When I heard that Meg Moseley’s second book, Gone South, was coming out, I jumped at the chance to review it. I’d read her previous novel, When Sparrow’s Fall, and loved it, so I knew this one would be great as well. I was not disappointed.
Gone South is about a young woman named Tish who, on a whim, buys the house once owned by her great-great-great grandparents. She dreams of making a new life for herself, filling it with friends and putting down roots, something she never had growing up in Michigan. Tish’s life hasn’t gone the way she’d planned, and this impulsive move might be just what she needs to start over. It isn’t long before she discovers that her family name isn’t exactly welcome in this southern town and she feels completely out of place. Old grudges die hard, and there is a long-remembered family story that surfaces upon her arrival. The only person who seems willing to take a chance on friendship with her is George, a local antiques dealer, who just happens to be single and attractive. This is my kind of story, people. Give me a romantic interest and I’m into it.
Arriving right into the middle of the mix is the town outcast, a girl named Melanie. Tish takes her in, which doesn’t help Tish’s chances of being accepted by the community. Melanie has problems of her own and must sort them out with the help of Tish and George. Will the two young women find acceptance in a town that has so firmly rejected them? And will Tish deal with her past so that she can open her heart to George? Well, I won’t give any spoilers. You’ll have to find out for yourself.
I truly enjoyed reading Gone South. I made pots of tea, propped myself up on pillows and made my little self comfortable as I slipped into this story. It has a sweet, southern pace, which caused me to slow down and savor. I loved “getting off the fast track” and letting the story unfold. This town could make a whole cast of characters in a series, if the author wanted to build on what is started here. The characters are delightful.
Meg Moseley is a gifted writer who can tell a great story. I appreciate that she brings an element of faith to the characters, but uses restraint so that it feels believable. You never have the sense that the story is there to prop up a virtuous lesson, and I like that in Christian fiction. Gone South has a theme of grace and second chances that is both satisfying and refreshing. I finished it with a smile on my face.
I believe Gone South will be available May 7 (you can preorder it now) - I recommend you go get a copy for yourself, and then make a pot of tea. Put your feet up and enjoy.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of Gone South, but was under no obligation to give a favorable review in return. The opinion is my own.
