Lucy Tucker has been on the streets of Chicago for 50 years. Why won't she come home?
Fifteen-year-old Cindy worked long days beside her migrant worker family in Michigan's sugar beet fields in the early 1940s - the "war years" - until she met a dashing young man from a traveling carnival, bringing some joy and fun into her hard-scrabble life. But a tragic twist of fate - and a dead field boss - sent the two young people on the run, leaving behind family and everything she'd ever known.
Lucy Tucker, the crotchety old bag lady from the popular Yada Yada House of Hope series, is a veteran of the Chicago streets and not about to give up her independence, even as she approaches her 80th birthday. Until, that is, a young displaced woman with her gentle ageing mother and a dog named Dandy seem to need her - unsettling the secretive Lucy, who doesn't let anyone get too close. But just when it seems her past is catching up with her to bring her in out of the cold...Lucy disappears again.
How these two tales intersect and intertwine between past and present gradually shines light into the dark corners of Lucy's murky past. But...why won't Lucy come home?
Goodreads Summary
Lucy has been on the streets for a very long time. She values her independence and resilience, but is approaching very old age. The readers will receive flashbacks from Lucy's past as she tries to navigate her present situation. Lucy's family was nice enough, but experienced great difficulties to the Dust Bowl. Over the course of time, Lucy finds herself more and more displaced. She encounters some very bad situations that she must flee from and tries to make a home, however unstable, where and when she can. Lucy's strong determination to live out her life will be inspiring to the reader.
This book will likely remind readers of that last time they saw a homeless person. Did they wonder what that person's life story was? How that person ended up on the streets? Lucy's tale is hard to tell without giving away spoilers, but is packed with memories and feelings. By the end of the story, the readers will feel like they know Lucy very well, almost like an old friend. This book is recommended to adult readers.
4 Stars
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About Dave and Neta:
Dave and Neta Jackson are award-winning authors living in the Chicago area where their parallel novels from the Yada Yada House of Hope and Harry Bentley series are set.
As a husband/wife writing team, Dave and Neta Jackson are enthusiastic about books, kids, walking with God, gospel music, and each other! Together they are the authors or coauthors of over 100 books.
Visit http://www.daveneta.com for more info.
This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.
Posts
I'm very interested to hear about Lucy's crazy life. Sounds like she lived it up but a few things went wrong that left her on the streets. I always wonder what everyone's story is. So many people live such interesting lives.