Item: Shoebox Baby
Author: Gina

Shoebox Baby by Sharon Bruce | Book Review ~ $10 Gift Card ~ #CreativeNonFiction #Memoir #NovaScotia #GreatDepression #WorldWar2

A book blog tour from Goddess Fish Promotions.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Marianne & Judy at Goddess Fish for providing me with the information for this tour.

Book Details

Shoebox Baby by Sharon Bruce | Book Review ~ $10 Gift Card ~ #CreativeNonFiction #Memoir #NovaScotia #GreatDepression #WorldWar2

Shoebox Baby by Sharon Bruce
Published by Tellwell Publishing on May 8, 2023
Genres: Creative NonFiction, Memoir
Format: eBook, Hardcover, Paperback
Pages: 352

Shoe Box Baby is a creative non-fiction story based on the life of Susan Fenton and her family. Sue was born in Nova Scotia on a blustery winter night in a crude weather-worn shack with dirt floors. Although the doctor told Sue's mother that her baby would be dead before the morning, she made every attempt to keep her infant alive.

Sue and her siblings were born into poverty, survived the Depression and the fall-out of World War II, and contended with tuberculosis, unemployment and polio. This book is filled with family antics, joy, sorrow, laughter, and mystery, covering the trials, triumphs and hilarious exploits of the large and colourful cast of characters that is the Fenton family.

Sue's courageous determination to live a full life, regardless of the limitations others imposed on her and the circumstances that came her way, made her a remarkably resilient woman.

Source: Goddess Fish Promotions

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Excerpt from Shoebox Baby

There was something about that turbulent winter night that sent a deep chill through Grace like no other. She felt the howling bitter ocean wind coming through the walls of the weather-worn shack she called home. Newspapers stuffed between the boards did little to keep the chill out of the air. Grace hoped that the meagre fire in the wood stove and the few old grey woollen blankets would keep her five children warm enough, and she longed for her husband Marshall.

In May of 1929, at the start of the Great Depression, Marshall and his brother Alexander were laid off from the local mine. They had to leave Pictou and found work in the sawmill in Yarmouth, three hundred miles away on the other side of the province. Poverty became the norm and food was as scarce for the Fenton’s as for most families. Grace was thankful they were still able to pay the rent on the home they lived in, even though it could be considered more of a shack than a house. So many families were homeless, and several of the less fortunate had died on the streets.

In the following three years, Marshall and Alexander could only find short-term, menial jobs that compensated minimal wages. The Fenton family was already impoverished and barely able to survive before the Depression.

Excerpt provided by the author/publisher for use in this post.

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Purchase Links for Shoebox Baby

Amazon – OneLink for every country

Bookshop/IndieBound

Shoebox Baby Shop on Amazon

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My Thoughts on Shoebox Baby

“Shoebox Baby” by Sharon Bruce is a captivating and heartwarming creative non-fiction tale that delves into the life of Susan Fenton and her extraordinary journey. Born in the harsh conditions of Nova Scotia, Sue’s story resonates with resilience and determination as she defies the odds stacked against her. The author beautifully weaves together the trials and triumphs of Sue’s family, who faced the challenges of poverty, Depression, World War II, tuberculosis, unemployment, and polio.

The Fenton family, with their colorful personalities and antics, come to life within the pages of this book. Sharon Bruce’s skillful storytelling captures their joys, sorrows, laughter, and mysteries, making the reader an integral part of their world. Sue’s unwavering courage and determination in the face of adversity paint her as a truly remarkable and resilient woman.

Set against the backdrop of Nova Scotia, this book immerses readers in the captivating atmosphere of the region, bringing forth a strong sense of place. Readers can expect to experience a rollercoaster of emotions as they laugh, cry, and fall in love with the Fenton family. If you have an affinity for heartwarming tales from the Depression and World War II era, “Shoebox Baby” is a must-read that will leave a lasting impression.

I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.

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I love my Amazon Kindle Unlimited Subscription. So many books, so little time!

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About Sharon Bruce

Writing has been Sharon Bruce's passion since childhood. At seven years old, she won first prize at a local fall fair for her story about a stuffed pink elephant. Since then, she has been hooked. Articles, poems, and the book Beyond the Forests of Yesteryears are part of her publishing portfolio.

Curiosity mixed with a love of hearing and writing unique stories about others is the subject of her work. Some call it being darn right nosey, others call it vivid creativity.

During her career she worked in the social services field with individuals, families, groups, and organizations to address social and cultural issues. A significant part of her job included inspirational speaking and sharing stories.

Sharon was raised in Northeastern Ontario, Canada, where she resides with her husband. Together they enjoy retirement and organizing activities for seniors, which include writing and acting out comical skits for small audiences.

Website | Goodreads | Amazon

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Purchase Shoebox Baby online from a local bookstore.

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Easy Amazon Info Link

Amazon – OneLink for every country

If the above link does not take you to your country, here are a few more:

Amazon – Canada

Amazon – France

Amazon – Germany

Amazon – United Kingdom

Please send me a note if your country isn’t listed and you would like to purchase using my links. Using my link does not change the price you pay. Amazon pays me a minimal amount out of their share.

Shoebox Baby Shop on Amazon