Where Wild Peaches Grow Audiobook By Cade Bentley cover art

Where Wild Peaches Grow

A Novel

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Where Wild Peaches Grow

By: Cade Bentley
Narrated by: Bahni Turpin
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In a deeply emotional novel of family, cultural heritage, and forgiveness, estranged sisters wrestle with the choices they’ve made and confront circumstances beyond their control.

Nona “Peaches” Davenport, abandoned by the man she loved and betrayed by family, left her Natchez, Mississippi, home fifteen years ago and never looked back. She’s forged a promising future in Chicago as a professor of African American Studies. Nona even finds her once-closed heart persuaded by a new love. But that’s all shaken when her father’s death forces her to return to everything she’s tried to forget.

Julia Curtis hasn’t forgiven her sister for deserting the family. Just like their mother, Nona walked away from Julia when she needed her most. And Julia doesn’t feel guilty for turning to Nona’s old flame, Marcus, for comfort. He helped Julia build a new life. She has a child, a career, and a determination to move on from old family wounds.

Upon Nona’s return to Natchez, a cautious reunion unfolds, and everything Nona and Julia thought they knew—about themselves, each other, and those they loved—will be tested. Unpacking the truth about why Nona left may finally heal their frayed bond—or tear it apart again, forever.

©2022 Shondra C. Longino. (P)2022 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved. African American Family Life Genre Fiction Historical Fiction World Literature Heartfelt

Critic reviews

“Narrator Bahni Turpin gives a stunning performance as both Nona and Julia, two women who follow different paths but are, ultimately, alike. Turpin brings out the emotion in the story as both women work together to learn the truth about the past and work toward reconciliation. This novel is perfect for fans of The Vanishing Half or books by Edward Kelsey Moore and Kimberly Lawson Roby.”—Library Journal

“Bentley…has written a captivating story of miscommunication, secrets, lies, and forgiveness, beautifully told with rich descriptions of Black culture and history.”—Booklist (starred review)
Intriguing Family Drama • Historical Significance • Fantastic Narrator • Emotional Reconciliation • Engaging Plot Twists
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I will agree and say I had high hopes for this book. The narration did have occasional odd pauses. The narrator was easy to follow. I was hoping for more in regards to the plot and wish that the outcome of the relationships had been elaborated on- definitely finished the book desiring more.

Anticlimactic

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I loved the different version of each character’s interpretation of the same event. The length, duration that the individual family members were able to stay apart, was daunting

A beautiful story, the truth of slavery will be revealed regardless of all the obstacles placed in its path.

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The story the Wild Peaches was very interesting a big mixture or names,plot twist an at times confusing,,,, I really enjoyed it.

The wild peaches was interesting

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Overall, the book was okay, but it was pretty anticlimactic. It had all the makings of a pretty intriguing story, but in MY opinion, we learned all of the family’s “secrets” at the beginning and then pretty much watched at the sisters learned them. Even when they both learned of what was being kept from them, there was no real peak of the story that it was working up to. Bahni Turpin’s performance was great (per usual) but I did find myself listening on 1.5 because I felt she was narrating a bit slower than usual. Either that, or I was a bit bored. Again, not a bad story, I just think it gives away too much too early leaving little to work up toward.

A bit anticlimactic

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As a whole I enjoyed the book. Frustrated at the characters lack of communication, and the direction the story takes. I just wanted to scream "talk to each other", and like with real life no story ends perfectly wrapped in a bow.

Families can be messy

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I really wanted to give this Audible book 5 stars, but the narration and the flow of the plot kept me from doing it. I selected this book because I was intrigued by the plot, but more importantly, I selected it because it was being narrated by Bonnie Turpin. In my opinion, Ms. Turpin is THE BEST Audible book narrator; so, I assumed because she narrated, it would be outstanding. The plot was very good, but I felt as though some of the chapters were out of order; Julia’s meltdown, for example, belonged earlier in the plot line. Additionally, I felt like it was Miss Turpin’s first reading of the novel; there were numerous unexplained, lengthy pauses. While overall I enjoyed Where Wild Peaches Grow, I just felt like more work needed to be put into both the novel and the narration for it to be worthy of five stars. Nonetheless, I would recommend this Audible book to others.

Really Wanted to Give 5 Stars

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This was a great read. With each Chapter, the author did a great job with unveiling more and more about each Character's internal conflicts and how those internal struggles impacted their behaviors as the story moved along.

My favorite Character was Julia. It's hard to describe but Julia was very giving and very selfish all at the same time. She suffered alot at the hands & behaviors of other people, yet out of survival she hurt others in similar ways that she had been hurt. It seemed like in the story, she didn't get enough empathy for all of the loss that she had survived.

The performance of the Audio was okay. Nothing special stood out about it. At times, it seems that it would have helped to have 2 people narraroting the story.

I loved the story. Definitely predict that this book will make it to the big screens. Well done, Ms. Bentley. Well done.

Loved the Character Development

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Overall this is a good story. Family drama for sure. It was a bit disjointed. Some of the characters could have been explained more or left out. I would recommend this book.

Overall a good story

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At first, I couldn't get into it. I started it, then stopped, read another book, and then circled back. And I'm glad that I did. Where The Wild Peaches Grow was a great read. It addressed so much from family secrets, abandonment, historical lies and truths, and forgiveness. Nona (Peaches) and her estranged sister Julia confront their choices of hurt, deserting one another, and so much more. Secret after secret was revealed and left my mouth aghast. Like when Julia married Nona’s boyfriend and raised her son as his. Chileeeee. Then, they found out that their father had another child but blamed their mother for leaving their father, not knowing everything. That's why, as children, we shouldn't judge our parents' decisions because we have no idea. Also, having "friends" and I use that word "losely" who voice their opinions against your existence, your race, and culture to reinforce their stance in society is dangerous and really isn't your friend. They will deny history because it doesn't fit their narrative 🙄 😒 or what was taught despite proof is exhausting and very damaging, hence Florida and those against teaching CRT (Critical Race Theory) or real history. Just because it's part of your cultural heritage, doesn't it deem it correct. I digress.... but read this book. Cade Bentley addresses love, settling, and doing what you love instead of what others want for you. Follow your dreams, forgive others for you not for them, talk to those you love while and if you can, unpack truths, and live lighter. #Book11of2023 #Bookworm #Whatsnext

Truths, unhealed and family secrets

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I love how every storyline tied into so neatly together. I received a few great nuggets.

Great storytelling

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