About Cottonwood Whispers

A while ago, Tyndale Blog Network sent me the book Cottonwood Whispers by Jennifer Erin Valent. I hate to say it, but it kind of got lost and I just ran across it again this past week. So, I FINALLY had a chance to read it. Cottonwood Whispers is the follow up story to the award winning novel, Fireflies in December. Valent does a fine job capturing the turmoil of the time and her writing is beautiful and true to life.
Synopsis of Cottonwood Whispers

Cottonwood Whispers takes place in 1936 Virginia, a time and place still deeply rooted in prejudice. The story centers around 17 year old Jessilyn, her best friend Gemma (who was raised by Jessilyn’s white parents), Jessilyn’s relatiship with Luke Talley, and the death of a young girl. The summer of1936 finds Gemma pulling away from Jessilyn. This sets Jessilyn adrift. Not to mention that her relationship with Luke Talley has become awkward and confusing.

When a little girl is killed, the town is split apart and an innocent man is wrongfully accused of the child’s death. Jessilyn works to discover the truth and bring the real killer to justice. She must find the truth before the town’s vigilante mob hangs the wrong man. Meanwhile, Jessilyn discovers Gemma’s secret. She has fallen in love with an older white man, whose family she works for.
My thoughts on Cottonwood Whispers

Cottonwood Whispers transfers you back to a time with the deep south was rife with hate and prejudice. Not just against blacks, but also against anyone different. Valent’s story is authentic to the time and rich in historic detail. I really enjoyed the book and loved the character of Jessilyn. My only issue is that you really need to read the first book, Fireflies in December, to fully understand some of the plot lines. I hadn’t read the first book yet, and I got a bit confused until I was better able to familiarize myself with the characters and plot. Regardless, I would highly recommend Cottonwood Whispers and look forward to reading more from Jennifer Erin Valent.

NOTICE: Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this item free from the creator. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” ( )

In the sequel to Fireflies in December, Valent continues the story of Jessilyn Lassiter, who is now 17 years old and quickly growing into a young woman (much to her father's dismay). Problems arise when tragedy strikes a little girl in town, and a dear friend of Jessilyn's is blamed. Meanwhile, Gemma has taken on a new job and isn't around as much to spend time with Jessilyn. Written with the same southern charm as Fireflies in December, Cottonwood Whispers will make your heart ache one minute, and swell the next. It will leave you anxious for the release of Catching Moondrops. ( )