This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
Willowmere by Andrea Cox Christen is a touching story of adventure, longing, and fantasy. Pea has been struggling after the loss of her mother and life without her. During a game of hide and seek with her father, she climbs up a willow tree where she makes a surprising discovery - a necklace with a message from her mother. The discovery opens a bigger mystery about why her mother left the necklace for her to find and where a secret tunnel leads. Pea is led on an adventure to Willowmere - an incredible world brought to life through stories her mother told where she must face dangers that threaten to destroy it. She is left questioning whether her mother could still be alive. With the help of new allies, Pea stands a chance of not only saving Willowmere but finding the answers she seeks.
Andrea Cox Christen does a splendid job of capturing Pea’s emotions as she’s struggling with being alone and longing to see her mother’s smile again. Visiting Willowmere allows her to face these feelings and to get some closure in her life. Loss is a prominent theme and it’s handled in a sweet manner that is perfect for all ages. Several poignant moments are found throughout and serve as a reminder that stories are a way to keep memories of loved ones alive. Willowmere offers a creative way for Pea to explore her grief and longing for her mother by giving her a mystery to solve and a world to explore that was created by her mother’s stories. It’s a lovely representation of her mother’s memory and spirit that allows you to get to know her as more than a presence. Amazing details help establish the magic of the world such as bone walkers, moving plants, and the four trees of Willowmere. The story is told from Pea’s perspective, allowing you to see a child’s view of a grieving parent. The writing has a sweet innocence to it such as the descriptions that include a tree for Charlie Brown and a mist that thickens and folds in on itself like batter. Willowmere is a charming exploration of loss, grief, and acceptance set against a stunning fantasy setting.
