Reviews for Tessa's Heart

Reviews

US Review of Books – Tessa’s Heart: A Texas Story

Lewis has created a memorable protagonist in Tessa. She is outspoken, courageous, smart, and more than a little quirky.

US Review of Books – Tessa’s Heart: A Texas Story

Lewis has created a memorable protagonist in Tessa. She is outspoken, courageous, smart, and more than a little quirky.

The elements of Southern Gothic literature embedded in this novel are delightful, particularly in the story’s religious aspects … with the type of eccentric humor known from writers such as Larry Brown, Eudora Welty, and Flannery O’Connor … Furthermore, the author touches on societal and racial issues and attitudes of the period, which are staple subjects with Southern Gothic writers.

See the full review

Kirkus Reviews – Tessa’s Heart: A Texas Story

A compelling, unpredictable, and poignant story . . .

Kirkus Reviews – Tessa’s Heart: A Texas Story

A compelling, unpredictable, and poignant story . . .

A disturbed Texas girl struggles with a difficult family and uncontrollable impulses in Lewis’ debut novel … the book is haunting in its presentation of the protagonist’s primal, raw emotions, such as her longing for a loving father, her deep need to be seen and heard, and her complicated feelings surrounding sexuality.

See the full review

Eric Hoffer Honorable Mention – Tessa’s Heart: A Texas Story

… characters are both realistic and well-developed…

Eric Hoffer Honorable Mention – Tessa’s Heart: A Texas Story

… characters are both realistic and well-developed…

Funny, poignant, sad, and exhilarating, this book tells the story of Tessa, a gifted, imaginative, strong child who transcends her often frightening and unsupportive environment, while developing both through fantasy and reality.

See the full Commentary

An oral review by Laurel Pinkey on her website: A Book for Every Season

A debut novel featuring Texas in the fifties in a small town. A combination of To Kill a Mocking Bird and Flannery O’Connor!

Listen to Podcast