The Life She Was Given by Ellen Marie Wiseman on Bette's Bookshelf

On a summer evening in 1931, Lilly Blackwood glimpses circus lights from the grimy window of her attic bedroom. Lilly isn’t allowed to explore the meadows around Blackwood Manor. She’s never even ventured beyond her narrow room. Momma insists it’s for Lilly’s own protection, that people would be afraid if they saw her. But on this unforgettable night, Lilly is taken outside for the first time—and sold to the circus sideshow.

More than two decades later, nineteen-year-old Julia Blackwood has inherited her parents’ estate and horse farm. For Julia, home was an unhappy place full of strict rules and forbidden rooms, and she hopes that returning might erase those painful memories. Instead, she becomes immersed in a mystery involving a hidden attic room and photos of circus scenes featuring a striking young girl.

At first, The Barlow Brothers’ Circus is just another prison for Lilly. But in this rag-tag, sometimes brutal world, Lilly discovers strength, friendship, and a rare affinity for animals. Soon, thanks to elephants Pepper and JoJo and their handler, Cole, Lilly is no longer a sideshow spectacle but the circus’s biggest attraction. . .until tragedy and cruelty collide. It will fall to Julia to learn the truth about Lilly’s fate and her family’s shocking betrayal, and find a way to make Blackwood Manor into a place of healing at last.

Moving between Julia and Lilly’s stories, Ellen Marie Wiseman portrays two extraordinary, very different women in a novel that, while tender and heartbreaking, offers moments of joy and indomitable hope.

The Life She Was Given by Ellen Marie Wiseman on Bette's Bookshelf

A definite page turner. We were traveling when I read this and when the battery on my iPad gave out, I switched over and read the remainder on my phone. (As everyone probably already knows, I am far too blind to be reading on the tiny screen of a phone) There is however one problem that readers may have with this book and that is the graphic description of animal cruelty. Unfortunately I was a bit disappointed in the ending, but did enjoy the read. It is well-written and extremely interesting.

<iframe type="text/html" width="336" height="550" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen style="max-width:100%" src="https://read.amazon.com/kp/card?asin=B01M2B7EVP&preview=inline&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_BYzhAbWMT0JTV&tag=alchemy0a-20" ></iframe>

About Bette Lee Crosby

It is the wit and wisdom of that Southern Mama Crosby brings to her works of fiction; the result is a delightful blend of humor, mystery and romance along with a cast of quirky charters who will steal your heart away. Her work was first recognized in 2006 when she received The National League of American Pen Women Award for a then unpublished manuscript. She has since gone on to win nineteen awards for her work; these include: The Royal Palm Literary Award, the FPA President’s Book Award Gold Medal, Reader’s Favorite Award Gold Medal, and the Reviewer’s Choice Award.

USA Today Bestselling Author - Bette Lee Crosby

Scroll Through Stories by Bette Lee Crosby

close
Be My FriendBe My FriendBe My Friend

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This