I just finished writing Year of the Dog ! It had a massive plot hole that I had to fix which turned out to be more work than I expected. Here’s a snippet: “Hey, Auntie Nell.” He wrapped his arms around her, bussing her on the cheek and breathing in pikake flowers and shortbread cookies. And suddenly he was nine years old again, and her solid presence had made his chaotic world stable once more. “What are you doing here?” He usually took her to dinner on Wednesday nights, but today was Tuesday. The edges of her smile faltered a little before brightening right back up again. “What, I can’t visit my nephew?” She angled around him to enter his home. “Is this your new house? Looks lovely.” Which was a blatant lie, because the fixer-upper was barely livable, much less acceptable to a neat-freak like his aunt. She also left four matching pink and purple floral suitcases on the stoop behind her. Only then did Ashwin notice the cab driver standing slightly to the side of the walkway. “Can ...
Watching the Tree Limbs by Mary DeMuthFrom the back cover:
Knowing something bad will happen if she misses, nine-year-old Mara keeps her appointments. And she’s never told a soul. But despite the fear and shame that ensnare her, she clings to the hope that she can break free.
Mara doesn’t know her real name. She doesn’t even know who her parents are. But with the help of her best friend, Camilla, and the mysterious Radio Man, Denim, she determines to unveil the secrets that shroud her life.
Caught in a maelstrom of lies and deceit, Mara picks her way through the wreckage of a lost childhood until the day something magical happens underneath the pecan tree.
Written in beautiful prose and set against the backdrop of the quirky town of Burl, Texas, Watching the Tree Limbs takes us on a journey through a young girl’s self-discovery and reveals the lengths to which God will go to redeem His precious children.
Camy here:
This is an extremely well-written novel. One endorser likened it to Peace Like a River and I think that’s a good comparison.
Mara’s character is wonderful. The author captures all the feelings, quirks, actions and decisions of a young girl. Mara comes across as so believable, I expect her to walk off the page. I’m right there with her as she unravels all the secrets in her life, as she uncovers the clues like her favorite character Nancy Drew.
The mood and culture of Mara’s small town seemed to surround me when I read. The dialect, the mannerisms, the nuances of society are rich and detailed without intruding on the story.
The characters are all very three-dimensional and unique. You won’t find anyone cliché in these pages. It was intriguing to turn the page and be introduced to another original character, someone who adds another color to the story’s complex painting.
The spiritual thread is emotional and full of hope. It swells like a wave toward the climax and ending. The love of God in Mara’s life is magnificent.
I personally had a hard time reading about the abuse Mara went through. It wasn’t graphic, but it was very powerful for me emotionally, and difficult to read. However, I think other abuse victims will find healing in Mara’s journey because it’s so raw, so real.
I’ve been using the word “emotional” a lot because that’s what this book is. The writing is so fine, so beautiful, I can see and hear and feel each character keenly.
This is a powerful women’s fiction novel. Get this one! I’m also looking forward to reading the sequel, Wishing on Dandelions.
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