"Gone South" by Meg Moseley

I have been waiting for Meg Moseley to release another book ever since I read and enjoyed her debut novel, "When Sparrows Fall." While I was hoping she would tackle more subjects along the same vein, with "Gone South" Moseley proves her writing is versatile and that she's going to make a mark in the Christian fiction market.

Still grieving the deaths of her father and fiance, Tish McComb decides to move from Michigan to the house that her ancestors built in Alabama just after the Civil War. Feeling that embracing her roots might help her find direction for her future, Tish can't believe it when she discovers that the McCombs were notoriously despied and that no on in Noble is inclined to give her a warm welcome into the neighborhood. Job searching is made difficult when everyone associates her with the carpetbagger they claim her great-great-great-grandfather was. Only George, the owner of the local antique shop, has struck up a friendship, and that's because his dog insists she still lives at Tish's new house.

Mel Hamilton has never fit in anywhere. Accused over and over of stealing, Mel is not welcome in her parents' house and has never been able to hold a job. Returning to Noble as a homeless almost-21-year-old, Mel desperately wants to find a place to belong. But only Tish is willing to take a chance on her. Even while Tish wants to help Mel, she also has to be guarded. How true are the stories about Mel? And will giving Mel a place to stay further hurt her chances of settling into her new town?

This story is a take on Jesus's parable of the prodigal son. I thought Moseley did a great job bringing each of the main characters to life. You feel the injustice of Tish being shut out because of things done long ago. You hurt for Mel, hope for Mel, and are scared of what Mel is going to do all at the same time. George's friendship brings a nice balance. The plot challenges how we look at other people, and recognizes that all of us are in need of God's healing and community with others. I very much enjoyed "Gone South," and will continue watching for Moseley's further releases in the future.

I received an advanced reading copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review. All opinions are my own.