Beyond the Carousel: A Wyattsville Novel, Book 5

(I love to note the first lines of the books I'm reading. First lines can really grab a reader's attention and I love seeing where the author takes the reader after their first line.) First line—'They say that every man has a story to tell, and I believe this to be true. My story is one of a terrible happening, something that will send you scurrying to give your children one last kiss before you sleep. It is a tale of murder and heartbreak. Only now, after it has come full circle, can I find the strength to give it voice.' And so starts another wonderful story by the wise and talented storyteller, Bette Lee Crosby. I love her books and I especially love the Wyattsville series. One of my favorites characters in the earlier books in this series is Jack Mahoney. Jack shows up in this book as a young man and we learn his backstory and how he got to where he is today. As always, Bette writes memorable characters that the reader just falls in love with. She weaves her characters and story-lines together with her wonderful words. Each sentence is so beautifully written and and her paragraphs contain so much wisdom. The words just flow off the page and into my heart every time. You really need to take a trip to Wyattsville to meet all of these wonderful characters. And... isn't this cover just amazing?

I was allowed to read this early through a platform called Social Book. Other people read it along with me and we were able to make comments while we read. This story starts before the Depression. Rose and Emory are so in love. They have a cold water flat. I have never heard of such a thing. This author must have done a lot of research for this book. A cold water flat is one that has no hot water! Imagine not having any hot water. And having to share a bathroom with other families! The story takes us through the 1920s and the research is wonderful. A full bedroom set for only $249.00! Wow. But back then people were careful with their spending. It brings my parents to mind. They washed out zip loc bags and hung them to dry to be re used and washed aluminum foil as well. And the description of hanging clothes outside to dry, oh the memories! The research also reveals names of songs that were popular back in those days. One song mentioned was Black Bottom which inspired me to look it up online. Seems it was released in 1926 and with the wonder of the internet and YouTube I got to watch and listen to people dressed in the costume of the period and dancing to the song. I looked up another song Shimmy Like My Sister Kate and that put me back in the time period where Rose, Emory and Laura were living. Rose and Emory have a daughter named Laura who eventually marries Franklin a stockbroker who dotes on her. Emory was not sure he liked the young man but he came to love him like a son. Franklin is shot and killed by one of his customers who is angry about losing money in the stock market crash. Laura raises their daughter alone but always keeps the memory of her daddy alive. This is such a great book!

Beyond the Carousel by Bette Lee Crosby, fifth in her Wyattsville series, is a heartwarming tale that follows the family of Emory Hawthorne, an older man who has a story to tell. It is a story of good and bad, of joy and grief, and of life and death. A story about the ones he has loved and cared for. The generations of characters are realistic and likable, their relationships are full of love and loyalty despite the hardships and tragedies encountered. The reader easily gets caught up in their lives, wanting things to turn out well. Crosby deals with the Depression in a down to earth manner showing the fears, the failure, and the frustration that sweeping losses lead to. Can you find magic in the midst of grief? Is there no justice in life or is there truth in the belief that what goes around, comes around? The storyline is compelling and moves quickly with drama, suspense, and emotional tension. All in all, a wonderful story of survival, love, and family from a beloved author.