Hush McGillen Thackery has had a tough life. At 16, she took ownership of the family apple farm. At 17, she was married with a child. Hush managed everything, including a college degree, with little help from her husband.
Fast-forward twenty-three years. Sweet Hush Farms is a successful business in the mountains of north Georgia. Hush is now a widow and her grown son attends Harvard.
Davis Thackery is a wonderful child, but he's about to turn Hush's world upside down. He's secretly married to the daughter of the President of the United States. The young couple wants to escape the Secret Service scrutiny, but their visit to the apple farm is a matter of national security. Chocinaw County is suddenly in the spotlight and the McGillen/Thackery secret past is at risk of being exposed. The unfolding events are detailed in Sweet Hush.
Deborah Smith's book introduces Hush and First Lady Edwina: two headstrong mothers-in-law who have met their match in each other. The author establishes extensive histories for the two families, leading to heated interactions and dialogue.
Sweet Hush emphasizes a strong attachment to one's kin, history and southern pride. Corny character names (Smoochie, Puppy) and a bushel of apple analogies are included. "Love is like apples. Every seed is different, even if they come from the same tree."
Smith's cast takes turns telling the tale. The constantly changing perspective is distracting, though readers will be able to figure out who is talking in each chapter's first paragraph.
Sweet Hush has "spunk" and that's what makes it enjoyable. It also has more depth than it's predecessor, Stone Flower Garden. Smith liberally borrows characteristics from real-life political figures, but her portrayals are fun and intriguing. Sweet Hush definitely deserves a vote in the entertaining novel category.
