What to Keep

The characters are well developed and have depth. The story line is interesting and has enough twists to make it worth buying not just borrowing. I found myself not putting it down until I finished the book. I've lived in Vegas most of my life, and believe the protagonist to be representative of many down and out in the industry. I've never experienced the South, but felt I got a true window to the South in this story. It was an enjoyable experience. I look forward to Schramski's next novel.

In 2000, forty year old, married and divorced three times, Vegas Golden Nugget blackjack dealer Juliette Carleton with two digits in her bank account learns from North Carolina state appointed executor Ron Tanner that she inherited the estate of her late Uncle Grey Alexander. She had not seen him since she was a child and neither stayed in touch so she is surprised that she is the recipient of his house, car, and not much else. Not long afterward, Juliette adds unemployment to her résumé as she is fired when her beer fuzzed brain calls her womanizing pit boss an a-hole. Juliette heads to North Carolina with plans to sell the antebellum home Magnolia Hall until she begins hearing tales about her great aunt who lived there before the Civil War as she begins to explore beneath the southern layers of dust into her ancestry. She also wonders who the housekeeper Tildy Butler is and why she remains in this dilapidated mausoleum. Finally there is the kind lawyer who attracts her so much she wants to forget her vow of no more men. Though readers will know early one who's who, fans will enjoy this fine contemporary tale focused on a woman needing to renew her life so filled with failure. Juliette initially comes to North Carolina to sell Magnolia House, but is quickly caught in a desire to learn about her family tree. Flashbacks to her great aunt provides a wonderful look back at the pre Civil War Tarheel State while also blending nicely with the heroine's need to know. Mary Schramski writes a solid character study tale that wonderfully contrasts the past and the present leaving the future with possibilities. Harriet Klausner

Once started, I could not put this book down! This story of family is woven in a unique and compelling way, seamlessly linking the past with the present and showing how our history affects our lives in a multitude of ways. The characters come to life, and I loved Juliette in spite of (or maybe because of) her realistic hard edge, and the soft insecurity beneath it. I can't wait for Ms. Schramski's next book!