was also layered with a divisive secret that had obviously been kept for quite some time. There was an excellent plot twist towards the end that took me off guard but wrapped things up quite neatly with a very satisfying conclusion.

Robin W. Pearson is wonderful as a southern fiction author and I do always enjoy her novels. I’ve read everything she has published including ‘Til I Want No More and A Long Time Comin’. I highly recommend her novels that always have a different and fresh perspective on life. I always appreciate the author’s faith thread which is always tightly woven throughout her novels.

I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

[Chris Jager · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is so much to say why this is a good read. Mostly it reminded me that Pearson writes stories that are very real with characters we all understand, no matter your age. Their struggles are ones we can all relate to in one way or another.
An empty nester couple is struggling to connect. Paulette is slightly lost after their son makes it clear he is not coming home anytime soon. Fredrick wrestles with not only his past and those hurts, but also ones of his father’s and grandfather’s.
A well penned story, that is all of stories while be a unique story as it wraps in some of Pearson’s own story.

[Tani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walking in Tall Weeds is a great read - a compelling story with complex characters. Real life struggles are boldly faced, and it kept me on the edge of my seat. At the end of the novel, I wanted to know more about what was going to happen to the Baldwins – is there a sequel in the making?!

[Elma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book it's worth the read. .❤️

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gripping, and inspiring story will surprise you and make you think as these well-developed, flawed characters search the depths of their souls to face the hard realities of life. I loved how the author gave insight on how there had to be healing in their hearts from wrongs in the past, so they could live fully in the present. This novel is a challenging and perceptive read as questions arise, which made me ask myself what I would do in a similar situation. I liked the natural faith thread that provides compassion, seasoned with well-timed humor, and provided for a hopeful ending

Emmeline, a childhood friend says to McKinley, “What will you do if someone says something out of turn about our relationship?… we can’t go through life on the defensive with everyone else and keep the peace between us…We’re going to have to consciously see our love for each other and for others through our lenses of faith. No matter what.”

Keeping the main thing the main thing was hard on the best of days. I like what the author shared about her faith growing up in note to readers, “While sitting in her grandmothers’ kitchens, Robin …learned about the power of God and how His grace led her grandmothers to care for their large families after their husbands were long gone, a grace that has endured through generations. Robin’s family’s faith and superstitions, life lessons, and life’s longings inspired her to write about God’s love for us and how this love affects our relationships with others.”

Robin shows this in a witty, inspirational, and engaging way. I was emotionally invested from the start as the author digs deep into hard topics such as, racial tensions, forgiveness, seasons of marriage, growth, faith) in a loving, eye-opening way. This is a book you don’t want to miss. It would make for a great book club pick.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher/NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

[Sue Garland · Rating 5 out of 5]

In WALKING IN TALL WEEDS, ROBIN W PEARSON tells the story of a mixed race family and their interaction with their black relatives and their white colleagues. The author gives us very real insight into her characters’ emotions and their family dynamics. Fred Baldwin cannot forget what his family went through in the past and tries to prove himself to make up for all the hurt and loss. He risks his marriage and his relationship with his only son McKinley, with his greedy ambition and need for revenge angainst those who treated his grandparents badly. He is fiercely loyal towards his Aunt Juju and Uncle Lawrence who brought him up when his mother left his father and him. Aunt Juju is unpleasant and really nasty to Paulette, Fred’s white wife, never missing an opportunity to criticise her for not behaving like a good black woman. Paulette says of her husband and his family’s obsession with the past “Y’ll still walkin’ in those tall weeds? That’s how you get ticks.” Two other quotations from Paulette are, “Its not what your skin looks like, its the blood running under it that connects us.”….”And the blood Jesus shed for us that saves. That’s the only color I care about. You know that.” Paulette and McKinley are very close and often leave Fred out. Both parents tend to treat their son as a child, although he is twenty-seven. He is “always a baby in his mama’s eyes; never a man in his father’s” When McKinley comes home and drops a bombshell, it is time for their family to let go of their prejudices and live out their faith. Walking in Tall Weeds is a deeply emotional and inspirational read with a strong Christian message of redemption, love, acceptance, and the importance of getting rid of bitterness. As Paulette says to Fred when talking about hatred, “When Moses and Joshua and even Peter spoke to the people, they pointed to the past to remind them of God’s power and faithfulness, not of Pharaoh’s evil.” I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Tyndale House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own,

[Jessica Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robin W. Pearson tells it like it is in her newest book!

McKinley Baldwin is returning to his childhood home of Hickory Grove, North Carolina after he fled to Philadelphia over a year and a half ago. His parents aren’t bad, just stubborn with their traditions. Now he has big news to tell, he is planning to ask the love of his life for her hand in marriage but knows that it will be a difficult step to take with his parents. With a black dad and white mom, McKinley has learned all about the difficulties a mixed race can bring, and his future fiancé will be no exception to that as a white woman. What complicates things even more is that she is the daughter of the furniture company that his dad works at and has a grudge against the family for years after they stole his grandfather’s land. Can past hurts be healed? Or will grudges be just as stubborn as traditions?

Robin Pearson has penned another impressive story tackling many of today’s toughest issues. Set in North Carolina, Fred and Paulette are a mixed-race couple that have an only child, McKinley. Pearson brings to light the issues that many mixed-race couples face from both a public and private perspective. Possibly the most difficult issue are the issues with outside family members who can’t seem to hold back their thoughts and opinions throughout all the time these two have been married. There is not a tremendous amount of spoken dialogue throughout the book but focuses more on intrinsic issues with thoughts that occur and how different people deal with those thoughts. I love that Pearson has always managed to bring things to light that people deal with to help readers gain insight into what different people go through. Great book as usual!

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.