Heartbreaking Historical Thriller: The Last House on the Street by Diane Chamberlain

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This is a story about civil rights, discrimination, voter right suppression, young 'forbidden' love, and dark family secrets. Kayla is a young widowed mother that moves into a home built and designed by her and her late spouse. In her time line, this is a dual time line story, she learns of the dark secrets buried on her land that relate to Ellie's storyline. Ellie, a young white woman living in North Caroline in the 1960's, joins the work of SCOPE project in memory of her late aunt. SCOPE is a civil rights group working to educate and encourage voter registration in North Carolina. Ellie was a wonderful character full of strength and courage. I enjoyed reading about Ellie's blossoming relationship with Win and was deeply saddened by it's outcome. I was also deeply saddened by Ellie's family and friends, I won't say more (spoilers). My criticism, the dual stories were not equal in measure or development, Kayla's story was more of a vehicle to Ellie's. I also felt that justice was not served in the end and I thought that was rather unbelievable. This would of been a 5 star book for me if it hadn't been for the unbelievable ending. 
⭐⭐⭐1/2

More on SCOPE: http://crdl.usg.edu/events/scope_project/?Welcomed

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