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The Tree House
There are many forbidden things in 1960s Birmingham, Alabama. But nothing is more forbidden than loving outside your race—especially when the person you love is also a family member.
Benny McClain only loved one thing more than his family: football. But growing up in the south becomes more complicated when a neighbor becomes more than just family.
Penny Jones only found solace in two things: Benny McClain and his treehouse. A childhood defined by loss changes a person. But when loving someone is forbidden by skin color, how can two people reconcile? And how can the unthinkable mistakes of one fateful night ever be undone?
***Triggers:
Extreme Acts of Racism
Racial Slurs
Child Abandonment/Neglect
Violence/Physical Assault
Graphic Sex
Benny McClain only loved one thing more than his family: football. But growing up in the south becomes more complicated when a neighbor becomes more than just family.
Penny Jones only found solace in two things: Benny McClain and his treehouse. A childhood defined by loss changes a person. But when loving someone is forbidden by skin color, how can two people reconcile? And how can the unthinkable mistakes of one fateful night ever be undone?
***Triggers:
Extreme Acts of Racism
Racial Slurs
Child Abandonment/Neglect
Violence/Physical Assault
Graphic Sex
299 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 20, 2024
2 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
September 23, 2024
This was an ARC read for me, Title: The Tree House, available 9/20!
The author did such a good job writing this story. Historical fiction/romance/forbidden love is what I would classify it under.
It was refreshing to read a story from an era in time when African Americans were segregated and not accepted by all in this country and it showcased a white family that didn’t see color, they just saw love. This was shown during many different difficult scenarios through the book.
The McClain family is warm and welcoming and definitely faced challenges. But they are a unit and stuck together. This is such a touching story! I definitely recommend!
The author did such a good job writing this story. Historical fiction/romance/forbidden love is what I would classify it under.
It was refreshing to read a story from an era in time when African Americans were segregated and not accepted by all in this country and it showcased a white family that didn’t see color, they just saw love. This was shown during many different difficult scenarios through the book.
The McClain family is warm and welcoming and definitely faced challenges. But they are a unit and stuck together. This is such a touching story! I definitely recommend!
September 26, 2024
Want to experience emotional whiplash? Well look no further, Timothy Kyle does it again!
I’ll be honest I wasn’t sure if The Tree House was going to live up to The Girl in the Red Wig in the beginning but boy was I wrong! And I’m so happy to be wrong! This book immediately went from 4 stars to 5 stars when Chapter 26 got me. I seriously was convinced this book just wasn’t going to make me cry. I felt all the emotions from rage to sad to happy & hopeful and confused. I was all over the board. Just when I thought I had everything figured out and thought I could predict what was going to happen next, I was literally wrong every time!!
So good, so darn good. A must add to your never ending tbr… sorry not sorry lol
I’ll be honest I wasn’t sure if The Tree House was going to live up to The Girl in the Red Wig in the beginning but boy was I wrong! And I’m so happy to be wrong! This book immediately went from 4 stars to 5 stars when Chapter 26 got me. I seriously was convinced this book just wasn’t going to make me cry. I felt all the emotions from rage to sad to happy & hopeful and confused. I was all over the board. Just when I thought I had everything figured out and thought I could predict what was going to happen next, I was literally wrong every time!!
So good, so darn good. A must add to your never ending tbr… sorry not sorry lol
September 27, 2024
The Tree House
This book was beautifully written!
Penny and Benny are an interracial couple that starts back in the 1960s. During this time, being an interracial couple is very frowned upon and taboo. The couple face so many challenges and complications as the years go on.
I think the author did an amazing job writing such a beautiful book on a topic that can be so sensitive, but it was done so well. The book is a quick and easy read with just under 300 pages.
4⭐️
3.5🌶️
This book was beautifully written!
Penny and Benny are an interracial couple that starts back in the 1960s. During this time, being an interracial couple is very frowned upon and taboo. The couple face so many challenges and complications as the years go on.
I think the author did an amazing job writing such a beautiful book on a topic that can be so sensitive, but it was done so well. The book is a quick and easy read with just under 300 pages.
4⭐️
3.5🌶️
March 20, 2024
the feel good sports movie you didn’t realize you needed
This book reminded me so much of the feel good sports movies I watched growing up like “Radio” and honestly this is was so wholesome that it could completely be a comfort read. It’s a historical romance though I never want to admit that the 1960’s is historical.. I love the racial representation along with the overall life lesson of forgiveness was pulled into this. There were so many amazing quotes and things I would love to teach my kids, that I may just have to buy the physical book and dissect it. This dual POV book could easily be a movie, and should get way more attention than it is. I will be highly recommending this book as all the emotions were felt and the journey was so beautifully done even in less than 300 pages.
This book reminded me so much of the feel good sports movies I watched growing up like “Radio” and honestly this is was so wholesome that it could completely be a comfort read. It’s a historical romance though I never want to admit that the 1960’s is historical.. I love the racial representation along with the overall life lesson of forgiveness was pulled into this. There were so many amazing quotes and things I would love to teach my kids, that I may just have to buy the physical book and dissect it. This dual POV book could easily be a movie, and should get way more attention than it is. I will be highly recommending this book as all the emotions were felt and the journey was so beautifully done even in less than 300 pages.
May 22, 2025
This novel was a beautiful representation of family, love, childhood friendships, and growth. The novel is set in the 60s when racial segregation was prominent. The authors writing captures the essence of the period and makes the reader feel the emotional burden the characters are faced with. The story was beautiful and sad at times - tearing my heart and then putting it back together! What an amazing read and I highly recommend!
November 21, 2024
Read this in half of a day. Was extremely difficult to put down - I absolutely loved this book and the characters!! I felt as if I was watching a movie the whole time- I could see everything so clearly. The happy, the sad- all of it. Everyone needs this book in their lives !!
November 3, 2023
If you're looking for something angsty and yet inspiring, this is memorable read. And yes I'm biased because I wrote it.
September 28, 2024
The Tree House is an experience. The author takes readers back in time to the '60s in Birmingham, Alabama where racism is prominent and segregation is normal. Layered onto this is an against all odds love story featuring Benjamin (Benny) McClain and Penny Jones.
Benny and his brother, Jimmy, were raised by their grandparents as their parents died when they were very young. Benny's best friend Marcus, and his little sister, Penny, lived next door. Life wasn't easy for Marcus or Penny and they frequently sought refuge at the McClain house, where they were always welcome. Given the Jones kids were Black while the McClains were White, this quite atypical. But Grampa Richard McClain didn't believe skin colour speaks to who a person is, and raised his family to value kindness and love.
Penny had pretty much been in love with Benny since she laid eyes on him. She even had her brother convince Benny to have a mock wedding in his treehouse. When Penny was officially adopted into the McClain family, she set aside her hopes of Benny returning her love one day, and accepted that he would love her as a brother loves a sister. Benny made Marcus a promise to always look out for her, and he honored his promises even when they were hard to keep. Keeping Penny safe was definitely a challenge living in a city filled with bigoted, hateful people, including members of the KKK.
As Penny grew up, Benny started to take notice. He also appreciated her gumption and willingness to stand up for herself. While Benny tended to keep his emotions bottled up, Penny was determined to get him to open up, and she succeeded in breaking through his walls.
"Tonight is the first night I go to bed realizing that Penny McClain is more than just my sister. She's my best friend, too."
As the years pass, Benny's feeling changed. Like led to lust led to love, but that was only the beginning.
This is an emotional story rife with sorrow, rage and heartbreak but also compassion, kindness and love. At times painful, it is also quite moving, thought provoking, and most definitely a story you will not soon forget. The writing is compelling and the characters are well developed and purposeful. The author pulls you in and does not let go.
I definitely recommend checking this one out, but be sure to have a box of tissues nearby.
Benny and his brother, Jimmy, were raised by their grandparents as their parents died when they were very young. Benny's best friend Marcus, and his little sister, Penny, lived next door. Life wasn't easy for Marcus or Penny and they frequently sought refuge at the McClain house, where they were always welcome. Given the Jones kids were Black while the McClains were White, this quite atypical. But Grampa Richard McClain didn't believe skin colour speaks to who a person is, and raised his family to value kindness and love.
Penny had pretty much been in love with Benny since she laid eyes on him. She even had her brother convince Benny to have a mock wedding in his treehouse. When Penny was officially adopted into the McClain family, she set aside her hopes of Benny returning her love one day, and accepted that he would love her as a brother loves a sister. Benny made Marcus a promise to always look out for her, and he honored his promises even when they were hard to keep. Keeping Penny safe was definitely a challenge living in a city filled with bigoted, hateful people, including members of the KKK.
As Penny grew up, Benny started to take notice. He also appreciated her gumption and willingness to stand up for herself. While Benny tended to keep his emotions bottled up, Penny was determined to get him to open up, and she succeeded in breaking through his walls.
"Tonight is the first night I go to bed realizing that Penny McClain is more than just my sister. She's my best friend, too."
As the years pass, Benny's feeling changed. Like led to lust led to love, but that was only the beginning.
This is an emotional story rife with sorrow, rage and heartbreak but also compassion, kindness and love. At times painful, it is also quite moving, thought provoking, and most definitely a story you will not soon forget. The writing is compelling and the characters are well developed and purposeful. The author pulls you in and does not let go.
I definitely recommend checking this one out, but be sure to have a box of tissues nearby.
September 1, 2024
3.7 stars
If you're looking for a light, frothy romance, turn the other way because this was heavy and meaningful. Penny is adopted into a white family, the McClains, in Birmingham, Alabama in the 1960s, one of the most racist parts of America. She's been in love with the eldest son, Benny, for years. He sort of ignores her at the beginning of the book.
The conflict in this story stems from racism. It's crazy how racism (against blacks) destroyed two white people's lives. The conflict and the plot were great, the story was just so heavy that I knocked off a star. I rate based on enjoyment, but in terms of uniqueness and crafting a meaningful story, this book deserves 5 stars all the way.
Jimmy, Benny's brother, had special needs and was gay. I was fine with that, but a few other things seemed unnecessarily heavy. Like Penny's brother dying from a rare form of bone cancer when he was very young. How realistic was that? Was the author just trying to kill off the brother, so the usual angst of the brother not wanting his best friend to date his sister wouldn't be a problem? Paul replaced Marcus in my eyes. But what annoyed me was Benny's injury at the end of the book, ruining his dream of playing football professionally, and the grandfather being diagnosed with cancer after just having a stroke. Weren't there enough depressing things in the book already? I didn't need a romance novel to end with a funeral, which made me emotional.
My other criticisms were the first sexual things between Penny and Benny were told, not shown. I thought when they were shown the sex scenes were okay to good. I'm always curious to read sex scenes and romance written by a male author. My other complaint was
Anyway, those are my two cents. I do recommend this book, and I've already told my friends about it. My friend is coming over in a couple of minutes, and I'll probably get him to preorder this book lol. I just wish everything ended on a happier note.
If you're looking for a light, frothy romance, turn the other way because this was heavy and meaningful. Penny is adopted into a white family, the McClains, in Birmingham, Alabama in the 1960s, one of the most racist parts of America. She's been in love with the eldest son, Benny, for years. He sort of ignores her at the beginning of the book.
The conflict in this story stems from racism. It's crazy how racism (against blacks) destroyed two white people's lives. The conflict and the plot were great, the story was just so heavy that I knocked off a star. I rate based on enjoyment, but in terms of uniqueness and crafting a meaningful story, this book deserves 5 stars all the way.
Jimmy, Benny's brother, had special needs and was gay. I was fine with that, but a few other things seemed unnecessarily heavy. Like Penny's brother dying from a rare form of bone cancer when he was very young. How realistic was that? Was the author just trying to kill off the brother, so the usual angst of the brother not wanting his best friend to date his sister wouldn't be a problem? Paul replaced Marcus in my eyes. But what annoyed me was Benny's injury at the end of the book, ruining his dream of playing football professionally, and the grandfather being diagnosed with cancer after just having a stroke. Weren't there enough depressing things in the book already? I didn't need a romance novel to end with a funeral, which made me emotional.
My other criticisms were the first sexual things between Penny and Benny were told, not shown. I thought when they were shown the sex scenes were okay to good. I'm always curious to read sex scenes and romance written by a male author. My other complaint was
Anyway, those are my two cents. I do recommend this book, and I've already told my friends about it. My friend is coming over in a couple of minutes, and I'll probably get him to preorder this book lol. I just wish everything ended on a happier note.
September 24, 2024
The Tree House by Timothy Kyle
I just started reading this book about three days ago while reading three other books at the same time and trying to go back and forth. I will say for the record that this book grabbed my undivided attention within the first couple of chapters. I just couldn't put it down. I couldn't. I was immediately drawn into the Penny and Benny characters, Benny's grandparents Penny's mom, and all of the childhood trauma involved.
This emotional storyline starts set in a small town Birmingham, Alabama in the 1960s during a tumultuous time of segregation, racism, and small-town drama. Nothing is forbidden more than loving anyone outside of your race.
In the beginning, you meet a young Penny Jones and Benny McClain who start young and meet as neighbors and follow them into their mid-twenties near the end of the book. Throughout the telling of the book, you see the characters go through seriously difficult and emotional times of mistreatment, abuse, death, and the struggle for love.
This book makes you forget that you are even reading and transports you to another time and you can feel the emotions viscerally that the characters in the story are feeling. You deal with heartbreak, anger, love, sadness, and compassion as you are invited into the homes of each of these characters through the magnificent writing of the author. The character development and the well-thought-out storyline are so well put together you can't help but feel you're there at the very moment in time with them.
This is an amazingly fantastic read, a beautiful moving story, and yet somewhat painful and still fulfilling if that even makes any sense. I felt every emotion and will continue to think about this book for years to come.
This will be a book I recommend to friends to experience for themselves. What an incredible book from a young, talented, and fully dedicated author.
Thank you, just thank you.
I just started reading this book about three days ago while reading three other books at the same time and trying to go back and forth. I will say for the record that this book grabbed my undivided attention within the first couple of chapters. I just couldn't put it down. I couldn't. I was immediately drawn into the Penny and Benny characters, Benny's grandparents Penny's mom, and all of the childhood trauma involved.
This emotional storyline starts set in a small town Birmingham, Alabama in the 1960s during a tumultuous time of segregation, racism, and small-town drama. Nothing is forbidden more than loving anyone outside of your race.
In the beginning, you meet a young Penny Jones and Benny McClain who start young and meet as neighbors and follow them into their mid-twenties near the end of the book. Throughout the telling of the book, you see the characters go through seriously difficult and emotional times of mistreatment, abuse, death, and the struggle for love.
This book makes you forget that you are even reading and transports you to another time and you can feel the emotions viscerally that the characters in the story are feeling. You deal with heartbreak, anger, love, sadness, and compassion as you are invited into the homes of each of these characters through the magnificent writing of the author. The character development and the well-thought-out storyline are so well put together you can't help but feel you're there at the very moment in time with them.
This is an amazingly fantastic read, a beautiful moving story, and yet somewhat painful and still fulfilling if that even makes any sense. I felt every emotion and will continue to think about this book for years to come.
This will be a book I recommend to friends to experience for themselves. What an incredible book from a young, talented, and fully dedicated author.
Thank you, just thank you.
September 21, 2024
I hope you have tissues nearby. I mean, we all know I’m an emotional person, but really, I gave up on marking all the times I teared up since I just reduced to loud sobbing so many times. It was marvelous!
This book is heavy. We’re talking about systemic racism (Alabama in the late 1950s/early 1960s), child abuse and neglect, loss of family, the treatment of neurodivergent people in the same time period…
Poor Benny. He’s just holding on to so much anger, and he won’t let anyone else shoulder that burden with him. I get it though; after what he was put through, after what he was made to believe about himself, he has every right to be outraged.
Penny has such a big heart. Which makes it even worse when it’s broken, because there’s so much more room for hurt. The hits just keep on coming for her, too.
This rollercoaster of grief and forgiveness and love and embracing the family you create was an absolutely wild ride. I cried so much, both in anguish and relief. Don’t worry, there was laughter, too. I promise.
I adored Jimmy, Ms. Green, and even Richard (most of the time). It’s hard to call them just supporting characters, because this is every bit their story, too.
Benny sets the gold standard for groveling. Sorry fellas, ain’t no way you’re topping this one.
I enjoyed reading this book so much, even though it broke my heart over and over again (as some of the best books do).
This book is heavy. We’re talking about systemic racism (Alabama in the late 1950s/early 1960s), child abuse and neglect, loss of family, the treatment of neurodivergent people in the same time period…
Poor Benny. He’s just holding on to so much anger, and he won’t let anyone else shoulder that burden with him. I get it though; after what he was put through, after what he was made to believe about himself, he has every right to be outraged.
Penny has such a big heart. Which makes it even worse when it’s broken, because there’s so much more room for hurt. The hits just keep on coming for her, too.
This rollercoaster of grief and forgiveness and love and embracing the family you create was an absolutely wild ride. I cried so much, both in anguish and relief. Don’t worry, there was laughter, too. I promise.
I adored Jimmy, Ms. Green, and even Richard (most of the time). It’s hard to call them just supporting characters, because this is every bit their story, too.
Benny sets the gold standard for groveling. Sorry fellas, ain’t no way you’re topping this one.
I enjoyed reading this book so much, even though it broke my heart over and over again (as some of the best books do).
October 13, 2024
I went into this book expecting a Contemporary Romance. This is definitely not a sweet, light and fun Contemporary Romance story. I felt this was more of a historical fiction that had a romantic undertone. The Tree House is a very heavy story taking place in the South at the height of racism, wrapped around the journey of an interracial found family and two of their members intimate connection. I found the plot to be intense, at times uncomfortable to read (sometimes thought provoking uncomfortable and sometimes icky uncomfortable), and enthralling. I enjoyed seeing both a younger and older perspective for the time period, and highly appreciated that the story did not gloss over the weighty issues the characters would have faced during that time period. At times the story was a little predictable, including the plot twist toward the end of the book. The heavier subject matter slowed my reading speed a little, but that is not a bad thing. There is a small amount of spice, and a medium amount of violence.
Overall I found this to be a good read, with an unexpectedly heavy tone. After reading this I very much want my own tree house to make memories in!
Overall I found this to be a good read, with an unexpectedly heavy tone. After reading this I very much want my own tree house to make memories in!
January 1, 2025
A romance like never before
In this historical romance, you'll find a family who goes through so many problems because of the way they accept everyone, no matter the mental disabilities, their romantic preferences, or the skin color because in Alabama in the 1950 race was a real issue.
Benny, a white stubborn boy, meets Penny, a black girl, as children. Penny has loved Benny from the moment she has met him. While Benny thinks she's just an annoying girl. But after tragedy hits and Penny's brother dies, he promises to always protect Penny. As they get older Benny starts to fall for Penny and how kind and caring she is for everyone. Their love blossoms and something happens that has Benny push everyone in his family away, including Penny who has become the love of his life. Read about how Bennys and Penny's relationship grows and falters in this amazing novel.
This book has given me such a range of emotions and had me crying so much from happiness and the sadness the author had incorporated into the book. This book is a must read for anyone who wants to read about a love of a lifetime.
In this historical romance, you'll find a family who goes through so many problems because of the way they accept everyone, no matter the mental disabilities, their romantic preferences, or the skin color because in Alabama in the 1950 race was a real issue.
Benny, a white stubborn boy, meets Penny, a black girl, as children. Penny has loved Benny from the moment she has met him. While Benny thinks she's just an annoying girl. But after tragedy hits and Penny's brother dies, he promises to always protect Penny. As they get older Benny starts to fall for Penny and how kind and caring she is for everyone. Their love blossoms and something happens that has Benny push everyone in his family away, including Penny who has become the love of his life. Read about how Bennys and Penny's relationship grows and falters in this amazing novel.
This book has given me such a range of emotions and had me crying so much from happiness and the sadness the author had incorporated into the book. This book is a must read for anyone who wants to read about a love of a lifetime.
March 19, 2025
This story had everything—drama, romance, spice, amazing representation, and a friends-to-lovers journey that kept me hooked. The interracial and LGBTQIA+ representation was so well done, and the writing was chef’s kiss perfection. I couldn’t put it down—literally lost sleep because I just had to keep reading. It was that good!
In 1960s Birmingham, Alabama, a lot of things were off-limits. But nothing was more forbidden than loving outside your race—especially when that love crossed family lines.
Benny McClain had two great loves: his family and football. For Penny Jones, the only safe places in her world were Benny McClain and his treehouse. Losing people changes you, and she learned that the hard way. But how do you hold on when love is forbidden by something as deep as skin color? And when one reckless night changes everything, how do you ever make it right?
Trigger Warnings:
Extreme racism
Racial slurs
Child abandonment/neglect
Violence/physical assault
Graphic sexual content
In 1960s Birmingham, Alabama, a lot of things were off-limits. But nothing was more forbidden than loving outside your race—especially when that love crossed family lines.
Benny McClain had two great loves: his family and football. For Penny Jones, the only safe places in her world were Benny McClain and his treehouse. Losing people changes you, and she learned that the hard way. But how do you hold on when love is forbidden by something as deep as skin color? And when one reckless night changes everything, how do you ever make it right?
Trigger Warnings:
Extreme racism
Racial slurs
Child abandonment/neglect
Violence/physical assault
Graphic sexual content
September 9, 2024
🌳 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 🌳
The Tree House by Timothy Kyle
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️.5
✅ Interracial Romance
✅ Disability Rep
✅ Forbidden Romance
✅ Step-siblings
✅ Friends to Lovers to Enemies to Lovers
✅ LGBTQ Rep
TW: Extreme Acts of Racism, Racial Slurs, Child Abandonment and Neglect, Violence, Death.
Timothy Kyle’s books are incredible. Every. Single. Time. Reading The Tree House is an emotional experience that I will never forget. There were moments that I had to put the book down because I could see through my tears. The struggle that Penny goes through as a young African American woman growing up in the South in the 60s is heartbreaking. As is the trouble Benny finds himself in simply for loving her. This book will make you laugh, happy cry, sad cry, want to scream, and put your broken pieces back together. Great job Tim! 👏🏻 This is incredible!
Thank you, Timothy Kyle, for an ARC of this book! My review is mine and freely given.
The Tree House by Timothy Kyle
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️.5
✅ Interracial Romance
✅ Disability Rep
✅ Forbidden Romance
✅ Step-siblings
✅ Friends to Lovers to Enemies to Lovers
✅ LGBTQ Rep
TW: Extreme Acts of Racism, Racial Slurs, Child Abandonment and Neglect, Violence, Death.
Timothy Kyle’s books are incredible. Every. Single. Time. Reading The Tree House is an emotional experience that I will never forget. There were moments that I had to put the book down because I could see through my tears. The struggle that Penny goes through as a young African American woman growing up in the South in the 60s is heartbreaking. As is the trouble Benny finds himself in simply for loving her. This book will make you laugh, happy cry, sad cry, want to scream, and put your broken pieces back together. Great job Tim! 👏🏻 This is incredible!
Thank you, Timothy Kyle, for an ARC of this book! My review is mine and freely given.
January 29, 2025
Heartwarming Romance
Timothy Kyle beautifully wrote a forbidden romance book. It severely touched my heart as he provided a realistic scenario of racism. This book was written based on the 60’s where it was difficult to live as a person of color.
Benny’s grandfather adopted Penny because she needed a family. He didn’t see black or white, he saw a beautiful young girl who needed a chance at life. The pain and suffering the McClain family endured left me heartbroken.
Benny and Penny began as friends but turned to true love. You read about many occurrences that took place due to hatred. A tragedy caused Benny more than three years of his life. He was angry and eliminated all contact with his family.
Penny had a secret that needed to be brought to Benny’s attention but was too afraid to tell him. Would this secret change their destiny?
Timothy’s writing style is impeccable. He is an astonishing author who knows how to create an heartfelt story filled with hope and love.
Timothy Kyle beautifully wrote a forbidden romance book. It severely touched my heart as he provided a realistic scenario of racism. This book was written based on the 60’s where it was difficult to live as a person of color.
Benny’s grandfather adopted Penny because she needed a family. He didn’t see black or white, he saw a beautiful young girl who needed a chance at life. The pain and suffering the McClain family endured left me heartbroken.
Benny and Penny began as friends but turned to true love. You read about many occurrences that took place due to hatred. A tragedy caused Benny more than three years of his life. He was angry and eliminated all contact with his family.
Penny had a secret that needed to be brought to Benny’s attention but was too afraid to tell him. Would this secret change their destiny?
Timothy’s writing style is impeccable. He is an astonishing author who knows how to create an heartfelt story filled with hope and love.
September 14, 2024
Wow, this is the best way I can describe the way Timothy Kyle put into words what a lot of people went through. You would think this was his story. And being a parent of a biracial boy, I still see the looks, and here the slurs to this day.
Set in the 1960s, Benny and Penny go through hell and back just to be able to love each other. Benny tries his best to protect Penny and their family while being so young. While Penny tries to keep him calm and out of any trouble. And you can't forget Grandpa with his life lessons.
This is a love story for the ages. It's definitely one of the best I have ever read. I definitely recommend it to everyone. There are a lot of trigger warnings you may need to read first. Harassment, violence, racism, sexual content, and more.
Thank you, Timothy Kyle, for an amazing book to read
Set in the 1960s, Benny and Penny go through hell and back just to be able to love each other. Benny tries his best to protect Penny and their family while being so young. While Penny tries to keep him calm and out of any trouble. And you can't forget Grandpa with his life lessons.
This is a love story for the ages. It's definitely one of the best I have ever read. I definitely recommend it to everyone. There are a lot of trigger warnings you may need to read first. Harassment, violence, racism, sexual content, and more.
Thank you, Timothy Kyle, for an amazing book to read
January 15, 2024
This was such a good read!!!
This book was so so good. This was honestly the first romance book I have ever read by a male author and I was nervous. But the writing was absolutely flawless and the plot was amazing.
The first 50 pages felt a tiny bit slow but they are necessary to build up their love story!! Oncr if picked up, i could not put it down. I was definitely shocked when I found out who Patrick really was. I love Benny so much.
It was just such a beautiful story that happens right before the Civil rights movement. I love the meaningful messages about love, kindness and forgiveness being told throughout. I'm excited to recommend this book to everyone I know! Oh and I want to report that I enjoyed the spice :)
This book was so so good. This was honestly the first romance book I have ever read by a male author and I was nervous. But the writing was absolutely flawless and the plot was amazing.
The first 50 pages felt a tiny bit slow but they are necessary to build up their love story!! Oncr if picked up, i could not put it down. I was definitely shocked when I found out who Patrick really was. I love Benny so much.
It was just such a beautiful story that happens right before the Civil rights movement. I love the meaningful messages about love, kindness and forgiveness being told throughout. I'm excited to recommend this book to everyone I know! Oh and I want to report that I enjoyed the spice :)
December 10, 2023
This story takes place in Birmingham, Alabama, and starts in the 1950s. It's a dual POV with forbidden love between a black girl and a white boy. As you can guess, the couple face an onslaught of problems as they face growing up and loving each other before the Civil Rights movement.
What I think Timothy did a great job of is showing the characters' in the passing of time. For example, I don't know if this was intentional, but Penny and Benny have the sharpest banter when they are adults.
Side note, Jimmy was my favorite character! He was so cool.
I'm excited to see where this author goes in his writing career
What I think Timothy did a great job of is showing the characters' in the passing of time. For example, I don't know if this was intentional, but Penny and Benny have the sharpest banter when they are adults.
Side note, Jimmy was my favorite character! He was so cool.
I'm excited to see where this author goes in his writing career
August 20, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
❤️❤️❤️❤️/5
🌶🌶🌶🌶ish/5
This book is beautiful! I know that might be kind of weird to say as it is based on a time when life was difficult for those who loved different races, but this book blew my expectations out of the water. This author is truly dedicated to writing powerful stories with romance, and I love it. This time in history isn't shared much in historical romance books, and I love that this author did.
This story will probably go with me for a long time. I love the characters, the Spice, romance, and more! I couldn't put it down
* I would love more spice, and I wish we got to see more of the relationships built from friends to lovers*
I still love this book
❤️❤️❤️❤️/5
🌶🌶🌶🌶ish/5
This book is beautiful! I know that might be kind of weird to say as it is based on a time when life was difficult for those who loved different races, but this book blew my expectations out of the water. This author is truly dedicated to writing powerful stories with romance, and I love it. This time in history isn't shared much in historical romance books, and I love that this author did.
This story will probably go with me for a long time. I love the characters, the Spice, romance, and more! I couldn't put it down
* I would love more spice, and I wish we got to see more of the relationships built from friends to lovers*
I still love this book
September 12, 2024
What a great read!
This book does deal with racism and grief but it was a really great story!
The love story brought to the focus and how to treat people were outstanding. The author did an amazing job of putting some tough subjects into the light with an amazing plot to tie it all together!
This book could be a movie! Some emotions that ran through me while reading were, anger, sadness, happiness and warmth! So parts had me laughing, some had my heart pounding, and some parts simply had my jaw on the floor! The characters were amazing! Benny and Penny (their banter) I loved it! Grandpa was amazing with his many life lessons!
This is another must read from author Timothy Kyle!
This book does deal with racism and grief but it was a really great story!
The love story brought to the focus and how to treat people were outstanding. The author did an amazing job of putting some tough subjects into the light with an amazing plot to tie it all together!
This book could be a movie! Some emotions that ran through me while reading were, anger, sadness, happiness and warmth! So parts had me laughing, some had my heart pounding, and some parts simply had my jaw on the floor! The characters were amazing! Benny and Penny (their banter) I loved it! Grandpa was amazing with his many life lessons!
This is another must read from author Timothy Kyle!
September 17, 2024
I really enjoyed the historical aspects of this story, as well as the complicated family dynamics. I had a hard time with the sexual situations in this book being paired with a historical piece. Some of the language seemed more modern, and not something that I would put with that time period. You just don’t generally see such explicit scenes in historical fiction. I love a good spicy novel, it just seemed like we were trying to pair contemporary romance and historical fiction and my brain just couldn’t put the two together. I really did enjoy the book, I just had a hard time putting those two genres together.
September 27, 2024
This book….what can I say to do it justice? It had me rooting for the Benny and Penny even though I kept expecting disaster since they were living in tumultuous times in the 60’s in Alabama. The story read so well and just had you crying and hoping for the best. I just finished in the mist of listening to the winds buffet my house from Hurricane Helene, and the ending had me crying tears for the patriarch of the family who led his family with love and understanding.
All of this is vague because I don’t want to spoil the story, and all I can say is Timothy Kyle has outdone himself with this one!
All of this is vague because I don’t want to spoil the story, and all I can say is Timothy Kyle has outdone himself with this one!
August 17, 2024
In an age where we live with so much division, I think we need this reminder more than ever.
The message is clear, simple but HUGE.
KINDESS. Over ALL. Doesn’t matter who they are, what they do, KINDNESS wins every single time. And that to me is everything.
The relationship between Penny and Benny is so sweet. And I looove Ms. Green. Idk why but i love her 😂
But Mr. McClain. We all need a few more of those men in this world. He’s reminiscent of my own father.
It was a great book! I think everyone needs to read this!
The message is clear, simple but HUGE.
KINDESS. Over ALL. Doesn’t matter who they are, what they do, KINDNESS wins every single time. And that to me is everything.
The relationship between Penny and Benny is so sweet. And I looove Ms. Green. Idk why but i love her 😂
But Mr. McClain. We all need a few more of those men in this world. He’s reminiscent of my own father.
It was a great book! I think everyone needs to read this!
August 24, 2024
This book is set in Birmingham, Alabama in the 1950s. It's a dual POV with forbidden love between a black girl and a white boy. The two face many problems while growing up before the Civil Rights movement. This was a beautiful and angsty story about survival and forgiveness. It also involves found family and how the family you choose is the strongest. This was inspiring and memorable. It had "Remember the Titans" vibes, but with less football and more romance. The message of the overall story is to always choose kindness despite personal circumstances. The romance was angsty in some spots but ultimately very sweet, and there was some light spice. Overall it was a beautiful portrait of life's struggles.
Content Warnings: racism, arson, violence, accidental death, acquitted murder, mentioned child abuse, death of a loved one
Content Warnings: racism, arson, violence, accidental death, acquitted murder, mentioned child abuse, death of a loved one
September 2, 2024
Ever since reading The Girl in the Red Wig, I have been looking forward to reading the Tree House. Timothy has this unique writing style that draws out your emotions.
The trials and tribulations that Benny and Penny face throughout this book are relatable. There is happiness and heartbreak, love and loss. What I love most about Timothy’s writing style is the diversity of the characters. His books always have representation for people of all kinds. You don’t find authors like this often and he has a way of bringing the characters to life!
The trials and tribulations that Benny and Penny face throughout this book are relatable. There is happiness and heartbreak, love and loss. What I love most about Timothy’s writing style is the diversity of the characters. His books always have representation for people of all kinds. You don’t find authors like this often and he has a way of bringing the characters to life!
September 21, 2024
ARC Review ✨️
♡Immediate must-read☆
This story was incredibly hard to down! The writing and the plot instantly grabbed my attention. The historical aspects really gave the readers' insight as to how difficult dating not within your race was such a huge conflict back in the day. Some of the stories were definitely hard to read with how emotional it was, but it was perfect all in all. The dual pov was the best! I love getting both characters' points. I feel like it gives the story more depth. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and will absolutely be rereading it in the future.
Thanks so much to the author and @naughtynookpr for the ARC!
♡Immediate must-read☆
This story was incredibly hard to down! The writing and the plot instantly grabbed my attention. The historical aspects really gave the readers' insight as to how difficult dating not within your race was such a huge conflict back in the day. Some of the stories were definitely hard to read with how emotional it was, but it was perfect all in all. The dual pov was the best! I love getting both characters' points. I feel like it gives the story more depth. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and will absolutely be rereading it in the future.
Thanks so much to the author and @naughtynookpr for the ARC!
September 22, 2024
This was an incredible story of love overcoming everything! This book made me feel every emotion.
With this historical fiction set in 1960s Alabama, we get taken back to time when hate and discrimination was accepted and tolerated. We take a journey with a family determined to live their lives with love and acceptance. This journey is full of heartbreak and beautiful moments. By the end I felt like part of the family.
If you love historical fiction, found family, and some spice, you need to read this.
With this historical fiction set in 1960s Alabama, we get taken back to time when hate and discrimination was accepted and tolerated. We take a journey with a family determined to live their lives with love and acceptance. This journey is full of heartbreak and beautiful moments. By the end I felt like part of the family.
If you love historical fiction, found family, and some spice, you need to read this.
September 25, 2024
This book was a slow start, it comes off as a historic fiction which isn't always my cup of tea but I kept going and man... did it speed up. I completed the second half of the book in a day! I laughed, I cried, I cried some more and then I cried happy tears. The cliff hangers are comfortably predictable (except one, I assumed the worst) but it made it perfect because there was no major emotional drop for the reader, which I enjoy. The spice was *chef's kiss* without being too out of the box.
The ending letter was such a powerful life lesson.
The ending letter was such a powerful life lesson.
September 27, 2024
I was fortunate enough to be an ARC reader for the The Treehouse by Timothy and boy does he know how to stir up emotions. Set in the 50’s this story follows the dual POV of a white boy and a black girl, set during harder times of racism and discrimination. Friends to lovers and forbidden love this book has twists and turns you don’t expect but highlights topics that no-one fully speaks about. It fills a void in the book market covering topics you don’t always read about. An absolute brilliant read
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