The Sweet Taste of Muscadines

A Novel

By: Pamela Terry

Narrated by: Xe Sands

A woman returns to her small Southern hometown in the wake of her mother’s sudden death - only to find the past upended by stunning family secrets - in this intimate debut novel, crafted with deep compassion and sharp wit.

“A deeply moving work of Southern fiction that will appeal to fans of Where the Crawdads Sing...a story to remember long after the last page is turned.” (Susan Wiggs, number-one New York Times best-selling author of The Lost and Found Bookshop)

Lila Bruce Breedlove never quite felt at home in Wesleyan, Georgia, especially after her father’s untimely demise when she was a child. Both Lila and her brother, Henry, fled north after high school, establishing fulfilling lives of their own. In contrast, their younger sister, Abigail, opted to remain behind to dote on their domineering, larger-than-life mother, Geneva. Yet despite their independence, Lila and Henry know deep down that they’ve never quite reckoned with their upbringing.

When their elderly mother dies suddenly and suspiciously in the muscadine arbor behind the family estate, Lila and Henry return to the town that essentially raised them. But as they uncover the facts Geneva’s death, shocking truths are revealed that overturn the family’s history as they know it, sending the pair on an extraordinary journey to chase a truth that will dramatically alter the course of their lives. The Sweet Taste of Muscadines reminds us all that true love never dies.

©2021 Pamela Terry (P)2021 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"[A] spellbinding account of long-buried secrets coming to light.... With stirring prose and strong characters, Terry captures the complexities of memory and the difficulties of going home.” (Publishers Weekly)

“This moving novel reminds us of the necessity of love, the value of family connection, and the redeeming light of forgiveness. Pamela Terry seems to have a second sight, one that allows her to really see the secret workings of the heart. She writes with humor, elegance, and grace about subjects as universal and diverse as humanity itself.” (Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times best-selling author of The Favorite Daughter)

“I was enthralled by Pamela Terry’s gorgeous debut novel about the pleasures and perils of family and the enduring nature of love. Give yourself the gift of imagining the fragrances of magnolia and pine while savoring The Sweet Taste of Muscadines.” (Amanda Eyre Ward, New York Times best-selling author of The Jetsetters)

Sweet Taste of Wonderful!

This performance and story was so intense and cheerful and sad and joyful and awkward and comfortable....... all at the same time!!
What an awesome author to have the talents and insights and heart to develop this reflective fictional prayer! The narrator is so believable and entertaining. Congratulations to both!
And congratulations to any of you reading this to have the good sense to purchase and read... or better yet..... listen.
Thank you Pamela Terry and Xe Sands.
Bring on more! Please!

Rosemary Hasch
Louisville,Kentucky

Story so-so, Narrator Terrible

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this a 5. The story is drawn out, and not that interesting. Too long for what it is. On top of that, the narrator is horrible. she has a "vocal fry" thing going on, and uses it in every sentence. Really grates on one's nerves. I almost gave up on the book because of it. I'll avoid this narrator in the future.

Thought provoking …

This story touched me …. Brought forth memories of southern family and the expectations and “what will people think?”. Regardless of the trials or disappointments, expectations …. there’s a common thread that many will recognize if they have those roots. Excellent narration. Xe Sands is a personal favorite for her gift in giving each character a voice and her rare talent to be able to voice male characters so well.

Good ., excessively wordy

The story was good , predictable . The performance was excellent .
However I found it word. Too many words to explain simple things ... it was exhausting to listen to . I wanted to fast forward , but I knew I would miss something important .Good listen. Too Wordy

Didn’t completely hold my attention

The story was fine, I definitely enjoyed some parts but it didn’t always keep my attention.

Beautifully written

I really enjoyed listening to this particular book as the writing was so beautiful. Her descriptions were so creative.

Beautiful Story

The story line had me captivated from the start. Beautifully written and narrated. The author has a colorful way with words. You will not be disappointed.

I wish I could give it more stars

The story weaves itself into a beautiful memory that will stay with me for a long time. The narrator was just perfect for this story. Really worth the credit.

Family connections

The strong connection that family has and no matter the distance or what happens, you can always come back.

Captivating Southern Gothic

I was intrigued by the name and listened to the entire book in one day. Lyrical writing, suspenseful, redemptive in it’s conclusion.