Our Kept Hearts
Our Kept Hearts by Tennille Marie is a debut novel published by Purple Iris Printing LLC on November 2, 2023. This 356-page work is presented in English and explores the poignant journey of sisters Hazel and Ruthie McKay as they navigate life after their mother leaves them in 1953 Arkansas. With their father often away, the sisters face the challenges of growing up without maternal guidance, discovering the complexities of childhood and the bonds of family.
The narrative follows Hazel and Ruthie as they encounter friendship and love through their interactions with Joel, a boy grappling with his own struggles at home. Together, they experience pivotal moments such as school dances and first loves, all while confronting the looming threat of nuclear war. As their lives intertwine, the trio must confront a tragedy that forces them to make a difficult choice, testing their resilience and the strength of their relationships. This novel delves into themes of loss, growth, and the enduring spirit of youth amidst adversity.
Official synopsis Publisher
A heart-warming coming-of-age debut novel where sisters learn that even motherless daughters must grow up and become women one day.
Arkansas, 1953. Nine-year-old Hazel McKay knows little girls need a mother. So, when her mother decides to leave her and her little sister, Ruthie, without any reason except she wants more, Hazel feels like her life is falling apart. With their father working out of town most days, Hazel and Ruthie are left on their own in the little house in the middle of the woods, where they find more than just animals and birds hiding in the forest.
Meanwhile, not far away, ten-year-old Joel lives with his alcoholic father. Caught in a struggle to survive his father’s volatile nature and the desire to satisfy his curiosity about the little girls that live in the house in the woods, Joel finds a world of friendship and love he never knew existed.
Together, the three encounter school dances, heartbreaks, first loves, and a world turned upside down by the threat of nuclear war. With a new beginning on the horizon, Hazel, Ruthie, and Joel find their happiness is in jeopardy when tragedy strikes, and they are forced to make a choice. Bury a secret so deep no one will ever know the truth or lose everything they hold dear.
NetGalley Reviews are in –
“What a story!”
“Can’t wait for the next book.”
“I absolutely loved this coming of age story by Tennille Marie. It was one of those beautiful stories written with so much heart and love. Her characters were so honest and real. I was totally mesmerized right from the beginning.”
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