felinity's review
4.0
Tish McComb has never stayed anywhere long enough to have a home town, so when she spontaneously buys her ancestral home in Noble, Alabama, she discovers that small towns have long memories, and the people can hold a grudge from the Civil War just as easily as one from last year. While Gone South shows the fragility of a reputation, it also shows the difference just one person can make if willing to reach out with gentle persistence and encouragement: after all, how can you show you've changed if you're never given the opportunity? But with the help of new-found friends, Tish begins to reconnect with Leticia and find her own roots and own happiness.
plettr's review
1.0
I tried - I really did.
This book was not for me.
BUT I've loved other Meg Moseley books... I just wait for another book by this author :)
This book was not for me.
BUT I've loved other Meg Moseley books... I just wait for another book by this author :)
readingundertheradar's review
4.0
by meg moseley — published may 7, 2013 — multnomah books
Having moved frequently within her native Michigan, Tish McComb is thrilled to move to Noble, Alabama, and buy a house built by her great-great-great-grandparents shortly after the Civil War. She hangs their ancient wedding portrait in the parlor where it once hung and dreams of finding a sense of home. But she soon learns her ancestors were carpetbaggers whose legendary misdeeds make the town hostile toward anyone named McComb. Tish isn't the only one who feels the sting of rejection, though. When an influential citizen disowns his prodigal daughter, Tish offers her the acceptance they've both been denied. But everything goes south when the wayward daughter doesn't straighten up. Tish can't decide if she should challenge her incorrigible houseguest by drawing a line in the sand, or write words in the sand and dare the prodigal's father to throw the first stone.
The thing that most surprised me about this book was how many levels and story lines there were. But they weren't difficult to follow. I really enjoyed learning about all the different characters. First, there's Tish, who moves to Noble. She takes in Mel, a young girl who is disowned from her family. She grew up in Noble, so she knows a lot about the town. Then there's Calv, the man Tish bought the house from, who feeds a dog named Daisy that always shows up on Tish's porch, who belongs to George, a guy who runs an antique shop with Calv. And George eventually hires Mel. Each character has his or her own backstory and plot line, but they also interact with one another superbly. George and Mel have such an interesting relationship, but Mel and Tish have such a different one. I truly feel like I got to know how each of their relationships with one another worked.
On top of the character interaction, the storyline crossovers and weaving worked so well. I was so impressed at how the stories drifted apart and then back together, all at once, and sporadically. Moseley expertly wove together all the layers to create a complex and compelling novel. I was never lost or confused about who was where during a particular scene or what was going on.
There was also an air of mystery to it regarding the past McCombs. We don't really find out a lot about them until midway through the book, and even then, their history is still a little cloudy. But as the story gets deeper and Tish gets deeper into Noble, we slowly discover more. Secrets and facts were revealed precisely when they needed to be, and it was suspenseful, but not keeping us in the dark so much to be irritating. The perfect amount of intrigue.
I also loved Calv's character, even though he was kind of a side player. I feel like he was so human, quick to judge, changing his mind and perception, and always giving treats to Daisy. These characters were just so real.
I have to say, I had no idea this book would be so complex or interesting on first glance. But by chapter 5, I was hooked, and couldn't put it down.
Having moved frequently within her native Michigan, Tish McComb is thrilled to move to Noble, Alabama, and buy a house built by her great-great-great-grandparents shortly after the Civil War. She hangs their ancient wedding portrait in the parlor where it once hung and dreams of finding a sense of home. But she soon learns her ancestors were carpetbaggers whose legendary misdeeds make the town hostile toward anyone named McComb. Tish isn't the only one who feels the sting of rejection, though. When an influential citizen disowns his prodigal daughter, Tish offers her the acceptance they've both been denied. But everything goes south when the wayward daughter doesn't straighten up. Tish can't decide if she should challenge her incorrigible houseguest by drawing a line in the sand, or write words in the sand and dare the prodigal's father to throw the first stone.
The thing that most surprised me about this book was how many levels and story lines there were. But they weren't difficult to follow. I really enjoyed learning about all the different characters. First, there's Tish, who moves to Noble. She takes in Mel, a young girl who is disowned from her family. She grew up in Noble, so she knows a lot about the town. Then there's Calv, the man Tish bought the house from, who feeds a dog named Daisy that always shows up on Tish's porch, who belongs to George, a guy who runs an antique shop with Calv. And George eventually hires Mel. Each character has his or her own backstory and plot line, but they also interact with one another superbly. George and Mel have such an interesting relationship, but Mel and Tish have such a different one. I truly feel like I got to know how each of their relationships with one another worked.
On top of the character interaction, the storyline crossovers and weaving worked so well. I was so impressed at how the stories drifted apart and then back together, all at once, and sporadically. Moseley expertly wove together all the layers to create a complex and compelling novel. I was never lost or confused about who was where during a particular scene or what was going on.
There was also an air of mystery to it regarding the past McCombs. We don't really find out a lot about them until midway through the book, and even then, their history is still a little cloudy. But as the story gets deeper and Tish gets deeper into Noble, we slowly discover more. Secrets and facts were revealed precisely when they needed to be, and it was suspenseful, but not keeping us in the dark so much to be irritating. The perfect amount of intrigue.
I also loved Calv's character, even though he was kind of a side player. I feel like he was so human, quick to judge, changing his mind and perception, and always giving treats to Daisy. These characters were just so real.
I have to say, I had no idea this book would be so complex or interesting on first glance. But by chapter 5, I was hooked, and couldn't put it down.
lmbartelt's review
4.0
A charming story of a Yankee with roots to the South trying to fit in, in her ancestors' hometown. I loved Tish's spontaneous decision to buy the old house and her determination to make it work despite getting the cold shoulder from most of the town.
Supporting characters Mel and George are colorful and likeable and keep the story moving.
My first read by Meg Moseley won't be my last.
Supporting characters Mel and George are colorful and likeable and keep the story moving.
My first read by Meg Moseley won't be my last.
pixieauthoress's review
4.0
I don't think anything will quite blow me away like Meg's first novel, but this was still an excellent read. Although the grudges held against Meg's ancestors felt a little over the top at times, I could sympathise with Tish's desire to fit into her new town and do the right thing, even when everything back-fired.
George, Calv and Mel made for fun secondary characters, although I did wish Mel had grown up a little bit by the end of the book. She seemed to have made progress in the epilogue, but in the final chapter it honestly seemed like she'd only made things right with her family because Tish forced her to. Still, everything wasn't tied up neatly at the end of the book (it didn't seem like Mel's mum had stood up to her husband at all, or tried to get in touch with her daughter) but that made the story all the more realistic.
Although this book was a little lighter than Meg's first novel, the writing was still fantastic, and made for a very engrossing read. I could easily visualise the setting of Noble, Alabama, and I enjoyed sitting down to read chunks of this book whenever I found I spare moment.
I did find myself wishing that we'd learned more about Tish's ancestors and whether some of the stories about them were true, especially since Marian mentioned that the Historical Society had proof. Even some excerpts from some more of the letters would have been fun.
All in all, this was a very enjoyable, engrossing read with believable characters, even if it was hard for me to understand the long-held grudges in the town of Noble. It sounds like Meg's third novel will be entirely different again, so I'm looking forward to reading whatever she comes up with next! 4*
George, Calv and Mel made for fun secondary characters, although I did wish Mel had grown up a little bit by the end of the book. She seemed to have made progress in the epilogue, but in the final chapter it honestly seemed like she'd only made things right with her family because Tish forced her to. Still, everything wasn't tied up neatly at the end of the book (it didn't seem like Mel's mum had stood up to her husband at all, or tried to get in touch with her daughter) but that made the story all the more realistic.
Although this book was a little lighter than Meg's first novel, the writing was still fantastic, and made for a very engrossing read. I could easily visualise the setting of Noble, Alabama, and I enjoyed sitting down to read chunks of this book whenever I found I spare moment.
I did find myself wishing that we'd learned more about Tish's ancestors and whether some of the stories about them were true, especially since Marian mentioned that the Historical Society had proof. Even some excerpts from some more of the letters would have been fun.
All in all, this was a very enjoyable, engrossing read with believable characters, even if it was hard for me to understand the long-held grudges in the town of Noble. It sounds like Meg's third novel will be entirely different again, so I'm looking forward to reading whatever she comes up with next! 4*
lesread's review
4.0
(Check out the review on my new website!)
4.5 Stars
PG for smoking and kissing scene
Recommended to 13 & up (appropriate for most ages)
REACTION:
I usually can not stand talk about being from the north or south. Maybe it’s because I was born in Maryland and yet raised in North Carolina; hearing talk about whether things are done better in the north or in the south.
However, I was willing to give a novel about the south a chance and hoped it wouldn’t be littered with exaggerated southern accents and slang until I barfed. There is a way to say, “Y’all,” without it sticking out like a sore thumb. Or maybe that’s my southern side talking.
This book was surprisingly well written, and I am impressed that Gone South was only Meg Moseley’s second book. I found myself hoping Tish would stick things through and find her place. I enjoyed her character and seeing a more realistic side to her; rather than always having things together or being an emotional wreck, she was a good balance.
About forgiveness, Gone South builds on this message and pushes toward reconciliation even when you are the only one trying. The characters were imperfect, sometimes hard to like, but they kept on fighting for love and acceptance.
It is also noteworthy to add that I think the cover of Gone South is beautiful, and I smiled when I finally realized where it fit into the story.
CRITIQUE:
Honestly, I spent most of the book waiting for something to happen between Tish and George.
I was worried that the book would turn into a typical Tish can’t get past her hurts, relationship is ruined, they go their separate ways, then get back together and make up. Or even worse that NOTHING would happen. Thankfully, Meg Moseley took everything in stride.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
You should read Gone South, especially if you’d like to try a southern novel without drowning in sweet tea. It’s a wonderful story, has some great character interactions, people who will get under your skin in a way only a good story can, and I believe you’ll be cheering on alongside them– hoping for love, forgiveness, reconciliation… and a happy ending. I recommend Gone South!
DISCLAIMER: I received this eBook for free from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 Stars
PG for smoking and kissing scene
Recommended to 13 & up (appropriate for most ages)
REACTION:
I usually can not stand talk about being from the north or south. Maybe it’s because I was born in Maryland and yet raised in North Carolina; hearing talk about whether things are done better in the north or in the south.
However, I was willing to give a novel about the south a chance and hoped it wouldn’t be littered with exaggerated southern accents and slang until I barfed. There is a way to say, “Y’all,” without it sticking out like a sore thumb. Or maybe that’s my southern side talking.
This book was surprisingly well written, and I am impressed that Gone South was only Meg Moseley’s second book. I found myself hoping Tish would stick things through and find her place. I enjoyed her character and seeing a more realistic side to her; rather than always having things together or being an emotional wreck, she was a good balance.
About forgiveness, Gone South builds on this message and pushes toward reconciliation even when you are the only one trying. The characters were imperfect, sometimes hard to like, but they kept on fighting for love and acceptance.
It is also noteworthy to add that I think the cover of Gone South is beautiful, and I smiled when I finally realized where it fit into the story.
CRITIQUE:
Honestly, I spent most of the book waiting for something to happen between Tish and George.
I was worried that the book would turn into a typical Tish can’t get past her hurts, relationship is ruined, they go their separate ways, then get back together and make up. Or even worse that NOTHING would happen. Thankfully, Meg Moseley took everything in stride.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
You should read Gone South, especially if you’d like to try a southern novel without drowning in sweet tea. It’s a wonderful story, has some great character interactions, people who will get under your skin in a way only a good story can, and I believe you’ll be cheering on alongside them– hoping for love, forgiveness, reconciliation… and a happy ending. I recommend Gone South!
DISCLAIMER: I received this eBook for free from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.
esquiredtoread's review
3.0
Would've had four stars if it didn't have such cliche, horribly cheesy lines at the end of the book. Ruined a lot of it for me.
Good story, a bit slow, I had a hard time grasping what exactly the whole point of everything was and the author tried to tell us in the end of the novel by overly cliched lines, but by then it was too well. So, I guess the correct term is "underdeveloped themes" but it seems more like they were rushed, or she felt like we should just get it? IDK I was confused. The epilogue made a big point about how our identity is found in God as we are HIS children above all else and thats a great theme but seemed to come out of nowhere, the family stuff with the Mel character seemed WAYYY underdeveloped and that couldve been a good (and better) story in itself but there was a lot of things hinted at that weren't fully explored and I'm just left confused and rambling on a comment thing on goodreads so ill end this here. Its a fine, light, read the ending was just dumb. The author tried to make the story more than it was, I feel like. That's rude, but its how it felt. Oh, and she failed.
Good story, a bit slow, I had a hard time grasping what exactly the whole point of everything was and the author tried to tell us in the end of the novel by overly cliched lines, but by then it was too well. So, I guess the correct term is "underdeveloped themes" but it seems more like they were rushed, or she felt like we should just get it? IDK I was confused. The epilogue made a big point about how our identity is found in God as we are HIS children above all else and thats a great theme but seemed to come out of nowhere, the family stuff with the Mel character seemed WAYYY underdeveloped and that couldve been a good (and better) story in itself but there was a lot of things hinted at that weren't fully explored and I'm just left confused and rambling on a comment thing on goodreads so ill end this here. Its a fine, light, read the ending was just dumb. The author tried to make the story more than it was, I feel like. That's rude, but its how it felt. Oh, and she failed.
writerrhiannon's review
4.0
Gone South
It's hard not to love Tish McComb. Following her heart and taking a chance on a new beginning in an ancestral home is a decision not taken lightly. But you have to respect a woman who acts on her desires (no matter how irresponsible.) With little savings, Tish is need of a job. This proves difficult due to the McComb name being mud in the small town of Noble. But in a perfect example of "someone always has it worse than you" Tish finds herself aligned with a teen runaway returning to town, outcast by the town and her own family.
To read my full review: http://www.ivoryowlreviews.blogspot.com/2013/08/gone-south.html
** I received this book in exchange for an honest review**
It's hard not to love Tish McComb. Following her heart and taking a chance on a new beginning in an ancestral home is a decision not taken lightly. But you have to respect a woman who acts on her desires (no matter how irresponsible.) With little savings, Tish is need of a job. This proves difficult due to the McComb name being mud in the small town of Noble. But in a perfect example of "someone always has it worse than you" Tish finds herself aligned with a teen runaway returning to town, outcast by the town and her own family.
To read my full review: http://www.ivoryowlreviews.blogspot.com/2013/08/gone-south.html
** I received this book in exchange for an honest review**
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