When the Jessamine Grows

Praise

Praise for Donna Everhart

“The distinctive setting of the turpentine camps in the South during the Great Depression will make an imprint on readers, just as the characters of Rae Lynn and Del do. Fans of Sarah Addison Allen won’t be able to put it down.” – Booklist on The Saints of Swallow Hill
 
“Rousing…movingly explores Jessie’s struggle with her eating disorder, viscerally describing her twin desires for nourishment and purging in relation to a deep need to define herself…Everhart’s story of self-discovery, rife with colorful characters and a satisfying twist, will thrill readers.” – Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW for The Moonshiner’s Daughter

“In a powerful coming‑of‑age story that pitches southern charm against dark family secrets, the voice of 11‑year‑old Dixie Dupree captivates from the first page to the last.” – Barbara Claypole White, bestselling author of The Perfect Son on The Education of Dixie Dupree

“This story of survival and perseverance is heartbreaking and hard, but the ways the characters in the book choose family and hope lead them on paths they would never expect…Everhart creates a signature style by writing in the voice of the main character, a young Southern girl, telling the story from her perspective. Her voice remains true throughout the novel, successfully engaging the reader.” – The Missourian on The Road to Bittersweet

“Everhart is a good storyteller and makes her characters and their experiences come alive.” – Booklist on The Road to Bittersweet

“An adventure story and coming-of-age story wrapped into one satisfying package… Donna Everhart skillfully evokes a harsh landscape and harsh times, squarely placing the reader in Appalachia right along with the family. Wallis Ann’s complicated relationship with her sister is well explored and serves as a catalyst for her growth into a mature young woman.” – Historical Novels Review on The Road to Bittersweet