"Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!"
Book Details:
Author: Heather Webber
Series: Standalone
Genres: Women's Fiction, Magical Realism
Page Count: ___
Publisher: Macmillar-Tor/Forge
To be Published: 21 July, 2020
Blurb:
Blue Bishop has a knack for finding lost things. While growing up in charming small-town Buttonwood, Alabama, she's happened across lost wallets, jewelry, pets, her wandering neighbor, and sometimes, trouble. No one is more surprised than Blue, however, when she comes across an abandoned newborn baby in the woods, just south of a very special buttonwood tree.
Sarah Grace Landreneau Fulton is at a crossroads. She has always tried so hard to do the right thing, but her own mother would disown her if she ever learned half of Sarah Grace's secrets.
The unexpected discovery of the newborn baby girl will alter Blue's and Sarah Grace's lives forever. Both women must fight for what they truly want in life and for who they love. In doing so, they uncover long-held secrets that reveal exactly who they really are--and what they're willing to sacrifice in the name of family.
My Review:-
~~~May contain spoilers~~~
(This was my first experience reading a Magical Realism genre book)
It took a while to get really invested in this book. but when it eventually took off for me, I had a really tough time putting it down. 4.5/5 stars for this one. Reading this book was truly a lovely experience.
"South of the Buttonwood Tree" by Heather Webber is the story of a small town, sprinkled with hints of magic, which deals with the important topics like gossip, prejudices, self-happiness, the pressure of keeping up appearances and the foremost, the ability to forgive. Connecting all the themes of the book is the theme of family bonds and found-family.
The author has intricately crafted the settings and characters of the book that suck you deeply into the story. Be it the titular Buttonwood tree and its legends or the woods or the town, the author has described them such richly that I felt as if I was right in that world with the characters. The characters are flawed and lovable and their character arc appeared very thoughtful and consistent. These characters are sure gonna catch one's heart.
I felt so bad for the Bishops family. They weren't perfect people but they weren't inherently bad either. A big, flawed, troublemaking yet loving family. Most of the members of the Bishop family were too proud to ask for help and they made such ill-fated choices. None of them had known how to ask for help when they needed it most, always having to run away from the community instead of looking to see what help it had to offer.
I loved the the conversations of Judge Quimbey with the town people. It showed us an altogether different side of the notorious Bishop family and showed us the harmful effects of judging people without knowing them truly. I also loved his role as a secret well-wisher and guardian of the Bishop family.
I definitely recommend this beautiful, enchanting tale to all!
Final Thoughts:-
