Disclosure: I received a free copy of the book. Post contains affiliate links; I will earn commission if you make a purchase. Opinions shared are mine.

If you’ve never visited the South, you’re missing out on an entire way of life. The charming cover on High Cotton is a picture of such bliss.  Mason jars of iced tea (no sugar cubes, though….real sweet tea is made with sugar at the time of brewing!) sitting on a wooden picnic table, ready to be sipped and savored.  Sprigs of mint from a Southern lady’s kitchen garden grace lovely breezes with a fresh scent.  The inside of the book is just as much of a treasure. People still say “y’all” in these parts.  There are really people with names like Puddin’. One thing that Southerners have in common with the rest of the world?  We’re stuck with the family God gave us.

In High Cotton, author Debby Mayne sets a high standard for her characters. Her main female characters are beautiful, smart, and ambitious.  Shay doesn’t just make one dish for the family reunion, she plans for three or four dishes – just like her Mama taught her.  Puddin’ learns to take risks even when she isn’t sure if she’ll have support from her loved ones.  Twin sisters learn how to live apart.  It’s a story about growing up with those you love, despite their interference!

As with any family, the ladies in this story have to deal with comments that hurt.  There’s always going to be that person who makes a snide comment about the kind of house a person can afford, or the well-meaning cousin who tries to find everyone a husband.  Still, there are the good moments, too.  The sisters-in-law who are more like BFFs (I have one of those!)  The understanding that we have history together, so there’s nothing that we can do to stop loving each other.  Everyone can appreciate this story because it perfectly describes what it is to be family!

Do you enjoy books with a southern setting?