A breathtaking historical fiction novel with a hint of spice about finding the way home no matter how long the journey takes. In the novel the author perfectly blends two timelines from the past and present creating an epic page-turner. I really loved how the narrative wove together two different eras simultaneously creating multiple viewpoints on this families history. Donna Hill has a real knack for taking past historical events and creating a modern relevancy with her storylines, researched documentation, and characters.

The novel follows Alessandra Fleming a woman who spent most of her life running from her past. With her aspiring career in photography and life in Manhattan she uses this as a distraction from the secrets and guilt she’s never been able to face. But after receiving a call regarding her father Alessandra must return home to Sag Harbor. For some returning home may be a good thing but for Ali it’s a constant reminder of the family she’s lost and the time she’ll never regain. Little does she know the answers and secrets of her family are hidden in their home waiting for her to return. But the only person who may be able to help her uncover the truth of the past is her father’s neighbor Zach. We watch as Alessandra discovers the truth of her family history and the documented lives of four generations of extraordinary women touched by tragedy and triumph, despair and hope.

The novel was superbly written, well-developed, and engaging to read. The pacing was fair and all of the characters gave balance to the story. The author spotlights the importance of knowing one’s family history, discovering themselves, and finding home. It also addresses different themes from slavery, family dynamics, generational trauma, and the historical injustices of African Americans.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book I found both Alessandra and Zach to be very compelling characters. It was their devotion to uncovering the truth and piecing their history together that I found so captivating. The novel was so layered from the detailed historical documents, flashback visions, moral family choices, and how both their backgrounds connected. It’s like the deeper you get into the novel the more information is revealed and you realize Ali and Zach were meant to find each other. Special thanks to the author, hearourvoicestours, & entangled_publishing for my gifted copy!!!