The Story of Keilah by Joann Keder has everything you can desire in a story: nostalgia, humor, drama, mystery, and so much more. Follow Keilah through the trials and tribulations of coming of age in small rural communities. This story will stay with you for days. The perfect choice for your next book club book.
Content Warning: alcoholism, child abuse
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The Story of Keilah by Joann Keder Series: Pepperville Stories #1
Published by Independently on February 15, 2019
Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Humorous, Women's Literature
Format: Audiobook, eBook, Hardcover, Paperback
Pages: 348
Winner 2019 New Apple Summer Ebook Medal for Humor
In a quirky little town in the middle of nowhere, can a broken heart find the peace to heal?
After suffering the loss of two people she cared for deeply, Keilah moved to Sandy Salts, Iowa, in search of a fresh start. Little did she know, acclimating to the dusty town would be more complicated than she anticipated.
She needs to figure out why she can’t move past the murky circumstances of her best friend, Rosabel’s death. Instead, Keilah finds herself drawn into a cold case the residents of Sandy Salts have all but forgotten.
All except one...Her elderly landlord, Dee, has a dark secret her heart never healed from. Her younger brother was kidnapped decades ago and never found. While the spunky woman tries not to talk about the painful ordeal, the mystery of his disappearance constantly haunts her.
Digging into Dee’s case, as well as her own, Keilah unwittingly discovers shocking secrets others are desperate to keep hidden. The explosive truth she uncovers could change the town of Sandy Salts, and Keilah, forever.
Source: Amazon Purchase, Kindle Unlimited
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Purchase Links for The Story of Keilah
Amazon – One Link for Every Country
Blackwell’s Waterstones The Book Depository
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My thoughts on The Story of Keilah by Joann Keder
The Story of Keilah will resonate with many readers. Keilah feels shunned from a very young age. It starts at home and continues throughout her life. The only time her heart is light is when she’s with her best friend, Rosabel.
The story follows their trials & tribulations growing up in dysfunctional families. After Keilah loses her anchor and must move to a new town, she finally begins to mature and find herself.
Several mysteries are running throughout the storyline, with flashbacks used to reveal many of the clues. The side characters are well-developed and add depth to the richness of the story.
Although this page-turner is a quick read, you’ll spend time dissecting the plot for days. The unraveling of mysteries, replaying scenes, and connecting dots will keep the story alive for you.
The author has excellent insight into human nature, the good and the bad.
I recommend this book to lovers of human interest stories, mysteries, speculative fiction, and book clubs.
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About Joann Keder
Award-winning author, Joann Keder spent most of her years in the Midwest, growing up and raising a family on the Great Plains of Nebraska. She worked for sixteen years as a piano teacher before returning to school to receive a master's degree in creative writing.
A mid-life move to the Pacific Northwest lead her to re-examine her priorities.
She now happily creates colorful stories about life and relationships in small towns.
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Easy Amazon Links
The Story of Keilah (Pepper...Shop on Amazon eBook 
The Story of KeilahShop on Amazon Audiobook
The Story of Keilah (Pepper...Shop on Amazon Paperback 
The Story of Keilah (Pepper...Shop on Amazon Hardcover
Excellent review! Thank you for writing it.