Title: What the Trees Know
Is magic real?Jed doesnβt think so. Forced to live with his grandmother after the death of his parents, heβs mad at the world. He doesnβt believe in God, much less the folk magic his grandmother practices in the isolated mountains of Appalachia. He doesnβt fit in, and anger simmers within him, ready to explode.
Then Skylar arrivesβa girl whoβs experienced evil firsthand. Though lost in silence, she forges a connection with Jed, his grandmother, and the neighbors who come for potions and spells. Even without a voice, she embraces her new life.
Eventually Jed flees, but not for the right reasons. And his insides still burn with rage, leaving him hollow and even more unhappyβuntil the day he feels compelled to return home.
Skylar understands why Jed has returned. It has nothing to do with her summoning spell. Heβs come home to heal. Sheβs known for being a healer and can consume his sins so he can find peace. But the only way she knows how requires deathβ¦
The trees shiver. They know, too. They always do.
MY REVIEW:
Such an intriguing read! This pulled me in right from the beginning when earth mother Queenie adopts the traumatized young girl with no name and no voice. She soon becomes Skylar aka Princess and along with Queenieβs orphaned grandson Jed itβs full house. Add in Jedβs friend Caleb, the pastorβs son and it makes for an interesting trio one with Skylar in the middle. Queenie is a character with her unusual beliefs and practices that some view as sacrilegious and has the town divided by those that believe in the old ways and those in the church. For the most part the town is live and let live. I love the small town feel and the mystical elements in the story and I really loved the kids. The story changes as the kids grow up. An event happens when the kids are teens that caused Jed to leave and he doesnβt show up until years later when Skylar needs his help with the declining Queenie. Thereβs loads of sadness and emotion in the story as both Skylar and Jed deal with their traumas and both are challenged when dealing with the aging Queenie. Of course, thereβs the attraction between the grown up Jed and Skylar that turns steamy. Their connection has always been strong so itβs no surprise that grew into more. I loved Skylar throughout the story. She showed strength even at her lowest. Jed was just so-so as a grown up for me. I felt for his pain from his time in the military and on going issues. I loved when he was there for Skylar and his jealousy of Caleb was entertaining. With Jed being wispy washy and Caleb obviously in love with Skylar it kept me guessing who would end up with Skylar. Well, not really. The hunk always get the girl. This is an intriguing story with captivating characters and a few story elements that are a little different. Worth the read!
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