Whatever Happened to Mourning Free? - Book 3 of the Olivia Series - Olivia, #3

It is 1967 and Charlene has just graduated from the University of Michigan - without her "Mrs." degree. Her mother recently passed away, and soon afterwards her father fled the silence, to a new home and job on the other side of the state. So Charlene is going "home" to what is now an empty house. Two things will make this long, hot summer bearable: Her father has hired Reeves Valenti - the high school sweetheart she left behind - to help her get the house ready to be put up for sale; and a lawyer unexpectedly knocks on her door, bearing information about the woman she idolizes - her great-great-great Aunt Olivia Killion.
Charlene is eager to finally learn what happened to Olivia and her friend and partner Mourning Free. She does not know that the answer to that question will deepen the connection she feels to Olivia, and also bring a new person, and a fundamental change, into her life.966 Amazon ratings - 4.4 average This is what some of them said:"Among the very best historical novels I have ever read, and I have read plenty.
Well researched, but more importantly compelling, interesting, captivating, enjoyable. I could not put the first book down and when I finished it, I bought the second immediately and read it in 24 hours, and immediately bought the third book which I finished a day later ... Well written and extremely thought provoking. Fabulous books!" - Mer"If you read the first two books of this series, you MUST read this one ...
It is very satisfying to revisit these characters one has come to know so well. It was very clever how the author embedded this story within one that was much more contemporary - giving you two different stories in two different time periods, but with very common threads ... The early story (1840s) was during a time of social transitions (pre-Civil war), and the later story (1960s) was also a time of social transition.
It was an interesting parallel." - Roberta A. Chase"The racial tension in the 60's was something I actually experienced. This story brought back the nervousness and fear of that time. This author has done a superb job of illustrating the hate and ignorance back then. The soul-searching Charlene does is the same as many of us did." - Kari, "I love the way Yael Politis writes. This is the third in a series and does not disappoint.
After the first two books, I could not pass up the rest of the story. These books are entertaining and at the same time take the reader to a different time and place in the history of this great nation. Each is educational and a great read." - Jonnie Adams"Great juxtaposition of past and present. I lived near the Detroit riots and remember how awful it was. Story seemed so real, thoughtfully written ...
I loved the relationships from both centuries. Fine writing style and I will read the three books again." - Gammy of 7, Amazon Customer"I waited for this third book, and when I began to read it I was not happy with the Charlene stuff. However, I kept at it and am so happy I bought this 3rd book! This is a wonderful story - and story teller! A spectacular third in the series and PLEASE - don't stop here." - Robbie P."At first I was not quite sure if I was going to get into this book like I did the other two, but it did not take very long for me to get really engrossed in it.
I never wanted to put it down. It was that good. I was sad that it ended (it seems) so quickly. I graduated HS in 1967 and I remember feelings that I had about all the racial things going on at that time in my life. I really enjoyed the whole Olivia series and know that you will too!" - Elizabeth