When the Jessamine Grows: A Captivating Historical Novel Perfect for Book Clubs BY Donna Everhart

"The Echoes of Swallow Hill," Donna Everhart, the acclaimed author of "The Saints of Swallow Hill," crafts a poignant and morally intricate narrative set in the rural heart of 19th century North Carolina. Amid the brewing tempest of the Civil War, Joetta McBride is a woman of steadfast resolve and unwavering principles, determined to keep her family intact and her farm running against the odds.

As the ominous drumbeat of impending war reverberates through North Carolina, Joetta and her husband Ennis have carved out a modest, contented existence on their small subsistence farm. Raising their two sons, fifteen-year-old Henry and eleven-year-old Robert, the McBrides strive to remain neutral, distancing themselves from the Confederacy’s fervent stance on slavery. Joetta, in particular, holds firm in her belief that this conflict is not theirs to fight.

However, this stance pits Joetta against many in their community, including her ardently pro-Confederate father-in-law, Rudean. His impassioned tales of Southern glory and the valor of battle captivate Henry, leading the young boy to make a fateful decision one night: he runs away to join the war. Driven by fear and desperation, Joetta urges Ennis to embark on a perilous journey to retrieve their son and bring him back home.

As weeks turn into months with no news of her husband or son, Joetta grapples with the harsh realities of managing the farm with minimal support. The war’s far-reaching implications gradually erode the fabric of her community, and Joetta finds herself increasingly isolated and at odds with her neighbors. In the face of mounting adversity, her commitment to her principles is put to the ultimate test.

A singular act of kindness sets off a chain of events that brings Joetta’s family to the brink of an even greater catastrophe. Shunned and struggling to survive, Joetta's resolve is unwavering. She clings to the hope that her family will endure the trials ahead. Yet, as the nation fractures and the stakes grow higher, Joetta and her loved ones face their most daunting challenges yet.

"The Echoes of Swallow Hill" is a stirring tale of resilience, love, and the indomitable human spirit. It is a compelling read for fans of Charles Frazier's "Cold Mountain" and Paulette Jiles's "Enemy Women," immersing readers in the tumultuous era of the Civil War while exploring the profound personal battles fought on the home front.