The Whispering of the Willows: (Big Creek)

Set in the late 1920’s in the Appalachian Mountains 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 enabling mother. As love begins to cut a path through gut-wrenching circumstances and dismal poverty Emerald is accompanied by friends and foes on her journey towards hope and healing.If you like the emotive movie Nell or the writing of Chris Fabrys Dogwood also set in West Virginia (a Lifetime movie) you will love this saga set in the late 1920s.The folk faith of the Appalachian community becomes creative taking a gamble against the local preacher and in their unique hospitality.Author Tonya Jewel Blessing tells a difficult yet redeeming story of a blossoming young womanEmerald Ashby who grows strong despite grievous wrongs committed against her.“Tonya Blessing’s sweet unassuming voice deals artfully with racism sexism and religious bigotry. Superb storytelling interspersed with practical faith portrays the difficulty and beauty of Appalachian life.” --Marilyn Bay Wentz CEO of Colorado Fruit and Vegetable Growers and the author of Prairie Grace.LCSH: Teenage girls--Abuse of--Fiction. | Rape victims--Fiction. | Abusive men--Fiction. | Poverty--Appalachian Region--Fiction. | Appalachian Region--History--20th century--Fiction. | Historical fiction. | Bildungsromans.