Before We Were Yours: A Novel by Lisa Wingate cover

Before We Were Yours

by Lisa Wingate

4/5

$6.84 on Amazon
L
Lisa Wingate

2 books reviewed · 4 avg

Lisa Wingate's Before We Were Yours successfully transforms the tragic Georgia Tann adoption scandal into accessible historical fiction, balancing emotional impact with age-appropriate storytelling, though romance subplots occasionally detract from the powerful historical narrative.

What works

Historically accurate portrayal of the Georgia Tann adoption scandal

Age-appropriate handling of difficult themes without sanitizing the tragedy

Dual timeline structure that effectively connects past and present

Strong character development, especially for protagonist Rill Foss

Educational value for readers unfamiliar with this historical period

What doesn't

Forced romance subplot detracts from the main historical mystery

Ending resolves conflicts too neatly given the decades of trauma involved

Some secondary characters lack sufficient development

Modern timeline occasionally feels disconnected from the historical narrative's emotional weight

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