Having read and enjoyed NABBW member Janie Dempsey Watt’s novel, “Moon Over Taylor’s Ridge,” I was anxious to read more of her work. When she told me she’d had short stories published recently in two anthologies, I jumped at the chance to read both collections.

“Broken Petals” is a collection of short stories that demonstrate strength, humor, and tenacity interlaced with influences of traditional Appalachian teachings and intertwined with today’s lifestyles.

There are 14 stories, all by southern authors, all women whose contributions are influenced by their dedication to their faith, their respect for hard work, and their belief in the values of perseverance, tenacity and Resilience. Some are funny, some are sad. But all will creep into your head and linger on after you read them.

I loved Watts’ story, “Aunt Trish’s Wedding Gift,” which will probably have you laughing as you read it. Sally, the protagonist, tells us about receiving an usual wedding  shower  gift from her aunt: a white porcelain toilet bowl, along with a packet of zucchini seeds and a bag of potting soil.  And instructions to use this as a patio planter – “and see what comes up, if you know what I mean.”

Now I’m a Northern girl, but I have driven through the South a time or two, and can report that I have seen toilet bowls on front lawns, etc. So I do believe the story could actually take place. But to learn whether or not Sally does as her aunt suggests – and find out the rest of that story — you’ll have to read the book.

Other stories I enjoyed were “Apples to Apples,” by Lori C. Byington, “Rachael’s Daffy-Dils,” by Rose Klix, and “Hallulujah Homecoming,” by April Hensley.  Though “The Midwife of Wetzel County,” by Carolina Major Diaz San Francisco, which tells how the author became “a daughter of the mountains,” will live with you, too.

A slender collection, this book is chock full of real stories, by real women of the mountains. And well worth reading.

Originally Published on NABBW.com

Anne Holmes Boomer-in-Chief of NABBW