‘Southern Ties’ draw family together in this debut novel

“Southern Ties” is a debut novel by local author Linda Kimball

by Shuyler Clark

Growing up, 28-year-old Casey Hansen never knew her father. The only information she had about him came from her grandmother and whatever her own mother chose to divulge. After her mother dies from breast cancer and she receives a similar diagnosis, Casey heads south to Kentucky to locate her father and half-siblings.

In her debut novel, local author Linda Kimball brings area readers close to home with Casey initially living in Chelsea, Michigan, though most of the book takes place in Kentucky following Casey’s cancer diagnosis. While the illness is Casey’s main motivation for seeking out her estranged family, it doesn’t affect the plot much once she reaches Kentucky. It might have been more reasonable for her motivation to lie in her mother’s passing rather than her own illness; the sense of loss and mortality would still provide a significant push for Casey while being rooted in realism.

Casey’s plan to reunite with her lost family is compelling but not without a few confusing moments. As part of her search operation, she acts as a travel writer interviewing Kentucky citizens for an article, all while keeping her real identity a family secret from the locals. To avoid raising suspicions, she switches between interviewing her family and strangers in the area.

This makes for a strong initial setup. Most of the interview scenes are delivered in narration, which works for the less-important interviews but leaves those with her family a bit hollow. Part of this lies in the didactic-like prose, which often rushes past Casey’s thoughts and emotions as she uncovers her family’s history. She does not dwell for long on the information she gathers despite it being the initial focus of the plot. Slowing down to process these interviews would strengthen the reader’s empathy for Casey.

The interviews play out alongside a love triangle featuring police officer Gregory Stone and businessman Jeffrey Bonner. This subplot supplements the family-bonding thread. The relationship with the main love interest accelerates quickly, and Casey’s ability to set boundaries for herself in a romantic regard is refreshing. Ultimately, these plot threads complement each other well, allowing for an evolution of the main plot without detracting from it.

Regardless of a few flaws, Southern Ties presents a wholesome narrative for those interested in contemporary romance fiction—not to mention supporting a local author. Readers can find the book on Amazon.

ShuylerClark