The Whispering of the Willows

The Whispering of the Willows is a work of historical fiction. Set in the late 1920s, in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, 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.

Author Tonya Jewel Blessing tells a difficult, yet redeeming 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. Emerald Ashby 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, author of Prairie Grace and All We Like Sheep

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