Thursday, September 16, 2021

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: The Street Singer by Kathleen Neely

Book: The Street Singer

Author: Kathleen Neely

Genre: Christian Urban Fiction

Release date: 2019

Trisha Mills, a student in her final semester of law school, has fond memories of listening to the music of Adaline, a once-famous recording artist. Trisha learns that Adda is now a street singer in Asheville, North Carolina where she lives in a storage closet she rents for her equipment. Adda’s sole means of support in her senior years comes from the donation box.

Along with her meager possessions, Adda has a box labeled, “Things to Remember.” Once Adda and Trisha become friends, Adda agrees to show Trisha the contents of the box, and reveals her journey from her beginnings as a sharecropper’s daughter, her rise to fame, and her fall into poverty.

Even while busy cleaning out the home of her deceased grandfather, preparing to sit for the bar exam, and planning her wedding, Trisha cannot overlook the injustices that Adda has experienced. Aided by attorney Rusty Bergstrom, Trisha convinces Adda to seek restitution.

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I have read several books by Kathleen Neely and I am always excited when a discover one of hers that I haven't read yet The Street Singer is the latest book that I have read by Kathleen Neely.

Trisha Mills is remembering her love of recording Artist, Adaline. Trisha is now about to Graduate Law School learns that Adaline is now Adda Marsh, and she is a homeless street singer. Adda lives in North Carolina, far away from her days when she was a singer in Nashville. Adda supports herself with the donations that are thrown in her box while she is singing on the streets. Adda and Trish become friends and that is when Adda shares with Trish all the struggles she has been through that has led her from fame to misfortune in her "Golden Years". Trish learns so much about Adda and it frustrates her. Trish is in a busy time in her own life, about to Graduate Law School and cleaning out her deceased Grandfather's house, planning her upcoming wedding. but she is determined to help Adda. Trish is able to secure the help of Attorney Rusty Bergstrom for Adda. Will Adda follow through and seek restitution for all the wrongs that have come her way to lead her to homelessness? Will Trish and Adda form a lifelong friendship?

My heart was definitely tugged at while reading The Street Singer. Trish is a good hearted person. She has a full plate with her own life, but when she discovers a favorite singer of hers is struggling, she adds to her plate to help her new friend. Adda is a person who doesn't want to burden others, so she does what she can to survive. I really LOVED how Adda trusted Trish enough to reveal her past and all the injustices that were done to her. Rusty Bergstrom is AN AMAZING Lawyer for taking on Adda's case Pro bono! I was unable to put the book down until I finished the book. It truly tugs at the heart! GREAT BOOK!

Kathleen Neely is a retired educator and school administrator. She served as a principal at elementary schools in Pennsylvania and South Carolina. When she’s not writing, she’s traveling to see her sons, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren scattered throughout the eastern states.

More from Kathleen

I’d like to introduce myself and then acquaint you with some people who live inside the pages of my book, The Street Singer. I am a retired educator having taught preschool, fourth grade, and then moving into administration as an elementary principal. When I retired, I pursued my desire to write. My first novel, The Least of These, won first place in a contest titled Fresh Voices. That honor renewed my confidence, and I went on to write my second book, The Street Singer. Although The Street Singer was not my first novel, it was the first to reach publication. That holds a special place in any author’s heart. I’d love to introduce you to a few of my favorite people.

Trisha Mills is a law student, engaged to marry Grant Ramsey. Trisha’s grandparents raised her from her early teens when her parents died. As an only child, she’s left with no family following her grandparents’ death. Trisha longs for a sense of heritage.

Adda Marsh is the daughter of Mississippi sharecroppers and has little education. What she does have is an amazing singing voice. Using the pseudonym Adaline, she experienced great success in the music industry in the era of Ella Fitzgerald. Her record company let her go when she aged and her voice faded. She never realized how the recording company duped her. Penniless, she sings on a street corner for donations.

Rusty Bergstrom is a lawyer who agrees to help Trisha in her quest to find justice for Adda. He brings both compassion and levity to a difficult situation. Rusty sprinkles lawyer jokes throughout the book, causing Trisha to laugh—an characteristic in short supply.

Grant Ramsey is a financial advisor working hard to build his clientele. His father is a state politician with aspirations for becoming governor. He learned to exercise caution in his words and actions so protect his father’s image. That guarded nature tells him that Trisha’s friendship with Adda is not a good idea.

There you have it. Trisha Mills’ story with the makings for a multi-generational, diverse friendship, the challenges of two very different men vying for her affection, and a legal battle to right a wrong. Oh, I forgot to mention, all this while renovating her grandparents’ old farm house. I hope you enjoy reading The Street Singer as much as I enjoyed writing it.