Mustard Seed: what a little faith can achieve

Mustard Seed by Laila Ibrahim is the second book in the Freedman/Johnson trilogy. It’s been three years since the end of the Civil War, Lisbeth Johnson and Mattie Freedman are raising their families in Oberlin, Ohio. Lisbeth receives news that her father is dying, she is summoned back to Virginia and the plantation where she grew up. She must face the proud Confederate family she left behind when she married an abolitionist and moved north. Mattie and her daughter, Jordan, return to Virginia, as well, to save the family they left behind who still suffer in oppression. As these women confront injustice as well as the bitterness and violence that fuels it, they must find the courage and strength to free themselves and their families from the past. Will Lisbeth find the peace she craves? Will Mattie and Jordan be able to move forward from their past? 

After reading Yellow Crocus, I was looking forward to this story. The story started off slow for me as the characters make their way back to Virginia with their various missions; however, the last third was action packed. The story showcases the horrible attitudes left in the hearts of the former slave owners as well as a few white Northerners who were there to “help.” Mustard Seed delves deeper into the Reconstruction period which is often sped through in history class. There was still a fight to fight after the war ended. I loved the illustration of the mustard seeds throughout the story and the reminder that all we need is a little faith even against insurmountable odds. While readers do not need to read Yellow Crocus in order to enjoy Mustard Seed, the story gives enough background to catch readers up, I still highly recommend it. I highly recommend Mustard Seed. 

Mustard Seed is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook