Short synopsis:
Samuel soon learns that he has lost his parish back in Louisiana, so he and his family take up temporary residence on the farm. Everyone is drawn to Samuel’s eleven-year-old daughter, Swan, with her outspoken questions and mischievous spirit. Swan, in turn, is fascinated by her powerful, secretive Uncle Toy, a war veteran, and his sultry wife, Bernice, an old girlfriend of Samuel’s whose desire to win back her old beau is a bit too obvious. But when Blade Ballenger, an eight-year-old neighbor, comes into Swan’s life, she focuses all her fierce energy on keeping him safe from his terrifying father, never realizing the possible dangers to herself and to those she loves.
First thoughts when I read the last sentence: "Oh no....I can't believe this is over. I love these people."
Writing that brought me to tears:
"I was picking them (flowers) for that man," he said softly, nodding toward the house. "That uncle."
Calla tipped back her head and sucked air in through her nose, the way a person does when a feeling gets to be too much to handle. When was the last time anyone did anything special for Toy? That's the thought that took her breath away. When was the last time anyone did something desperate and beautiful to please him?
(from The Homecoming of Samuel Lake page 205 in the ARC; finished version may be different)
From the very first page I was absolutely immersed in this story of the Lake and Moses' families. The characters felt like people I would want to know in real life and I found myself unable to break away from the spell that they cast on me. At times I would laugh out loud, then cry, and other times I found myself holding my breath because I couldn't believe the twist that the story took. I truly loved Swan...she was a real firecracker! Her self-confidence and personality just spoke to my heart. Each and every character was really fleshed out and felt larger than life to me. I wouldn't have been surprised to see them just walk right off the pages if they wanted to.That's how real they were...I knew them, could picture their faces, hear their laughter, and feel their grief. I would love to go on about this book and I'm sure others will, but I honestly wouldn't want to spoil one minute of your reading pleasure by saying too much. This is a book that is BEGGING to be read! The author has penned herself a winner. I believe this is a book that will be garnering a lot of talk and honestly I would love to see it brought to the big screen. This story has heart and soul.....and it totally captured my love.
Recommend? An EMPHATIC yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This was a home run read for me and one that lingers in my mind still. One of the best reads for 2011.
Rating: 10/10
Published: July 12, 2011
Publisher: Random House
Genre: Literary Fiction
Pages: 328
ISBN:9780385344081
*uncorrected ARC
Disclaimer:Thank you to TLC Book Tours for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MYexperience while reading this novel.
© 2011, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
Jenny Wingfield lives in Texas with her rescued dogs, cats, and horses. Her screenplay credits include The Man in the Moon andThe Outsider. The Homecoming of Samuel Lake is her first novel.
Disclaimer:Thank you to TLC Book Tours for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MYexperience while reading this novel.
© 2011, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
I sooooooooo need to READ this! :):):):):):):):):):):):)
ReplyDeleteOne of the best of 2011? Then this goes on my library queue stat! Great review Staci!
ReplyDeletewow, that good?! Awesome :D Ok I have my eye on it now
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness---this sounds awesome. I must get the ebook! Terrific review Staci
ReplyDeleteWow! Any books that makes you feel emotions like that has to be powerfully written! You've made me excited about the book.
ReplyDeleteThis is the second review I've seen of this book, and now I know I want to read it at some point. Oh so many good books to read, and so little time!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds good except I can't believe how many "odd" names (yes, revealing a prejudice here) there are lately for characters!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful review, Staci! Absolutely will be adding this one with your resounding approval! :)
ReplyDeleteI do believe that I know have to read this book. Your review of this has to be one of the most powerful I've read in a while. Thanks for the review and the recomendation.
ReplyDeleteI really love how the reviews of this have been so positive. Wonderful review and another book to add the tbr list.
ReplyDeleteWhen someone shouts this a book from the rooftops then I know I need to take a look at it!
ReplyDeleteI'm sold on reading this one after reading your review. 'Nuff said :)
ReplyDeleteStaci, you really need to quit reading so many great books! My wish list is getting out of control!
ReplyDeleteWow, I didn't read your review because as you know I'll be reading this one next week. I can't wait to get started on it especially after seeing that resounding 10/10!
ReplyDeleteLove the book jacket! and a perfect rating.... that doesn't happen often.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
It's a love-hate thing when you read a book with wonderful characters and you hate to leave them. This one sounds really good.
ReplyDeleteWoo! This is so encouraging! :) I'm thankful that I have the eBook.
ReplyDeleteBooks with characters you're sad to leave behind are always special. This one sounds fantastic!
ReplyDeleteI passed the ARC over because I just didn't have the time. Man, I sort of regret that decision now. It sounds wonderful.
ReplyDeleteWow; your love and enthusiasm for this title simply bubbles through. I love the quote you cited; it brought a little tear to my own eye. Definitely going on my to-buy list!
ReplyDeleteAlthough currently a resident of Texas, she is a fellow Arkansan!! I can't wait to read this! Must give props to our local authors!
ReplyDeleteYour enthusiasm for this book is contagious Staci! It sounds wonderful! That is it one of your best reads for the year is very high praise. I'm hoping to get an ebook for my kindle...I told you that I am out of control. I keep adding more to my wishlist!!
ReplyDeleteAnother book I haven't heard of but MUST read thanks to your beautiful review; loved it!
ReplyDeleteAnother fantastic review! You are really on a roll with great books lately.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being on the tour. I'm featuring your review on TLC's Facebook page today.
I.Loved.This.Book. Here's my review
ReplyDeletehttp://bybookorbycrook.wordpress.com/2011/10/20/the-homecoming-of-samuel-lake-by-jenny-wingfield-review/
I finally listened to this book (finished it last month) and gave it a perfect 5/5. I agree with all you wrote. It's a remarkable story. And the audio was amazing! Now to work on my review. So hard to write when I don't have the book in front of me.
ReplyDelete