Why is the beginning life story of a southern African-American evangelist so captivating? Perhaps it is because like Melchedik in the Bible, there are no known records that reflect her birth, only her death. Lillie, the title of the novel, switches back and forth from third person omniscient to first person for each character. The true and somewhat fictionalized story, better coined as "faction", spins a tale of three siblings and their lives. Fayetteville, North Carolina as the backdrop in the late 1800's provides historical latitude. This novel is one about family and the bond that exists, not unfamiliar to many stories about all families. Yet, this novel stands alone for two reasons. First, it is a factual story. It portrays free blacks during the Reconstruction Period in America and how they lived. Second, the story depicts a universal thought of Blacks and religion, an important piece in most blacks' lives. Experience the lives of those whose tales are revealed on the pages. Stories of strife, love and triumph surrender themselves as messages of eternal faith and hope become the foundation deeply rooted in family.