Appalachian Song by Michelle Shocklee Review

 

Appalachian Song is the first book I've read by Michelle Shocklee, but it definitely won't be the last. I absolutely LOVED this emotional, pro-life, pro-adoption story which included themes of redemption and forgiveness. 

This is a dual timeline book. The first timeline takes place in 1943 where we meet midwife Bertie Jenkins and her four spinster sisters along with the young Songbird who they find outside their cabin, injured and pregnant and in dire need of help. 

In the second timeline we meet Walker Wylie who seeks the help of Reese who, along with being a midwife, is an adoption advocate. He figures she should be able to help him discover more about his adoption 30 years earlier. 

It is quite obvious who Walker is supposed to be in relation to the 1943 storyline, but as the story progresses we get to learn more about the circumstances that lead to his mother giving him up for adoption. 

I loved the relationship between Bertie and her sisters, even the crabbie-at-first Jennie, and with young Songbird. We get to see their relationship grow as the sisters care for Songbird. I had to keep turning the pages because I needed to know what exactly happened to cause her to give up her child for adoption. 

In the 1973 timeline, Walker had been blindsided by the news of his adoption, and isn't handling it well. The author does a great job dealing with his emotions as he works through them. There is the reminder that there are many different reasons why a mother may give her child up for adoption. It doesn't mean the baby was unwanted or unloved. 

The author also did a wonderful job of bringing the two timelines together. I loved the way faith was so prominent in the story, what with Bible reading, and the power of prayer, and with the sharing of the redemption story. And a reminder that we are adopted into God's family when we become Christians and how God is our Abba, Father, Papa. 

Very moving story that I highly recommend.