I have enjoyed Ane Mulligan's Chapel Hill books and I was very excited to read this one too. It is not in the same vein as the Chapel Hill books, not so funny, but every bit as enjoyable.

This book is set in Georgia just after the stock market crash in 1929. It has a little bit of everything in this book. There were a lot of twists and turns and a lot of main and supporting characters but it really held my interest.

The main character is Maggie Parker and she is very believable. Her supporting characters are just as real as she is. The story flows well and it didn't get slow or boring.

The editing was very well done also.

This is a Christian book. It is not preachy but it shows many times over how we have to have faith in God. I think that is the main, underlying theme of this book.

Kudos to Ane Mulligan for another outstanding book.

I give this a 4 out of 5-star review and would definitely recommend it to my friends and family. ( )

In High Cotton by Ane Mulligan
Love the time frame of 1940's and if I had to choose that's the era I'd go back to.
Book starts with praise from others, acknowledgements, and dedication.
Story starts out with Maggie (Magnolia) and she's with her son Barry and they are on their way to the store.
She is the owner as her spouse who died left it to her, NOT his family. Over time we learn of more details and things add up quickly as to the mysteries that arise.
Love the idea that she's a writer and getting paid to do so. When things get tight she sends her jewelry to her sister in the city to sell. Duchess shows up with the money and also news of her spouse...
They are very religious and have many friends they can count on for help. Love the ideas of how to get more to come to the store to buy things.
Gems I found in this book really do work, love the cleaning and untangling solutions!
Story grabbed my attention as I hurried to do my chores so I could finish reading.
Mishaps and how she founds out who was stealing from the store leads to more problems as the store is then broken into. Many more clues pile up as things just go so wrong, but then because of her faith in God other things go so well for them.
Pinkie is a glow of light in their darkness and others rally to help.
Sadie is a huge help when needed and she's always around. Love how they and Mr. Wade-Maggie's spouse best friend are there for them when others try to take advantage of the women.
Black eye, in a fight. I had to ask my spouse about his first one and he's used to me asking him off the wall questions from something I read in a book. Thanks for this conversation piece I'll treasure mine forever.
Such strong women with strong faith and beliefs.
Hope you can also find your own gems in this story. Besides the story there are also recipes at the end and 'how to' section of tips and tricks.
I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion. ( )

This story has it all characters to cheer for, mystery, suspense, splash of wholesome romance, heartache and well-timed humor. This author pens a beautifully written story of hope, healing and shows the meaning of family through the lives of her fun-loving complex cast of characters I enjoyed hanging out with.

I liked this authors Chapel Hill Series very much. Readers get to see another side of this talented author with a fun-loving cast of Southern women in Rural South GA – during the Great Depression (scary how we are currently experiencing a similar season). Maggie Parker, widow & single mom, captured my heart, as her faith is tested in surprising ways, as she remains hopeful, naturally pressing into the arms of Jesus.
I liked how the author showed life examples of tough times as well as the fun times. I enjoyed the natural non-preachy way the spiritual thread was handled in the characters struggles.

What a great surprise to have the author include some Depression Recipes that would be fun to serve at your book club meeting. Here is a list of some of them, Depression Casserole, Carrot Loaf, Macaroni Papoose, Meatless Loaf, and a few others along with Ginger Taffy. I also found it interesting how the author lists Maggie’s household hints for Upholstery cleaner, Window cleaner, Mold removal and a few others. Kind of handy when you are unable to find your favorite cleaner on the grocery shelf. Just saying! I look forward to reading next book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org ( )

This title puzzled me from the get-go. What could Ane Mulligan mean by “In High Cotton”? I quickly discovered that this is the story of single mother, Maggie Parker, and her seven-year-old son who live in the small Georgia town of Rivers End in 1929. (Points to Ane Mulligan for the town map at the front of the book.) I was relieved to see Ms. Mulligan capture my attention almost against my will, since the Depression is not one of my favorite historical eras.
But present it well, she did. The small town has some big-hearted people, like Sadie and Mama Faylene and Wade, and even little Barry. It also has some small-hearted people, who can’t see beyond the color of one's skin, one’s gender, or their own ambition. Mulligan balances out the town’s population with enough of these that Maggie must constantly watch her back and her store.
But this is a novel to be loved for so many things. Maggie’s story is one of most unique and compelling voices I’ve read in 2020!! I loved how Maggie keeps reaching out to help people, because they have needs apparent in front of her, even as her store is struggling. As Sadie would say, “Southern women may seem as delicate as flowers, but we’ve got iron in our veins.” The metal (mettle) of these ladies is truly glorious to behold, whether it is Maggie or Sadie challenging Cal;
the transformation of a surprising character; or Mama Faylene quietly standing up to the worst of the lot.
Reminiscent of the movie, Steel Magnolias, you will want to have your tissues ready, but also keep an eye out for the wonderful humor, funny sayings and colloquialisms of the time. By the time you close the book, your heart may feel like you, too, are In High Cotton! Mine did.
Themes include finding true family, trusting God, and standing tall against evil, together. If only Ms. Mulligan’s map had shown how to get to River’s End.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher. This in no way affects my opinions, which are solely my own. ( )