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Before We Were Yours: A Novel

Written by:
Lisa Wingate
Narrated by:
Catherine Taber , Emily Rankin

Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
2564
Narrator
368
Release Date
June 6, 2017
Duration
14 hours 29 minutes
Summary
THE BLOCKBUSTER HIT—Over two million copies sold! A New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Publishers Weekly Bestseller

“Poignant, engrossing.”—People • “Lisa Wingate takes an almost unthinkable chapter in our nation’s history and weaves a tale of enduring power.”—Paula McLain

Memphis, 1939. Twelve-year-old Rill Foss and her four younger siblings live a magical life aboard their family’s Mississippi River shantyboat. But when their father must rush their mother to the hospital one stormy night, Rill is left in charge—until strangers arrive in force. Wrenched from all that is familiar and thrown into a Tennessee Children’s Home Society orphanage, the Foss children are assured that they will soon be returned to their parents—but they quickly realize the dark truth. At the mercy of the facility’s cruel director, Rill fights to keep her sisters and brother together in a world of danger and uncertainty.

Aiken, South Carolina, present day. Born into wealth and privilege, Avery Stafford seems to have it all: a successful career as a federal prosecutor, a handsome fiancé, and a lavish wedding on the horizon. But when Avery returns home to help her father weather a health crisis, a chance encounter leaves her with uncomfortable questions and compels her to take a journey through her family’s long-hidden history, on a path that will ultimately lead either to devastation or to redemption.

Based on one of America’s most notorious real-life scandals—in which Georgia Tann, director of a Memphis-based adoption organization, kidnapped and sold poor children to wealthy families all over the country—Lisa Wingate’s riveting, wrenching, and ultimately uplifting tale reminds us how, even though the paths we take can lead to many places, the heart never forgets where we belong.

Publishers Weekly’s #3 Longest-Running Bestseller of 2017 • Winner of the Southern Book Prize • If All Arkansas Read the Same Book Selection
Reviews
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Cassie S

This was the most fabulous book and the narration was so touching. I had no idea that this was historical fiction prior to listening to it and recommend this highly! I usually only listen in the car and had to find excuses to get into the car as it neared the end!

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colleen c

Fascinating story and scary because it actually happened since many cases. The book was so well-written I felt like I knew these people intimately! I got through it very quickly and was very sad when it was over

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Susan W.

Great narration on this book. The story was split in two time periods going back and forth every other chapter. The earlier time framed chapters were much better written and far more interesting. The reader really made you feel like the child in the story was actually telling you her story from her 12 year old perspective. The later time period chapters sounded like a Hallmark story, unfortunately. But every other chapter was so good, it was well worth the listen. I love historical fiction books and this was a good one!

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Corey R.

Narration was fantastic and the book was a total "hit"!

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Cindy M.

Excellent book. Heartbreaking yet joyous. The narrators were also wonderfully able to put me in the middle of the story

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Janet G.

What a compelling story told in such a creative way! This is the kind of book that touches your heart while teaching you something about history that you probably didn't know.

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Lisa D.

I listen to audio books when I commute from work. This book was so well written and narrated that I wanted to drive and drive and drive to hear what would happen next. I could hardly wait to head home after work every day. Very touching story of love and love lost. Highly recommend!

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Mistey M.

Fabulous book ! The narration was wonderful !! I felt like I was there

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Lynn B.

A wonderful, eye opening read. I miss the characters now!

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Tina M.

Good one. Sad but very good.

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Christian B.

Before We Were Yours was the best of all AudioBooks for me of over 200 books. The only time I wasn’t listening to this incredible book was when I had to sleep. I highly recommend! Narrator was exceptional as well. Buckle Up

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Maryam P.

So achingly sad and heartbreaking that this actually occurred not so long ago. The story is of course fiction but it parallels the sad reality of greed and exploitation. It’s narrated beautifully. One of the best books I’ve had the pleasure of listening to.

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Cindy Lou

There are books you know will change your life fifteen pages in. This is one.

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Anonymous

I am in the minority here but this book was very difficult to finish. Many parts dragged ridiculously long and it seemed the author was just filling pages. I quit the book 2 times but I hate not finishing what I start so I continued. I still don’t have a mental picture of what the characters look like even though I am 30 minutes from the end. I felt the author used too many metaphors. I guess it just wasn’t my style. I thought the narration was great though.

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Kristen French

Such a great story! Loved it!

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Sherry R.

This was an excellent book - jaw dropping events - I was interested until the very end - I’d highly recommend- it’s based on true events!

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Pam W.

Narrator was phenomenal. Story was devastating but we'll told and it's sticking with me days after I've finished it.

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Itzik L.

Great story, love it.

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Mayda T.

Riveting and wonderful

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Hajnalka S.

Loved it! !!!

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Debbie S.

Such a harrowing story with many true facts. Narration was excellent. Really enjoyed this book.

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Anonymous

One of my favorite historical fiction books of all time!

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Janet M.

Wonderfully narrated.....interesting story.

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Inna L.

Good read for a fifth grade summer list. Narrator is too slow and too sweet for my liking.

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Dan M.

Difficult subject but writer well and powerful story

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Maggie M.

Loved the story and the narration!

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Mallory S.

could not stop listening to this. the plot and the characters fit together like a puzzle

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Christine B

One of the most enjoyable listens I have ever heard. The narrator was fabulous. The charm of her accent beautiful. l the depth of the story unbelievable A riveting story. It took less than 3 days to finish this compelling story. A great knitting companion!

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Anonymous

Cannot believe this actually happened to children! The author tells their story beautifully. Couldn’t stop listening.

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Anonymous

Loved this!

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Patrick M.

This was such a great story. Always appreciate when the author explains the historical background to the story. Don’t miss this one!

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Angela M.

Very good book.

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Trish

I found myself listening on the way to and from work, getting ready in the morning couldn’t even stop to blow dry hair having to use ear buds to continue listening. This story will suck you in and make you experience several different emotions throughout the book. It was recommended to me and I highly recommend it to everyone. I still can not believe how cruel and horrendous people can be to innocent beautiful children broke my heart .

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Valerie P.

A compelling and tragic story about the Tennessee Children’s Home, a piece of history which needs to see the light of day so it will not be repeated. Excellent, allowing the characters to come alive, as the book moves from tragedy to some healing as a few of the children reunite as adults. The

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Dale H.

I have listened to this book twice. the description of smells, places events made me feel like I was there. the narrator was excellent I highly recommend

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Maria R.

Loved,loved, this book. Finally the narrator was amazing. Hated when it ended.

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Kerri G.

I loved this book! I personally am friends with a lady whose mom had been one of the children there and this was an excellent depiction of what she may have gone through! Sadly not all of the parts who bought these babies really should have been parents at all and it didn't always get better for some of the children when they left the home, or at least in my friends mom's case.

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Niveen A

I cannot get over how much I loved this book, narrator was also perfect

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Dianne S.

Exceptional! Narrating was top-notch. Hard to leave this story.

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Anonymous

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I’m a fan of historical fiction and this was well written, taking the reader through a journey in time. The narrators really brought the story alive.

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Anonymous

Good story kinda sad. Narrative was really good.

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Wendy L.

This book was so interesting. I enjoyed the fact that it had some base in real life events.

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Anonymous

Really enjoyed it! Very touching.

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Anonymous

Amazing and sad.

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Anonymous

Very good ,Wow that Tann women was awfull. I am going to try to do some research on her

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Sarah S.

Captivating and so incredibly heart wrenching.

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Anonymous

Beautifully written. So very very sad. A must read!

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Lorena

Absolutely loved. The narrator did a great job.

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Andie C.

GREAT book, based on real events. 10/10

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Jorjita56

I enjoyed listening to the story…not so much the plight at which this family was torn apart by others. This is a sad account of people profiting off of others in a position of trust. I’m thankful this family and others was able to discover their roots.

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Nancy W.

I was obsessed with it. I listen while driving and couldn’t wait to get on the road. The writing and narration were incredible. I felt Rill’s pain to my soul and kept hoping for a happy ending. I am not yet finished with it. Still hopeful for the Foss children

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Anonymous

Loved the story. Great writer

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Anonymous

Loved it!!!

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Janet P.

Wonderful sorry couldn’t stop listening to it. Narrator was wonderful. Lots of surprises. Loved the ending. It really has your imagination on overload. Can’t say enough about this book my all time favorite. I just saw the movie yesterday and it was good. I loved the actors they picked didn’t disappoint my imagination.

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Angelia H.

Lisa Wingate is one of my favorite authors.

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Anonymous

I loved the book, I was not expecting such a wonderful story and the narrator was marvellous! I strongly recommend!

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Lisa H.

What a heart warming story

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Martinique H.

This book was amazing! I enjoyed listening to and crying along the way. MUST READ!

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Anonymous

Very compelling story of the Tennessee Children Home Society. The narrators did a great job bringing the listener into the lives of the characters. It is hard to imagine what these children endured at the hands of evil, greedy and powerful people and how adoption was so corrupt. I highly recommend this book.

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Anonymous

I thought this book was absolutely amazing. There were areas that seemed to drag on but for the most part it was great. I only wish we had more questions answered at the end.

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Anonymous

very interesting

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Jeanelle V.

Moving story ,

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Anonymous

This book just held me! I loved how it was written.

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Kathryn T.

Loved this book!

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Anonymous

love this book and the narrator was very good.

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Marni K.

Great story and superb narration! Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and I was kept engaged as the two stores became one.

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Vickie L.

Excellent book. Good Narrator.

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Dana Holter

Wonderful story! Amazing the things people were able to get away with back in those days!

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Anonymous

Passionate readers!

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Kerry H.

Excellent narration. Great voice, speed and style. Very moving story. I enjoyed this book.

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Brandy R.

I loved this book for the sweetness of the story, the coincidences and chance encounters that were believable and opened up so many layers. It held my attention throughout and although the end was predictable about 3/4 thru, it was still a great read.

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Barbie

I loved this book. Wasn’t sure at first but eventually could not stop listening. Highly recommend

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Anonymous

Such a great story!

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Savannah S.

This book was boring and predictable. It read like a Hallmark movie and I was not impressed. Dialogue was very cheesy and plot was very predictable, I couldn't even finish this book. Wouldn't recommend.

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Suzanne

This is one of those books that you become completely engrossed in and can’t wait to know what becomes of the characters. Then you’re sad when it’s over because you are committed to them! Fabulous narration and compelling story telling. The fact that it is a historical fiction makes it that much more interesting!

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Cynthia B.

This won't make my top ten of all time list but it is definitely worth reading. The author does a beautiful job of describing some almost undefinable emotions for the little girl. Parts are hard to hear but so intriguing that I was riveted. I love how the story weaves back and forth between the two main characters. I didn't give it 5 stars because the story of the older girl (Avery) took on too much of a Hallmark/Jody Picoult, sappy, predictability that was not up to the quality or creativity of the other half. The narration by both readers was superb. I put it below the level of 'Crawdads' but above almost anything by Picoult. I hope you enjoy it.

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Michelle H.

Wonderful. The story line was so good, it was hard to stop.

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Catherine C.

I love the book ,very interesting from the beginning to the end.

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Robin B.

Fascinating

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MimiKS

Grey book and narration! Keep my interest the entire time.

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LisaAT

Such a good book!! Keeps you intrigued and was based on real- life happenings. I never knew about thus place. It makes me wonder what happened to my brother - my mother was told he died- yet there was never a baby produced- she was put to sleep back then and when she woke up she was told that and was never allowed to see him...

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Perkibest22

Such a great story!! Heartbreaking and moving with a happy ending.

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Shelly B.

I loved this book!

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Anonymous

Loved it

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Ashleigh M.

I loved this book. Listened to Where the Crawdads Sing and loved it so it was recommended that I would like it. And they were right!!

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Susan R.

This was one of the best reads I've had in a long time. Fascinating story and so touching. So much character development you felt like you totally knew these people. This was one listen that I walked miles and miles with my earbuds on, just to not have to cut it off when I arrived home.

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Anonymous

the narrator was excellent.easy to listen too

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Marchell I.

Absolutely loved this book, the story was amazing, this book stick with me for a long time, narrator did a great job!

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Barbi N.

I knew nothing about the book when i began it. By the end I fell in love with these children. How brave they were. I wasn’t ready for it to end.

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Tiffany G.

Great story, but isn’t for the soft hearted. Although it’s fiction, it’s based off of a true story. Thank you Lisa Wingate for shedding light on these mind blowing events.

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Leighanne6447

Thoroughly enjoyed this book! Having grown up in Memphis in the 70’s, I had no idea of the dark shadow that existed from the 30’s. The first 2 chapters are tough and then the rest is heartfelt and captivating. Narrator was amazing too!!

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Amanda K.

Phenomenal

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Adela B.

Thank his was a wonderful book. Narrators are outstanding! I heart aches for this women whose children were taken unlawfully. May they rest in complete peace.

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Anonymous

fantastic read! couldn't stop.

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Anonymous

compelling story of adaptation. loyalty, love and survival. Enjoyed the culture of the South and the heartbeat of the River.

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Jennifer G.

This book really brings to light realities of the world that most people overlook. Love is a universal language and this book represents amazing adventures of family love.

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Tracy B.

Loved this book so much!! Fell in love with all the characters, and highly recommend!

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Sandy S.

Fantastic book! The narration was great! Such an intriguing story. Makes me want to research and read more about the TCHS.

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Anonymous

A harrowing story, beautifully told. The author’s note at the end answered some of my questions as to how true some of these events actually were.

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Anonymous

Just the best story and so wonderfully written. This narration was so captivating, I just could not put it down.

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Kerri B.

This was such a great book, although very sad.

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Naomi Gontko

Amazing read though quite sad when you realize it's based on real events.

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Nancy P.

Wonderful book and wonderful Narration

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Stephanie B.

I never listen to a book twice. I started listening to this one again...and it’s even better than the 1st time! Amazing. Recommending it to all my friends.

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Anonymous

This Such a great book. The narrator was exceptional . Such a Great story but such a sad history.

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Virginia F.

WOW - An amazing book. The narration was great and brought the book to life. A must read.

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Heather C.

wonderful, thrilling, couldn't stop listening.

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Fredrika H.

Wow to know this type of thing went on.... just wow

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K O.

This book was fantastic. I just wish it touched a little more on the history of Gabion. I was not informed of the events of the Georgia Tann before this read. The description of the operation of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society made me sick to my stomach. After reading this, I did research on Miss Tann. This woman knew exactly what she was doing. She went to law school and passed the bar while following in her father footsteps. Her father was known as a dominating force while holding a career as a Judge. She used connections to begin child trafficking. This book was by far one of my favorites. My heart goes out to all who were affected by this woman. I will hold these children and families in my heart.

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Alicia M.

The book was written in a way that keeps you locked in the entire time. The story was really amazing and the narration was as well. I would highly recommend this book.

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Jacqueline H.

Oh my gosh! I was able to drive 800 miles in one day because I was listening to this book. I even continued to listen when I left the car. Riveting. Touching. These characters, Mae, Fern, Gabien, Avery, Trent are now part of my soul.

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Anonymous

Wonderful summer read. Then finding out that it was based on truth was sobering. Well written. The love interest was a bit soap opera - ish but overall the book was great. Highly recommended.

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Tara M.

This is a fascinating book ! I had no idea all this was actually true. Well written and steady pace

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Katherine S.

What a great read! The narration kept me listening as well as the story!! I found myself listening while I was cooking, driving, cleaning, any time I could!! Katherine

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Lani O.

Loved this story and narration. Brought out all different emotions for me. Very well written and enjoyed all the characters.

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Tina F.

Fantastic Narration. Such a touching story. I found myself researching the Tennessee Society before finishing the book. I had no idea that it really existed and carried on for so many years.

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Jenna C.

This book was very well written. The story is heart wrenching.

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Anonymous

Really well thought out book on such an important topic. The narration was fantastic.

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Anonymous

Great book. Did not want to stop listening.

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April P.

So well done! Didn’t want to stop listening.

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Alisha L.

omg this book is so good. I'm glade they got a good ending. but sad that something bad had to happen for such a good read or listen came to be. thank you for the good story.

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Jessica E.

I tried, I really did, but I just could not enjoy the writing enough to move past the beginning. I found it simplistic and predictable, and the narration excruciatingly slow. I’m from the south and I understand the pace of comfortable language in the culture, but I had to listen at 1.25 speed just to make it as far along as I did. I feel like I wasted money on this one…

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Angie M.

This was an interesting and emotional story considering the sad reality that inspired it. It slows down at times, but I thought having two narrators was effective.

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Inga A.

One of the BEST books ever! I absolutely loved this heartbreakingly beautiful piece of writing. Highly recommend to everyone!

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Elaine H.

This book was touching, horrifying, sad, happy - all in one. I cannot believe that I was not aware of this society and what they did to families/children. I am hoping to find the documentary they discuss at the end of the book. The author wrote in a way that made you feel like you were there watching/witnessing and the narrator did the same. Reminded me of Sarah's Key - have not enjoyed a book as much since that one. A part of history that all should be aware of. Highly recommend.

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Doreen S.

This was my book clubs title for the month and I was shocked on how this was happening and no one realized this happened. All the families destroyed and lost of a family tree. just so sad. This is a book that you need a tissue box handy.

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Sandy H.

This was an amazing book! I couldn’t stop listening! Sad an tragic but sooooooo good! A must read!!

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Stephanie S.

Such an emotional and intriguing journey! It was hard to stop listening.

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Kelly L.

Beautifully written!

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Teresa M.

Great book. The more I listened to the story, I got lost in the narrative and forgot this was fiction. It felt so real. The characters felt real. The Tennessee Children Society was dark time in history and I feel for all the lost souls. Have a box of tissues ready, you'll need them at the end. I strongly recommend this book.

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Tabetha H.

Cried through most of this. Broke my heart and it’s a true story

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Brian J.

This was an amazing book! A gripping and eye-opening historical fiction book. We just talked about it at our book club and the girls really liked it and it made for a great discussion!

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Susan R.

Great touching story

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Lisa C.

Great book. I would definitely recommend the book!

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Daniel K

This is an amazing book. I can't imagine having my child stolen. I also can't imagine what the children went through. Such horrors. I will definitely be looking into the history that this book was based on.

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Cheryl W

Enjoyed book.

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Debra Q

Loved this book about family

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Erin B

It is no small thing to find a voice you truly want to read to you, hour after hour, but these narrators are wonderful. Perfectly chosen, dynamic, and authentically southern. They brought a tragic yet masterfully written and beautifully woven story, part fiction, part historical account, to life with their narrations. Their telling of the Foss' and Stafford's stories blended seamlessly and was heartfelt. Loved the experience of listening to this book.

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Kimberly M

I loved this book. The story is well done

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Anonymous

great book!

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Amanda A

Fictional book based on a historical event. Great read! Great narration! Would highly recommend

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Sharon H

This book is amazing! Definitely pulled on my heart strings. I could not stop listening to this. I would go to bed wondering about the characters. The narration was superb!!

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Veronica J

Thanks for writing such an exceptional story and for picking the perfect narrators to bring it to life. I was hooked from the first few moments and was torn between wanting to continue listening and not wanting it to end. I didn't realize until the end that this was based on an actual place and a real evil person. I've since looked up the Tennessee Children's Home Society, and Georgia Tann. I've recommended the book to others and have shared articles on social media about TCHS. It's a story people should know and not forget.

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Rhonda E

Amazing story well told. I enjoyed it so much I did not want it to end.

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Jo Ann S

best book and narration that I have to listen to in a while. Loved every minute of it.

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Marney W

Amazing! I found myself fully engulfed in their lives and trying to figure out how it all tied together. I love the two narrator's voices...helps differentiate between the two main characters stories. While listening to the story I could not fathom how people could have lived these lives and how inhumane some of them were. And then I would remind myself it was fiction...but it wasn't! It wasn't until the very end that I found out it was historical and that the Tennessee Children's Home Society really existed and Georgia Tann was a real person. I hated her even more when I heard that. Such a great story!

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Mary H

What a good book! I listen to audiobooks while I walk for exercise. I'm sure I got a few extra miles because the story had me hooked. The story was good and the narrator really made it come alive.

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Susan A

Excellent. Enjoyed it very much!

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Rita S

I like the genre of historical fiction, however this story line was very predictable. The ending did not make sense. It was good to learn about the atrocities of the Tennessee Children's home during this time period. The narration was too fast to follow.

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Jeri K

This was an amazing book. It deals with a part of our history that I knew very little about. Well written, a great story, and good narration.

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Gloria S

I don't normally read or listen to books like this in this genre but I have to say this is one of the best books I have ever listened to and definitely the best narrator I've ever heard. if I could give it more than five stars I would! I'm appalled by the things that happened in real life! but the story was amazing and sweet by the time it ended.

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Anonymous

Loved the southern accent by the reader

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stephanie w

I do enjoy historical fiction and this is no exception. I was not previously aware of the Tennessee Children's Home Society history. Thanks to the author for telling this story in a palatable, "enjoyable" way, so that we can become aware and "learn from history".

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Terri T

This story is riveting, I couldn’t stop listening. Best audiobook so far.

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Cindy L

Excellent excellent book.

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E R

Enjoyable book -- and eye opening, when you learn the truth on which it's based. Everything ties up a little too neatly, but I admit I'd have been disappointed if not! Narration is fabulous.

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Robin V

This is one of those stories where the author switches between two tales and you know there must be some connection. It keeps you in suspense. Like another reviewer, I usually only listen in the car, but for this book, I pulled out the ear buds and listened on my phone every chance I got. Excellent tale. I was particularly interested to learn this work of fiction was based on a history I had never heard of. At the end, the author suggests several resources for further historical research and I plan to explore them.

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Julie N

Loved this book!

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Sheila B

I loved this book! Switching points of view made it so interesting, and you are sort of waiting for one of the characters to put the pieces of a puzzle together and get answers! I didn’t realized that some of the events in the novel are drawn from real life! Just ordered another book the Tennessee Children’s Home Society.

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Sheila B

I thought this book was great - just too "unabridged" (long)....

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Kathy H

Fantastic book about a horribly sad time in life.

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Christina K

Wow. As someone who grew up in Memphis, the descriptions in the book are wonderful and made me homesick. The story is chilling and incredible. I don’t care much for the narrators’ voices when they’re speaking for men, but the accents were very good.

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Brenda G

Loved it. What a fascinating story; it was so compelling. The dual narration was very effective!

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Tricia H

Great book! I started listening and could not put down the audio book. I listed using my ears buds, closed my eyes and I was done in three sittings. I was concerned about the dual narration but I was able to follow quite easily. Great narrator & southern dialect.

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Lisa S

Loved this! Never wanted it to stop!

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Carolynn F

Beautiful and heartbreaking all at once!

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P Ruhstorfer

Mesmerizing tale. I usually listen to my books while driving, crocheting, mowing the lawn, etc. this book, I quietly sat and listened. Great story and the readers are excellent!

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Deborah C

This was a great book - wonderful story telling and the narration was superb.

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Kristine B

This is one of the best books I have heard in a long time. I truly enjoyed it!

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Alyce W

I couldn’t put id down. A truly heart wrenching story. For those of you who have sisters or cherish your female relationships-a must read!..I didn’t want it to end.

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Abi O

I really enjoyed reading this book! We read it for a college class and I couldn’t put the book down! If you are looking forward to getting into a book then I would choose this one

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Karen H

This might be one if the best books I've read! Couldn't stop listening, and felt emotionally attached to the characters. I have been recommending this book to everyone.

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Nancy R

Great book! I? loved every minute!

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Kerri R

I thought this story was amazing! I've bought several copies to give at Christmas!

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Carol J

Endearing. Touching. Sweet. An interesting and thought provoking tale that is closely related to a true story. I found this book difficult to set aside and hooked several friends while listening.

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Pamela T

Deeply moving. Drawn in by the unraveling mystery. Finished the book and immediately started it over again. Couldn’t stand to leave the characters. I have had a bit of experience with elder family members and the horror of losing a child to the false adoption world of the 1940s. Beyond sad. Brought back my Great Grannie’s stories.

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Tiffany W

Took a bit for me to be all in, but once I did, I was captivated,

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Dianna M

I enjoyed the book and narration. I thought it was well written and the characters were realistic. I thought both characters were realistic and the dialogue genuine.

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Belle C

I loved this book very well-written, and I thought the narrator’s did an excellent job.

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Tracy B

Great Book and Narration!

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Tiffany S

Struggled with the Avery character and narrator - character seems shallow and unrealistic - and the narrator just didn't do it for me. Maybe with a different narrator - or just reading instead of listening I wouldn't have struggled with the Avery character so much. Loved the Rill/Mae character and narrator. Felt like it presented a very good perspective on the way a 12 yr old would rationalize things. Struggled with a couple of times in the book where it talked about brothers and sisters - just poor editing - things like that drive me crazy.

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Landee L

At first I couldn't stop talking about how interesting and moving the story was. The voice of Rill is authentic, fierce, and loving. I felt her inside of my heart. I tolerated Avery because she was seeking to solve a mystery., but over time her constantly wistful, uncertain, needy voice made me just get through it to get back to Rill. Avery did not feel like a real person. I was totally annoyed with her constant questions to herself where she judges every single thought she has. Rill made Georgia Tann terrifying and beleiveable. Avery made her mother by comparison seem too snooty to be real. I loved half of this book very much and thought it was brilliant. . The other half was a chore.

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Gail R

Wow...loved listening to this story. I am new to audible books...and this one did not disappoint. Recommended this to my sister...an avid reader.

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Teresa W

I have listened to many many books, by far one of my all time favorites. The narrators were also excellent.

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Janice K

I enjoyed the chapters about the young river children better than the adult Avery chapters even though those chapters tied the generations and story together. Those chapters seemed to degrade Avery and were very predictable. I still gave it a 4 for the history of the "adoptions." I never realized this occurred and for such a long period of time!

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Angela B

A beautifully written book. I couldn't put it down. I loved the narration. Highly recommend!

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Shannon G

Overall a good and captivating read. A little predictable and cheesy for my taste.

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Diane A

Awesome book. Listened to it - couldn't stop!

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Sheila S

One of the best books I've read in a long time. Couldn't put it down!

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Kalpana G

nice one

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Sheila M

One of the best books I've read this year!

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Cindy L

Tough book, but a great story.

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Toresa R

I ?? It. I found myself listening every chance I got.

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Danielle B

Such an excellent read! Could not stop listening, made me tear up quite a few times.

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Lianne S

Great read.

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Susan G

This was a great book. The narrator did a very nice job on characters voices. I did not want to get out of car. The best book in a very long time.

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Sandra O

Listening twice. Sad but riveting story. Liked the ending tho.

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Fonda L

This book was terrific! Enjoyed it as I drove cross country and I hated having to stop for my breaks.

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Meagan P

I live close to where this story is based. So very interesting and I can not stop thinking about this topic! Loved it!

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Joan T

Very easy to envelope yourself into the story. It switches seamlessly between childhood and a future generation. Makes you anxious to learn the "in between".

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Connie R

I really have enjoyed listening to this mysterious, riveting book. The characters are so real that I find myself thinking about them and mentally hearing the narrator's voices. Its a very good listen read by. Two awesome narrator's. I lived in Memphis as a child in the 1950's. It was very descriptive of places and brought back memories of this dark time when we weren't aware of such evilness.

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Mariana T

It had been a while since I listened to a book as good as this one!!!

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Catherine G

Omg loved this book. Could hardly stop listening. This was such a compelling story and I had no idea this kind of thing actually happened in our country

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