The Wisdom of The Willow written by Nancy Chadwick was one heart breaking story about family, love, forgiveness, healing, and loss. This book does have dual POV told by four daughters and their mother over the course of a year and their early lives. The only issue I had with this book was that I wanted to know more about the characters, it felt their childhood was barely mentioned, instead it cut right to the chase of their young adult lives. I fell in love with the gorgeous cover and knew I had to get my hands on this book immediately, and I'm so glad I did because it was such a beautiful story, but also very gut wrenching. My heart needs to be repaired, the amount of times it shattered while reading this book was intense. I absolutely loved the first person narratives because it felt I was right there experiencing these characters lives. I felt so many emotions while reading this book, I cried, I smiled, I giggled, I felt hope, anger, sadness, happiness. In all honesty, it felt my heart was being thrown around and I couldn't help but grip my kindle for dear life wondering when the secrets were going to be spilled. I can't recommend this book enough, it truly shows that not all families are perfect, some families have their flaws and it's a beautiful experience watching people overcome their obstacles.

THANK YOU TO NEGALLEY AND PR BY THE BOOK FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!

"There's nothing that can be done about this thing growing inside my head". "A tumor? You have a brain tumor, Ma?"

Margaret and Joe Dowling have bought their new house in the suburbs of Chicago where they plan to spend the rest of their lives and start a family. Margaret has always had an eye for any type of nature, whether it's flowers or trees, Margaret has always loved nature. When Joe and Margaret move into their new house, Joe plants a young willow tree as a symbol of belonging, growth, and home. As the years pass on, the willow tree becomes a place for Margaret to share life's wisdom with their four young daughters. Margaret and Joe's daughters go through different life experiences, but the willow tree is there for them to come back to when life gets too hard and they each need a moment to decompress. No matter what obstacles get thrown their ways, Margaret is the glue that keeps their family together. Years after leaving the nest and moving out, the Dowling daughters find themselves faced with changes that will define each of their lives and impact those close around them. Debra, the oldest is shattered when her husband asks for a divorce. Rose who is the second oldest has long hidden her true self, finally begins to reevaluate her pattern of being in uncommitted relationships. Linney the middle daughter fears losing Magnolia, the magical shop where she works that has changed her life for the best. Charlotte the youngest Dowling daughter is the only one who knows that Margaret is terminally ill and has been charged by Margaret to keep it a secret.

Despite their difficulties, Debra, Rose, Linney, and Charlotte are a group of strong independent women that deserve the world. Margaret is now faced with the greatest challenges and struggling with whether she has done enough to help her daughters find their ways in life, calls the whole family to the family home to reunite under the willow tree one last and finally time. My heart absolutely broke for Margaret when she would question her role as a mother, whether she was doing the best for her daughters, or is she was failing them completely. I wanted to reach into my kindle so many times and hug this group of women under the willow tree and just let them know that no matter what gets thrown their way, life will eventually be okay. The things Joe did for his family, just left the biggest smile on my face. I'm just so shocked how beautiful and heart breaking this book was at the exact same time, one single page had me laughing and crying at the same time. I can't recommend this book enough, please do yourself a favor and pick up a copy immediately, it definitely won't disappoint, just keep the tissues on deck, because you will NEED them. You are all probably wondering the same exact thing I am, why do I do this to myself? Well, because I love books that mentally destroy me. Am I okay? Probably not.books-read-in-2024158 s58 comments Book Reviewer2,573 220

In The Wisdom of the Willow, Nancy Chadwick weaves a poignant narrative centered around the lives of Margaret and Joe and their four daughters. The novel begins with a symbolic gesture as Joe plants a willow tree in their yard to celebrate their burgeoning family and new home, setting a tone of rootedness and growth that resonates throughout the story.

The plot unfolds through the perspectives of the four sisters, each distinct in their aspirations and struggles. Charlotte, the youngest, grapples with her future in business administration, while Debra, formerly a magazine worker with a penchant for travel, faces a personal and professional crossroads. Linney finds contentment managing a beloved shop in Chicago, contrasting with Rose, an aspiring actress whose ambition drives her narrative.

Central to their journeys is their mother, Margaret, whose terminal illness is a closely guarded secret known only to Charlotte. Margaret's role as advisor and confidante, with many pivotal scenes unfolding under the willow tree, adds depth to the family dynamics. The tree itself becomes a silent witness to the sisters' trials and triumphs, embodying the novel's themes of familial bonds and personal growth. Chadwick excels in creating well-rounded characters, from Linney's nurturing nature to Debra's authoritative demeanor, often attributed to her role as the eldest sibling. The narrative's shift between each sister's point of view allows a comprehensive exploration of their individual and collective challenges. The novel resonates particularly with those who have experienced the complexities of sustaining long-term friendships and the simplicity of life in a close-knit community.

The Wisdom of the Willow is a thoughtful exploration of family, identity, and belonging, recommended for readers who enjoy contemporary fiction that delves deeply into the nuances of sisterhood and personal development. kathy379

When Margaret and Joe start a life together, Joe plants Margaret a willow tree in the backyard of their house. They watch it grow and share lots of memories under that tree with their growing family. They have 4 daughters and each one goes through different life experiences, but their mother is the glue that keeps the family together.

Debra is the oldest daughter and she starts a life with a man who has a young son. She navigates life being a working woman, a wife, and a stepmother. Rose is the 2nd oldest and she loves acting, but finds it difficult to find her spot in the industry. She also has a hard time staying in a committed relationship. Linney is the 3rd daughter, who is in tune with nature and vibes. She loves crystals and finds her way in life when she works for a lady named Bridget, who owns a store called Magnolia. Charlotte is the youngest daughter and she is very close with her mother. She visits her mother often and one day takes her to the doctors where they discover that Margaret has an untreatable tumors. Margaret asks her daughter to keep it a secret.

Will Charlotte be able to keep this secret from her father and 3 sisters? What happens in each of the sisters’ lives?

This was an amazing book and I couldn’t put it down. It was a very emotional book and I loved each of the characters. I was hoping for the best for each of the sisters and for their parents. This definitely gave “This is Us” vibes and I highly recommend this book!! BooksCoffee992

Chadwick's latest is a beautifully crafted novel that celebrates the complexities of family relationships, the power of memories, and the wisdom gained through life's journey. Under the resilient willow tree in their backyard, Margaret and her daughters seek comfort and counsel.

As life takes unexpected turns, the tree remains a symbol of their bond and a source of wisdom for Margaret to impart. But as the sisters face their own challenges, Margaret must confront her legacy and gather the family for one final meeting under the willow's embrace. Has she truly guided them towards fulfillment?

Chadwick skillfully captures the nuances of sibling relationships, portraying moments of love, support, tension, and growth. The interactions between the sisters feel authentic and relatable, while the symbolic presence of the willow tree adds depth and metaphorical resonance to the story. The novel’s alternating first-person perspectives create an intimate experience, enabling readers to deeply empathize with the characters’ joys and sorrows.

The deliberate pacing allows readers to savor the emotional depth of the narrative, reflecting on the connections between the characters and their shared history. A compelling story of sisterhood and resilience; perfect for book club discussions. Brittany120 1 follower

Thank you to Nancy Chadwick, She Writes Press, and PR By The Book for this ARC. When I read the synopsis of "The Wisdom of the Willow," I immediately thought of the show "This Is Us" and wanted to learn more about the lives and relationships of the Dowling girls and their mother, Margaret Dowling.

This story includes the POV of each daughter and Margaret, their mother, for an entire year. I loved how I explored each woman's struggles, whether with their career, relationships, or identity.

Sometimes, multiple POVs can be overwhelming, but Chadwick allows each character to shine so that you are instantly invested in each story.

The pace was slower in some parts, but Chadwick balanced this out with multiple POVs. While one daughter's story may be slowing down, it is balanced out by the chaos of one of her sisters' lives. I never was bored while reading this, and the plot is so emotionally compelling that you won't want to put it down.

Overall, I found myself smiling and crying while reading this book as I navigated journeys of hope, healing, and grief. At its core, this book is about the relationships you cleave to and ones you sometimes outgrow. While you may cry, this book will leave you with a sense of peace as you navigate your own journey.

My rating: 4.5? Nana719 12

The Wisdom of the Willow is a book that will take you along on the journey of the Dowling family. When Joe and Margaret buy a home in the suburbs of Chicago, Joe plants a young willow tree as a symbol of home, belonging, and growth. As the willow tree grew, so did the Dowling family. Under the willow tree was a special place for the family, where Margaret guided her daughters to discover who they truly were, and find their journey and follow it through. The girls are all different, and their journeys are different, but they still have the connections. The young willow tree was planted as a symbol of home, belonging, and growth, and as the girls grow and become who they are today, I can see their growth, where they belong and also, what home is to each of them.
After their mother passed away, they discovered, she was still guiding them, still reminding them of something that they might have forgotten. Having grown up with a willow tree, I could relate to this story, and it made it special. The journey of the willow tree and the family was comforting, and sitting under the willow tree was peaceful.
I received an ARC from She Writes Press through NetGalley. netgalley Jessica104 1 follower

The Wisdom of the Willow was an overall good read. I enjoyed getting to know the Dowling family. At times this novel read in a literary fiction type of way. The beauty of nature and our life-journey within it is highlighted. I felt many of the feels throughout this novel: hope, happiness, anger, sadness, and excitement. However, I also felt I wanted to know more about the characters; so much was sort of grazed over, and I would've been fine with a longer book, as long as I got to experience more of the big moments the characters experienced. I was also a bit surprised by the religious aspect that became more prevalent near the end of the book. Ellen BarkerAuthor 2 books43

A beautiful story told by four sisters and their mother over the course of a year. Set in Chicagoland, in the house where the parents planted a willow tree when they first moved in, and where they raised their girls. The daughters and the tree are young adults when the story begins, and we see the events of that year through their eyes (and the mother’s) in alternating first-person narratives. They each have their struggles, and they each seek wisdom and comfort in their childhood home, where the willow still grows. Nancy Chadwick has a warm and engrossing style that draws you in and brings the characters and the setting to life. Kim WilchAuthor 6 books49

In this touching story, the mother and four sisters share a glimpse into their lives as a family and as individuals. Through love, family, self-exploration, and career, they find their way back to the still-standing willow tree of their childhood home. Nature is sprinkled throughout the story, making it real. The characters are unique and complex and take turns sharing their story. Emotions coupled with compassion make this a must-read. Meredith WaltersAuthor 1 book5

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