Charlie's Girl by Mary-Helen and Daniel Foxx

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Charlie's Girl by Mary-Helen Foxx & Daniel Foxx

Publisher:  Cedar Fort, Inc.

Publication Date:   May 8th 2012

ISBN:  1599559684

Book Synopsis:  Fourteen-year-old Rosalind has always been a foster girl without a past, until she’s sent to live with a long-lost grandmother in a house full of memories—and secrets. Soon Rosalind discovers that there’s more to her family history than she ever dreamed. Set in 1960s South Carolina, this unforgettable story of family, friendship, and faith is perfect for readers of all ages.

My Thoughts:  Charlie's Girl is a very beautifully written book!  My heart was totally engrossed in the characters and their story from page one all the way to the end - family, friends, tragedy, small town, faith - what more could a reader ask for!!


Rosalind, Oh Rosalind!  I totally fell in love with her.  Everything about her was so real - to the point it hurt sometimes.  My heart poured out for her; she has had such a rough life.  And Grace, there were times I totally hated her, just to turn around and make me love her.  I could not imagine having to deal with all the losses she had faced.  The supporting characters: Mark William, Muriel, The Watson family - all very well-developed - loved each and every quirk!  


How the authors were able to put so much reality and life into all the different situations in this book - and there were many.  Wow!  They either had to have personal experience or did some deep research.  Everything had such an authenticity about it. Kudos to the authors!!!


Very strong emotions and faith-based / religious issues involved in this book.  It is definitely not for the weak at heart!  The family dynamics and relationships were very  deep - the ups and downs really had me going.  The religious controversies involved - I learned so much from.  These issues truly made a person think hard and long about their own beliefs.  I thought the authors handled this very well.  They did not push heavily toward one belief or the other, but made it thought provoking so that the reader could make their own choices.  


Wow, the end was so powerful!  I really hated that the story ended.  I am wanting to know what is going to happen next.  I do hope that the authors consider writing a follow up - maybe dealing more with the mom's (Nellie's) side of the family - as this one is based on the father, Charlie's family.  


This one is definitely a 5 star pick!!!!  Get it - read it!  You won't regret it!!

About the Authors:   Mary-Helen Foxx retired in 2009 after a long career in public education with the Peoria Unified School District where she worked primarily in library services and IT. She has written widely on genealogical topics and has authored four books on the histories of prominent Southern families. Mary-Helen was also a contributing editor for three years with “Georgia Genealogical Magazine” and has won awards for her writing.


Daniel is Professor Emeritus of History at Ottawa University in Phoenix and has been published in various academic and historical journals. He is the author ofI Only Laugh When It Hurts (Reissued by Pelican Publishing Company, Gretna, LA, 2009). His latest book, Nathan Bedford Forrest: In Search of the Enigmawith Eddy W. Davison (Pelican, 2007) was a National Book Awards nominee, received the 2008 Arizona Book Award for biography, and was finalist for the 2008 Independent Book Publishers Association Benjamin Franklin Award.