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Atmosphere Press

Pub date January 23, 2023

ISBN 979-8891320567

Price $18.99 (USD)  Paperback

Author interview

Brown crafts a poignant story of tradition, evolution, and the complexities of familial connections around the conflict between three women of a family. Maggie McCoury is a traditional healer, taught by generations before her and embraced by the Cherokee people. Her daughter, Carrie Ann, challenges this way of healing with her Western education. The two clashes over the use of natural remedies versus pharmaceuticals from the town’s drugstore, leaving Carry Ann’s daughter, Josie Mae, caught in their tug-of-war.  Who should Josie Mae trust? As Josie and Maggie exude easygoing and adaptable personalities, Carry Ann stands out with her stubbornness and impulsive nature. From initially rejecting her mother’s healing powers to eventually succumbing to them, Carry Ann undergoes a gradual transformation over several decades. Brown skillfully guides readers through this metamorphosis as Carry Ann gains a deeper understanding of her daughter, mother, and her tumultuous relationship with the latter. Along the way, Daniel serves as Carry Ann’s friend and wise mentor, aiding in her growth. The ultimate test of Carry Ann’s journey arrives with Josie’s debilitating illness, forcing her to confront her innermost struggles and insecurities. With exquisite prose, Brown paints an empathetic portrait of Carry Ann that resonates with readers and seamlessly ties together themes of tradition, fear of change, and the unbreakable bonds of family. Simply un-put-downable.

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