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Before We Were YoursLisa Wingate

Historical fiction

Before We Were Yours

by Lisa Wingate

In 1939 Memphis, twelve-year-old Rill Foss and her younger siblings are taken from their riverboat home and delivered to the Tennessee Children's Home Society. Under Georgia Tann's brutal system, they fight to remain together while being treated as commodities for adoption. In the present, attorney Avery Stafford follows a troubling clue from an elderly woman and discovers that her prominent family is connected to the scandal. Harrowing and dual-timeline, this novel suits readers who appreciate historical fiction exposing real institutional abuse, fiercely protective sisters, family secrets, and investigations that restore names and dignity to children erased by official stories.

Paired for this story

Happiness Experiment + Celebration Prosecco

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At a glance

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Spice1 of 5
Suspense5 of 5
Creepy3 of 5
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No surprises at chapter twelve

Content notes

Child kidnapping and trafficking; child abuse and neglect; physical and emotional abuse; child death; sexual assault/rape and pedophilia themes; confinement/forced institutionalization; racism; miscarriage/infertility; grief and parental death.

Alcohol-Free Pour

Happiness Experiment

Orange and pineapple sparkle with lime in a bright, sunny experiment.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Combine the juices over ice, top with sparkling water, and stir gently.
  2. Garnish: Orange or lime wheel.
  3. Glassware: Highball glass.
21+

Cocktail Pour · 21+

Celebration Prosecco

For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.

A gently sweet pour suits an unhurried afternoon between the pages.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Pour chilled Prosecco into a flute. Add only a tiny pinch of food-grade edible glitter and stir once gently.
  2. Garnish: Food-grade edible glitter.
  3. Glassware: Champagne flute.

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