I had heard good things about Kaye Gibbons, but I have now read two of her books (Sights Unseen and Charms for the Easy Life) and neither one really did anything for me. Therefore, I'm going to go ahead and let this one go unread so someone else can enjoy it.

Reserving for the General Literature VBB.

Description from Amazon:

"Autumn 1918. Rumors of peace are spreading across America, but spreading even faster are the first cases of Spanish influenza, whispering of the epidemic to come. Maureen Ross, well past a safe childbearing age, is experiencing a difficult pregnancy. Her husband, Troop -- cold and careless of her condition -- has battered her spirit throughout their marriage. Into this loveless ménage arrives Troop's niece, Mary Oliver, who has come to help Maureen in the last weeks of her confinement. Horrified by Troop's bullying, she realizes that her true duty is to protect her aunt.

As the influenza spreads and the death toll grows, Troop's spiteful behavior worsens. He terrorizes the household, but when Mary fights back he begins to go over the edge. Maureen rallies, releasing a stunning thunderstorm of confrontation and, ultimately, finding spiritual renewal."

Removing from the General Literature VBB and making available.

I hope the finder enjoys the book!