Get ready, folks, because we're about to embark on a captivating audiobook journey that will transport you to the postāCivil War South. Lisa Wingate, our brilliant author, takes us on an enthralling ride with her dramatic historical novel, exploring the lives of three young women in search of family amidst the chaos and destruction of this tumultuous era. And with talented narrators like Sullivan Jones, Sophie Amoss, Lisa Flanagan, Lisa Wingate herself, Bahni Turpin, Dominic Hoffman, and Robin Miles bringing these characters to life, you know you're in for a treat.
In this New York Times bestseller, Wingate delves into the world of "Lost Friends" advertisements, which were actual pleas for help placed in Southern newspapers by newly freed slaves desperate to find their loved ones who had been sold away. The year is 1875, and our unlikely trio begins their perilous journey through Louisiana as they seek their true destinies. First, we have Hannie, a freed slave who has been torn away from her family and yearns to reunite with them. Then, there's Lavinia, once the pampered heir to a now impoverished plantation, facing her own set of challenges. And finally, we meet Juneau Jane, Lavinia's Creole half-sister, harboring secrets of her own. Together, they navigate this war-torn landscape, encountering vigilantes and soldiers still fighting battles lost years ago.
But that's not all. Wingate also seamlessly weaves in a modern-day storyline centered around Benedetta Silva, a young teacher desperate to escape her mountain of student debt. She lands a job in a small Mississippi River town called Augustine, hoping it's her ticket to financial freedom. However, life in this backward town is far from what she expected, and she struggles to understand her impoverished students. Yet buried beneath the surface of this seemingly unremarkable town lies a century-old history, a forgotten journey, and a hidden book that holds the power to change everything.
So, gather 'round and prepare to listen to Wingate's riveting tale as she skillfully intertwines the lives of these women from the past and the present. With a captivating audiobook length of 15 hours and 8 minutes, you'll be transported to the swamps of Louisiana and the boundless frontiers of Texas, all while navigating themes of family, hope, and resilience. With a stellar audiobook rating of 4.8/5, it's clear that Wingate's storytelling prowess shines through, leaving listeners enthralled from start to finish. Get ready to immerse yourself in this absorbing historical narrative that will linger with you long after you press pause. Listen in and let your imagination soar with Wingate's enchanting tale.