Southern Comfort

In 1970's Busby, South Carolina, Emma Jean Watson is fierce in love for her family and friends. She will do anything to protect them--even if it means hiding the truth. Always priding herself on being forthright and candid; Emma's secrets, along with her past are about to be exposed.

Called away to Philadelphia, Emma becomes guardian of her grandniece, Macon, upon her nephew’s dying request; but not without a fight from Macon's mother, Nadine. Nadine has her own share of problems and secrets—that have been eating away at her; causing her life to spiral out of control.

Back in Busby, Emma begins to realize that she and her grandniece have more in common than she knew. She wonders if life would have been different if she'd just told the truth from the beginning. Emma's husband, Albert, and her best friend, Lynorra Washington is the glue that helps keep Emma together. Emma has always been there for her family, but when the secrets are exposed, and tragedy strikes, will her family be able to give her the kind of comfort that she will need in return?

Southern Comfort entwines the stories of the pain of buried secrets, murder, redemption, and the comfort and healing of a mother's love; taking you on a ride of emotions that result in a surprising end. From the brash and brazen Emma, to the abused and tormented Macon, to the addicted and narcissistic Nadine, to the best friend Lynorra, to the loving and protective Albert, the characters in this debut novel come to life, with old Southern charm. With warmth, humor, and dynamic prose, Ruthe McDonald weaves a tale that will have you longing for a bit of Southern Comfort.