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Silent Ties
“Even when everybody says you and me shouldn’t be friends, we keep goin’.
And we’ll keep on ’til we both know it’s time. But we’ll decide.”
Everyone in the Jim Crow South followed the rules set by society; everyone but Missy and Addie. Their friendship began in innocence, hidden behind the walls of two share-cropper cottages and in the field between them. How will age and time change that relationship? Will it end in betrayal?
The spotlight shines on Missy as she discovers secrets about her and Addie that could hurt all of them. A sheltered girl of the times, she is often confused about what is happening around her, yet she clings to one thing: her friendship with Addie. As they navigate the dangers that were a fact of life in Alabama during that time, we see how fear and self-preservation affect all the characters. Can Missy resist society, or will she finally conform and reject her friend?
Read more about the story of Silent Ties…
Karen Caprio – Silent Ties
The author, Dawn Day-Quinn, did an excellent job of captivating her audience with a lovely story of friendship and family. The book’s organization of chapters by year was such a wonderful way to tell the story of a friendship between two lovely girls and the bonds of their families. It was so hard for me to put this book down as I just wanted to keep reading and reading! At times the book surprised me with the plot twists and I was also moved to tears at several moments. Ms. Day-Quinn is a wonderful author and this book is a must-read!! Thank you Dawn for enriching us with this moving story!!
Ann Levy – Silent Ties
I loved reading Silent Ties, especially the beautifully drawn setting and the authentic historical references. The characters became my friends as I was reading; I already miss them. At first, it seems to be a captivating story of family and friendship, set in Alabama. But soon I discovered it was that, but also much more. It is a thought-provoking novel, catalyst for many conversations! The themes of racism, equality, and social strictures make Silent Ties very relevant to today’s society.As a fan of historical fiction, my favorite books are the ones that, like this one, are relevant as well as accurate. Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it (to paraphrase).
Thank you for writing this, Ms. Day-Quinn! I look forward to reading your next novel.
Carol Haskins – Silent Ties
I loved every minute of reading this historical fiction book! I was immediately drawn into the characters, especially Missy and Addie. It was eye-opening and sad; yet warm-hearted and inspirational. The author truly gave me a sense of being right within the midst of the characters, their homes, school, and community. What a wonderful way to convey the feeling of what life must have been like in the Jim Crow South; both good and bad. Good overcomes evil! I strongly recommend reading this book that I couldn’t put down!
Linda Young – Silent Ties
Reading Dawn Day-Quinn’s Silent Ties took me back to my teenage years growing up in the South. Her chilling depiction of the socio-political climate in any town Alabama in the 40s and 50s is accurate, poignant, and heart-wrenching. Characters are cleverly and thoroughly developed to provide an authenticity rarely seen for a first-time author. While the subject matter of the book seems autobiographical at times, it is clearly a story of one young woman’s coming of age in a South not yet ready for racial equality, kindness, or justice. A breakthrough novel with twists and turns I never saw coming. Historical fiction at its best. ~ Linda Young, Principal, Eagle Eye Editors, LLC
Patty Kezmarsky – Silent Ties
A friend bought a copy of the book for me knowing I absolutely love to read and usually tackle one to two books every week. I just had to let you know that I thoroughly enjoyed your book. I admit I had trouble putting it down; so the past couple of days I was a bit of a hermit just wanting to stay home and sit on the deck reading.
I also grew up loving books. Every Friday, when we were growing up, our family went to the library after dinner. It was our night out together. I learned very early that reading could take me anywhere I wanted to go; I could solve mysteries, be amused, become scared, and learn about anything and everything. So I really appreciate your 20 year effort and hope I don’t have to wait another 20 years for the next book.
Monthly Musings

So you don’t like the end…
During the writing process, I asked several individuals to read and critique the story of Missy’s life and her friendship with Addie. Some reviewers wanted the end changed. They wanted a renewal of the friendship. Is that what you were hoping for?
Not your typical Book Club!
During the editing process, some readers wanted me to change the final scene. I tried, in vain, to explain why it was the only end possible. They wanted Addie to pick up the telephone, call Missy, and say, Oh my friend, I have missed you. I treasured those years just as you did. I can’t wait to see you and be friends again.
My explanations regarding Addie’s reaction fell on deaf ears, and may well with you. One individual said, Well, I guess you did the research and understand the issues better than I do.
In that moment the idea was born for Not your typical book club!