Prodigal

Kate Falvey, Ph.D., English Professor, New York City College of Technology, Editor-in-chief of 2 Bridges Review, Associate editor, Bellevue Literary Review: ""With her characteristic evocation of place, Phyllis Gobbell's PRODIGAL pulls us into a whirl of family secrets and betrayals, a riveting world of southern discomfort, as a lost but determined young man tries to confront his past and find his way home. A matriarch's legacy and family bonds are tested and questioned, and Connor Burdette learns what heroism and family mean. This is a satisfying page-turner with intriguing characters and intrigue aplenty. Gobbell's writing is as refreshing as sweet iced tea on a scorching July 4th afternoon."" Rev. Becca Stevens, President and Founder of Thistle Farms, Author of Practically Divine: ""I am a Phyllis Gobbell fan. Her southern-spiced storytelling, combined with her divining rod for truth stuck in the mud of deceit and time, pulls you into this story of the prodigal. She has written to the sweet spot where suspense and tenderness meet. Take this book to the mountain, on the train, or to your bed. You will love it!"" M.M. Buckner, Award-winning author of Watermind and other novels: ""Secrets, lies, and surprise revelations abound when a long-lost son returns to his small southern hometown. Well known for her story-telling prowess, Gobbell unfolds this complex family saga with genuine insight and warmth."" Mary Bess Dunn, Author of Fate Havens: ""PRODIGAL is a stirring account of a family caught between the fierce push and pull of loyalties and betrayals. Part mystery, part love story, and part family saga, this captivating story reaches beyond the boundaries of a small southern town to confront universal notions of cowardice, courage and deception. Beautifully written, and hard to put down, Gobbell's Prodigal will tug at your heart and linger there."" Rita Burke, Author of Islomanes of Cumberland Island and Kylie's Ark: ""This modern-day retelling of the Biblical prodigal is a powerful story about entangled relationships, redemption and second chances. When Connor Burdette reappears after ten long years, each member of the Burdette family must struggle to accept the truths that are revealed, to forgive, and to love again. Phyllis Gobbell's PRODIGAL is both haunting and profound."" Susan Van Kirk, Author of the Endurance Mysteries and the Art Center Mysteries: ""A Southern tale at its best. Secrets, lies, betrayal--a deadly trinity that moves this family story into the realm of tragic.""