The Swan House (The Swan House Series #1)

It was a beautifully written book. I have found a new author to follow. The authors faith shines through every page. The book provides riveting details of life in the sixties and race relations. The ending provided a opportunity to want more details. Inspiring to the end!

I have read literally thousands of books over my lifetime, in many different genres, but this writer is incredible!! The story was so real and moving, the characters seemed alive. Her faith shines through the telling of this story. This is the first book of her’s that I have read but I WILL be reading more - probably each one of hers. Thank you Elizabeth Musser.

I would have given this 5 stars except for a couple of issues. In places the story seemed to drag a bit. There were parts of the story with way too much detail that had nothing to add to the plot or the telling of the story, such as the detailed time the girls spent horse back riding and jumping. It went on so long I was certain it was leading up to something such as an accident or something important, but it ended up being a long dead end of boring details about riding around in circles and jumping. There was not enough reason for it to be included in such detail. it could have been summed up in a few sentences. The second issue is small but bothered me because it was inaccurate. Mary Swan mentioned that one of the boys in Carl's band reminded her of Fat Albert a character she and her parents had listened to on a record by Bill Cosby. I didn't think that sounded right, Bill Cosby would have been 25 in 1962 and I didn't think Fat Albert was around when he was that young. I searched and Bill Cosby actually had some Fat Albert records that pre dated the TV show but not nearly that early unless the author found more information than I could after searching quite a bit. I then began to be concerned about other historical references but nothing else seemed to be dated as wrong as the Fat Albert issue. I am a few years younger than than Mary Swan would have been in 1962 but close in age and I found the story very interesting. I think it is because I grew up in the north in a small town with absolutely no black people and the only Jewish people I knew were my DOctor and Dentist who lived n our town and were well thought of, so I didn't have any conception of the civil unrest going on in the country at the time since it was never an issue where I lived. The story gave me a lot of perspective of the issues in larger towns in the south. I also would have liked a little more clarification on who Mary Swan ended up marrying, it was not clear to me.

It's funny how this book got under my skin. When I began it I really had no idea what it was going to be about, (I only like to read the reviews that tell how they felt about the book-no spoilers for me;), and as I read the first few pages I was actually wondering if this was going to be a book I'd even want to finish...oh my land! Was I ever more wrong! This story makes you get involved. Even now as I sit writing this, I'm smiling and thinking about the main character. I can hear her talking and I feel her-her emotion, her pains, her living. I absolutely grew to love this book. I became so involved in it that I couldn't wait to see what would happen next or where it would go but it was a great ride. Nothing was expected, the author keeps the story line fresh and individual and yet, there are some age old truths being told too. This book will make you take out your own soul and 're-examine it to see if you measure up. You just can't help but be moved and inspired by this book.I enjoyed this story so much that as soon as I finish writing this review I'm going to see what else I can find to read by this author and its 2 o'clock in the morning but I just have to see if I can at least start a new book written by Elizabeth Musser. I don't often give 5 stars because I feel a book has to be above and beyond, really special and it has to say something. Well, this book certainly deserves its 5 stars! I not only HIGHLY recommend this book, I'm warning you that this is a read you don't want to miss. This is why we read. :)HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! :D

For me to tell you how much this book meant to me, on so many levels, I would need to talk to you. I cried and cried trying to finish it. I connect with it in so many ways. I am from Amarillo, TX, am a Christian, have always had a connection to Black people that others didn't understand, graduated from high school in 1964, and my mother, who was diagnosed with TB when I was three, became addicted to drugs trying to stay alive. She died when I was nine, and my daddy and Gran Corbell were my lifeline. My mother, before she died, asked my daddy to marry an old friend named Dixie, saying he'd never find a better wife or mother. Dixie brought culture to our ways. I graduated from Texas Tech with a degree in education and a minor in art. Paris is my favorite city. I have always had a heart for the poor, Blacks, Jews, Mexicans, and those who are not accepted. The ground at the cross IS level. Why can't everyone see that?I read this on my iPad, but I would very much like a real copy signed by you. Not sure how to make that happen, but, without knowing it, you touched just about every aspect of my being. Oh, and our maid's name was Willie Mae!Thank you so much. God blessed both you and me with this book.Ann

Well written and compelling story of a young woman growing up in Atlanta, USA, set in the 1960's. Her mother is killed tragically and her life will never be the same.A story of black and white inequality, segregation and frightening predjudice. There is a strong thread running throughout about Christian belief and transformation of hearts and minds which I considered to be very honest, far more realistic and truthful than many stories I've read about miracles and supernatural stuff which is usually hearsay.Not being a believer myself, I thought this a mature and compassionate story about people struggling to find a way to live with desperate and difficult lives, emerging as more loving and understanding human beings.Its free and a surprisingly good read, for me anyway.

Highly recommend this book Matched everything the company described

The story gave a strong emphasis on being aware of and helping others in the struggles they experience in their lives.The author fully engaged the reader in the joys and anguish of the main characters. I really appreciated how she was able to share many references from the Bible to show God's great love for those who are struggling physically, mentally and emotionally. I look forward to reading another novel by Elizabeth Musser.

Good story, well written . Clear gospel content. Not soppy and schmaltzy like so much Christian diction. Also attention to contemporary social issues of racial tension in the 60's.

interesting story