The Dancing Willow Tree
Publication date: October 26, 2007
The Dancing Willow Tree will not be available online until Jan. 1, 2008. However, the book can be purchased through the author, Anita Ballard-Jones and the publisher, Black Deer Books with a great savings in the shipping and handling. Order your copy today. The price including shipping and handling through, Black Deer Books is only $16.50! Please fill out the form at the bottom of the page and send a money order to the address listed. The books will be shipped directly to you!
In 1950, young Elizabeth Turner was raped by Reverend Oliver, the assistant pastor of her father's church. After a hidden pregnancy she gave birth to a son, Johnny. Reverend Turner, Elizabeth's father refused to respond to her story of rape and disowned her and her son. He forced Elizabeth and his wife Loretha to hide the identity of the baby's father and live the next thirty six years with lies and secrets.
In 1986, Reverend Oliver was forced to confess to his family as well as the Turner family, but before he could leave Rehoboth he became seriously ill. The ripple effect of his confession touches everyone causing them to have an array of physical and emotional reactions. As Elizabeth continued to move on with her life, she didn't know the secret her husband, Nat harbored was the cause of his suffering and enormous pain.
Thea, Reverend Oliver's wife could not escape the disgrace and shame she was feeling. She watched painfully as her son, Malcolm tried to forge a relationship with his brother, Johnny. And she never knew Malcolm was also struggling to come to terms with his sexuality. Thea's most plaguing dilemma had to do with her relationship with her husband. Her only consolation was an old weeping willow tree in her front yard where the graceful branches would dance on the mild summer breezes. Thea called it her dancing willow tree and she would sit under it daily to pray and receive guidance from the Lord. she knew if her husband was to be saved, she had to give him a life threatening ultimatum.
****
Anita Ballard-Jones has the ability to pull you into her stories and keep
you captivated until the last page. Another brilliantly crafted novel.
J. J. Michael, best selling Karibu author of:
It's Not Over Yet Life Is Never As It Seems
Additional reviews will be listed at Amazon.com as they are posted