A long time comin'

Beatrice Agnew has spent her life living for others. At 15, she became a mother, and then a single parent after her husband left her a few years later. Beatrice did what she had to do for her family to survive, relying mostly on the Lord and herself. So when she receives a devastating diagnosis and the news that she only has a few months to live, she decides that she will embrace death on her own terms. Part of that embracing is saying to her children what's in her heart, so she calls on her granddaughter, Evelyn, to help write and deliver the letters. But with those letters is another, one that's been a long time coming. Pearson delivers a poignant debut that explores the faith of one African American family. Though it is perhaps overlong, the writing is strong, and the story is engaging, and readers will be pleased to discover a new voice in southern inspirational fiction. Libraries with Christian-fiction collections will want to add this novel to their shelves.--LynnDee Wathen Copyright 2019 Booklist

Granny B is no pushover. She says what is on her mind, no matter who she hurts and alienates in the process, and she will do things her way or not at all. So, when she is diagnosed with a terminal illness, she decides she will pass on to the next life with all of her closely guarded secrets intact; she has kept quiet about her past for all of her life and she sees no reason to change that now. Evelyn Lester is Granny B's granddaughter, and she's got problems of her own. But upon learning about her grandmother's diagnosis, she takes it upon herself to encourage Granny B to reconcile with her children and to fill them in on the family secrets she's held onto for so many years. Granny B's grown children, including Evelyn's mother, make appearances, as they come to grips with the impending loss of the mother who distanced herself from them throughout their entire lives. Robin Eller's pleasant delivery enhances the book. VERDICT There is no new ground broken in this story about a fractured family and lost chances for acceptance and closure. A supplemental purchase for libraries where family stories circulate well.--Laura Brosie, St. Charles City-Cty. Lib., MO.