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Kindle :
www.amazon.com/Feral-Maril-Little-Brother-Carol-ebook/dp/B0CZJ8DP4F?ref
Paperback:
www.amazon.com/Feral-Maril-Little-Brother-Carol/dp/0960017771?ref
Netgalley:
www.netgalley.com/catalog/book/378565
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books2read.com/leslietallmanning
Literary Titan Book Award Winner
Indie Author Project Award Finalist
Chanticleer International Book Award Finalist
The Letter Review Semi-finalist
Santa Fe Literary Book Award Semi-finalist
*****
Bright but unassuming Marilyn Jones has some grown-up decisions to make, especially after Mama goes to prison for drugs and larceny. With no one to take care of them, Marilyn and her younger, mentally challenged brother, Carol, get tossed into the foster care system. While shuffling from one home to another, Marilyn makes it her mission to find the Tan Man, a mysterious man from her babyhood she believes holds the key to her family's happiness.
But Marilyn's quest is halted when her daddy, an ex-con she has never met, is chosen by the courts as the new guardian. Caleb Jones wants something more than a father-daughter relationship. He sends Carol far away, where the boy won't be a hindrance to his plans. Marilyn devises a plan of her own: to locate her little brother, kidnap him, and run away.
Independence, however, often comes at a high price.
As Marilyn weathers the unexpected and often brutal storms of her childhood and adolescence, hope becomes her ally as she winds through small Southern towns, wrapping herself around an assortment of hearts along the way. With a little help from a caring social worker, a carnival of misfits, her first true love, and even the elusive Tan Man himself, Marilyn will discover that "family" isn't always what we imagine it to be.
But Marilyn's quest is halted when her daddy, an ex-con she has never met, is chosen by the courts as the new guardian. Caleb Jones wants something more than a father-daughter relationship. He sends Carol far away, where the boy won't be a hindrance to his plans. Marilyn devises a plan of her own: to locate her little brother, kidnap him, and run away.
Independence, however, often comes at a high price.
As Marilyn weathers the unexpected and often brutal storms of her childhood and adolescence, hope becomes her ally as she winds through small Southern towns, wrapping herself around an assortment of hearts along the way. With a little help from a caring social worker, a carnival of misfits, her first true love, and even the elusive Tan Man himself, Marilyn will discover that "family" isn't always what we imagine it to be.
An original, unpredictable tale seen through the eyes of a child forced to grow up too soon...bittersweet." ~ Readers' Favorite 5-star Review
"A dazzling piece...a triumph." ~ The Prairies Book Review
"Realistic in its portrait of childhood abuse and adversity...Marilyn harbors the survival traits of being a stubborn, positive, creative thinker. Readers don't just follow Marilyn's journey. They come to love her." ~ D. Donovan, Senior Editor, Midwest Book Review
"On a scale of one to five, this book is a ten! Get a box of tissues too." ~ Linda Reads, Amazon Vine Voice
"A remarkable exploration into the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity...relatable and heart-wrenching. An emotionally charged novel that leaves a lasting impression."
~ Literary Titan Reviews
"Effective and original. Lovely use of colloquial language; skillful evocation of emotion [with] lots of enjoyable comedic moments." ~ The Letter Review
"Marilyn Jones is a hero for the ages: tenacious, loyal, optimistic, resourceful...and all heart. I loved everything about this story." ~ Padgett Gerler, author of She's the Same
"Manning has captured hope in this testament to the power of sibling love. I adored this beautiful book." ~ Michelle Garren-Flye, author of Ducks in a Row
"A dazzling piece...a triumph." ~ The Prairies Book Review
"Realistic in its portrait of childhood abuse and adversity...Marilyn harbors the survival traits of being a stubborn, positive, creative thinker. Readers don't just follow Marilyn's journey. They come to love her." ~ D. Donovan, Senior Editor, Midwest Book Review
"On a scale of one to five, this book is a ten! Get a box of tissues too." ~ Linda Reads, Amazon Vine Voice
"A remarkable exploration into the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity...relatable and heart-wrenching. An emotionally charged novel that leaves a lasting impression."
~ Literary Titan Reviews
"Effective and original. Lovely use of colloquial language; skillful evocation of emotion [with] lots of enjoyable comedic moments." ~ The Letter Review
"Marilyn Jones is a hero for the ages: tenacious, loyal, optimistic, resourceful...and all heart. I loved everything about this story." ~ Padgett Gerler, author of She's the Same
"Manning has captured hope in this testament to the power of sibling love. I adored this beautiful book." ~ Michelle Garren-Flye, author of Ducks in a Row