Chasing Lilacs

by Carla Stewart

It is the summer of 1958, and life in the small Texas community of Graham Camp should be simple and carefree. But not for twelve-year-old Sammie Tucker. Sammie has plenty of questions about her mother's "nerve" problems. About shock treatments. About whether her mother loves her.

When her mother commits suicide and a not-so-favorite aunt arrives, Sammie has to choose who to trust with her deepest Her best friend who has an opinion about everything, the mysterious kid from California whose own troubles plague him, or her round-faced neighbor with gentle advice and strong shoulders to cry on. Then there's the elderly widower who seems nice but has his own dark past.

Trusting is one thing, but accepting the truth may be the hardest thing Sammie has ever done.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Christian, Young Adult, Christian Fiction, Inspirational, Novels

291 pages, Paperback

First published June 17, 2010

About the author

Carla Stewart’s writing reflects her passion for times gone by as depicted in her first highly-acclaimed novel, Chasing Lilacs. Carla launched her writing career in 2002 when she earned the coveted honor of being invited to attend Guidepost's Writers Workshop in Rye, New York. Since then, her articles have appeared in Guideposts, Angels on Earth, Saddle Baron, and Blood and Thunder: Musings on the Art of Medicine.
In her life before writing, Carla enjoyed a career in nursing and raising her family. Now that their four sons are married and they’ve become empty-nesters, she and her husband relish the occasional weekend getaway and delight in the adventures of their six grandchildren.
Carla enjoys a good cup of coffee, great books, and hearing from you, her readers. You’re invited to contact her and learn more about her writing at www.carlastewart.com

Reviews

[Annie Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The simplicity of life in the 1950s really wasn’t as simple as it may seem to those of us who didn’t live during that time. That generation didn’t have many of the distractions we deal with now, but people were the same as they are now, each with his own secret that adds to the person that he is. And despite a person’s secrets, God is still in control. This is what I learned from seeing Sammie’s story unfold through her own eyes.

Written in a voice that spoke to my heart, this novel pulled me in straight away. I so enjoyed learning about what life was like in the 1950s, and the characters instantly became alive in my mind--so much so, in fact, that I wish I could meet them. I felt their smiles, their tears, their frustrations... They became friends that I will definitely revisit. (And I want a sequel so I can find out what happens next in their lives!)

Well done, Miss Carla! May God continue to bless your writing!

[Sarah Sundin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breathe in the scent of Chasing Lilacs—nostalgic, yet fresh and real. Carla Stewart has a delicious way with words, and her characters and story are gripping and touching. This is a book to share with friends over coffee and dessert. But your friends will have to buy their own copies because you won’t want to let go of yours.

[Rel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take note of the name of debut author Carla Stewart, you are certain to be seeing it often in the future. Chasing Lilacs is a beautifully wrought story about Sammie, a young girl dealing with more than her fair share of pain as her mother's mental health deteriorates, her father withdraws and she becomes intrigued by troubled teen, Cly MacLemore. The story is told through Sammie's eyes, as she wrestles with confusion, guilt and fledgling love in a poignant and believable way. As Sammie tries to make sense of her mother's depression, the personality altering treatment and her eventual death you will feel her shattering pain. As she takes tentative steps towards healing, you will know real joy. A complex look at family, friendship and faith, written with simplicity and tender emotion, Chasing Lilacs is an exceptional debut novel.

[Maureen Mullis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book. Carla Stewart is an amazing, sensitive writer with a pitch perfect voice. Her protagonist, Sammie, is a 12-year-old girl in 1958 Texas. She evocatively brings you into her world and you learn to care, really care about these characters. I finished this book with a lump in my throat and a desire to know what there were up to now. Highly recommend!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a delightful book. I love literary with a young protagonist. Stewart does a great job of drawing us into Samantha's world and setting. If you like "A Tree Grows In Brooklyn" or "Welcome to Fred" by Brad Whittington, you'll enjoy Chasing Lilacs.

I recommend!

[Kerry Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Lilacs is the coming-of-age story of Sammie Tucker, set in Graham Camp, Texas in the late 50s. I easily lost myself in the plucky, questioning mind of a 12 year old girl who longed for normalcy within her family but whose life circumstances forced to grow up too quickly. Though Sammie’s life was crumbling about her she was still surrounded by love through her solid, steady father and various friends and caring neighbors in the tight-knit community of Graham Camp.

The author poignantly shows how non-familial relationships – though not the perfect maternal one Sammie yearned for but couldn’t quite have – gives the young heroine a semblance of stability and care while providing godly wisdom. The secondary characters are as vibrant and real as Sammie, and the intricate weaving of relationships throughout the story added depth and emotion.

Carla Stewart’s writing is pure, honest and absorbing. Chasing Lilacs reminds the reader of the sweet heat of a first crush and the warm, always-complicated relationship between a mother and daughter. I felt the sizzling sun in Graham Camp during summer’s full swing and heard the explosion when Tuwana’s dad had his accident. I could taste and smell the Juicy Fruit gum Sammie’s Aunt Vadine chewed while spewing criticism at Sammie.

And I deeply felt Sammie’s shock, pain and anger at the betrayal life handed her at the sensitive age of 12.

Chasing Lilacs is a beautiful reminder that faith in God carries us through all life’s circumstances, and that the imperfections of others don’t decrease God’s goodness. They magnify His great love and care.

Chasing Lilacs was much like picking up and snuggling a generous, worn blanket on a cold winter day. It slid over me fully and brought a warmth I needed. Rough around the edges with reality but soft and comfortable from sweet memories, the story details the strength that comes upon learning that love is the perfect antidote to life’s pain.

I highly recommend Chasing Lilacs, and I eagerly await Carla Stewart’s next book.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first started reading Chasing Lilacs it sounded like it was going to be a depressing book, and I really was not in the mood for a book like that. I honestly was not sure I could get through it. But, it is a debut novel and if you are a regular reader of my reviews you will know how I tend to prefer debut novels, so I kept reading. What kept me reading was Carla’s amazing writing style, but the story just kept getting better and better and I kept getting more and more emotionally involved until I could no longer put the book down. What I found was that Chasing Lilacs is not a depressing book. Yes, there is some sadness involved in the story, but in the end there is tremendous hope that makes this a truly uplifting Christian story.

When I look back on this book, I can’t help but think about what an amazing young woman Sammie is. I loved her character and I just could not wait to read more about her. I really did have a very strong emotional reaction to her character, more so than with characters in other books I have read. Sammie is going to stay with me for a while. This entire book is going to stay with me for a while. I am so thankful I did not give up on this book because I thought it was going to be depressing. I would have missed out on an amazing story that I truly fell in love with. I would have missed out on Sammie, a character I loved. Congratulations to Carla Stewart for a terrific debut novel. Chasing Lilacs is going on my all-time favorite books list and Carla will be an author I will be very anxious to read again and again and again.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book from cover to cover in one day. Chasing Lilacs is a wonderful coming of age story about a girl learning to cope with so many things in life that she didn't understand...one being why her mother would take her own life, and the other wondering if her mother ever really loved her at all. As Sammie explores the issues her mother struggled with, she starts working through emotional challenges of her own. To make matters worse, her mother's sister moves in and tries to take over their home, which Sammie obviously resents. The endearing relationship Sammie had with Slim and with her boyfriend Cly were delightful to read about and were some of my favorite scenes.

I enjoyed the setting and the many things that were classic to that time period, like the kids drinking Ovaltine. The way treatment for depression was described totally fit the time period they were in, too. Because of the details that gave the story an authentic 50s feel, I found myself totally engrossed in Sammie's world. The characters' troubles and heartache seemed real, as did their self-discovery and growth resulting from their pain. The characters were complex, making this novel a delightful read for me. I really felt bad for Sammie's father, and worried that he would make some wrong choices, too. In many ways this story reminded me of Mary DeMuth's Watching the Tree Limbs because it had similar themes and depth to it. Great debut novel!

[Myra Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a treat to read an advance copy of Carla Stewart's debut novel, due for release in June 2010! Carla has beautifully captured the heart of a young girl coming of age in a close-knit 1950s Texas Panhandle community. Sammie Tucker's poignant journey begins as she realizes her mother is struggling with depression. Deprived of her mother's love and attention at such a vulnerable age leaves Sammie confused and heartbroken. Her search for answers and her ultimate return to hope and faith give testimony to her courage.

Chasing Lilacs will take you back in time to the days of Edsels, penny loafers, hat boxes, and front-porch visits. Filled with evocative description, memorable characters, and depth of emotion, this is a novel not to be missed. I'll be watching for more good things to come from this outstanding author.

[Karen R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fans of Ann Tatlock, Meg Moseley, Angela Hunt and Alice Wisler will enjoy this coming of age story set in late 1950's Texas. Love the writing style of this author! She pulls you right into the growing pains of a preteen girl named Sam, and the relationship with her troubled mom. All of the characters from the small oil town of Graham Camp add something to the story, and despite the hard times, leave you feeling hopeful that things really will turn out okay in the end, just like Sam's friend Tuwanna is always telling her.
A few plot twists along the way keep things interesting, with some touching moments. Probably not for readers who like a squeaky clean story as there is smoking, mental health issues and a behind closed door adult situation mentioned, although sensitively.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carla Stewart has written an excellent debut novel! Carla writes in such a way that the characters and setting come to life, making you feel like you've been transported to Texas in 1958. Her writing is exceptional, so much so, that I could not put the book down. I finished it in two days!

There were moments when I laughed, moments when I cried, and moments when my heart felt like it was being torn in two right along with Sammie.

I'm not the most eloquent book reviewer, but I can tell you that I give this book my highest recommendations! It's beautifully written, and a story that will stick with me for a very long time.

I certainly look forward to reading future works by Carla Stewart!

[Janie R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

While reading this novel I experienced many feelings and emotions.I felt very connected to the characters,so much that they seem so real to me! One minute,I was sad with one of them,the next I was mad,and then glad. I really liked Sammie's character-she had lots of ups and downs,but she dealt with them. I think the fact that she hung on to her faith in God,helped her to deal with all the trauma coming into her life-she never gave up on herself,and she never gave up on the Lord.
I liked that this novel took place during the 50's. It brought back memories of past times.
I enjoyed reading this book so much,that now I am going to have to read other books by Carla Stewart!

[Barbara Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Lilacs was the first book I won on a giveaway. I was thrilled with the story. Lilacs are my favorite flower, that stems from childhood where we had a large tall lilac tree in our yard. I also began singing when I was a child and one of the songs I sang was about a little boy and a little girl. The little boy asked the little girl for a kiss and she said she would never let him kiss her unless apples grew upon the lilac tree. By the end of the song....the last line was about the little girl tying apples on a lilac tree. Cute and very appropriate.

Carla's story was well written and I enjoyed it very much. Perhaps it's time for me to read it again!

[Catherine Richmond]

Were the '50s a simpler time? There is no simple time to go through adolescence, Sammie learns. Her mother struggles with mental illness. Her best friend is trying out for cheerleading and going boy-crazy. The new kid in town ignites strange feelings in her. Carla Stewart brings factory town, Graham Camp, and the summer of 1958, to life with an excellent balance of humor and drama.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. I thought maybe it would be not of interest to me since it was written from the perspective of a teenager in the late 50's, but the author did a good job of making it interesting with some good twists and turns.

[Gina Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely, heart warming, thoughtful coming of age story. Highly recommend it.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really thought-provoking, a good story about how depression affects everyone, not just the depressed person. Sammie had a hard year with a lot of changes. A suicide, a best friend maturing a little faster than she was, another death, and a father who was just like all fathers in the 50’s, go to work and come home to relax. But he did love his daughter, and he finally realized she needed him. A very good debut novel.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

1958 in a small Texas town, Sammie Tucker has a lot to deal with: her mother's shock treatments, he eventual suicide and her aunt moving in to "help". Her aunt has her own agenda which causes Sammie more problems.

It's an OK book. It took a long time to read it. I really don't when I started it. Sammie is a strong young girl who grew up quite a bit in that year.

[Faith Jellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

For an author I’ve never heard of, the book was pleasantly surprising! So many twists and turns and it was written so beautifully. I loved it so much. Tugs at the heartstrings and makes you feel so much.

[Kerstin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea. Did not resonate with me, nor was it memorable.

[Margie Siegler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! I have read it twice!

[Tracy Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story!!! I loved reading it from the young girls perspective. Wonderfully detailed…so much I could paint a picture in my mind as I read!

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in 1958, in Graham Camp, Texas, a small "town" set up for the workers of the local petroleum company. Life should be good but young Sammie Tucker doesn't understand her mother's "nerve problems" or why her mother rarely gets out of bed or lives in her housecoat. When her mother is sent away for shock treatments this twelve year old life changes forever.

She doesn't know who she can trust, who she can talk to or how to deal with all the feelings she is having. Her best friend "knows" and has an opinion on everything. A new boy moves to town from California but has a lot of his own baggage. The woman next door is always there for Sammie with a hug and there is an older man that is very understanding but he has some secrets of his own. One of Sammie's teachers tries to get her to open up but Sammie doesn't know much she can really share. She does know that her aunt is up to no good and Sammie doesn't not trust her at all.

She questions her mother's love and while dealing with all the normal adolescent growing issues she has to face some very adult things that no child should have to deal with.


When I first started reading this book I thought it was a young adult coming-of age story. Well before the end of the first chapter I knew I was wrong about that. This is a story with a real adult issue, depression, seen through the eyes of a wonderful twelve year old. Back in the 50's it was called "nerve problems" and shock treatments with horrendous side effects were the treatment.

Carla Stewart has written a heart breaking and heart warming novel that will stick with you long past the final word. It is so well written you feel invested in Sammie's life immediately and find yourself wishing you could climb into the pages and help her through the rocky journey she is taking.

This is marketed as Christian Fiction but it has a very subtle Christian references so if that type of fiction is not your genre don't let it keep you from reading this wonderful story. Take some time to stop and smell the lilacs.

This is definitely an author to watch, she has a voice that tells tough stories with passion. I can't wait to read her next novel Broken Wings. Find out more at Carla's web page.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Faith Words, Hachette Book Group, in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated are entirely my own. I am stating this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR part 255. "Guides Concerning Use of Endorsement and Testimonials in Advertising"

[Leslie · Rating 2 out of 5]

First, I have to get this off my chest, I found Chasing Lilacs to be like a stormy day. I don't like stormy days because, for me, they are too gloomy. Stormy days make me nervous and uptight.Granted, the sun came out by page 288, but I really had trouble sticking out the bad weather, over, and over, and over...and over.

Second, I was very impressed by Carla Stewart's writing, with the exception of using "scrunched" and "squinted" way too many times for description purposes. I'm one of those readers who can get irritated when a writer uses the same descriptive words more than a couple of times because repetition becomes noticeable. The characters, most of them, I just wanted to kick in the butt, even Sammie. But then, isn't that how it is with the people we deal with in our lives too?

There were several surprising twists and turns in the story to which I give kudos to Stewart's weaving ability. I didn't have a feel it was 1958 though, because I found many phrases I thought were a little too fifty years ahead of the time. One of the girls using "totally",for instance, which I felt was out of place. I didn't live in the 50's (born in '61), so maybe I don't know what I'm talking about. I just didn't "feel" the time was 1958 most of the time. Everyone reads a story with a unique mind-set, but I just couldn't get a late 50's feel.

I could relate to Sammie wondering if her mother really loved her. For daughters who have what I term an unconvetional mom, we go though those thoughts until we realize that Mom did/does love us, maybe just not the way we saw other mother/daughter relationships with our friends. Sammie's ordeal was extreme, to be sure.

I was kind of iffy about Sammie's dad, Joe, for a while. But, when I thought about it,most dad's of that era went to work, came home and that's what they did. I did find him very caring in his own way.He finally realized after some rather traumatic events, Sammie needed him just like she'd needed her mother.

Overall, though my rating is only an OK, I thought Carla Stewart's debut novel was full of twists and turns and emotions that will keep the reader wondering what's going to happen next in the life of Sammie Tucker over the course of a defining year in her young life.

[Carla Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

My debut novel. From the FaithWords Spring/Summer 2010 Catalog:

Debut author Carla Stewart tugs heartstrings in this powerfulnovel about a girl searching for the truth about her mother’s love.

It is the summer of 1958, and life in the small Texas community of Graham
Camp should be simple and carefree. But not for Sammie Tucker. She has plenty of questions about her mother’s “nerve” problems, shock
treatments, and about whether her mother loves her. When tragedy
strikes, Sammie’s life careens out of control and she must choose whom
to trust with her deepest fears: Her best friend who has an opinion about
everything, the mysterious boy from California whose own troubles plague
him, or her round-faced neighbor with gentle advice and strong shoulders to cry on.

Trusting is one thing, but accepting the truth may be the hardest thing Sammie has ever done.

• This is Carla Stewart’s first published novel. She won first
place in the 2007 American Christian Fiction Writers’ Genesis
contest for CHASING LILACS.

• This brilliant novel is written in the same vein as Sue Monk
Kidd’s beloved novel The Secret Life of Bees (Penguin, 8/08).

[Tenille Shade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mrs. Barnes has been reccomending books to me for over 25 years, and I still enjoy her picks. This is the author's debut novel, and I thoroughly enjoyed her style and her story. The book was set in the Panhandle of Texas during the 1950's, so it holds a special place in my heart. I was amazed at how the community rallied around Sammie and her family, and only a few people were judgemental. Graham Camp reminded me of my own little oilfield town, and my heart hurt deeply for Samantha who lost her mother to suicide. I think dysfuntional families were just as prevalent during this period in history, it's just that no one talked about it. Mental illness and depression are very real, and it was clear that Aunt Vadine was also unstable. Loss and heartache can transform our world view, and people either overcome it or allow it to rob them of joy. I loved Sammie's character, and her father reminded me of the oil field men in my own family. This was a great book, and I loved seeing towns like Pampa and Perryton mentioned. I highly reccomend the book!

[J.Elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just read a review of this book and the reviewer made a reference to the “young adult heart”. That is it, people. I may not be a young adult any longer, but I have a young adult heart. I will no longer make apologies. Someday, maybe my heart will grow into an adult, but maybe not. You’ll have to keep following and see.

So, 13 year old Sammie Tucker is carrying too much weight on her shoulders. Specifically, she’s got all the normal cares of an adolescent, along with the worries and struggles that come with having a mother with nerve problems. Then tragedy hits and things get even harder. When Sammie’s aunt moves in with them, I started getting so aggravated at the injustices Sammie was forced to endure. And then it made me sad knowing that this happens in real life. I will never understand how parents and guardians can be so horrible to children who have no recourse against them. Anyway, this was a thoughtful book and not badly done.

[Kathleen Basi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stewart delivers an opening line that you think is going to be ho-hum and then electrifies you: "That June, right after I finished sixth grade, Norm MacLemore's nephew came to Texas for a visit. Benny Ray Johnson brought home a new Edsel. And Mama tried to take her life for the first time."

Told through the eyes of 12-year-old Sam, this is beautiful book whose Christian content is so subtly done that it doesn't read like Christian fiction, but instead like mainstream fiction about characters who happen to be church-goers. I couldn't help loathing Aunt Vadine and wanting to shake Sam's well-intentioned but fairly clueless dad. But it's Sam herself who steals the show, building her story to an extremely tense climactic confrontation with her aunt.

I did find the wrap-up following the climax a bit of a letdown, a little too glossed over and tidy. Still, all in all a very well written book.

[Ane Mulligan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gripping story is told from the point of view of a twelve-year-old, yet Carla Stewart resisted making her precocious and overly mature. Sammie's emotional journey and her reactions to the events in this story are true to life. While she faces some devastating experiences, the story remains remarkably light.

The other people in Sammie's life are as complex and appealing as she is, except perhaps Aunt Vadine. I didn't like that woman one bit. Oh, don't get me wrong. She was very well written. So much so, I had a strong reaction to her.

You'll lose some sleep if you read at night. This novel is a page-turner that I didn't want to end. Prepare to fall in love with Sammie and her friends. Chasing Lilacs is a thoroughly delightful and well-written debut novel. Novel Journey and I give it a very high recommendation.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twelve-year-old Sammie Tucker is having a rough summer in her small Texas town. She hears a rumor that the man next door is a murderer, finds out that a daring boy from California has moved into her neighborhood, and realizes her mother attempted to kill herself. That's all at the beginning! This is not one of those books where you keep waiting for something to happen. There is an exciting, surprising, humorous, or heartbreaking event occurring in every chapter. Told from Sammie's point of view, it is a very engaging and unforgettable tale of a year of struggles and triumphs in a young girl's life. And the fact that it has a Christian slant to it makes it all the better. I loved it. It's Carla Stewart's first novel, and I'm already hoping there will be more.