The Two Lives of Sara by Catherine Adel West

With a baby in her belly and only pain at home Sara flees to Memphis to escape her turbulent past. She works at Mama Sugar's boarding house and despite all Sara's attempts at keeping distant and her heart shut tight, the occupants of the house worm their way into Sara's heart making this her second family. Life gives her joy like her baby Lebanon and also sends her great sorrow. These characters are so real you feel as though you are sitting around the kitchen table. They are wise beyond words and seem to absorb whatever pain the world throws at them with grace. Sara must find a way to balance the girl she was with the woman she has become - the sugar and salt in equal measure. An intense family drama combined with the Civil Rights movement in 1960's Memphis makes this book as appealing to historical fiction readers as those who want a deep dive into family and community. I understand the buzz about this emotional and full story.  4 1/2 stars