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

August 26, 2011 by Darlene



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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Filed Under: 2011 Challenges, 2011•100 Books or More Challenge, 2011•ARC Tracking Challenge, 2011•eBook Tracking Challenge, TLC Tours

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. dogwood says

    August 26, 2011 at 12:27 pm

    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

  2. dogwood says

    August 26, 2011 at 12:27 pm

    Oh, and I'm a GFC follower – dogwood 🙂

    dogwoodlane at suddenlink dot net

  3. TheBookGirl says

    August 26, 2011 at 12:38 pm

    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. bermudaonion says

    August 26, 2011 at 12:59 pm

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

  5. Nise' says

    August 26, 2011 at 1:26 pm

    I've read such good reviews for this book. Thanks for a great review.

  6. Anonymous says

    August 26, 2011 at 1:44 pm

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

  7. Serena says

    August 26, 2011 at 2:24 pm

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

  8. Zibilee says

    August 26, 2011 at 3:12 pm

    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!

  9. scottsgal says

    August 26, 2011 at 5:18 pm

    I love books based in small towns
    msboatgal at aol.com

  10. scottsgal says

    August 26, 2011 at 5:19 pm

    already a follower
    msboatgal at aol.com

  11. Colleen Turner says

    August 26, 2011 at 5:25 pm

    I have read a lot of great reviews about this book, it sounds really good! Thanks for the giveaway!
    candc320@gmail.com

  12. Colleen Turner says

    August 26, 2011 at 5:26 pm

    GFC follower (Colleen Turner).
    candc320@gmail.com

  13. Vicki says

    August 26, 2011 at 5:26 pm

    This looks really really good!
    irbratb(@)gmail(.)com

  14. Vicki says

    August 26, 2011 at 5:27 pm

    GFC follower
    irbratb(@)gmail(.)com

  15. Vicki says

    August 26, 2011 at 5:27 pm

    TWEET
    irbratb(@)gmail(.)com

  16. Anonymous says

    August 26, 2011 at 5:37 pm

    Sounds intriguing – good review!
    kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

  17. Anonymous says

    August 26, 2011 at 5:38 pm

    GFC follower as Karen B.
    kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

  18. mamabunny13 says

    August 26, 2011 at 6:01 pm

    I would love to read it. Thanks for the chance to win it.
    mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

  19. ann says

    August 26, 2011 at 6:01 pm

    Sounds like a good read for me . thanks for the giveaway

    amhengst at verizon dot net

  20. mamabunny13 says

    August 26, 2011 at 6:02 pm

    I follow via gfc (mamabunny13)
    mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

  21. ann says

    August 26, 2011 at 6:02 pm

    I am a email subscriber and also FB follower

    amhengst at verizon dot net

  22. ann says

    August 26, 2011 at 6:03 pm

    I am a email subscribers and follow on FB

    amhengst at verizon dot net

  23. Ti says

    August 26, 2011 at 6:12 pm

    I would love to win this!

    bookishchatter AT gmail DOT com

  24. Ti says

    August 26, 2011 at 6:13 pm

    I also follow via Google Reader!

    bookishchatter AT gmail DOT com

  25. pmernick says

    August 26, 2011 at 6:22 pm

    Good review! I'd love to read this.
    PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com

  26. pmernick says

    August 26, 2011 at 6:22 pm

    I follow your blog via GFC as pmnsl95
    PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com

  27. pmernick says

    August 26, 2011 at 6:28 pm

    Tweet
    http://twitter.com/#!/pmernick1/status/107157127918915584
    PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com

  28. Kirsten says

    August 26, 2011 at 6:59 pm

    Great review! I subscribe via google reader.
    kessna6@yahoo.com

    Thanks!

  29. Linda Kish says

    August 26, 2011 at 8:02 pm

    I would love to read this book.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

  30. Linda Kish says

    August 26, 2011 at 8:02 pm

    I am a GFC follower

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

  31. Margaret says

    August 26, 2011 at 8:04 pm

    This sounds like a good book! Great to start off the fall with. Thanks!

    Margaret
    singitm@hotmail.com

  32. Margaret says

    August 26, 2011 at 8:05 pm

    I'm a GFC follower

    Margaret
    singitm@hotmail.com

  33. AmandaSue says

    August 26, 2011 at 10:45 pm

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

    unforgetable_dreamer_always (at) hotmail (dot) com

  34. AmandaSue says

    August 26, 2011 at 10:45 pm

    I'm a follower thanks.

    unforgetable_dreamer_always (at) hotmail (dot) com

  35. Beth says

    August 26, 2011 at 10:59 pm

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

    I'm a follower!

    Beth
    bharbin07[at]gmail[dot]com

  36. bookworm says

    August 26, 2011 at 11:34 pm

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

  37. dancealert says

    August 27, 2011 at 2:57 am

    The book sounds like a great read! Please enter me. I'm a subscriber by email and a follower via gfc. I posted this to my blog: http://dancealertreads.blogspot.com/2011/08/httpwwwpeekingbetweenthepagescom201108b_26.html

    dancealert at aol dot com

  38. faefever25 says

    August 27, 2011 at 4:09 am

    This sounds so interesting,thanks for the giveaway!

    I am a follower and email subscriber

    faefever25 at hotmail dot com

  39. frunchezzcuh says

    August 27, 2011 at 6:12 am

    Thanks for this giveaway! 🙂
    GFC follower: frunchezzcuh
    hellgirl_fran@yahoo.com

  40. Jenny Girl says

    August 27, 2011 at 6:10 pm

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

    (Not an entry)

  41. a real librarian says

    August 27, 2011 at 7:49 pm

    Thanks for the chance to win!! This one looks awesome!!

    areallibrarian@gmail.com

    I also follow!!

  42. lag123 says

    August 27, 2011 at 11:21 pm

    I love Southern fiction. Please count me in.

    lag110 at mchsi dot com

  43. lag123 says

    August 27, 2011 at 11:21 pm

    I follow via GFC.

    lag110 at mchsi dot com

  44. lag123 says

    August 27, 2011 at 11:22 pm

    Tweeted: https://mobile.twitter.com/#!/lag32583/status/107593192060358656

    lag110 at mchsi dot com

  45. Anonymous says

    August 28, 2011 at 6:06 am

    book sounds awesome!
    Tami
    tbartshe@hotmail.com

  46. Anonymous says

    August 28, 2011 at 6:07 am

    I follow your blog and love it!
    Tami
    tbartshe@hotmail.com

  47. Esme says

    August 28, 2011 at 4:40 pm

    sign me up for this please.

    thank you

    chocolate and croissants at yahoo. com

  48. Esme says

    August 28, 2011 at 4:41 pm

    gfc chocolate and croissants at yahoo. com

  49. Linda Jacobs says

    August 29, 2011 at 2:55 am

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

  50. Anonymous says

    August 29, 2011 at 6:36 pm

    sounds like a great book and i like the cover
    i am an email subscriber
    dianam167@sbcglobal.net

  51. Na says

    August 31, 2011 at 12:05 am

    I like the premise for this book.
    Cambonified (at) yahoo (dot) com

  52. Na says

    August 31, 2011 at 12:06 am

    I am a gfc follower.
    Cambonified (at) yahoo (dot) com

  53. Susan says

    August 31, 2011 at 2:52 am

    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. heathertlc says

    August 31, 2011 at 4:25 pm

    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.

  55. Staci says

    August 31, 2011 at 6:19 pm

    I absolutely felt the same way about this wonderful book. One of my best for the year!!!

  56. Jo-Jo says

    September 2, 2011 at 8:19 pm

    I would love a chance to win this one Dar!
    joannelong74 AT gmail DOT com

  57. Jo-Jo says

    September 2, 2011 at 8:19 pm

    I'm also a follower.
    joannelong74 AT gmail DOT com

  58. sarirose says

    September 3, 2011 at 7:05 pm

    I am a loyal follower.
    Sally
    rosedotsallydotgamildotcom

  59. sarirose says

    September 3, 2011 at 7:30 pm

    https://twitter.com/#!/sallyrosegawne
    Sally

  60. sarirose says

    September 3, 2011 at 7:31 pm

    The reviews look like this is a book I really want to read!
    rosedotsallydotgamildotcom

  61. Alice Teh says

    September 4, 2011 at 8:02 am

    I like the sound of this, Dar! I'd like to get to know more about Swan when I get the chance.

  62. Pinchbuggies says

    September 5, 2011 at 4:21 am

    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. Pinchbuggies says

    September 5, 2011 at 4:23 am

    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

  64. Pinchbuggies says

    September 5, 2011 at 6:00 am

    I tweeted the giveaway!
    http://twitter.com/#!/Pinchbuggies/status/110592860918784000
    @pinchbuggies
    pinchbuggies at hotmail.com

  65. Lukey Here says

    September 6, 2011 at 1:13 pm

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

  66. Lukey Here says

    September 6, 2011 at 1:13 pm

    GFC Follower:)

  67. Lukey Here says

    September 6, 2011 at 1:13 pm

    TWEET: http://twitter.com/#!/tlukey73/status/111063873599184897

  68. holdenj says

    September 9, 2011 at 4:29 pm

    I love a good Southern story. Thanks for the chance to win.
    JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

  69. holdenj says

    September 9, 2011 at 4:29 pm

    I am a GFC follower.
    JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

  70. Diana Quinn says

    September 10, 2011 at 1:26 am

    I'd love this one!

    Diana Quinn
    sahara5150@hotmail.com

    I'm a follower of your blog too. 🙂

  71. Robin says

    September 11, 2011 at 4:22 am

    thanks for the giveaway – sounds good
    robinlscott4 at hotmail dot com

  72. Robin says

    September 11, 2011 at 4:22 am

    follow you on gfc #1
    Robin Scott
    robinlscott4 at hotmail dot com

  73. Robin says

    September 11, 2011 at 4:22 am

    follow you on gfc #2
    Robin Scott
    robinlscott4 at hotmail dot com

  74. Robin says

    September 11, 2011 at 4:23 am

    tweet #1
    http://twitter.com/#!/robinlscott/status/112742539135680512
    robinlscott4 at hotmail dot com

  75. Robin says

    September 11, 2011 at 4:23 am

    http://twitter.com/#!/robinlscott/status/112742539135680512
    tweet
    robinlscott4 at hotmail dot com

  76. Robin says

    September 11, 2011 at 4:24 am

    http://twitter.com/#!/robinlscott/status/112742539135680512
    tweet #3
    robinlscott4 at hotmail dot com

  77. Anonymous says

    September 14, 2011 at 7:38 pm

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

    Anita Yancey
    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

  78. Anonymous says

    September 14, 2011 at 7:39 pm

    Follow on GFC as Anita Yancey.

    Anita Yancey
    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

  79. Carol M says

    September 15, 2011 at 6:40 pm

    I really enjoy To Kill To Kill a Mockingbird. This sounds good, too!
    mittens0831 at aol dot com

  80. Carol M says

    September 15, 2011 at 6:42 pm

    I follow on GFC.
    mittens0831 at aol dot com

  81. Carol M says

    September 15, 2011 at 6:42 pm

    tweet
    http://twitter.com/#!/CarolAnnM/status/114407632730718208
    mittens0831 at aol dot com

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