Before We Were Yours

Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate is a moving historical fiction novel inspired by a shocking real‑life scandal—the Tennessee Children’s Home Society adoption scheme. Blending past and present, the story follows two families linked by a heartbreaking secret hidden for generations.

Set along the Mississippi River in the 1930s, the novel centers on Rill Foss, a twelve‑year‑old girl fighting to keep her siblings together after they are torn from their parents. Decades later, modern‑day character Avery Stafford uncovers mysterious connections that challenge her privileged family’s history.

Lisa Wingate writes with tenderness and emotional depth, weaving themes of love, loss, family identity, and resilience. Her atmospheric prose captures both the innocence of childhood and the haunting shadows of the past.

Celebrated for its rich storytelling and unforgettable characters, Before We Were Yours invites readers to reflect on the meaning of family and the courage it takes to uncover buried truths. It’s a deeply emotional journey that stays with you long after the final page.