Lightning Tree Blog Tour

Welcome to the blog tour for Lightning Tree by Sarah Dunster!

After surviving the tragic deaths of her parents, her baby sister, and a harrowing trek across the plains to Utah, it's no surprise that Maggie's nights are plagued by nightmares. But after years of harsh treatment by her foster family and memories that seem to hint at an unthinkable crime, Maggie is forced to strike out on her own to separate the facts from the lies.

Sarah Dunster is an award-winning poet and fiction writer. Her poems have been published in Dialogue: a Journal of Mormon Thought, Segullah Magazine, and Victorian Violet Press. Her short fiction piece, Back North, is featured in Segullah’s Fall 2011 issue. Her novel Lightning Tree will be released in spring of 2012 by Cedar Fort. Sarah has six children and one on the way and loves writing almost as much as she loves being a mom.


Read more about the author at her website or blog.


Learn more about publisher Cedar Fort at their blog, Facebook, or Twitter pages.

Review:


Maggie has had a hard life. While crossing the plains traveling to Utah, she lost her parents. Soon, she was also separated from her brother. Now she lives with the Aldens, and life isn't that grand. Maggie feels like she is treated as second-class when compared to her adopted sisters. After happening upon an old possession of her mother's, Maggie begins having dreams about a strange baby. She also has dreams about what happened to her adopted father while he was a away for a while. Strange rumors abound, but Maggie's dreams are stranger. If that's not enough, Maggie is getting older and everything is changing between her and some of her best friends (who happen to be boys). Secrets will be spilled and truths will come out, but Maggie may not be ready for it all.


This book was so interesting! I felt drawn into it immediately. I found Maggie to be a particularly interesting character. She wanted so badly to feel grateful to the Aldens for taking her in, but she couldn't help but feel that things just weren't right. The author did a fantastic job of creating a sense of suspense. There were times I think I was really worried for Maggie's well-being. Discovering the secrets people had been hiding was very surprising. I felt so badly for Maggie, and I couldn't help but be very happy that she was able to find so many people willing to help her. The dynamics between Maggie and her adopted family were fascinating. I also really enjoyed the Hosters. They were definitely a great example of doing the best they could with what they had.


I also really liked the historical aspects of the story. There were a lot of things going on in that time, and this book made me want to grab a history book to read more about those things. I sped through this book. It really keeps you wanting to read it to find out what happens. You may even stay on the edge of your seat for some parts. I highly recommend this book for people who enjoy mysteries and history. It will keep you guessing and entertained until the end.


Galley provided for review.

Be sure to check out all the stops on the tour!