Vicki Lane Livres

During the Civil War, in bitterly divided western North Carolina, Confederate troops execute thirteen men and boys from a rural community opposed to secession. A microcosm of the deep horrors of civil war, the Shelton Laurel Massacre as it came to be known, pitted neighbor against neighbor, touching every family with violence at their own front door. Told by those who lived it– Confederate and Unionist alike--Keith, who ordered the execution, Polly, whose children’s death precipitated the massacre, Judy and Marthy, who bore torture to protect their men, and Sim, conscripted by the Confederates and haunted by his part in the Massacre—the novel offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of five people tangled in history’s web, caught up together in love and hate. And all five will bear the mark of the massacre long after the event, struggling to come to terms with the bleak consequences of civil war. Based on an actual event and historical characters, And the Crows Took Their Eyes is a richly imagined portrait of a dark and bitter time—illuminated by gleams of humanity at its best

Set in the evocative backdrop of Appalachia, the story weaves a haunting narrative that intertwines folklore with deep-seated secrets. It explores the profound and mysterious bond of sisterhood, emphasizing its power to transcend time and blood ties. Through a blend of good and evil, the tale captivates with its exploration of relationships and the complexities of human connection.

Set against a North Carolina winter, the story follows Elizabeth Goodweather, a long-time resident of Full Circle Farm, who becomes entangled in a mysterious event after witnessing an elderly woman on a porch. The woman's shocking leap triggers a chain of events that unravels connections among various lives in the community, revealing hidden histories and secrets. As Elizabeth delves deeper into the mystery, she confronts the past and its impact on the present.

Set against the backdrop of North Carolina's diverse landscape, the story follows Elizabeth Goodweather, a young widow navigating between Asheville's gentrified society and the traditions of local old-timers. When a flamboyant performance artist is murdered, Elizabeth uncovers the fascinating history of a remarkable piece of folk art, thrusting her into a complex mystery that intertwines her two worlds. As she delves deeper, she must confront the challenges that arise from her connections to both the past and the present.

After the tragic loss of her husband, Elizabeth Goodweather navigates life alone in the Appalachian hills, grappling with the customs and beliefs of her community. While she finds solace in her small herb and flower business, her sense of peace is threatened by unforeseen challenges. The story explores themes of resilience, solitude, and the struggle to connect with a world that feels increasingly distant.