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Book Review: The Homecoming of Samuel Lake by Jenny Wingfield & Giveaway

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The Homecoming of Samuel Lake is a stunning debut by author Jenny Wingfield. This novel takes us into the heart of a small southern town and all the drama that goes with it. It’s a novel that captures your attention and doesn’t let go until the very end. It introduces you to characters that you will hate and ones that will take up a place in your heart and stay there. Ultimately it’s a novel of good and evil and those who fight for the love and faith of a family.

The first Sunday in June the Moses clan has always gathered for a family reunion at their parents farm in Arkansas. As always Willadee comes with her three kids, Noble, Swan, and Bienville but her husband Samuel who is a preacher has gone on to a meeting to determine where his next parish will be. The kids love this time away because they get to be away from the prying eyes of their father’s congregation who are always on the lookout for what the family may or may not be doing. Unfortunately for the family, this year isn’t going to be a reunion they want to remember as a tragedy strikes that leaves them all reeling and they find that their family will never be the same.

In the meantime Samuel learns he no longer has a parish to preach in and he begins to wonder just what God’s plan for him is. Samuel is at a loss as to what to do at the present time so he chooses to stay at the farm with his family. The kids are thrilled to stay at the farm with their grandmother Calla especially eleven-year-old Swan who eventually befriends a boy, Blade, who will change all of their lives in such a way that none of them could imagine. While Samuel is looking for some kind of job that he can do to support his family, Willadee is busy keeping an eye on her sister-in-law Bernice who still has a roving eye on Samuel.

My favorite character by far was Swan who I think dominated this novel. She was independent and sassy and determined to do things her way. She really reminded me of Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird. She had that same way of endearing her character to you. I liked her Uncle Toy as well who Swan had decided was going to be her very best friend that summer. I liked how strong and loyal he was to those he loved although he was unfortunately married to Bernice who was still carrying a torch for Samuel. I really loved all of the Moses clan but as I alluded to earlier there is evil in this novel as well and that came in the form of Bas Ballenger.

I thought The Homecoming of Samuel Lake to be an amazing read. It kept my attention throughout and I felt very invested in the Moses clan, especially Swan. I will say that the book does have some disturbing scenes that I, quite frankly, skipped over, but I don’t want those to take away from the entire novel because I believe people would then miss out on a really well written and engrossing novel. I really think it would make an excellent book club selection simply because there is so much to talk about with some of the topics being faith, family, marriage, secrets and yes even abuse. The Homecoming of Samuel Lake is well worth reading!

I read The Homecoming of Samuel Lake by Jenny Wingfield for her book tour with TLC Book Tours. Be sure to see what others thought of the novel here. You can buy your own copy of The Homecoming of Samuel Lake here in the US and here in Canada.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

I have one copy of The Homecoming of Samuel Lake by Jenny Wingfield to share with my readers. To enter…

  • For 1 entry leave me a comment with your email address (no email, no entry).
  • For 2 entries, follow my blog. If you already do, thank you, and please let me know in your comment so that I can pass the extra entry on to you as well.
  • For 3 entries, blog or tweet this giveaway and spread the word.

This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only (no PO boxes) and I will draw for the winner on Saturday, September 17, 2011. Good luck everyone!

© 2010, Darlene of Peeking Between the Pages. All Rights Reserved. If you’re reading this on a site other than Peeking Between the Pages or Darlene’s Feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

My copy of The Homecoming of Samuel Lake by Jenny Wingfield was received for review from TLC Books and the Publisher. I read my copy as an eBook from NetGalley.

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Comments

  1. Great giveaway! I've read several great reviews for this one, so it's going on the ol' wish/library/to-borrow list.

    dogwoodlane at suddenlink dot net

  3. I had the same reaction to Swan that you did, she made me think of Scout, and yet at the same time she was a totally original character. Unfortunately for me, the child/animal abuse scenes were just too much and ultimately detracted from my enjoyment of the book. I do agree it is very well-written, and a worthwhile read.

  4. A book set in the South with family dynamics like that sounds right up my alley. No need to enter me.

  6. A lovely giveaway which would be memorable. thanks for this chance. Ellie. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

  7. Sounds like an interesting book. I've seen some good reviews of this one. No need to enter me though.

  8. I have sort of stayed away from this book due to the disturbing sequences in it, because for some reason, I have been a little emotionally sensitive to the things I have been reading lately. It does sound like a good book though, and were it not for those difficult parts, I would be all over it!

  33. I just love the cover, I'd like a chance at this book thanks!

    unforgetable_dreamer_always (at) hotmail (dot) com

  35. Sounds like a great read! Thanks for the giveaway, Darlene 🙂 Please enter me!

    I'm a follower!

    Beth
    bharbin07[at]gmail[dot]com

  36. This does sound like an amazing read Dar, like something you can really get caught up in. Nice review!

  38. This sounds so interesting,thanks for the giveaway!

    I am a follower and email subscriber

    faefever25 at hotmail dot com

  40. Sounds like a page turner, with all of those family dynamics going on. Thanks for a great review 🙂

    (Not an entry)

  49. Another one I will definitely have to download. You make it sound so good. And what a beautiful name…Swan!

  53. This one is going on my TBR list – thanks for the chance to win it.

    I am a GFC follower.

    suzebomb(at)gmail.com

  54. I love the comparison to Scout – that DEFINITELY makes me want to read this one!

    Thanks for being a part of the tour. I'm featuring your review on TLC's Facebook page today.

  62. This sounds like a great story! There's been a couple of great 1st novels out there for some new writer's & this could just be another one! Please enter me in the giveaway! Good luck to you all 🙂
    pinchbuggies at hotmail.com

  63. I already follow you on GFC! I hope your week goes well & I'll keep you in my prayers that you get a "hug" from your father in heaven 🙂
    pinchbuggies at hotmail.com

  65. It looks like alot of people are interested i this one. Another one I;m really looking forward to.

  77. Sounds like an interesting story. I just love books about the south. Please enter me. Thanks!

    Anita Yancey
    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net