Overview

PRAISE FOR THE WHISPERING OF THE WILLOWS: Best book I have read in a while. Didn't want it to end. Great and different story line. - 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 Purchaser The 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 woman past and present. God's goodness and provision flow from each page. --Linda Bottoms, Rocky Mountain Ministry Network Women's Ministries Director A 1920s' saga of Emerald Ashby coming of age. 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 towards hope and healing. Love weaves through gut-wrenching circumstances and dismal 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. Eighth grade Emie is about to learn some hard lessons when a disturbed young man is thrust into her life by her abusive father and enabling mother. Now, when key individuals begin carving out a rescue plan, Emerald Ashby sets a few of her own traps. It's a page turner. In this ailing town. What will be their measure of success? Cleverly suspenseful and sweetly spoken, the storyteller's unassuming voice transforms an Appalachian trail of tears into holy terror against an evil that stalks the innocent. In The Whispering of the Willows, an Appalachian marriage practice might be compared to the modern sex trade which exploits young females.If you like the emotive movie, Nell, or the writing of Chris Fabry's Dogwood, (a Lifetime movie) you will love The Whispering of the Willows. 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.

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9780997162547

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Reviews

The story takes place in Big Creek West Virginia in the 1920s and follows Emerald Ashby and her family as they navigate life in their poor household, with a father with a mean temper and no mercy. Emerald Ashby's life growing up was far from happy, as her father was very willing to whip her with a switch any time she so much as nicked him when she shaved his face. However, young Emerald's life took a turn for the worse when she is traded into a marriage against her will for financial gain. This might have seemed horrible to Emerald, but it was also a defining moment for her that allowed her to find her inner strength. The author was clearly in her element as she created wonderfully developed characters with their own unique thoughts and personalities. - Sefina Hawke for Readers' Favorite Best book I've read in a long time. Searingly honest in many things I can never bring myself to talk about. My family is from this area. I was deeply moved. - Verified Amazon Reader 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. An absolutely delightful read! Marilyn Bay Wentz, Editor of Colorado Fruit and Vegitable Growers Redemption rings true in the heartfelt story The Whispering of the Willows. The book's heroine, Emerald Ashby, is rescued from tragedy by the loving hand of Jesus, true to southern historical beliefs. Emie's Christ is revealed time and time again by the care and kindness of others, poetry, song, and the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. This story reads like a prayer and will most certainly capture your heart.- Diane Andrews, national and international speaker, founder and director of R&R Retreats

The 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 woman past and present. God's goodness and provision flow from each page. Linda Bottoms, Rocky Mountain Ministry Network Women's Ministries Director 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. An absolutely delightful read! Marilyn Bay Wentz, author of Prairie Grace and All We Like Sheep God's redemption rings true in the heartfelt story The Whispering of the Willows. The book's heroine, Emerald Ashby, is rescued from tragedy by the loving hand of Jesus. Christ is revealed time and time again by the care and kindness of others, poetry, song, and the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. This story reads like a prayer and will most certainly capture your heart. Diane Andrews, national and international speaker, founder and director of R&R Retreats

Though Emie Ashby endures betrayal by her poverty-stricken parents, we loved the interweaving of courageous themes in Emie and in clever community members and young men who followed their hearts to changed the trajectory of her life! -- Laura Bartnick The 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 woman past and present. God's goodness and provision flow from each page. Linda Bottoms, Rocky Mountain Ministry Network Women's Ministries Director 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. An absolutely delightful read! Marilyn Bay Wentz, author of Prairie Grace and All We Like Sheep God's redemption rings true in the heartfelt story The Whispering of the Willows. The book's heroine, Emerald Ashby, is rescued from tragedy by the loving hand of Jesus. Christ is revealed time and time again by the care and kindness of others, poetry, song, and the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. This story reads like a prayer and will most certainly capture your heart. Diane Andrews, national and international speaker, founder and director of R&R Retreats

Author Information

Growing up Tonya spent numerous vacations and holidays in the Appalachian mountains of West Virginia. Most of her adult life has been spent with a focus on helping women. She has traveled nationally and internationally as a conference speaker. For a number of years, Tonya and her husband currently live in South Africa. They are the directors of Strong Cross Ministries providing humanitarian relief and spiritual reconciliation. Published books: - Changing the World through Media Education (1998) - Media Alert! 200 Activities to Create Media-savvy Kids (2000) - EYE SPY Program (Early Youth Education Program): An Interactive Coloring Book (2000) - Get Them Thinking! Use Media Literacy to Prepare Students for State Assessments (2005)

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