The Whispering of the Willows: An Historic Appalachian Drama (Big Creek): 1

This first book in the Big Creek Appalachian series begins in dark places where children are traded as child brides to men who are willing to work the family farm. Hard Cover edition.A 1920s saga of Emerald Ashby coming-of-age. Im poetic in an Appalachian sort of way. People say Im easy. I aint but its easy to see why theyd think so! Whisper now. Wanna know how I survived? Ill tell ya...Set against the superstitions and old-time religion in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia author Tonya Jewel Blessing tells a difficult yet redemptive story of a blossoming young woman who is accompanied by her friends and her foes on a journey toward hope and healing. Not since Catherine Marshalls strong heroine named Christy has an Appalachian drama come to life like The Whispering of the Willows.Love weaves through dismal circumstances and poverty where Emerald Ashby grows strong despite grievous wrongs committed against her.In this desperate historical setting mysterious disappearances lead to traps set for the innocent. Now when key individuals begin carving out a rescue plan Emerald Ashby sets a few of her own traps. Its a page-turner. In this ailing town. What will be their measure of success? Cleverly suspenseful and sweetly spoken the storytellers unassuming voice transforms an Appalachian trail of tears into holy terror against an evil that stalks the innocent. The Whispering of the Willows is a work of historical fiction. Set in the late 1920s in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia eighth-grade Emerald is about to learn some hard lessons when a deeply disturbed man is thrust into her life by her abusive father and an enabling mother. In The Whispering of the Willows an Appalachian marriage practice might be compared to the modern sex trade which exploits young females.PRAISE FOR THE WHISPERING OF THE WILLOWS: The story is emotionally gripping and pulls the reader along to see what will happen next. The best stories grab our emotions and dont let go. -Judges 5-Star Award Commentary from 24th Annual Writers Digest Book AwardsBest book I have read in a while. Didnt want it to end. Great and different storyline. - Christine This is a fantastic book that had me examining my own personal spiritual journey. Kudos to the author for writing such a heartfelt inspiring work. - Verified Amazon Reader I absolutely loved the characters and the story. Their faith in God helped them through the trials they faced. The story is engrossing and very believable. Hope this book is a winner for the author. - Verified PurchaserThe Whispering of the Willows is an inspiring story full of twists and turns freedom and redemption the expected and unexpected. This book brings to light the struggles of young women past and present. Gods goodness and provision flow from each page. - Linda Bottoms Rocky Mountain Ministry Network Womens Ministries DirectorIncludes: Bibliography and Book Club Questions. A novel for women examining the Old Time Religion. Coming of age in the Southern Appalachians. Youll be glad you made Emie Ashbys acquaintance in the Whispering of the Willows.