Review of Stories That Bind Us by Susie Finkbeiner

The 1960's brings Betty Sweet living the life she wasn't expecting. At 40 she finds herself a widow with not knowing what to do next. Her sister shows up on her doorstep after not seeing her for years needing a place to stay. As is the little boy, her nephew, who she didn't know. Through the use of stories of her past, she bonds with her nephew as well as brings to light glimpses of her childhood that she forgot about.

Susie does a spectacular job weaving history, family bonds, sisterhood and what a little dark-skinned boy growing up in a white world in the 1960's looks like. How family protects, walks along side and stands next to each other during the most difficult times. She shows how important stories are in not only sharing with others, but how passing them along to the next generation preserves the history of family. How stories bind people together. What a fantastic story that brings warmth to the heart and yet aches because of the world we live in. It was hard to put this book down as it draws you in to the characters who feel like the neighbors down the street who you want to sit and have a cup of tea with.

Revell Books sent me this complimentary copy to review for them. All opinions expressed are my own.