High Cotton - My Review

High Cotton by Debby Mayne is a unique book in that each chapter brings a different point of view for the reader.  Each chapter is the voice of the main character—the character that is experiencing pain, joy, or growth within that particular scene.  Therefore, each chapter is titled with varying names, such as Shay, Puddin’, or Sally.  I do not believe I have ever read a book constructed in this manner, but I love it!  It was so interesting getting to know each character and how they viewed the world they were in—especially since all of the characters were a part of the same setting and family.  I can’t wait to read the next book in this series! 

Shay is the first person the reader is introduced to, and she is a single girl surround by married family members who want to see her enter the same circle.  Love has been challenging for her, but at present, she knows two guys who might be potential boyfriend material.  Yet, it is difficult to know and understand who these men really are, and what they want out life, because they seem to be constantly sending mixed messages to those around them.  As Shay tries to observe their words and actions, she must come to some sort of conclusion about which path she should follow. 

Puddin’ is married but sees herself entertaining a different role—besides wife and mother.  She wants to be challenged in a different way, and she finds a new kind of fulfillment in a bookkeeping job.  Of course, she keeps this a secret from her husband and family, and she dreads the day she must tell them about it.  Interestingly, throughout Puddin’s journey, the reader beings to understand how each character wants something different out of life.  Each character seems to be unhappy with his or her existing circumstance, and the reader must wait to see how each person will strive to find true contentment—in truth, the reader goes on the journey with them.      

If you love stories where characters find true happiness, learn something about life and themselves, because they pursue wisdom from others, then you will love this book.  I recommend checking it out!  Happy reading! 

This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to Litfuse for my copy. 

Some families are filled with so much love they can't help but drive each other crazy.

Shay Henke has mixed feelings about going to her family's next reunion. On the one hand, she'll get to see everyone in her mama's family--folks she loves unconditionally. On the other hand, she knows there'll be more drama than you can shake a stick at.

The days leading up to the event bring one surprise after another. First Shay must deal with her sister-in-law's deep, dark secret. Then she has to contend with the childish ways of her business-mogul twin cousins. And when her high school crush wants to be her date to the reunions . . . well, it may have been a dream come true for Shay's teen self, but the woman she's become doesn't know what to make of this.

Shay's contentment is challenged, and she's determined to shake things up a bit. But will she find the excitement she's looking for, or will Shay realize she prefers her quiet predictable life? One thing is certain: Life in the Bucklin family is never boring.

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / CBD 

Debby Mayne has published more than 30 books and novellas, 400 print short stories and articles, more than 1,000 web articles, and a slew of devotions for women. She has also worked as managing editor of a national health magazine, product information writer for HSN, a creative writing instructor for Long Ridge Writers Group, and a copy editor and proofreader for several book publishers. 

For the past eight years, she has judged the Writers Digest Annual Competition, Short-Short Contest, and Self-Published Book Competition. Three of Debby’s books have been top ten favorites by the Heartsong Presents book club. Love Finds You in Treasure Island, Florida received 4.5 stars from Romantic Times Magazine, and was named a Top Pick for the month of July 2009.

She and her husband currently live in the Charleston, South Carolina, area. To learn more about Debby, check out her social media:  
Website - debbymayne.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/DebbyMayneAuthor
Twitter - www.twitter.com/@debbymayne