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Before We Were Yours – A Heart-Wrenching Tale of Love, Loss, and Survival
Some stories entertain, others educate—but a rare few leave an unforgettable mark on the heart. Before We Were Yours is one such novel. Written by bestselling author Lisa Wingate, this deeply moving book is inspired by real events and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.
A New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestseller, Before We Were Yours, brings to light a hidden chapter of American history, blending it seamlessly with an emotional, beautifully woven narrative.
A Story of Innocence Stolen and the Fight for Family
📍 Memphis, 1939. Twelve-year-old Rill Foss and her four younger siblings live a simple yet joyful life aboard their family’s Mississippi River shanty boat. Their world is filled with adventure and freedom—until a tragic night changes everything.
When their father is forced to rush their mother to the hospital, strangers appear, claiming they are there to help. But instead of kindness, the Foss children are forcibly taken and delivered to the Tennessee Children’s Home Society, an orphanage with a dark reputation.
At first, they are told they will be reunited with their parents. But the truth is far more terrifying. The orphanage, run by the ruthless Georgia Tann, has only one goal—to sell children to the highest bidder.
As Rill fights to keep her siblings together, she quickly realizes that in this world of deception and cruelty, love and courage may be the only weapons she has left.
Why Before We Were Yours is a Must-Read
Lisa Wingate masterfully blends historical fact with gripping fiction, crafting a novel that is both haunting and inspiring. This book is not just a story—it is a window into a forgotten era, a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.
✔ Based on true events – The Tennessee Children’s Home Society was a real organization involved in one of the largest adoption scandals in U.S. history.
✔ An unforgettable heroine – Rill Foss is a character whose strength, love, and determination stay with you long after you turn the last page.
✔ A dual-timeline narrative – The book moves between the past and present, revealing secrets that echo through generations.
✔ A novel that sparks deep emotions – Heartbreaking yet hopeful, this book forces readers to reflect on family, identity, and the power of resilience.
Who Will Love This Book?
📖 Fans of historical fiction who appreciate rich, well-researched storytelling.
❤️ Readers are drawn to emotional family dramas with multi-generational depth.
🎞 Anyone who enjoyed books like The Nightingale, Orphan Train, or Where the Crawdads Sing.
If you love novels that uncover hidden histories, explore family bonds, and evoke strong emotions, Before We Were Yours is a book you cannot miss.
A Story That Deserves to Be Told
In a world where the past is often forgotten, stories like Before We Were Yours remind us that history’s echoes still shape us today. This novel is a tribute to the children who were lost, the families that were torn apart, and the strength of those who fought to survive.
📌 Buy Before We Were Yours Now and experience this powerful story for yourself.