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The Honey Tree
An unforgettable tale of courage, compassion, and the pursuit of freedom. Maggie has always accepted life's that is, until she witnesses a breathtaking moment of liberation as a butterfly breaks free from a spider's web. And this small, defiant act sparks a fire within her soul.That’s a dangerous thing for a field slave in 1850 Missouri.As her daughter ascends to the coveted position of personal maid to the Mistress, Maggie's family is thrust into the intricate dynamics of power and privilege within the House.But in the shadows, a chance encounter between Maggie's sons and Preacher, a burly, escaped slave, sets the stage for a risky alliance.Meanwhile, Lucy, the Master's lonely daughter, hungers for the warmth and kindness that Maggie effortlessly exudes. The boundaries that separate them are as rigid as the times they live in, but the desire for connection and understanding defies the odds.Maggie, recognizing an opportunity for freedom, finds herself entwined in a perilous dance between liberation and the relentless pull of her current station.Will she follow in the path of the butterfly?
- GenresHistorical Fiction
294 pages, Paperback
Published December 12, 2023
34 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Jo Sparkes
8 books40 followersAt the age of three, my father found me with a book in my lap, yelling "Read, read, read!" He tiptoed away.
I’ve interviewed NFL stars and 3rd string players, taken and taught writing and screenwriting classes, won awards and been brutally rejected repeatedly.
I am, after all, a writer.
Just moved to Plymouth, England - and love it.
I’ve interviewed NFL stars and 3rd string players, taken and taught writing and screenwriting classes, won awards and been brutally rejected repeatedly.
I am, after all, a writer.
Just moved to Plymouth, England - and love it.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 21, 2024
When I agreed to receive a copy of this book and read and review it, I must admit I was hopeful that the dark subject of slavery would not be overwhelming. It truly is a horrific part of the past of our country and I quite honestly do not usually seek out books to read that deal with subjects that are as traumatizing as slavery. What I found after reading The Honey Tree by Jo Sparkes was hope. The author truly crafted a story that left me smiling and filled with a sense of hope. How on earth was she able to do that?
The story centers around some beautiful characters who live as enslaved blacks on a plantation filled with all of the atrocities of those days. Beatings and having no worth were the norm and. while I am sure this was the case everywhere for the enslaved people, somehow this group was able to endure and find the courage to seek freedom for themselves.
I think what I loved most about this book were the characters who were created and developed so well that the reader felt that they were indeed part of the family. From Maggie to Honey to Preacher, each of these characters were life sized and by the end of the book I was filled with a sense of knowing each of them for the courageous and independent persons that they were.
The story is about more than enslavement. It is about the dynamics of living in that time but it is so much more. It is about compassion and hope and the yearning for more. It is about independence and how important that is in any life . The ending had a bit of a surprise and I appreciated that and loved how the author wrapped up the entire journey for the reader.
Thank you to the author and the publisher for allowing me the chance to read this novel. I would recommend it to anyone who is seeking a story of hope and the strength of the human spirit.
The story centers around some beautiful characters who live as enslaved blacks on a plantation filled with all of the atrocities of those days. Beatings and having no worth were the norm and. while I am sure this was the case everywhere for the enslaved people, somehow this group was able to endure and find the courage to seek freedom for themselves.
I think what I loved most about this book were the characters who were created and developed so well that the reader felt that they were indeed part of the family. From Maggie to Honey to Preacher, each of these characters were life sized and by the end of the book I was filled with a sense of knowing each of them for the courageous and independent persons that they were.
The story is about more than enslavement. It is about the dynamics of living in that time but it is so much more. It is about compassion and hope and the yearning for more. It is about independence and how important that is in any life . The ending had a bit of a surprise and I appreciated that and loved how the author wrapped up the entire journey for the reader.
Thank you to the author and the publisher for allowing me the chance to read this novel. I would recommend it to anyone who is seeking a story of hope and the strength of the human spirit.
June 11, 2025
I didn’t expect this book to stay with me the way it has. The Honey Tree is set in the harsh reality of 1850s Missouri, on a plantation where pain and power are daily currency—but what I found inside was something much deeper than just a story about slavery. I found love. I found strength. And above all, I found hope.
The main character, Maggie, is unforgettable. She’s a field slave, a mother, and a quiet force of nature. Her love for her children—Honey, Buster, and Tweed—is fierce and unshakable. When she sees a butterfly escaping a spider’s web, something changes in her. It’s such a simple moment, but it becomes a symbol for everything she begins to believe in: that maybe, just maybe, freedom is possible.
What struck me most was how human the characters felt. Preacher, the injured man who brings whispers of escape. Honey, trying to stay safe inside the Big House. Even Lucy, the Master’s daughter, who forms a bond with Maggie that feels genuine and fragile in all the right ways. These aren’t just characters—they feel like people I knew by the time I turned the last page.
Yes, this story talks about slavery. But it’s not just about pain—it’s about endurance, love, and choosing to hope when the world gives you every reason not to. And the ending? Let’s just say I wasn’t ready for the tears.
I went into this book a little nervous, unsure if it would be too heavy—but what I found was a story that left me feeling deeply moved and, somehow, uplifted. If you’re someone who loves stories about the strength of the human spirit, this one deserves your time.
The main character, Maggie, is unforgettable. She’s a field slave, a mother, and a quiet force of nature. Her love for her children—Honey, Buster, and Tweed—is fierce and unshakable. When she sees a butterfly escaping a spider’s web, something changes in her. It’s such a simple moment, but it becomes a symbol for everything she begins to believe in: that maybe, just maybe, freedom is possible.
What struck me most was how human the characters felt. Preacher, the injured man who brings whispers of escape. Honey, trying to stay safe inside the Big House. Even Lucy, the Master’s daughter, who forms a bond with Maggie that feels genuine and fragile in all the right ways. These aren’t just characters—they feel like people I knew by the time I turned the last page.
Yes, this story talks about slavery. But it’s not just about pain—it’s about endurance, love, and choosing to hope when the world gives you every reason not to. And the ending? Let’s just say I wasn’t ready for the tears.
I went into this book a little nervous, unsure if it would be too heavy—but what I found was a story that left me feeling deeply moved and, somehow, uplifted. If you’re someone who loves stories about the strength of the human spirit, this one deserves your time.
December 30, 2023
I received this book as a gift from the author. Truthfully, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I rarely read books about the history of America’s slaves. The horrors of slavery fill me with pain.
However, when I read the Note from the Author, in the beginning of the book; I knew I had to read this story.
One of the main characters, Maggie, came to the author in a dream. At that point, the author says she asked herself, “What could a White woman really know about being a Black slave?” Maggie chose Jo Sparks to write this story!
Maggie’s story begins in Missouri. It’s 1850 and we meet her hard at work in a cotton field. The woman has a profound encounter with a butterfly breaking free from a spider’s web, which is just what she wants for her little family—freedom. This experience affects her deeply.
We’re introduced to the Sweetgum plantation and the owner, Mark Hueron, his wife, Miss Marianne, and their daughter, Lucy. There’s the usual cast of plantation workers and the overseer.
Before long, we meet Maggie’s boys Buster and Tweed, and her daughter, Honey. When Preacher, an escaped slave, appears on the plantation, Maggie helps to nurse his injured leg. The slaves say that Preacher was bought at auction and the master is happy with him even though his leg is injured. Maggie does her best to patch him up. She can’t help but think this big man might be the key for all of them to find freedom.
Honey is a beauty. She’s around sixteen years old and has secured a position in the big house as a lady’s maid to Miss Marianne. Now the family is right in the middle of the dynamics of power and privilege within the house.
Buster and Tweed are still young. Lucy, the master’s daughter, befriends the boys and they go on grand adventures. Lucy is everything her mother is not. All the young girl wants is to be loved. Through her friendship with the boys, Lucy meets Maggie, who the boys call Mammy.
When the old overseer is replaced with a crueller overseer, things change on the planation. This situation sets off a chain of events with enough twists and turns to keep you reading long into the night!
This was an excellent read. I’m so glad I read this book. In no time, these characters found a place in my heart. Maggie’s story is written with courage, love, and filled with hope. Be prepared for an ending that is as emotional as it was surprising!
However, when I read the Note from the Author, in the beginning of the book; I knew I had to read this story.
One of the main characters, Maggie, came to the author in a dream. At that point, the author says she asked herself, “What could a White woman really know about being a Black slave?” Maggie chose Jo Sparks to write this story!
Maggie’s story begins in Missouri. It’s 1850 and we meet her hard at work in a cotton field. The woman has a profound encounter with a butterfly breaking free from a spider’s web, which is just what she wants for her little family—freedom. This experience affects her deeply.
We’re introduced to the Sweetgum plantation and the owner, Mark Hueron, his wife, Miss Marianne, and their daughter, Lucy. There’s the usual cast of plantation workers and the overseer.
Before long, we meet Maggie’s boys Buster and Tweed, and her daughter, Honey. When Preacher, an escaped slave, appears on the plantation, Maggie helps to nurse his injured leg. The slaves say that Preacher was bought at auction and the master is happy with him even though his leg is injured. Maggie does her best to patch him up. She can’t help but think this big man might be the key for all of them to find freedom.
Honey is a beauty. She’s around sixteen years old and has secured a position in the big house as a lady’s maid to Miss Marianne. Now the family is right in the middle of the dynamics of power and privilege within the house.
Buster and Tweed are still young. Lucy, the master’s daughter, befriends the boys and they go on grand adventures. Lucy is everything her mother is not. All the young girl wants is to be loved. Through her friendship with the boys, Lucy meets Maggie, who the boys call Mammy.
When the old overseer is replaced with a crueller overseer, things change on the planation. This situation sets off a chain of events with enough twists and turns to keep you reading long into the night!
This was an excellent read. I’m so glad I read this book. In no time, these characters found a place in my heart. Maggie’s story is written with courage, love, and filled with hope. Be prepared for an ending that is as emotional as it was surprising!
January 6, 2024
📚 "The Honey Tree"
by Jo Sparkes 📚
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉Prepare to be transported to the enchanting world of 1850 Missouri in Jo Sparkes' spellbinding novel, "The Honey Tree." 🌳✨ This literary gem unfolds against the backdrop of the Sweetgum plantation, intricately weaving a tapestry of courage, compassion, and the relentless pursuit of freedom.
👉At the heart of the narrative is Maggie, a field slave whose life takes an unexpected turn after a profound encounter with a butterfly breaking free from a spider's web. This moment becomes the catalyst for Maggie's unwavering determination to lead her family towards liberation.
👉The dynamics within the Sweetgum plantation are brought to life with vivid prose and rich character development. The arrival of Preacher, an escaped slave, sets the stage for a risky alliance that holds the promise of freedom. As Maggie's daughter, Honey, ascends to a coveted position in the House, the intricacies of power and privilege come to the forefront.
👉The author's storytelling prowess shines as she introduces a cast of characters, each with their own dreams, struggles, and desires. From the resilient Maggie to the lonely but longing Lucy, the master's daughter, every character leaves an indelible mark on the reader's heart.
👉"The Honey Tree" is not merely a historical fiction; it is a journey of resilience, love, and hope. The prose is beautifully crafted, immersing readers in the emotional landscape of each character. The plot unfolds with unexpected twists, keeping you engaged until the final, emotionally charged pages.
👉Jo Sparkes has masterfully navigated the complexities of the era, delivering a poignant and thought-provoking narrative that transcends time. The ending, both surprising and deeply moving, is the perfect culmination of Maggie's courageous tale.
👉In conclusion, "The Honey Tree" is a literary triumph that deserves a place on every book lover's shelf. 🥰📚✨
#BookReview #HistoricalFiction #MustRead #JoSparkes #LiteraryGem 🤩🌟
by Jo Sparkes 📚
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉Prepare to be transported to the enchanting world of 1850 Missouri in Jo Sparkes' spellbinding novel, "The Honey Tree." 🌳✨ This literary gem unfolds against the backdrop of the Sweetgum plantation, intricately weaving a tapestry of courage, compassion, and the relentless pursuit of freedom.
👉At the heart of the narrative is Maggie, a field slave whose life takes an unexpected turn after a profound encounter with a butterfly breaking free from a spider's web. This moment becomes the catalyst for Maggie's unwavering determination to lead her family towards liberation.
👉The dynamics within the Sweetgum plantation are brought to life with vivid prose and rich character development. The arrival of Preacher, an escaped slave, sets the stage for a risky alliance that holds the promise of freedom. As Maggie's daughter, Honey, ascends to a coveted position in the House, the intricacies of power and privilege come to the forefront.
👉The author's storytelling prowess shines as she introduces a cast of characters, each with their own dreams, struggles, and desires. From the resilient Maggie to the lonely but longing Lucy, the master's daughter, every character leaves an indelible mark on the reader's heart.
👉"The Honey Tree" is not merely a historical fiction; it is a journey of resilience, love, and hope. The prose is beautifully crafted, immersing readers in the emotional landscape of each character. The plot unfolds with unexpected twists, keeping you engaged until the final, emotionally charged pages.
👉Jo Sparkes has masterfully navigated the complexities of the era, delivering a poignant and thought-provoking narrative that transcends time. The ending, both surprising and deeply moving, is the perfect culmination of Maggie's courageous tale.
👉In conclusion, "The Honey Tree" is a literary triumph that deserves a place on every book lover's shelf. 🥰📚✨
#BookReview #HistoricalFiction #MustRead #JoSparkes #LiteraryGem 🤩🌟
January 21, 2024
Another very well written novel about slavery, plantations, the innocence of children and the various sides of right and wrong during this time. I really loved the characters the author brought to life and thought Lucy's character really brought depth to this story. Children are innocent until they are taught differently and this character really brought that message out. Maggie's story was heartbreaking in that you felt her fear and her longing to get her children to freedom, especially after a horrible event involving her youngest son. When a runaway needs help, Maggie realizes this may be the answer she has been looking for this whole time. I also really enjoyed that the author wrote the characters all so differently and that you had the storylines from the field, as well as the house and how different you could be treated depending on which place you were assigned to. Thank you to the author for the complementary novel. I am looking forward to more historical fiction by this author. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
January 5, 2024
This was such an engrossing read set in a part of history I don't read about often enough. It offers a poignant narrative that delves into the challenges of that era, particularly slavery. What struck me most was the powerful theme of overcoming adversity, as the characters forge friendships that defy the harsh societal norms of the time. The story beautifully intertwines the struggles of the past with a touch of lightness and adventure, creating a compelling story that kept me hooked from start to finish. I think the author captured the seriousness of the point in history while weaving a tale of hope, resilience, and the enduring strength of friendship. A truly moving and thought-provoking read.
June 5, 2024
Great historical fiction novel
I liked this book as it was an easy read but fast paced that held my interest to the very end. Even though it was not a true story it seemed as if it could have been. It was a good read and enjoyable even though it was a sensitive and sad story to tell.
I liked this book as it was an easy read but fast paced that held my interest to the very end. Even though it was not a true story it seemed as if it could have been. It was a good read and enjoyable even though it was a sensitive and sad story to tell.
June 6, 2024
We are proud to announce that THE HONEY TREE: A Story of Hope by Jo Sparkes has been honored with the B.R.A.G. Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.
February 19, 2025
Loved It!
This is the first time I read this author and I really enjoyed her writing. I will look for more from her as soon as I finish this review.
You will love this book😉
This is the first time I read this author and I really enjoyed her writing. I will look for more from her as soon as I finish this review.
You will love this book😉
Read
June 14, 2025Great
I like that fact that Honey found true love. I like that Lucy truly got a mommy and all Maggie went through she found her family again
I like that fact that Honey found true love. I like that Lucy truly got a mommy and all Maggie went through she found her family again
September 11, 2025
The Honey Tree
Absolutely one great book. Would recommend it to everyone who loved s history and stories about the slave year's in America.
Absolutely one great book. Would recommend it to everyone who loved s history and stories about the slave year's in America.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews