The Moonflower Vine

The New York Times–bestselling heartland classic. "A deeply felt American family saga . . . dramatic . . . constantly alive." —Harper's Magazine

On a farm in western Missouri during the first half of the twentieth century, Matthew and Callie Soames create a life for themselves and raise four headstrong daughters. Jessica will break their hearts. Leonie will fall in love with the wrong man. Mary Jo will escape to New York. And wild child Mathy's fate will be the family's greatest tragedy. Over the decades they will love, deceive, comfort, forgive—and, ultimately, they will come to cherish all the more fiercely the bonds of love that hold the family together.


This moving novel brings to life the rhythms and the mood of Midwestern rural life through its endearing characters and their secrets, fears, heartache, and pleasures. Jetta Carleton's only work of fiction remains an utterly compelling story told with perceptive humor and a deep compassion.

"Wit, emotion and undiminished boldness . . . This is a book which celebrates life and warms the heart." —Tulsa World
"The flavor of The Moonflower Vine is much the same as that of To Kill a Mockingbird . . . It has the same quiet feel of nostalgia, a breeze scented with bluegrass and wild roses . . . A delightful book." —The Denver Post
"This novel is that rare find—a book you can truly enjoy and recall, long after reading it, with sharp pleasure." —Rita Mae Brown, New York Times-bestselling author