Hallie Reads: A Silver Willow By the Shore

15 November 2019

A Silver Willow By the Shore | Book Review

ABOUT THE BOOK

How do you face the future if you don’t know your own past?

When an unexpected pregnancy changes her dreams, seventeen-year-old Annie tries to keep it from her mother and her grandmother. But secrets have a way of coming out. In a household of strong women, the arrival of a new life sets off a spiral of truth that reveals a past full of whispers and lies—a past that existed in another world under the heavy hand of Soviet oppression. This history has dictated the circumstances of the present, but hope, redemption, and forgiveness will grow in the rocky places of these generational differences.

A Silver Willow by the Shore is the story of the unshakeable love between mothers and daughters and of the impact that past decisions can have on present day circumstances. This novel weaves together the stories of generations of women, from the gulags of 1930’s Siberia, to the quiet oppression of 1980’s Soviet Moscow, to present day Tennessee. It is an unforgettable narrative of the treachery of secrets, and of the light that unites the heart of a family.

Publisher: Fine Print Writing Press

Release Date: October 15, 2019

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MY REVIEW

I discovered from reading Like a River From Its Course that Kelli Stuart has talent for bringing history (mostly unfamiliar to me) to life with exquisite, heart-touching beauty. When I picked up A Silver Willow By the Shore, I had high expectations, of course, and I am glad to say it did not let me down.

Elizaveta, Nina, and Annie all hold onto secrets—secrets that keep them from truly connecting with one another. As the plot progresses, each secret-laden story unfolds, alternating between 1930s Siberia, 1980s Soviet Union, and present-day Tennessee. Understood and brought to light, these secrets once held closely can open the door to healing, truth, and the embrace of family.

A beautiful story, perfect for fans of mother-daughter relationships and well-told history, A Silver Willow By the Shore is one book I am sure will stick with me for years to come. I highly recommend reading it.

★★★★.5

I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelli is a wife, mother, novelist, and the driver of a smoking' hot minivan. When she isn't wrangling her five children, she can be found tapping away at the keyboard. Kelli is the award winning author of Like a River From Its Course, her debut novel which won the ACFW Carol Award for Best Historical and was nominated for two Christy Awards. Kelli is also the co-author of Life Creative: Inspiration for Today's Renaissance Mom with Wendy Speake. You can find more information on her life and writings at her website.

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