The Flower Sisters by Michelle Collins Anderson

Based on the description provided, here's a summary of the novel:

"Possum Flats" by the new Fannie Flagg of the Ozarks, draws inspiration from the true story of a tragic explosion at the Bond Dance Hall in West Plains, Missouri in 1928. This event serves as the backdrop for a richly woven narrative that explores small-town life, family secrets, and the enduring impact of tragedy across generations.

In 1978, fifteen-year-old Daisy Flowers finds herself abandoned by her free-spirited mother in Possum Flats, Missouri, a town she views as stagnant and lifeless. She is reluctantly sent to live with her grandmother, the town mortician, and decides to work at the local newspaper instead of the family funeral home. Delving into the newspaper's archives, Daisy uncovers the chilling details of the Bond Dance Hall explosion fifty years earlier, a tragedy that claimed numerous young lives and left the town scarred.

As Daisy becomes obsessed with unraveling the mystery behind the explosion, she discovers surprising connections between the victims and her own family history. However, her investigation stirs up resistance from the town's residents, who are reluctant to revisit painful memories and long-buried secrets. Among those affected are a fire-and-brimstone preacher, a fed-up police chief, the mayor's widow and mistress, and even Daisy's unconventional grandmother.

As Daisy digs deeper, she uncovers layers of hidden truths that have shaped the town's identity and its inhabitants. Some secrets are fiercely guarded, while others lie buried with the dead. Ultimately, Daisy's quest for truth forces Possum Flats to confront its past and the consequences of long-held secrets.

"Possum Flats" promises readers a compelling blend of vivid storytelling, historical resonance, and memorable characters navigating the complexities of grief, forgiveness, and the search for identity. Inspired by a true event, the novel offers an evocative portrayal of a small community grappling with tragedy and the enduring quest for understanding.