Emily, Gone by Bette Lee Crosby

April 30th, 2019 Kimberly Review 21 Comments

30th Apr
Emily, Gone by Bette Lee Crosby
Emily, Gone
by Bette Lee Crosby
Genres: Women's Fiction
Source: Author
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarOne Star

1971.

When a music festival rolls through the sleepy town of Hesterville, Georgia, the Dixon family’s lives are forever changed. On the final night, a storm muffles the sound of the blaring music, and Rachel tucks her baby into bed before falling into a deep sleep. So deep, she doesn’t hear the kitchen door opening. When she and her husband wake up in the morning, the crib is empty. Emily is gone.

Vicki Robart is one of the thousands at the festival, but she’s not feeling the music. She’s feeling the emptiness over the loss of her own baby several months before. When she leaves the festival and is faced with an opportunity to fill that void, she is driven to an act of desperation that will forever bind the lives of three women.

When the truth of what actually happened that fateful night is finally exposed, shattering the lives they’ve built, will they be able to pick up the pieces to put their families back together again?

Southern Small-town Family HEARTBREAKING

Bette Lee Crosby’s. stories stay with me long after I’ve closed the book. Such was the case with Emily, Gone. Grab your tissues, some wine, and turn off your phone. Travel with me to 1971 and the sleepy town of Hesterville, Georgia.

Losing a child is both unthinkable and unbearable. Crosby introduces us to three women. The one who birthed Emily, the one who took her, and the woman who raised her. This was a beautifully poignant story that shared the many facets of grief, love and motherhood. The story spans eighteen years and allows us into the lives of these women and their families.

Crosby relays her story from POVs of all three women and one of Rachel’s mother-in-law, whom I came to admire. There were also perspectives from a few secondary characters. I found these enhanced the story solidified the plot and gave depth to the characters’ emotions.

The author paints a portrait highlighting moments and weaving them into a tale that will touch you. From the music festival overwhelming a small southern town to the struggles a widow faces when her son takes a wife, and the emotional struggles of losing a child. 

While I found fault with some of the characters’ actions, Crosby allowed me to feel their emotions, internal struggles and the depths of their reasonings. The story and events that unfolded felt plausible and genuine. The only niggle I had was with the reconnection but I am willing to call it fate’s intervention.

The story wasn’t all sad, there were happy moments, significant milestones and growth allowing me to grow close to these characters. Rachel’s life in particular was touching and I connected with her. 

If you haven’t yet tried Bette Lee Crosby’s books I urge you grab Emily, Gone. This heartwarming standalone is the perfect place to find your next favorite author.

Fans of #WomensFiction, small-towns and family dramas will want to grab Emily, Gone by Bette Lee Crosby. It's the perfect standalone beach read to pack in your beach tote. #NewRelease # Click To Tweet

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

21 Responses to “Emily, Gone by Bette Lee Crosby”

  1. Lindy@ A Bookish Escape

    Wow! 5 stars?!! What a great read! I love when you can connect with characters, and their story feels genuine and authentic. This sounds like an emotional story. I couldn’t imagine losing my child. Excellent Review Kim!

  2. Lily B

    i read the blurb for this and thought this was absolutely heartbreaking, I can see that I wasn’t wrong. But it sounds like such a lovely read

  3. Bookworm Brandee

    Wow. This sounds emotional even if it isn’t sad, Kimberly. I can’t imagine losing a child or taking someone else’s but it seems as though Crosby does a fine job at putting you in the shoes of these women who experience those things. And if she can make you understand them, if not agree with them, that’s something. I’ll give this author a looksie. 🙂

  4. Angie Elle

    I don’t ever remember hearing about this author, but this book sounds absolutely gutting! I need to give it a go, especially with your glowing review.

    Great review.

  5. Cynthia

    This book sounds pretty heavy but nonetheless also a great story about love and motherhood. What a beautiful review Kimberly. Thanks for sharing.