Long Gone, Come Home

By: Monica Chenault-Kilgore

Narrated by: Bahni Turpin

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Spanning from the joyous peak of the 1930s jazz era to the Great Depression and civil rights movement, Long Gone, Come Home weaves a poetic tale of love, life, and loss as one woman learns the true meaning of home.

Birdie Jennings dreams of a big life beyond her small town of Mt. Sterling, Kentucky—beyond her mundane job tying tobacco leaves at Wrights Factory, beyond her position as the baby of the family. Her life changes when she meets smooth-talking Jimmy Walker. Jimmy makes big promises for an exciting life together, and Birdie is quickly swept off her feet. But some short years after they marry, Jimmy disappears without a trace, leaving Birdie hurt and alone with their two toddlers. Out of money and out of options, Birdie moves back home with her overbearing mother.

Just as she's settling into her new life, Birdie witnesses a gruesome murder and is urged to flee Mt. Sterling to avoid questioning. With nothing but a borrowed suitcase and a questionable note about a house in Cincinnati promised to Jimmy, she travels to the big city just as she and Jimmy dreamed, determined to put her life back together. Plunged into the bustling jazz scenes of the hottest nightclubs and backwoods juke joints, Birdie learns that finding her place among criminals and saints is tough—but she is tougher. Even when some harsh lessons threaten the life she’s created on her own terms…

©2023 Monica Chenault-Kilgore (P)2023 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited

Well written story

What a beautiful story! The main character won in the end and for most readers that’s all that matters! Birdie deserved that win! I think as we continue to tell our stories of triumph it will leave hope for the next generation of readers, storytellers and authors!

Lingering today

The harsh realities of living under Jim Crow laws is sobering. Even thought we have crossed into new centuries, unfortunately, the residual still lingers here in America. Sad. Really enjoyed listening to another narration from Bahni Turpin.

Evocative Story, paints a picture we all need to see

I immediately fell in love with Birdie, and her innocent voice, (and even Jimmy!) and so wanted everything to be ok for them. Of course, I worried and worried, and was hooked. But I also fell in love with the writing and just the story, the story of a time in America that needs more spotlights on it, so that we can get more of an understanding of our none-to-distant past. I’m glad this story exists as I try to gain more knowledge and grow my empathy. I was fascinated with holocaust stories for years, thinking—if I read just one more book, surely I’ll wrap my head around this. I’m here to say that this—the Black American experience—this is my new holocaust. Oh, I can see that it happened, I know the truth. But I’m hungry for these stories that shine light on how it effected a woman and her children and her children and her men.

Birdie is a lovely young woman, evidently quite the looker, who knew of her sisters’ father but not her own. And her Mama is quite the force, and so strict—protective. But one night Birdie goes out on the town and in walks a handsome devil, Jimmy. I fell hard for him, too, with all his thoughts and dreams and knowledge. Can they possibly make it? What kind of life will Birdie make for herself, in the end?

Monica Chenault-Kilgore has a way with words on a page. Such evocative descriptions and emotions and just good story telling. I’m a fan! Also the narration lands just right.
Kudos to all involved in the publication of this book.

Birdie Jennings, a woman determined 💪🏿

This book gave me all the feels. The protagonist, Birdie Jennings, left her home, her small town of Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, for better. Tyung tobacco leaves at a factory wasn't part of her dreams. She wanted so much more. She marries Jimmy Walker, who promises her the life she dreams of, and they move to the big city of Cincinnati. Like most men of that era, Jimmy disappears without uttering a word and leaves Birdie with 2 toddlers. Hurt, alone, out of money, she moves back home with her annoying mom. Suprised her mother gives her money to go find Jimmy and to find a place for her and her children. Jimmy is into some shady business, and it spoon catches up with him. On her quest, she finds Jimmy, but it's not long-lived. Jimmy is killed. It's not all in vain. He leaves a promisary note that leaves her a house. But it's not so cut and dry, Birdie has to jump through hoops to get what's rightfully hers. In the end, Birdies dreams come to fruition and then some. This book shares some love, murder, struggles, determination, racism, and hope. #Book13of2024 #Bookworm #Whatsnext

Phenomenal Story

The character development in this story was exceptional, the storyline touching and relatable for many who know someone whose experiences mirror those of the characters.

Of course the orator.

Nothing. It was a well-written book with a strong interesting storyline. I would recommend this book.

Love It

Beautiful easy story.. happy I absorbed this book. I look forward to hearing author’s next novel.

I enjoyed this book

This book was good!! It started out a lil slow, but picked up and kept me intrigued the rest of the way. I wouldn't mind a sequel to this story. Birdie has more to say and do!! I'd also like to hear more things from her sisters and kids. I'd definitely recommend this one.
And of course the narrator!!! My gurl Bahni Turpin will give any book LIFE!!!!

One women’s perseverance

I enjoyed the prospective from one woman living in the city through the depression & great migration. Her belief in others and finally her belief in herself are refreshing.

Kept me listening

I always love Bahni Turpin's narration.
I enjoyed the story, reacted out loud many times while listening.