This was a beautifully crafted story. IT relates the story of a mother and her children during a coming of age story during slavery in the American South. Told in an easy going way, it was like the patterns of knitting stitches. Each part meshed into the next. THE pacing was wonderful, clean and clear and in a straight line. Just like the even, humming of the needle through the cloth. You learned to care about each of the characters, FREE or SLAVE, and how historical events impacted their lives.The people in power, and those without power were well described. With the background of the Civil War it touched on many emotions, but never in a maudalin way. This novel was a great read, and the characters truly touched me. I expected to read at the end that this was a real family; the ancestors of the Breena Clarke. Not since ROOTS, has there been such a well done story of the African-American experience during Slavery.

Ever since I was a child, I have always enjoyed books that take place around and during the Civil War. When I discovered that Breena Clarke, author of the Oprah selection RIVER, CROSS MY HEART, had written a new book about a family of slaves who had bought their freedom, I just knew I wanted to read it. The book is called STAND THE STORM, and I found it to be a very well-written and touching story.

I have to admit that I didn't find this book to be an easy read. As I was reading STAND THE STORM, I enjoyed the story a great deal (although it was very depressing at times). I thought the author did an amazing job of developing the characters and bringing them to life. I also thought she did a fantastic job of showing the reader what it was like to live as a former slave in Georgetown during the Civil War period. My only issue with STAND THE STORM that I didn't find myself rushing to get back to it after I set the book down. For some reason, I liked the book but I wasn't totally caught up in the Coats' family story.

One thing I will definitely say about this book is that it was a huge wake-up call for me about the lives of former slaves. I guess I just assumed that when a black person bought their freedom that they were truly free. It's obvious to me now that that was not the case -- I probably just never thought about it all that much before reading this book. I found myself frustrated that there were countless slaves, as well as freed men and women, who had to endure so much pain and humiliation; and I'm embarrassed that these things ever occurred in our country.

Another thing that will remain in my thoughts for quite awhile after reading this book were the characters and their individual struggles. I thought so many of the characters were extremely well-developed and they seemed very real to me -- especially given how complex and flawed they were. I was continually blown away by how much they had to endure, and I found their strength and resilience to be very uplifting. As I read this book, it just seemed like no matter how much they accomplished, they were still just a minute away from losing everything. I was saddened by so many of these events, and yet I still considered this book to be one with the ultimate message of hope. Each character seemed to make sacrifices so that their children would have better lives.

Ms. Clarke has a fantastic website, and you really should visit it. I especially loved how she has a page geared towards book clubs. Not only will you find some discussion questions, but you will also find a list of recommended books about the Civil War. Ms. Clarke makes herself available to discuss either of her novels with book clubs. My group wasn't able to work out an author chat with Ms. Clarke; however, you can request one here. Another part of the website that I really appreciated was a section called "About the Book" where Ms. Clarke explains some of the inspiration behind STAND THE STORM. I found it to be fascinating and particularly insightful into the story.

I am very anxious to discuss STAND THE STORM tonight when my Preschool Moms Book Club meets. I am curious to hear whether everyone enjoyed the book, and what their reaction was to the ending -- I almost dropped the book when I read it. Fortunately for us, the paperback version of STAND THE STORM includes a reading group guide with twenty thought-provoking questions. I definitely think this guide will help keep us focused on discussing the characters and their stories.

I definitely recommend STAND THE STORM if you are a fan of historical fiction and especially fiction that revolves around slavery and the Civil War. I found that this book not only moved me because I was so touched by the characters' lives, but I also felt like I gained some additional insight into this time period. It was a very interesting read and well worth my time.

I am always seeking original topics. This books qualifies. I enjoyed being part of the life of the Coats family. Serious things happened to them but I never felt any anquish for them. Somehow their sorrows seemed just a page away from a happy turn of fortune. Sewing Annie was not believable - she was always right and thinking ahead. I liked Gabriel and his wife, Mary.

The novel was a very enjoyable read for me as I quickly became immersed in the lives of the Coats family and the skill and art of sewing. The strong mother/son bond between Annie and Gabriel is at the center force of the family as they weathered their storms in a disciplined and unassuming way.

The book deals with the Ripley family and other arrogant slave owner antagonists, but in a simple yet understandable way. It covers the difficult topic without overpowering the positive strength of the story.

Annie is a unique character and really the heart of the story. Ultimately she manages to survive and even thrive through all the challenges; enough that her goodness is passed on to new generations.

I found the most unique and enjoyable part of the book was the choice of period words and the scenes which are painted with them. It gave me a feeling of authenticity about the story and an impression that life, while similar to ours in some ways, was different back then in some good and bad ways.

"Stand the Storm" was interesting from a historical perspective but it did not capture much in the way of the personalities of the time or the characters. While I respected Gabriel and his family, I could not warm up to them. The book was well written but also one that was very easy to put down.

My husband and I read this book. Together, we gave it a "B". If you only read one of this author's book, this is the better one. Breena Clark's first book, "River, Cross My Heart" is a good book and an Oprah book club selection. TIME magazine gave "Stand the Storm" an "A-"