Glory over Everything (udgave 2017)

I loved the Kitchen House and when I saw there was a sequel, well, all I can say is it didn’t disappoint.
If you read the first book you know why James Pyke fled to Philadelphia, and the feeling he had for his real mother Belle, well now you can continue, and you will be staying up late and page turning!
This story answers some questions, and gives us more, but there are still some tragic happenings, and then the author gives us a conclusion to both books! This book does have it all and you will come away with a Wow!
Now I wish I was able to continue on in the lives of those I have come to know and care about! ( )

It took me awhile to get through this book. It was a great follow up with many of the characters from the Kitchen House. There were parts of the book that I felt dragged on longer than needed. Overall, I enjoyed the book but there is indication that another book may be in the future. ( )

I loved the Kitchen House so I had high expectations for the follow-up. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. The characters were not developed and the plot was barely there. I kept waiting for something to pull me in but it just never happened. I finished the book but do not recommend it! ( )

LOVED THIS! Sequel to The Kitchen House. Great story, great characters.. love her writing! ( )

Full disclosure-I won this book from Goodreads-thank you Goodreads.

First let me tell you that I LOVED The Kitchen House. I read the book, and have since listened to it twice on audio (love Bahni Turpin), so this follow-up book (albeit a stand alone) had a lot to live up to. Unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations.

The story picks up with Jamie Pyke, now James Burton, living in Philadelphia as a white gentleman; far from the Southern Plantation where he was born to the mother of a half negro, half white slave. James has now become a successful silversmith, but must travel back to the South to rescue his young servant Pan, as he has been kidnapped by slave traders and taken to be sold there.

The story is told from 4 points of view, James, Pan, Caroline (James’ white lover), and Sukey (a former Tall Oaks slave and current slave at another plantation). I think the story would have been better if it had only been told by 2 narrators, Pan and Sukey. Honestly, Caroline’s was a waste of ink. Her sections added nothing to the story, and James’ was a bit dull (and he narrates most of the book).

This story lacked the excitement and historic realism that The Kitchen House held. James finished growing up in a nice entitled home in Philadelphia, not much excitement there. The pace doesn’t pick up much until about 2/3 of the way through. The most interesting of the storylines is Sukey’s, and the book would have been much better if the main character would have been her rather than James.

While I enjoyed this novel (3.5 stars), I think it could have been so much better. Kathleen Grisom is a wonderful writer and I look forward to reading more of her work, just hope she can be inspired to write as compelling a book as The Kitchen House again.
( )