My thoughts: From the opening sentence I was entranced at the skill and beautiful word weaving of this "new-to-me" author as she pened this story. I was interested initially in the book because it is set in a small North Carolina town. A town that is surely fictional, but none-the-less should capture the essence of life in the South and specifically life in a small North Carolina town. The author, Heather Norman Smith, is a life time dweller in our fair state. And, yes, I am a life time dweller in North Carolina. So I thought this should be an interesting read.
A Simple Kindness in Flatsboro speaks well to what I have, at times, seen lived out in North Carolina. And that is small things done inconspicuously bringing a bit of joy, comfort, or kindness to a neighbor or passer-by. Just a kindness that speaks well to humanity and speaks well to what it is like to be a North Carolinian. But I digress from the book's actual story.
The main character, Andy Clark, was born, unfortunately, with a major tumor growing on the side of his face and it got worse as he grew. His loving mother had a way of instilling love and acceptance in Andy, and she "gentled" him through the roughness of a life of being different from his peers. In school there were difficulties and few friends; but one of Andy's friends was our other main character, Della Rose. And at some point in their school years, even Della Rose turned against Andy. That's the background and the story actually begins when they are in mid-life.
Andy has a way of doing unseen kindnesses and Della Rose (and her sweet little girl) have just left a marriage of 17 years because of a cheating husband and some abuse. Sadly, Della Rose's story is not limited to just Della Rose and North Carolina. It is an often occurring situation where shattered marriages, with wives and children in situations desperate for housing and support, can be seen throughout the world. But again, I digress from the story of Flatsboro.
As Della Rose works through the tense, sometimes frightful life she now experiences as a divorcee and single mother, she encounters kindness - A simple kindness - from a generator of kindness in Flatsboro. And the act of kindness is even more amazing in that it comes from a source so bereft of kindness itself.
I like and appreciated the skill of the author and the story of kindness and overcoming difficulties. I don't particularly care to read about broken families since they leave me with such sadness. But this is a well-done story and one I can recommend.
About the book: A small dose of kindness can go a long way
Andy Clark has always been different. But it isn't just the tumorous mass covering half his face that sets him apart—it's his quiet kindness. As an anonymous do-gooder in Flatsboro, North Carolina, Andy lives out what his mama taught him, even though she's no longer there.
Della Rose Miller, a well-known former beauty queen, escapes her crumbling marriage to arrogant Wade Miller and moves back to her hometown in hopes of finding reprieve. She and her daughter settle into a little Flatsboro apartment and quickly learn that they’re in the same complex as a childhood classmate whose heart Della Rose broke in third grade.
With her life turned upside down, Della Rose is uneasy about starting fresh, but when unassuming Andy turns his generosity toward her daughter, an unlikely friendship rekindles. When a heroic act suddenly pushes Andy into the spotlight, he risks his anonymity and quiet day-to-day habits to stand up for what's right.
About the Author: Heather Norman Smith is the award-winning author of Songs for a Sunday and other inspirational fiction set in her home state of North Carolina. She lives just outside Winston-Salem with her husband, their four children, and several pets. Find out more at heathernormansmith.com.
GIVEAWAY
Begins September 25
Ends October 16 @ 11:59 p.m. ET
Open to USA addresses only
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from
Kregel Publishing to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's book prize is provided by and mailed directly to the winner by publisher or its representative.
Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.
