This is a story of romance set in rural northern Louisiana. It follows the lives of two best friends, Jennifer James and Sally Jeffers. Each was an urban teenager whose family moved to White Lightning in Claiborne Parish, where they became friends. Upon graduation from high school, each escaped back to the big city life they love. Now a family tragedy has brought Jennifer back to White Lightning Road. Soon she is embroiled in a mystery involving her neighbor Michael Garrott, a man widely believed to be an unpunished murderer. This begins the romantic adventures of both Jenny and Sally. It is a tale of mystery and romance.

White Lightning Road

Harry E. Gilleland, Jr.
Lulu Press (2006)
ISBN 9781411686939
Reviewed by Lorraine Robins for Reader Views (6/06)


From the beginning, this book grabs your attention. We first focus on the story of Jenny. Immediately, we are told that Jenny has a killer watching her from the woods. We soon learn that it is uncertain whether the killer is human or a wild animal. Meanwhile, the story turns to romance and more uncertainty. Jenny has been through a year of trauma and tragedy, and we don't know what is in store for her.

Then, the story focuses on Sally. Sally is Jenny's best friend. She is a part of Jenny's story, but not the focal point. Sally's story contains less mystery, but lots of romance and plot twists. Sally is at a different point in her life. With two divorces behind her, she is a single mother trying to make it in the world.

The location, White Lightning Road, is in Louisiana. Both women did not enjoy growing up in this rural location. However, they are both brought back to this place several times in the book. The book also focuses on life in rural Louisiana, both positive and negative.
           
I would say this book is geared toward female readers. It focuses on two strong female characters, and it contains lots of romance. Reading this book felt like I was watching a movie on the Lifetime for Women channel. I mean this as a compliment, as I love those movies. They draw you in and you are hooked. The same was true with this book. The writing was never boring.  Every time I put the book down, I wanted to get back to it to find out what would happen next. There were surprises and plot twists, strong women
characters that I liked, and relationship oriented storylines. I would recommend this book to women of all ages.