Book Review: Save My Place By Olivia deBelle Byrd

SAVE MY PLACE

By: Olivia deBelle Byrd

Published: September 1, 2014

Publisher: Mercer University Press

Historical Fiction

It seems most of my fictional reading is either set in the present day or during WWI or WWII. But, this lovely story set in the south during the 60’s and 70’s captured my heart. It’s lesson on having faith in all circumstances reminded me that you can overcome even the most difficult of tragedies and still find joy.

Elisabeth was raised by loving parents in the panhandle of Florida. Since I love this area and have traveled there often, it was easy to imagine the places, the weather, and the culture of the people in this story. After some relationship failures, Elisabeth finally meets her prince charming, Kincaid, a graduate of West Point and well-respected in the military. Elisabeth is an elementary teacher and loves building her life with Kincaid. But, not everything is picture perfect for them. Eventually, Kincaid is sent to Vietnam to serve in the war and life is forever changed for the two of them. Elisabeth shares her struggles in letters to Kincaid and the reader sees Elisabeth experience joy, heartbreak, successes, and the love of friendship.

The letters Elisabeth wrote to Kincaid were my favorite part of this whole story. Her personality, naivety, and zest for life showed through each letter. But I wish there had been letters from Kincaid to her as part of the story. I am quite sure her letters to him were a salvation during his time in Vietnam.

This story is elegant, romantic, sweetly old-fashioned, and one that you could share with your grandmother. Elisabeth inspires us to find the good, stay strong in adversity, and remember to stay positive. You will laugh and cry and be sad their story is over when you reach the last page. Olivia deBelle Byrd is a witty and talented writer!

Olivia deBelle Byrd – source

Olivia deBelle Byrd is the third generation of her family to call Panama City, Florida, home where she resides with her husband, Tommy. Byrd has a penchant for turning ordinary happenings into entertainment. The result was her first book of humorous essays, Miss Hildreth Wore Brown: Anecdotes of a Southern Belle, winner of the Florida Publishers Association Book Awards. Find out more about Olivia deBelle Byrd by checking out her website, HERE. You can also find her on Facebook, HERE, and Twitter, HERE. 

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