A Day to Pick Your Own Cotton (Shenandoah Sisters #2) (Paperback)

by Michael Phillips (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"Vivid historical detail combines with memorable characters in Michael Phillips' second story in his Shenandoah Sisters series." -- Romantic Times --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description
Book 2 of Shenandoah Sisters. Mayme and Katie, from entirely different worlds, have been thrown together in the chaotic aftermath of the Civil War. Just teenagers, they are left to survive only by their own wits and shared experiences. Gradually, they are learning to appreciate each other's strengths and to shore up each other's weaknesses. Out of their efforts to simply stay alive comes a growing awareness of the Lord's love and care for them, as well as the dim outlines of a plan to keep Rosewood Plantation operating. The book continues the story begun in Angels Watching Over Me, of two very appealing but contrasting characters and their secret mission to provide a sanctuary for others who have been left alone and adrift by a tragic war.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 318 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (May 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764227017
• ISBN-13: 978-0764227011
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #271,110 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent sequel to Angels Watching Over Me., December 6, 2004

By	Rebecca Herman (USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Mayme Jukes and Katie Clairborne are two fifteen-year-old girls from worlds apart -- Mayme was born into slavery, while Katie was the daughter of a wealthy family that owned a large plantation. But in the final days of the Civil War, they both lost their families to marauders, and now they share an important secret. After Mayme, fleeing the scene of her family's murders, came across Katie, the only survivor at her plantation, Rosewood, the two girls decided to live there on their own and pretend that Katie's mother is still alive. As if that were not difficult enough, now they must protect three other people as well. Emma, a former slave, and her baby, William, are hiding at Rosewood from William's father, the son of Emma's former master. And Aleta, a young girl whose mother died as they fled from her abusive father, is living at Rosewood and is determined to never return home. Mayme and Katie have other worries as well. A loan is due soon at the bank, and if they don't pay, they will never be able to protect their secret.

This was a good sequel to "Angels Watching Over Me" that continues the story of Mayme and Katie, and introduces some new characters as well. I really enjoyed the first book, and this was an excellent sequel. It brings to life the dangers of the post-Civil War South and is a heartwarming story of friendship. I really came to care about the characters. I highly recommend these books to teens who like historical fiction about this time period. I can't wait to read the other two books in this series and find out what happens next.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Continuation of life in an adult-less plantation...., July 11, 2004

By	Bonnie McKinzie (Garden Grove, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Two Black girls, two White girls and a baby try to keep the plantation going and keep away any people who might do them harm. Working harder than ever is the new Mistress of the plantation, a mere 15 yr. old girl. She now oversees a very young girl and a somewhat mentally challenged new mother with a small son. Most of the people are either running or hiding from danger.

This second book brings into focus the viciousness of the baby's father and his intent on getting rid of both mother and baby. What follows is dynamic love and perserverance and the ugliness of some men's minds and their wicked meanness is almost too much to absorb.

The girls are maturing quickly and when the bank loan comes due with no money to be had, reposession is a very immediate possibility. This is where the book gets its' title, a real friend materialized and the harmony they show and their hard work pay off.

Today I finished book two and today I purchased book 3 in this series. I feel almost like family now and simply must know the future for these young people. Thank you Michael Phillips for this series.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Taking Care of Business, June 26, 2004

By	The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers (RAWSISTAZ.com and BlackBookReviews.net) - See all my reviews

The second in the Shenandoah Girls series, A DAY TO PICK YOUR OWN COTTON continues the story of Katie and Mayme. In this book the two unlikely friends, one a recently freed slave and the other the daughter of a former wealthy slave owner, continue to attempt to keep the fact that they are alone on Katie's plantation a secret. The two girls struggle to make things look "normal" on the plantation, but along the way they encounter new friends, a new roommate, dangerous visitors and financial difficulties. The story has a little of everything, there are moments that are light-hearted and humorous, others that are sad, and some that are filled with suspense, and the result is an overall enjoyable read.

While A DAY TO PICK YOUR OWN COTTON is book two in a series, the author provides enough background so that it could stand on its own. However, I think I enjoyed the book more having read the first because I had a stronger emotional connection to the main characters. Overall, this is a fast paced story that highlights many aspects of everyday life in the Post-Civil War South. The Christian themes in the book are subtle and unassuming, it was touching to watch Mayme and Katie struggle to understand God and develop a relationship with him. While this series is not specifically geared towards young adults I think they may enjoy it as much as their parents.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers