I didn't receive this book from the publisher soon enough to read it and by the time I did get it, I had moved on to other projects and deadlines. I loaned it to a friend to read until I can find time and here's what she emailed me this evening. This is an honest, from the heart assessment from a lady who knows her books!
"jess, About What the Bayou Saw, author Patti Lacy is GREAT! Julie Lessman is right. Lacy is a "blazing light on the horizon." She won me over at once with her vivid, anything-but-hackneyed phraseology and characterization. Is she on her way to stardom as a writer? I would say YES! In women's fiction, she's one of the best I've read this year, if not the best. I haven't finished reading the book yet, but I hated to put it down." ~Lena
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Though Patti's only been writing since 2005, she thinks her latest profession of capturing stories on paper (or computer files) will stick awhile.
The Still, Small Voice encouraged Patti to write after a brave Irish friend shared memories of betrayal and her decision to forgive. In 2008, An Irishwoman’s Tale was published by Kregel Publications. Patti’s second novel, What the Bayou Saw, draws on the memories of two young girls who refused to let segregation, a chain link fence, and a brutal rape come between them.
The secrets women keep and why they keep them continue to enliven Patti's gray matter. A third book, My Name is Sheba, has been completed. Patti's WIP, Recapturing Lily, documents a tug-of-war between a Harvard-educated doctor and an American pastor and his wife for a precious child and explores adoption issues, China's "One Child" policy, and both Christian and secular views of sacrifice.
Patti also facilitates writing seminars in schools, libraries, and at conferences and has been called to present her testimony, "All the Broken Pieces," at women's retreats. She also leads a Beth Moore Bible study at her beloved Grace Church.
Patti and her husband Alan, an Illinois State faculty member, live in Normal with their handsome son Thomas, who attends Heartland Community College. On sunny evenings, you can catch the three strolling the streets of Normal with their dog Laura, whom they've dubbed a "Worchestershire Terrier" for her "little dab of this breed, a little dab of that breed.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Segregation and a chain link fence separated twelve-year-old Sally Flowers from her best friend, Ella Ward. Yet a brutal assault bound them together. Forever. Thirty-eight years later, Sally, a middle-aged Midwestern instructor, dredges up childhood secrets long buried beneath the waters of a Louisiana bayou in order to help her student, who has also been raped. Fragments of spirituals, gospel songs, and images of a Katrina-ravaged New Orleans are woven into the story.
The past can't stay buried forever Rising author Patti Lacy's second novel exposes the life of Sally, set amid the shadows of prejudice in Louisiana.
Since leaving her home in the South, Sally Stevens has held the secrets of her past at bay, smothering them in a sunny disposition and sugar-coated lies. No one, not even her husband, has heard the truth about her childhood.
But when one of her students is violently raped, Sally's memories quickly bubble to the surface unbidden, like a dead body in a bayou. As Sally's story comes to light, the lies she's told begin to catch up with her. And as her web of deceit unravels, she resolves to face the truth at last, whatever the consequences.
If you would like to read the first chapter of What The Bayou Saw, go HERE
Take a look at the book trailer:
2 comments:
Thanks, Jess, for lettin' a little bayou sludge seep onto your blog!
Blessings,
Patti
Wow, you have such a kind heart to E-MAIL Lena's comments to me.
You are definitely my hero of the day!
Whew! Your schedule made me lean back in my chair and sigh. When you have time, I'd love to have you drop by my brand new blog--yes, I have officially entered the 21st century. Who knows? We might become bloggites!!!!!!
Oh, I got so excited I almost forgot to give you the name: www.pattilacy.com.blog !!!!!!
Sorry, one of my writing friends has infected me with her exclamation point virus and tendency to make up words.
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