South of the Buttonwood Tree Published by Forge Books by Heather Webber
on July 21, 2020
Genres: Fiction, Magical Realism, Contemporary, Fantasy, Family & Relationships
Pages: 336
Source: Publisher
Format: Paperback, ARC
Find the Author: Website, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Instagram
Also by this author: Midnight at the Blackbird Café, A Certain Kind of Starlight
Find the Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads
ISBN: 1250198569
Rating:
Blue Bishop has a knack for finding lost things. While growing up in charming small-town Buttonwood, Alabama, she’s happened across lost wallets, jewelry, pets, her wandering neighbor, and sometimes, trouble. No one is more surprised than Blue, however, when she comes across an abandoned newborn baby in the woods, just south of a very special buttonwood tree.
Sarah Grace Landreneau Fulton is at a crossroads. She has always tried so hard to do the right thing, but her own mother would disown her if she ever learned half of Sarah Grace’s secrets.
The unexpected discovery of the newborn baby girl will alter Blue’s and Sarah Grace’s lives forever. Both women must fight for what they truly want in life and for who they love. In doing so, they uncover long-held secrets that reveal exactly who they really are—and what they’re willing to sacrifice in the name of family.
I don’t know what it is about magical realism that just speaks to me and makes me happy–but, it’s a genre that I can’t seem to be able to get enough of lately. And don’t be fooled–there are only a few authors who seem to be able to pull it off without it seeming childish or cheesy.
Heather Webber has absolutely managed to capture the heart of the south and all its intricacies. Obviously, stereotypes are just that–stereotypes. And, therefore, don’t always apply to every one.
But, I can tell you, that there are so many points Webber manages to make with South of the Buttonwood Tree, and the southern way of life is what colors the story and makes it feel real.
Blue Bishop finds things–how? Well, that’s the beauty of magical realism. She finds them because she’s got some inborn, magical ability… Sarah Grace can “speak” to houses. She knows what they’re feeling or trying to say–and sometimes they love her back with a ferocity that becomes protectiveness.
There’s so much magic in this story. And there’s so much reality, as well. The reality that is an older generation of southern women and their desire to appear a certain way. To be “better.”
All the magic and south aside, this is a story of family, and hope, and new beginnings for people who really, truly, need new beginnings.
This book is right up there with Midnight at the Blackbird Café–I needed this read right now.
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About Heather Webber
First of all, the cover. I love it! But it also sounds like a magical (though realistic) story and I love that too. And I do love magical realism a lot. It’s been a while since I read a book with it.
Stephanie @ Bookfever recently posted…Review: Gifting Me To His Best Friend by Katee Robert
Magical realism is a big favorite of mine! I always feel transported when I read it! 🙂
I love magical realism when done right as well. The southern setting sounds great, as well as the magical ability, and older group of women! I’m glad you enjoyed this story so much Christine!