Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

Dana Gradaya Farrell's If It Wasn’t for the Orange Grove intricately weaves the lives of two women, Ula and Elizabeth, as they struggle with love, identity, and challenges from social norms in late 1980s Florida. Ula, a talented cook and seamstress, works in the Montgomerys’ household, where she develops a complicated relationship with their son, Casey. Concurrently, Elizabeth, Ula's employer, is trapped in a loveless and abusive marriage with Ernest, whose reckless behavior and infidelity overshadow her daily life. As both women navigate their relationships, the orange grove symbolizes the beauty and sweetness that life can hold, despite their struggles. The relationships between these characters are intelligently explored in this mesmerizing tale, and the author does an excellent job of examining the power of faith in building meaningful connections.

If It Wasn’t for Orange Grove wins on multiple levels for a debut novel. Dana Gradaya Farrell infuses the writing with humanity and realism, writing deftly about human relationships, love, and friendship. The author’s exploration of the characters, each struggling with responsibilities and the quest for dignity, captures the ache of the human spirit. Ula is a resilient woman who yearns for connection, striving to find herself in a world that often relegates her to the shadows of her employers' lives. On the other hand, Elizabeth represents the conflict of social pressures against personal freedom, as her once-cherished expectations dissolve under the misery her marriage has brought. The setting—a small Southern town amid orange groves—gives a unique texture to the story, symbolizing both natural beauty and the bittersweet nature of the characters' lives. This emotionally rich story features believable characters, excellent prose, and endearing dialogue. Farrell’s narrative skillfully discusses themes of self-discovery and empowerment; it ripples with drama and suspense.