INTRODUCTION
In a book-signing at Fred & June’s after I received the North Carolina award for Young Adult Literature, I was startled when a woman came into the store, pointed at me and said, “I am looking for her!” That was a first for me.
It turns out that the woman was Melanie Sue Bowles, author of Little Pearl, a finalist in the competition that I had won a week previously. She stayed and visited with me and Joyce Hostetter who was signing her books in the wonderful Baker Mountain series. In this picture of us holding our books, Melanie is in the middle between Joyce and I.
To make a long story short, since I have granddaughters who are horse-lovers, I bought Liberty Biscuit, which is the prequel to Little Pearl. I decided to read it before gifting it and read it in three days–that’s how compelling the story was.
REVIEW
First, take a look at this beautiful cover. I love the soft tones and how it depicts some of the most important parts of the story. Read the story to find out how perfect this cover is!
Kip, the protagonist of Liberty Biscuit, lives on a farm in Georgia. Despite the rural setting that seems ideal for animals, her father strictly forbids her from having a horse or any pet. Kip does not understand his unwavering refusal, yet she respects his decision—at least for a while. This changes when she encounters a white, scrawny, one-eyed donkey who becomes attached to her. After her father relents, Kip takes care of two other abused horses also.
Growth Through Challenges
During the transition from thirteen to fourteen, Kip experiences significant personal growth. She makes a difficult decision and is forced to confront her own temper and impulsiveness. Throughout this period, Kip uncovers a family secret that has deeply affected her father and also begins to reflect on what it means to be biracial. These experiences lead Kip to new insights about herself, forgiveness, and the realization that her father is only human—not the superhero she once believed him to be.
Resolution and Heroism
Ultimately, Kip’s quick thinking helps solve several problems for both her family and her horses. This resolution allows her to emerge as the heroine of her story, a role that the author crafts skillfully and convincingly.
After finishing Liberty Biscuit, I wrote to Melanie, expressing amazement at how the book weaves together themes of biracial identity, family secrets, and spaces such as attics and barns that reveal answers to those secrets—elements also present in Half-Truths. Melanie agreed with my observations. And like Half-Truths, this is a book that will pull on the heart strings of adult readers also.
GIVEAWAY
Melanie is giving away an autographed copy of Liberty Biscuit to one fortunate reader who lives in the U.S. Please leave a comment by January 12. You get two chances if you–or the person you plan to give this book to–are a horse lover, or share this on social media! Just let me know in the comments, along with your email address if you are new to my blog.
I would love a copy for my granddaughter. She loves horses and the outdoors
Thanks, Judy. Your name starts the list!
And your name goes in twice, Judy since she is a horse lover!
Thank you so very much.
I am currently reading Liberty Biscuit. And yes, your book and Melanie’s do seem to have multiple common elements. I love Kip! Both she and Melanie have great voice. Meeting her was an unexpected treat! Serendipity! I think we found a kindred spirit. Since I purchased the book already, please give someone else the chance to win it.
Thanks, Joyce!
My sister-in-law loves horses and books and spends equally amounts of time with both. I shared this on X, too. Sounds like a wonderful book!
Thanks,Kim. Adults will enjoy it too. An extra chance since you shared it!
Sounds like a great book.
Nice to see you back, Lois. I’ll add your name too!
This would be a great gift in my granddaughters easter basket. Thank you.
Wonderful, Kim. I’ll add your name to the list. Thanks.
Hi, my 9 year old, Vicky is a horse lover and she loves to read ❤️. (I’m new to your blog:)
Your 9-year old would love this book. I’ll enter Vicky’s name twice! Thanks for commenting.
That cover is lovely!! Sounds like a good book.
Thanks Marci. You’re in!
Thanks!
You’re in, Dana!
I would love a copy for my friend who loves horses. Shared
Thank you, Shirley, for entering on behalf of your friend and for sharing it! Carol
This sounds like a great story for kids who love horses. I'[l let someone else win to give to their grandkids.
Thanks, Natalie!
What a nice encounter for you all! Horses are amazing animals, sorry I am not eligible for the giveaway but thank you for sharing your review. :)
Thanks, Valinora, for stopping by~
This sounds good. Throw my name into the drawing please.
This sounds like a lovely story! How fun that you met the author in person! But as I recently won and don’t have a horse lover to gift it to, please count me out on this one.
Thanks for commenting, Jenni. I appreciate it.
You got it, Sue!
Sounds like a wonderful story. Please also count me out of this giveaway, I too want it to go to horse lover fan. Happy MMGM
Thank you, Brenda. Your name will go in twice.