The Amethyst Heart

She did it again i loved it she has such a way of drawing you into the lives of her characters you start to wonder if you know them ?

This is the first novel by Penelope Stokes that I have read, but certainly it won't be the last! This book had everything, romance, adventure, history, and all without any bad language or explicit sex. The story revolves around 93 year old Amethyst, who is about to be evicted from her lifelong home by her own son. After taking her great granddaughter (also named Amethyst) hostage, Amethyst begins to tell her the history of the house and her ancestors, beginning with Silas Noble who came to Mississippi to be a doctor for the plantations in the area. He married Pearl, another who shared his beliefs that everyone, slaves and the wealthy deserve the same medical care. Throughout their married lives, Pearl and Silas are great friends with the black slaves and even help many of them escape to the north. After Silas passes on, he leaves the land to his best friend and former slave, Booker's son Enoch instead of his own son Abe, who is the complete opposite of his parents. The story continues with the next generations, Abe's daughter and Enoch's and how they continued the fight to make black people free and accepted. The book is always interesting and one of those stories you wish wouldn't end. I am looking forward to reading all the other novels by Penelope Stokes and would recommend this to any age group.

This book is one of those rare finds! Miss Amethyst Noble has lived a long time. And, she has a situation which brings herself and her great-grand-daughter together. Sparking an interest in her great-grand-daughter, she tells the story of her family history. You are literally transported back into time. After reading this novel, I find myself wanting to be "Noble" and good. And, wishing I had sat at my grandmother's side and listened to her stories. I would recommend this book to anyone!

Penelope Stokes has the gift of transporting the reader from every day life to an extraordinary place that touches the heart and renews the spirit. One of the simplest purest messages of The Amythest Heart closes the age gap and reminds us getting old doesn't stop us from feeling. From Two to Ninety and beyond, we all hurt, we all feel, we all love. The characters are not only vivid but surely must be alive somewhere. I carried this book everywhere with me for the two days it took to finish it. It was worth every dish I didn't wash, every bed I didn't make and every meeting I ducked out of. I will be anxiously watching the shelves for the next one Ms. Stokes writes!

I couldn't put this down from the time I started it until I had completely finished it! Stokes has outdone her Blue Bottle Club--and that's saying a lot! This book is really a great read, with characters who capture your heart and a story that just won't let you go! I didn't want it to end! This is the kind of book you'll read over and over again! At least, I know I will!