Hope Road

Flies on the Butter by Denise Hildreth ***

Thirty-something Rose Fletcher, a successful lobbyist in Washington, D.C., is on her way to visit her small town Southern home for the first time in a long time, but there’s a lot more to her than meets the eye. The novel’s fairly traditional prodigal/coming home plot is enlivened by the author’s Southern charm, wit, and sensibility. The storyline flows smoothly, the flashbacks are natural, and the character development is strong. It’s the kind of book that won’t let you stay at arm’s length; it demands to pull you in. And you won’t be sorry.

Recommended age level: 17+. [Spoiler warning] The main character in this book is having an affair. And while it’s not described graphically, it is a major part of the plot, and it is mentioned numerous times. It is used to tell a redemptive and valuable story that I think many people can relate to. But it is not very uplifting or necessary for a younger teenager to read about.