Before We Were Yours

Before We Were Yours alternates between two timelines - present-day South Carolina and 1939 Memphis, Tennessee. The modern storyline follows Avery Stafford, a federal prosecutor from a prominent family who stumbles upon a mystery connected to her grandmother's past. The historical narrative centers on twelve-year-old Rill Foss and her siblings, who live on a Mississippi River shantyboat with their parents. The children are taken from their family and placed in the Tennessee Children's Home Society orphanage, run by Georgia Tann in Memphis. The novel is based on true events surrounding the Tennessee Children's Home Society, which operated from the 1920s through 1950. Through this dual-timeline structure, the story examines the real-life scandal of Georgia Tann's adoption organization, which kidnapped and sold children to wealthy families. The book explores themes of family bonds, identity, and the ways past secrets influence present lives. It raises questions about privilege, social class, and how society treats its most vulnerable members.

Readers found the dual-timeline narrative engaging and appreciated learning about the real Tennessee Children's Home Society scandal. Many noted they couldn't put the book down and felt emotionally invested in both storylines. Readers highlighted: - Historical research and attention to detail - Character development, especially Rill's perspective - Balance between historical facts and fictional narrative - Impact on raising awareness of adoption fraud Common criticisms: - Modern timeline less compelling than historical sections - Predictable plot developments - Some dialogue feels inauthentic - Romance elements seem forced Ratings: Goodreads: 4.4/5 (802,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (41,000+ ratings) BookBrowse: 4.5/5 Reader quote: "The historical chapters were so vivid I could feel the humidity and hear the river lapping against the shantyboat." - Goodreads reviewer Criticism quote: "The present-day storyline took away from the power of the historical narrative." - Amazon reviewer

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🔹 The novel was inspired by the real-life Tennessee Children's Home Society scandal, where Georgia Tann and her organization kidnapped and sold an estimated 5,000 children between 1924 and 1950. 🔹 Lisa Wingate spent months researching survivor stories, court documents, and historical records to accurately portray the horrific conditions children endured at the Tennessee Children's Home Society. 🔹 Many prominent figures, including Joan Crawford and June Allyson, adopted children through the Tennessee Children's Home Society, unaware of the organization's criminal activities. 🔹 The book spent more than 54 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and has sold over two million copies worldwide. 🔹 Georgia Tann, despite her crimes, is credited with helping establish modern adoption practices, including making adoption records confidential and promoting the idea that adopted children were "chosen children" rather than carrying a social stigma.