Where Wild Peaches Grow: A Novel

Written by Cade Bentley

Narrated by Bahni Turpin

In a deeply emotional novel of family, cultural heritage, and forgiveness, estranged sisters wrestle with the choices they’ve made and confront circumstances beyond their control.

Nona “Peaches” Davenport, abandoned by the man she loved and betrayed by family, left her Natchez, Mississippi, home fifteen years ago and never looked back. She’s forged a promising future in Chicago as a professor of African American Studies. Nona even finds her once-closed heart persuaded by a new love. But that’s all shaken when her father’s death forces her to return to everything she’s tried to forget.

Julia Curtis hasn’t forgiven her sister for deserting the family. Just like their mother, Nona walked away from Julia when she needed her most. And Julia doesn’t feel guilty for turning to Nona’s old flame, Marcus, for comfort. He helped Julia build a new life. She has a child, a career, and a determination to move on from old family wounds.

Upon Nona’s return to Natchez, a cautious reunion unfolds, and everything Nona and Julia thought they knew—about themselves, each other, and those they loved—will be tested. Unpacking the truth about why Nona left may finally heal their frayed bond—or tear it apart again, forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: Aug 30, 2022
• ISBN: 9781713670179

Cade Bentley

Cade Bentley is a novelist and editor who is also published as Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Abby L. Vandiver, as well as Abby Colette. When she isn’t writing, Cade enjoys spending time with her grandchildren. She resides in South Euclid, Ohio. For more information visit www.authorabby.com.

[janedoe.jd986 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Voice actor outstanding; storyline disappointing
Long story short: Nona left home 20 years ago, at the age of 17, and never looked back. Jasper Davenport dies of a stroke and Nona returns to Natchez Mississippi. Nona wants to reconnect with Marcus but is mad at Julia, her sister for marrying Marcus. Nona is loved by many...Opal, Julia, her dad, Marcus, her mother, etc yet Nona still cut off contact with them. The storyline just didn't make any sense in modern America. The point of the story was to say that people who disconnect from their family fail to thrive.

[Bianca Calloway · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great book. It touched on family secrets, history, growing pains, and healing.

[debra · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Just a wholesome good story with a good message about love and family and the truth. A great read!

[Vivienne Lewis · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This story has been told by numerous authors.
I was hoping for much more.

[jetangen4571 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

family-drama, family-dynamics, soap-opera, social-issues, socioeconomics, estranged, siblings****

One sister left feeling betrayed by her family and went as far away as she could in distance and education from her rural roots. The other sister remained with feelings of abandonment as she struggled to take care of aged relatives and the family farm. They are drawn back together by the death of their father. An interesting read, but not my thing at this time.
I requested and received a free e-book from Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you!

[fernemysteryreader · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Nona’s emotions are swirling as she returns for her father’s funeral and knowing that it will be impossible not to see Marcus, the man she loved and broke her heart on the night they were to elope. Everyone knew her as Peaches before she left Natchez, Mississippi 15 years ago. Well, Peaches left for Chicago without Marcus and is now Dr. Nona Davenport, professor of African American studies and Eli is the man in her life now.

Nona begins her visit to see her grandmother, Opal Davenport (lovingly called Mamaw) and is instantly enveloped by the sights of peach and magnolia trees, the fragrances of lilacs, the sound of the porch wind chimes, and nosy neighbor Miss Gus is sitting on her porch as though she’s never moved. There are other reunions yet to take place and the funeral.

Long held secrets of the past reveal not only the pain of the past but how they are affecting the present and the path of the future for Nona, sister Julia and nephew Jayden, and Marcus. Through Nona’s friendship with Sanganette and her brother Ruby history of the area and stories passed down through generations unfolds as well as the reason and meaning behind the nickname of Peaches.

As I read the novel I found this passage to be most meaningful and evocative…

“The world’s history shouldn’t be taken away or added to at the whims of others who want to tell a different story. Tell the story like it happened. And how do we do that?”

This is a compelling story of the relationships within a family, of family history, of southern history, of cultural heritage. It is also a revealing example showing how individuals react differently to the same situations, how reactions are misunderstood and judged unfairly not only by friends but family too. Resonant passages give light to the understanding that we could receive from history if only we shed light on the truth and not the truth some want it to have been.

My sincere thanks to Cade Bentley, and Lake Union Publishing for my complimentary digital copy of this title, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.

#WhereWildPeachesGrow #NetGalley