Description:
Editorial Reviews
Review
“The distinctive setting of the turpentine camps in the South during the Great Depression will make an imprint on readers, just as the characters of Rae Lynn and Del do. Fans of Sarah Addison Allen won't be able to put it down.” – Booklist on The Saints of Swallow Hill
"Rousing...movingly explores Jessie's struggle with her eating disorder, viscerally describing her twin desires for nourishment and purging in relation to a deep need to define herself...Everhart's story of self-discovery, rife with colorful characters and a satisfying twist, will thrill readers." – Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW for The Moonshiner's Daughter
“In a powerful coming‑of‑age story that pitches southern charm against dark family secrets, the voice of 11‑year‑old Dixie Dupree captivates from the first page to the last.” – Barbara Claypole White, bestselling author of The Perfect Son on The Education of Dixie Dupree
"This story of survival and perseverance is heartbreaking and hard, but the ways the characters in the book choose family and hope lead them on paths they would never expect…Everhart creates a signature style by writing in the voice of the main character, a young Southern girl, telling the story from her perspective. Her voice remains true throughout the novel, successfully engaging the reader." – The Missourian on The Road to Bittersweet
"Everhart is a good storyteller and makes her characters and their experiences come alive." – Booklist on The Road to Bittersweet
"An adventure story and coming-of-age story wrapped into one satisfying package... Donna Everhart skillfully evokes a harsh landscape and harsh times, squarely placing the reader in Appalachia right along with the family. Wallis Ann's complicated relationship with her sister is well explored and serves as a catalyst for her growth into a mature young woman." – Historical Novels Review on The Road to Bittersweet
About the Author
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Being Neutral Can Be Fatal
This book spans the lead up to the Civil War in America to the eventual end of the war. The female protagonist is Joetta. She lives on a small farm in North Carolina with her family, which consists of a loving husband, two sons and an irascible, gimpy Father-in-law. The father-in-law is a verbose supporter of the Confederate cause. Joetta and her husband have chosen to remain neutral, but her eldest son is enthralled by the tales of the glorious war that his grandfather spins every night. The son runs away and joins the Confederacy. Joetta begs her husband to go get him and bring him back, which he eventually does. He's waited so long that the boy has already joined the Confederacy and has marched off to battle. The father is forced to join the Confederacy in order to find the boy. This leaves Joetta in charge of all the physical work of the farm animals, the crops and the house. She is barely making it. Her younger son tries to help but eventually goes to live with a neighbor who is pro Confederacy. Joetta is stuck alone with her Father-in-law, but she remains resolutely neutral. Her neutrality, and it nearly costs her her life. The story is unique in that it focuses on the pressures on those who remain neutral when everyone else has chosen the Confederacy. The characters are compelling and it is a great read. My ONLY problem is that the title. The plant, Jessamine, is not even mentioned until page 310, and is not mentioned again until page 368. The novel has 371 pages. A more relevant title would inspire more people to buy the book. It is a story that should be read.
4.0 out of 5 stars Take a breath when necessary
I found that that reading this book,their situation was sad, & could easily happen in those day. I would have liked to read some happiness. Their decisions weren't thought out, & I found myself feeling sorry for all. Having Robert come home was the best part for me as far as his mother was concerned. One neighbor did her part by helping putting a smile on their faces with what she did. Finally something good helped this family when times couldn't be worse during the war.
5.0 out of 5 stars Different Take on Civil War
6-19-25 I have read several books that were in civil war setting, but I thought this book had a different take. I believe that the author did a great job in giving a voice to the “everyday man” during this war and how she gave a voice to the family.This wasn’t about a rich family, but a family that was not quite middle class and not poor, but in between. Both parents had a view that war was not anything to do with them. They just wanted a life and lifestyle that they always had, which to them was the ultimate brand of freedom.However, Ennis’s father (Mr. McBride) lived with them also and he had the opposite viewpoint. He was all for war and definitely supported the southern view. He takes every opportunity to spout his views of war to his two grandsons; Henry & Robert. He makes war seem glorious to the boys and pushed the idea that their parents were wrong in their views about staying neutral. He did this so much that he causes a rift between the boys and their parents.This book focused on the family unit and how decisions could break friendships and how families would be torn apart because of opposite views. People in general turned against one another and caused great harm to each other. Rumors and gossip became gospel and even clergy took part in hating anyone that didn’t support their beliefs in the south.Through all this turmoil Josetta shows great faith in her beliefs and stood firm even through extreme hostility against her. Sometimes this hostility came from her own family.The book made me wonder just how strong one could be in the face of oppression. Could I stand firm in my beliefs? Could you?
5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't put it Down!!
Wonderful story! I couldn't put it down!
4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Historical Drama Book
Good historical drama about the early days of the civil war and those who did not take sides....how they were shunned and intimidated in their communities.
3.0 out of 5 stars It's a historical fiction subject unbeknownst to me.
While I enjoyed this book a lot, I found parts of it (the last half) to be just one miserable situation after another for the protagonist Joetta and her family. The book wouldn't be realistic if the heroine didn't encounter tragedy and hardship, it just felt it could have been shortened by 20 pages or so. It began to get a little dull and I found myself caring less as to what happened to the characters in the story. Besides all that, it's an engrossing read for a good chunk of the book. It just dragged on in the second half of the story, I wouldn't give it 5 stars for that reason. I do plan to read The Moonshiners Daughter as that also received stellar reviews. We will see.
5.0 out of 5 stars A Woman Standing Up For What She Believes!
This is agreat book on the sorrow, grief and standing up for what you believe in. Ennis and Joetta McBride had a small farm in North Carolina. She didn't want to lose her sons fighting for the slave owning rights of the rich plantation slave owners. Her father-in-law, a firm supporter of the Confederacy, filled her sons with stories of glory and was sure that the only way to be successful was to own a lot of slaves.Despite her and her husband's efforts to keep quite about the glories of war, her father-in-law continued and one day her oldest son, only fifteen left to join up. After he didn't come back, she said she was going after him to find and bring him back. Ennis, upset, decided to do it himself. Her husband did not comeback.She has joined the sewing group for making socks for the Confederacy and did not feel welcome because she did not agree to war and wanted to neutral. Later, she was asked for her sake and the sewing group to not continue to attend their meeting.A terrible payback for her stance came. Yet she endured and with fierce determination, she worked help her remaining family to survive.Instead of learning about the battles of the Civil War, you learn about the devastation that remaining families faced and the shunning of general community.I really appreciate the insight the author put inis book so now I am a fan want to read more of her books.
5.0 out of 5 stars Support Women Authors!
Complex characters and thrilling plots!
A good read, not a great read
The story of the civil war in a rural farming community in South Carolina was an interesting backdrop to this human story of hardship and survival. I found the first half really interesting and the second half less so. It dragged on without much plot. I like the author and enjoyed this book well enough.
Visit the Kensington Store
When the Jessamine Grows: A Captivating Historical Novel Perfect for Book Clubs
AED5618
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.
Imported From: United States
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Visit the Kensington Store
When the Jessamine Grows: A Captivating Historical Novel Perfect for Book Clubs
AED5618
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.
Imported From: United States
At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.
BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.
Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.
While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
Description:
Editorial Reviews
Review
“The distinctive setting of the turpentine camps in the South during the Great Depression will make an imprint on readers, just as the characters of Rae Lynn and Del do. Fans of Sarah Addison Allen won't be able to put it down.” – Booklist on The Saints of Swallow Hill
"Rousing...movingly explores Jessie's struggle with her eating disorder, viscerally describing her twin desires for nourishment and purging in relation to a deep need to define herself...Everhart's story of self-discovery, rife with colorful characters and a satisfying twist, will thrill readers." – Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW for The Moonshiner's Daughter
“In a powerful coming‑of‑age story that pitches southern charm against dark family secrets, the voice of 11‑year‑old Dixie Dupree captivates from the first page to the last.” – Barbara Claypole White, bestselling author of The Perfect Son on The Education of Dixie Dupree
"This story of survival and perseverance is heartbreaking and hard, but the ways the characters in the book choose family and hope lead them on paths they would never expect…Everhart creates a signature style by writing in the voice of the main character, a young Southern girl, telling the story from her perspective. Her voice remains true throughout the novel, successfully engaging the reader." – The Missourian on The Road to Bittersweet
"Everhart is a good storyteller and makes her characters and their experiences come alive." – Booklist on The Road to Bittersweet
"An adventure story and coming-of-age story wrapped into one satisfying package... Donna Everhart skillfully evokes a harsh landscape and harsh times, squarely placing the reader in Appalachia right along with the family. Wallis Ann's complicated relationship with her sister is well explored and serves as a catalyst for her growth into a mature young woman." – Historical Novels Review on The Road to Bittersweet
About the Author
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Being Neutral Can Be Fatal
This book spans the lead up to the Civil War in America to the eventual end of the war. The female protagonist is Joetta. She lives on a small farm in North Carolina with her family, which consists of a loving husband, two sons and an irascible, gimpy Father-in-law. The father-in-law is a verbose supporter of the Confederate cause. Joetta and her husband have chosen to remain neutral, but her eldest son is enthralled by the tales of the glorious war that his grandfather spins every night. The son runs away and joins the Confederacy. Joetta begs her husband to go get him and bring him back, which he eventually does. He's waited so long that the boy has already joined the Confederacy and has marched off to battle. The father is forced to join the Confederacy in order to find the boy. This leaves Joetta in charge of all the physical work of the farm animals, the crops and the house. She is barely making it. Her younger son tries to help but eventually goes to live with a neighbor who is pro Confederacy. Joetta is stuck alone with her Father-in-law, but she remains resolutely neutral. Her neutrality, and it nearly costs her her life. The story is unique in that it focuses on the pressures on those who remain neutral when everyone else has chosen the Confederacy. The characters are compelling and it is a great read. My ONLY problem is that the title. The plant, Jessamine, is not even mentioned until page 310, and is not mentioned again until page 368. The novel has 371 pages. A more relevant title would inspire more people to buy the book. It is a story that should be read.
4.0 out of 5 stars Take a breath when necessary
I found that that reading this book,their situation was sad, & could easily happen in those day. I would have liked to read some happiness. Their decisions weren't thought out, & I found myself feeling sorry for all. Having Robert come home was the best part for me as far as his mother was concerned. One neighbor did her part by helping putting a smile on their faces with what she did. Finally something good helped this family when times couldn't be worse during the war.
5.0 out of 5 stars Different Take on Civil War
6-19-25 I have read several books that were in civil war setting, but I thought this book had a different take. I believe that the author did a great job in giving a voice to the “everyday man” during this war and how she gave a voice to the family.This wasn’t about a rich family, but a family that was not quite middle class and not poor, but in between. Both parents had a view that war was not anything to do with them. They just wanted a life and lifestyle that they always had, which to them was the ultimate brand of freedom.However, Ennis’s father (Mr. McBride) lived with them also and he had the opposite viewpoint. He was all for war and definitely supported the southern view. He takes every opportunity to spout his views of war to his two grandsons; Henry & Robert. He makes war seem glorious to the boys and pushed the idea that their parents were wrong in their views about staying neutral. He did this so much that he causes a rift between the boys and their parents.This book focused on the family unit and how decisions could break friendships and how families would be torn apart because of opposite views. People in general turned against one another and caused great harm to each other. Rumors and gossip became gospel and even clergy took part in hating anyone that didn’t support their beliefs in the south.Through all this turmoil Josetta shows great faith in her beliefs and stood firm even through extreme hostility against her. Sometimes this hostility came from her own family.The book made me wonder just how strong one could be in the face of oppression. Could I stand firm in my beliefs? Could you?
5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't put it Down!!
Wonderful story! I couldn't put it down!
4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Historical Drama Book
Good historical drama about the early days of the civil war and those who did not take sides....how they were shunned and intimidated in their communities.
3.0 out of 5 stars It's a historical fiction subject unbeknownst to me.
While I enjoyed this book a lot, I found parts of it (the last half) to be just one miserable situation after another for the protagonist Joetta and her family. The book wouldn't be realistic if the heroine didn't encounter tragedy and hardship, it just felt it could have been shortened by 20 pages or so. It began to get a little dull and I found myself caring less as to what happened to the characters in the story. Besides all that, it's an engrossing read for a good chunk of the book. It just dragged on in the second half of the story, I wouldn't give it 5 stars for that reason. I do plan to read The Moonshiners Daughter as that also received stellar reviews. We will see.
5.0 out of 5 stars A Woman Standing Up For What She Believes!
This is agreat book on the sorrow, grief and standing up for what you believe in. Ennis and Joetta McBride had a small farm in North Carolina. She didn't want to lose her sons fighting for the slave owning rights of the rich plantation slave owners. Her father-in-law, a firm supporter of the Confederacy, filled her sons with stories of glory and was sure that the only way to be successful was to own a lot of slaves.Despite her and her husband's efforts to keep quite about the glories of war, her father-in-law continued and one day her oldest son, only fifteen left to join up. After he didn't come back, she said she was going after him to find and bring him back. Ennis, upset, decided to do it himself. Her husband did not comeback.She has joined the sewing group for making socks for the Confederacy and did not feel welcome because she did not agree to war and wanted to neutral. Later, she was asked for her sake and the sewing group to not continue to attend their meeting.A terrible payback for her stance came. Yet she endured and with fierce determination, she worked help her remaining family to survive.Instead of learning about the battles of the Civil War, you learn about the devastation that remaining families faced and the shunning of general community.I really appreciate the insight the author put inis book so now I am a fan want to read more of her books.
5.0 out of 5 stars Support Women Authors!
Complex characters and thrilling plots!
A good read, not a great read
The story of the civil war in a rural farming community in South Carolina was an interesting backdrop to this human story of hardship and survival. I found the first half really interesting and the second half less so. It dragged on without much plot. I like the author and enjoyed this book well enough.
More from this brand
Similar items from “Family Life”
Share with
Or share with link
https://www.bolo.ae/products/U149674070K