The Saints of Swallow Hill: A Fascinating Depression Era Historical Novel By Donna Everhart

In Donna Everhart's latest novel, readers are transported to the turpentine camps of the American South during the Great Depression, a setting reminiscent of "Where the Crawdads Sing" and "The Four Winds." The story revolves around Rae Lynn Cobb, toiling in the pine forests of North Carolina with her husband, Warren, until tragedy strikes. Rae Lynn's desperate act of mercy propels her into the harsh reality of a turpentine camp in Georgia called Swallow Hill, where survival is a daily struggle.

As "Ray," Rae Lynn grapples with the isolation, squalor, and abuse at Swallow Hill. The camp's dynamics, including the oppressive commissary owner and the vigilant woods rider, create an atmosphere of tension. Amidst the challenges, Rae Lynn forms bonds with Delwood Reese and Cornelia, offering a glimmer of hope and protection.

Everhart weaves a narrative of friendship, survival, and redemption, exploring Rae Lynn's journey from desperation to envisioning a new life. The characters, including the determined Del and the resilient Cornelia, add depth to the story. Rae Lynn's past, marked by an orphaned childhood, unfolds as she confronts pain and beauty, paving the way for a chance at a fresh start.

Booklist aptly describes the novel as a compelling page-turner, with echoes of Sarah Addison Allen's enchanting storytelling. Everhart's ability to capture the intricacies of human connection and resilience promises a gripping tale that lingers in readers' minds, much like the turpentine camps' pervasive aroma in the pine-filled Southern landscape.  📖💖