The Story Keeper (A Carolina Heirlooms Novel)

"Not since To Kill a Mockingbird has a story impacted me like this." - COLLEEN COBLE, USA Today bestselling author of Seagrass Pier

"Wingate is, quite simply, a master storyteller. Her story-within-a-story, penned with a fine, expressive style, will captivate writers and nonwriters alike." - Booklist

Successful New York editor, Jen Gibbs, is at the top of her game with her new position at Vida House Publishing - until a mysterious manuscript from an old slush pile appears on her desk. Turning the pages, Jen finds herself drawn into the life of Sarra, a mixed-race Melungeon girl trapped by dangerous men in the turn of the century Appalachia. A risky hunch may lead to The Story Keeper's hidden origins and its unknown author, but when the trail turns toward the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a place Jen thought she'd left behind forever, the price of a blockbuster next book deal may be higher than she's willing to pay.

  • A beautifully written contemporary novel with hints of romance
  • Themes of forgiveness, family, returning home, and navigating brokenness
  • Includes discussion questions for book clubs

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Published Mar 17, 2020

448 pages

Average rating: 7.65

23 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Sharpe
May 19, 2025
9/10 stars
Great read
BDrum
Apr 11, 2022
Who wrote a manuscript of late 1800’s Appalachian/Mehlungeon girl and a young missionary. Interesting read.

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