Strong-willed tomboy Harley LeBeau puts you in the boots her mother gave her, as she takes you along her journey of escape from an abusive childhood and the desire to find herself as she comes of age. Made to feel a burden to her father simply by her gender, Harley is determined to prove

Brooklyn James’ Bio

her worth and independence, leaving the small town she grew up in and the one boy who gave her a soft place to fall, Jeremiah Johnson. Torn between saving herself and abandoning her mother and younger sister, Harley chooses her own life in hopes they will choose theirs, too.
A mature, candid read for everyone. A must for women. The Boots My Mother Gave Me explores the dynamics of abuse and dysfunction, the courage to overcome, the strength in sisterhood, and the ongoing conflict and unconditional love between mothers and daughters. Climb into Charlene the Chevelle for a fast-paced story about a girl who is tough enough to survive and tender enough to learn to trust in love.

Download the opening text from: The Boots My Mother Gave Me

Reviews of The Boots My Mother Gave Me

“A marvelous piece of fiction with fully realized characters who are unique and believable. James has demonstarted a literary skill which shows polish and panache. The book is original, beautifully crafted, and brilliantly written. The reader really wants to know where the story is going.”
Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Expert Panelists

“Brooklyn James’ soundtrack to her novel The Boots My Mother Gave Me does more than give a clever feminist twist to the title. Her songs serve as chapters themselves, underlining James’ deft ability as a storyteller and songwriter.”
Margaret Moser, The Austin Chronicle

“Very satisfying read! Up there with To Kill a Mockingbird.”
David Kobierowski, A Neighborly Conversation – KOOP 91.7FM – Austin, Texas

“Not since Margaret Mitchell’s Scarlett O’ Hara have we seen a literary female of such strength, vitality, vulnerability, and complexity as Harley LeBeau. The Boots My Mother Gave Me is a powerful novel examining a young woman’s journey to outrun her past. If truth is beauty, James has written the most beautiful of tales.”
Candice Adams, Editor Muse, Austin, TX

“An inspiring and empowering read. You’ll be hearing more from Brooklyn James!”
Joan Upton-Hall, Author, Hutto, TX