Watching the Tree Limbs
By Mary DeMuth
Retail:  $12.99
NavePress

Book Description:

Knowing something bad will happen if she misses, nine-year-old Mara keeps her daily appointment. And she's never told a soul. But her Aunt Elma dies anyway, leaving her orphaned once again. Whisked away to the big white house, she discovers she's not the only one with secrets. Strange Mr. Winningham appears for only dinner, but she's sure he comes to her in her dreams. Zady, who looks just like the nice lady on the syrup bottle, won't give her any answers, but she packs her lunch every day and even lets her go to church with the rest of her family. Caught in a maelstrom of lies and deceit, Mara carefully picks her way through the wreckage of a lost childhood until the day something magical happens underneath the pecan tree.
 

This book is heavy and many readers will be shocked at the dark subject matter, yet it has a great appeal to those who realize that life is full of unspeakable tragedy. The author offers thoughtful, powerful reflection on a difficult topic and writes a gripping tale of redemption and healing from a horrific situation.

After reading the previews on this book and how Mara was repeatedly raped by a local teenager, I didn't want to read this book.  I picked it up because I had promised a review and even though I was appalled by the subject matter, I couldn't put the book down. 

If you do take the chance and read this book, make sure you pick up a copy of the sequel Wishing on Dandelions.  I think you will find they are both worth reading. 
 

*Book Bargains & Preview Rating is based on Five Stars.