Book Review: Roots of Wood and Stone by Amanda Wen (Plus Giveaway)

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What is this book about?

Abandoned at birth, her family roots a mystery, historical museum curator Sloane Kelley has dedicated her life to making sure others know theirs. When a donor drops off a dusty old satchel, she doesn’t expect much from the common artifact . . .until she finds real treasure inside: a nineteenth-century diary. Now she’s on the hunt to find out more.

Garrett Anderson just wanted to clean out his grandmother’s historic but tumbledown farmhouse before selling it to fund her medical care. With her advancing Alzheimer’s, he can’t afford to be sentimental about the family home. But his carefully ordered plan runs up against two formidable obstacles: Sloane, who’s fallen in love with both the diaries and the house, and his own heart, which is irresistibly drawn to Sloane.

A century and a half earlier, motherless Annabelle Collins embarks with her aunt and uncle on the adventure of a lifetime: settling the prairies of Sedgwick County, Kansas. The diaries she left behind paint a portrait of life, loss, and love–and a God who faithfully carries her through it all. Paging through the diaries together takes Sloane and Garrett on a journey they never could have planned, which will change them in ways they never imagined.

My review:

What a fascinating read. I really enjoyed the way the diaries and story of Annabelle Collins wove throughout the current day story. There were some delightful twists and also some heart wrenching ones. But my favorite part was watching Sloane find family and love.

Sloane had some deep scars and while I couldn’t completely relate to her determination to hang onto the questions of the past, I was rooting for her to find some answers and embrace a better future.

Oh Garrett. Sometimes I wanted to shake him out of his carefully constructed box, but I loved that his sister did it for me. 🙂 By the way, I’m hoping that there’s a story coming about her as well.

This is the author’s debut novel and I’m very impressed with the writing and the storytelling.

What I enjoyed most about this book:

The romance (not just between Sloane and Garrett).

What I didn’t like about this book:

Nothing. I really enjoyed this debut.

Would I recommend this book to others? Definitely. This is the debut novel for this author and the story telling is wonderful. There are great characters, funny moments, and a nice inspirational thread throughout. This is the first book in the series.

Note: I received this book complimentary from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions I have expressed are my own.

-Loraine Nunley

Where can I learn more about this author and their books?

Amanda Wen, author website

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