Today I am reviewing Beulah’s House of Prayer by Cynthia A. Graham for TLC Book Tours. As always, I am provided with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
About the book (from the publisher): In 1934, the tiny town of Barmy, Oklahoma is in need of a miracle. The cows are hungry, the rain won’t fall, most of Main Street is boarded up. Young aspiring trapeze artist Sugar Watson is dumped unceremoniously into this bleak setting with little money and only one thing on her mind – escape. Beulah Clinton, a Holy Ghost preacher, has dedicated herself to helping the distressed in this ragged little wasteland, and Sugar soon finds herself thrown in with Marigold Lawford, the simple-minded widow of the richest man in town, and Homer Guppy, a boy trouble follows like dust after a wind.
Despite Sugar’s immediate distaste for Barmy, Beulah’s patience, Marigold’s kindness, and Homer’s unconditional love make her reconsider the meaning of home.
On Black Sunday, the worst dust storm in history brings with it a choice: Sugar must decide whether or not to return home, leaving the hospitality – and love – of Barmy’s inhabitants. A stunning Depression-era literary novel with of touch of magical realism, Beulah’s House of Prayer captivates to the very end.
My review: I first became acquainted with the writing of Cynthia A. Graham when I read and reviewed Beneath Still Waters earlier this year. I was enchanted by her ability to create a rich world within a small town and its environs, every detail realized – so much so that I felt I was there. When the opportunity to review her newest novel arrived in my inbox, I jumped at the chance.
This novel does not disappoint; in fact, it confirms what I felt after reading Beneath Still Waters, Cynthia A. Graham is an excellent writer. Not only that, she understands human nature and writes with compassion and humor and great warmth.
In this Depression-era story, Barmy, a tiny town in the Oklahoma panhandle, becomes a character in itself; richly drawn, poorer than poor, dusty, destitute, yet full of interesting and wonderfully complex characters. Sugar, who ends up in Barmy after the sudden death of her father while traveling across the country, and Marigold, suddenly widowed, with no money to her name, are welcomed into the spare lodgings provided by Beulah, a preacher, who has also just found Barmy. Beulah, wise to the ways of the heart and an expert on human nature, reaches out to those in need, feeding them, counseling them, providing them shelter. Homer, who lives next door, is continually beaten by his alcoholic father. None of them – not Sugar, not Homer, not Marigold – know what it means to feel truly loved.
Each of the characters in this wonderful novel is beautifully written and Graham takes us along to watch their individual struggles as they make their way toward a sort of salvation.
Can these people who have been thrust together in a time of desperation and suffering somehow find hope? Will there be something better on the horizon?
I loved this novel. And yes, as the description says, there is a wonderful touch of magical realism within the pages. I finished it yesterday and I still can’t get it out of mind. The town of Barmy, the dust bowl, and all the characters are still alive for me. That says something, doesn’t it?
I recommend it very highly.
About the author: Cynthia A. Graham is the winner of several writing awards, including a Gold IPPY and a Midwest Book Award for Beneath Still Waters, and her short stories have appeared in both university and national literary publications. She attained a B.A. in English from the Pierre Laclede Honors College at the University of Missouri in St. Louis. Cynthia is a member of the Historical Novel Society, the St. Louis Writers’ Guild, the Missouri Writers’ Guild, and Sisters in Crime. She is the author of two works of historical mystery: Beneath Still Waters and Behind Every Door. Beulah’s House of Prayer is her first foray into the land of magical realism.
Good news! One of you will be the lucky winner of a copy of Beulah’s House of Prayer. Just leave a comment on this post and I will draw the winner’s name on Wednesday evening. Good luck!
Happy Monday.
Thank you for the book review. Need to check and see if this book available at the library.
I love your review of this book! It sounds really good. I’ll check to see if my library has her first book also.
hugs!
This book sounds enticing. Hope to win!
“Magical realism.” That sounds just about right to me. I’m in. (And, it’s a five-morning-glory day at the lake!)
I would love to win this. Please pick me. it sounds like a wonderful story.
Sounds like an interesting story Claudia. I’m going to see if my library offers any of the author’s books.
Your review made it sound very appealing!!
Oh my! How could I possibly resist a book with my Grandmother’s name on it?! I’ve never met another Beulah :-) Thank you for providing this review – I’ve added both of these books to my “must read” list. Also, thank you for considering me for the book drawing!
My Grandmother’s name was Beulah as well! I have not heard her name in years. I would love to read this book! My Grandmother was also from Oklahoma where this story is based. Interesting! She was Irish with beautiful red hair, green eyes, and fair skin that freckled in the sun. My Grandfather, her husband, was Native American and also from Oklahoma. They settled in Kansas City, Missouri where jobs were plentiful at that time. They raised a large family and lived long healthy lives. It’s just been such a long time since I’d heard of the name Beulah, that it takes me back….
Lily, your grandparents’ story sounds like a romantic novel!
This sounds like a very good read. I will check my library too. Just finished reading an oldie, ‘I Capture The Castle’, and it is in my thoughts. Thank God for so many things and especially terrific writers. Patty Mc
P.S. My morning glories have done just okay this summer. Way more than 5 blooms (it’s southern Ca.), but no where near the huge coverage we usually get on our trellis. Started June with 105 degree weather and in Sept. we are in the high 70’s. Very strange for where we live so maybe that is the reason. No complaints from me. I am loving these cooler temps. Have a blessed day.
Sounds like my kind of book Claudia.
It’s about this time of year that I love to read..
Getting this book would be a start to my reading..
Love your blog..
I love books about human nature…this sounds like a winner!
I would like to read a story about the Oklahoma panhandle how it used to be. Now with oil drilling they get 900 man made earthquakes a year. Saw this on 60 minutes last night. Plus a story of hope is a positive.
This sounds like something I would really enjoy reading. I appreciate the review. Taking a chance that I will be chosen. If not, may need to check our Amazon. Heh.
I would enjoy this greatly. Thanks for your wonderful review and giveaway.
I love your reviews. You always make me want to run get a new book to read! I would love to read this one!
Sounds like a really good book. Thanks for a chance to win a copy.
Thanks for this review and the enjoyment I get out of reading your blog. I am sure that I would enjoy this book, too!
Good review, sounds like something I would enjoy! Jen
Your review makes me want to read this book. Thanks for the chance to win!
My kind of book, I’d like to win. I’m not familiar with the author yet, but I’ll look into her work. Thanks.
You peaked my interest because of the location, Oklahoma! My state. Would love to have the book and then donate it to my very small town library.
interesting sounding
I will definitely check out this author. Sounds like my kind of book. Thank you for your review!
OK; yet another book for the To-Be-Read list. Very nice review, Claudia. Thank you.
This book sounds fascinating, and judging from your review, you enjoyed it very much. I would love to win this…. thanks for the opportunity!
You made this book sound like a great read! Would love to win!
BTW – I love reading your blog!! Keep up the good work.
I would love to dive into this book! I haven’t read any of Cynthia A. Graham work yet…..I will be checking out Beneath Still Waters also!
Sounds like a great book. I put it on my reading list. Will check and see if my library has it.
This book sounds very fascinating. :-)
Claudia,
Your description pulled me in and made me want to know more. Would love to win but if I do not, I’ll be adding this to my list. I love a book that stays with you when it ends. I cannot remember if you also have a Kindle or Nook. Just wanted to add that I received a Nook for my birthday and I just love it, but I will also always love the feel of a book in my hands.
Susan
I’ve never read a book by Cynthia Graham, but so love a good story that gives the reader a window into small town life. I grew up in a tiny Georgia town and then moved to the city.
sounds like an interesting read – hope i win
Sounds like a great read! Thanks Claudia!
I had a sample sent to my phone from Amazon. If I don’t win I will be purchasing the Kindle edition. Thanks for the review!
Claudia, although I am not a murder mystery reader, I don’t usually read the books you review. However, this is the second time I will be reading one of your reviewed books!
Nancy
Would love to win!
Thanks for being a part of the tour!