When the Jessamine Grows is a captivating historical novel set in rural Nash County, North Carolina, during the Civil War. Joetta McBride, a determined woman, runs a small farm with her husband, Ennis, and their two sons. Unlike many of her neighbors, Joetta remains neutral about the war.
Her father-in-law, Rudean, a fervent Confederate supporter, influences Henry to join the Confederate army. Joetta insists Ennis go after him, leaving her to manage the farm with her younger son, Robert, and Rudean.
As weeks pass without news from Ennis or Henry, Joetta provides food and shelter to soldiers from both sides, earning the ire of the townsfolk and the Home Guard. Branded a traitor for her actions and her refusal to wear a Confederate cockade, Joetta faces increasing hostility but remains steadfast in her beliefs. I’d like to think I’d be like Joetta.
Everhart skillfully explores the challenges of maintaining neutrality in times of war, highlighting the often-overlooked perspective of Southerners who did not support the Confederacy. Joetta’s story is one of resilience, courage, and the struggle to uphold one’s principles amidst chaos.
While the novel is engrossing and well-researched, the audiobook narration felt somewhat robotic. For those new to Donna Everhart, I enjoyed her earlier work, The Saints of Swallow Hill more. 4 stars.
** Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a comp of this title. I’ve provided an honest review.