Happy Friday! Today I am pleased to feature Della’s Song by Donna Jo Stone, part of the Apron Strings Tea Tales series. A standalone, this 1930s-era novel gets its inspiration from the fairytale The Six Swans. How fun is that! I’ll be reviewing Della’s Song in a few weeks, but in the meantime, here’s the first line:
Traces of green and yellow bruises marred her father’s face, and black railroad stitches tracked along his hairline, curving down toward his left ear.
A tragic loss, a silenced song, and a scattered family … one North Louisiana tea room offers an unlikely reunion.
In the wake of a devastating train accident, Della Swan’s world is shattered. Her father and brother are forever changed, and the Swan Family Gospel Singers have no choice but to depend on the charity of formidable Aunt Leticia, proprietor of the Hotel Fairwood.
Of Della’s six brothers, only two remain with her at the hotel: Quiet Max, the youngest, and Frank, the pianist who lost his arm—and his heart for music. The rest are sent away to school or work. Aunt Leticia believes the children must learn to make their way in the world, effectively banishing them.
During Father’s recovery, the repercussions of his head injury make one thing clear. Life as the Swans knew it, traveling the south and sharing music, may never return. Yet Della clings to the belief that God isn’t finished with her family or their calling and sets a plan in motion to bring them together again.
When she develops an unexpected bond with Clayton Miller, the hotel’s reserved, long-time employee, his steady presence reminds her there is often more to people—and situations—than meets the eye.
The Swan Family Gospel Singers are separated by tragedy, Della’s brothers scattered to the wind. With needle and thread, faith, and a song, she finds a way to stitch them together again.
A touch of fairy tale, a spoonful of history, and a teacup of hope.
Della’s Song is a stand-alone novel in the Apron Strings Tea Tales multi-author series, and a 1930s historical with romance retelling of “The Six Swans.”
Donna Jo Stone is an award-winning author of historical, contemporary, and young adult fiction.
Life is messy and beautiful. In everyone’s story, there is truth and hope. Donna Jo’s novels are about common struggles and finding the faith to carry on through those battles.
When she’s not writing, she loves to read and talk about books, poke around in old bookshops and museums, and spend time with her family.
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