Sassy Sweetwater was always sassy but also very sweet.

Sassy was born out of wedlock on the riverbank of Sweetwater River. Her mother used Sassy as her first name just because, and she used Sweetwater for her last name because she didn't want Sassy to know who her father was. Right after her birth Sassy and her mother, Vi, left the area and stayed away for thirteen years until Vi decided to return to her childhood home.

After thirteen years, coming back home was quite difficult for Sassy because she knew no one and was never told she even had any family. It was wonderful for Vi, though. Once Sassy saw the family home, she had no desire to live in this huge house and especially with Grandma Edna, but that is what her Mama wanted. Sassy found out very quickly more than she wanted to about her "kin" and about family secrets.

The Story of Sassy Sweetwater was a perfect portrayal of a Southern family. I loved the descriptions Ms. Cook used to describe the beautiful home Sassy's mama grew up in, the landscape, and especially the characters. The Southern mansion and its surroundings sounded fabulous. Despite the beauty of the home and landscape, though, the McLaughlin family was definitely made up of an odd bunch of characters.

This book has adult situations and is set during the time of segregation. The Story of Sassy Sweetwater is an easy read that flows nicely despite the book always seeming to have a sinister, gloomy undertone that included murders along with everything else strange and dysfunctional.

It was an unusual book, not what I normally read but it was so different that I continued. I loved the Southern charm and life style. The ending did turn out well for Sassy....it made a full circle from Sassy's poverty-stricken childhood to a rich, fulfilled Southern woman with the reader sharing her pain as well as her happiness.

The book will appeal to most readers but I would steer young readers away. There was quite a bit of adult content. 4/5

This book was given to me free of charge without compensation by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ( )

Author: Vera Jane Cook
Published by: Musa Publishing
Age Recommend: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Raven Rating: 5
Blog Review For: GMTA

Review:
"The Story of Sassy Sweetwater" by Vera Jane Cook was a excellent read. This story was one that was one I couldn't put down until I had finished it....so I read all nite long ... (smile).

Sassy (meaning....attitude and Sweetwater..a stream.... was a very strong, desirous,and daring person. How this author was able to present such a well written novel was simply amazing....dealing with a young Sassy trying to understand the grown ups in her life....mainly her mother...going from one relationship to another...then returning home... to Carter's Crossing, South Carolina.....where Sassy remained there until the end... then it was France.

The story shows Sassy trying to understand these people around her...her mom(Violet) and the dignified relatives that were now in her life. Going from adolescence to adult we are able to see the paths that were taken .... many times being sad to happiness back to sad again....but what Sassy Sweetwater wanted more than life was to just be Happy. Was that possible for her? What about her paintings? There were so many things that were hidden and not talked about... to find out just what they were you will have to pick up this great read to find out what all was involved with secrets...involving Sassys' mom and grandfather..... you will also finds other secrets too!

Ms. Cook worked her magic in bringing out Sassy emotions to the audience. The writing was very well written and each of the characters were brought to life in this great read....Dudley, Earline, Patrick, Thomas Tierney, Kyle, Aunt Peg, Charlotte, grandma Edna, Aunt El (Elvira), Connie, Guy Grissom, Uncle Seth, Aaron, Richard Sweetwater, Earline, Uncle Austin, Erin, Carolyn (maid), Franklin, Pike, James Leroy, Liam, Seamus McLaughlin, Jeremy, Clint, Marjean, Betsy Lou, Wm.( Dixie) Craft.......let's not forget the dogs, June-bug, Foxy, and Abelle...and I am sure I left some out... that I know you will find in the great read. These characters really made this a well understood novel.

"The Story of Sassy Sweetwater" is on a real journey that while you are on it you willfind out just what Sassy needed most in her life. Will Sassy be able to get this in the end? I found this novel a excellent novel and I would recommend this as a good read for the Adult audience. ( )