Have No Shame by Melissa Foster

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When it comes to civil rights, I have to admit that this is something that really stirs my soul deep within me. I never get tired of reading about it, watching films about it, or just studying it. And no matter what, I am always newly horrified at the atrocities my race did to others only because of the color of their skin. And Melissa Foster has written a fantastic novella that captures a time in our history that should never be forgotten.

The story told within these pages is a rollercoaster of emotions, and I connected with the story on a very deep level. The fact that the story is told in first person makes it even more involving. The author has done something quite unique in that she has offered two versions of the story. I read the first version without the Southern dialect, but there was the option to read it with the Southern dialect. I did not attempt the second reading. I am pretty sure I could have, but I can assure you that it would have taken me much longer to do so.

I tried to think of any criticisms to record concerning this book, and I really have very little to say in this area. There was some profanity, but I am so grateful that the Lord’s name was never used in an inappropriate fashion. I am grateful that the author chose not to give any details of sexual encounters although they occurred. I can’t really fault the characters for being intimate outside marriage. This is historical fiction, and I am sure those kinds of things went on. There are derogatory terms used in the book, but these terms are historical in nature. I honestly did not feel offended as I read this book, and that is a good sign.

What did the author do right in the book? Everything! I almost couldn’t put the story down, and you will find that the book ends sooner than you expected. The characterization was outstanding, and I never struggled to keep any details within the book straight. I hope to read more from this author in the future.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

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Melissa Foster is the award-winning author of four International
bestselling novels. Her books have been recommended by USA Today’s book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the Women’s Nest, a social and support community for women, the World Literary Cafe. When she’s not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success.
Melissa hosts an annual Aspiring Authors contest for children, she’s written for Calgary’s Child
Magazine and Women Business Owners Magazine, and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa’s interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping others see the positive side of life, and visiting Cape Cod.