In Chasing Lilacs, Carla Stewart?s first book, she tackles weighty topics, including puberty, mental illness, shock treatments and suicide. The story centers on Samantha “Sammie” Tucker, a 12-year-old in the small Texas community of Graham Camp. With her mother deep in depression, Sammie is mostly raising herself. Her best friend, Tuwana, has an opinion on everything and is quite vocal, regardless of whose feeling she hurts. Cly, a mysterious visitor from California, seems to switch between juvenile delinquent and friend.
At a time when her life should be carefree, Sammie is worried about everything—and then things go from bad to much worse. Her mother is found dead, by her own hand. Aunt Vadine, the estranged sister of Sammie’s mother, comes to help, complicating matters further. The frightened, sad girl begins to worry that she may be mentally disturbed as well, but soon finds her hope comes from God, who can restore her to a good life.
Chasing Lilacs is a page-turner, keeping readers hooked with realistic characters, descriptive scenery and fast-paced action. It’s a great read, especially for those who remember the simple, small-town life of the 1950s.
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