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Oakwood Hollow #1
Under the Wishing Tree
Welcome to Oakwood Hollow, where the coffee is good and the townsfolk are delightfully offbeat.
Graham Moore never intended to go to this quaint little town. But one wrong train lands him in Oakwood Hollow just as it gears up for its annual festival, celebrating a tree that is said to grant wishes. Intrigued by the legend and the beautiful-but-slightly-grumpy cafe owner, he decides to stick around for a little while longer.
Eden Mendoza has lived in Oakwood Hollow most of her life, but she might be the only person in town who doesn’t believe in the tree lore. She instead focuses on the tangible—her found family, her thriving knitting business, and, now, this charming soldier who unexpectedly comes into her cafe.
They spend only one day together, but in those few short hours, they form a connection neither can deny. But when Graham inevitably leaves, Eden is left wondering if she’ll ever see him again, or if their brief time together will become nothing but a memory.
Told through dual timelines and point-of-views, Under the Wishing Tree is a story about the magic of second chances, and the unexpected paths that lead us to where we’re meant to be. Perfect for fans of the Gilmore Girls, Lucy Score, and Sarah Addison Allen.
Graham Moore never intended to go to this quaint little town. But one wrong train lands him in Oakwood Hollow just as it gears up for its annual festival, celebrating a tree that is said to grant wishes. Intrigued by the legend and the beautiful-but-slightly-grumpy cafe owner, he decides to stick around for a little while longer.
Eden Mendoza has lived in Oakwood Hollow most of her life, but she might be the only person in town who doesn’t believe in the tree lore. She instead focuses on the tangible—her found family, her thriving knitting business, and, now, this charming soldier who unexpectedly comes into her cafe.
They spend only one day together, but in those few short hours, they form a connection neither can deny. But when Graham inevitably leaves, Eden is left wondering if she’ll ever see him again, or if their brief time together will become nothing but a memory.
Told through dual timelines and point-of-views, Under the Wishing Tree is a story about the magic of second chances, and the unexpected paths that lead us to where we’re meant to be. Perfect for fans of the Gilmore Girls, Lucy Score, and Sarah Addison Allen.
- GenresContemporaryNovella
122 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2024
8 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
June Gray
37 books612 followersI am a writer who likes to titillate and enrage, who revels in breaking the reader's heart and putting it back together again.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 5, 2024
“I’ve been on two deployments and I’ve found myself in really dangerous situations, but not once did I feel like I would actually die. But this time it feels as if … as if maybe I’m not coming home.” — Graham to Eden
I came across author June Gray’s splendid novelette, Under the Wishing Tree, because it was a featured new release on the GR blog of another writer I recently discovered, Maida Malby. Having some free time while on a break from writing, I decided to check it out and was rewarded with a surprisingly tender and resonating romantic story about two lonely people who make a deep and tender connection that lasts much longer than their brief time together.
Packaged as a small town, second chance romance, this becomes a bit more than that because of the author’s deft skill and sensitivity in crafting this story. June Gray imbues Under the Wishing Tree with a quiet but not insubstantial resonance you don’t normally associate with this genre and related sub-genres.
Told in alternating short chapters between the past and present, with Graham Moore narrating the past, and Eden Mendoza narrating the present, the short length of the chapters and the backstory juxtaposed against the now, makes for a very engaging and romantic narrative.
Moore is a soldier compelled to take the wrong train on his way to prepare for combat and then ship out to hostile territory. What he finds in Oakwood Hollow is a charming small town awaiting a festival which surrounds a wishing tree. It is a quaint, lovely small town with a host of quirky yet endearing townsfolk which includes a young girl who holds book club meetings for one — herself. The author does a nice job with these secondary characters, adding color and depth to the story, while turning Oakwood Hollow into a real place for the reader.
The best thing Moore discovers in Oakwood Hollow, however, is not the town, but the owner of the Someday Cafe. It is that meeting, and one wonderful day, that casts a shadow over the present. That day from the past is seen through Graham’s eyes, while the present, with it’s lonely ache for what might have been, is seen through the eyes and heart of Eden. Letters, that wishing tree, what happened and whether there can ever be a way forward for Eden are elements of this sensitive and heartfelt novelette.
June Gray gives both sides of her romantic entanglement some nice moments, but we feel Eden’s heartache in the present without Graham the most palpably. The loss of her father, whom Eden talks to at his gravesite, and bits about the town’s reaction in the past to the letters Eden receives give us insight into both Eden, and a feel for Oakwood Hollow. I can’t go into much more detail than that, but it is a lovely story that’s well written and splendidly executed by the author.
Because of how the story is packaged and marketed — including the cozy-style cover — I think it’s warranted for other readers to know there are a couple of softly explicit scenes of intimacy in Under the Wishing Tree. In the scenes, June Gray manages to capture the passion and desire while not forgetting the feelings wrapped up with the need to connect. The author’s descriptive choices create the heat but remain tasteful, making those brief scenes as well done as every other element in this resonating story.
I only make mention of it in case that’s not your thing, or perhaps not what you’re expecting due to the cozy-style cover and book description — I know it surprised me. Though I certainly didn’t mind those scenes, as a writer I thought the author had done such a wonderful, sensitive job with her characters, especially Eden, that had she chosen to place those scenes off-screen in this particular story, Under the Wishing Tree would have been just as great. That’s not a knock in any way, but rather a compliment.
All in all this is a lovely and tender story that’s tremendously engaging. Though novelette, or short novella in length, Under the Wishing Tree feels full, rich even, which is to author June Gray’s credit. I'm happy to see this listed as the first book, and hope this writer continues to gravitate toward stories like this, because Under the Wishing Tree was a terrific find. Very highly recommended.
I came across author June Gray’s splendid novelette, Under the Wishing Tree, because it was a featured new release on the GR blog of another writer I recently discovered, Maida Malby. Having some free time while on a break from writing, I decided to check it out and was rewarded with a surprisingly tender and resonating romantic story about two lonely people who make a deep and tender connection that lasts much longer than their brief time together.
Packaged as a small town, second chance romance, this becomes a bit more than that because of the author’s deft skill and sensitivity in crafting this story. June Gray imbues Under the Wishing Tree with a quiet but not insubstantial resonance you don’t normally associate with this genre and related sub-genres.
Told in alternating short chapters between the past and present, with Graham Moore narrating the past, and Eden Mendoza narrating the present, the short length of the chapters and the backstory juxtaposed against the now, makes for a very engaging and romantic narrative.
Moore is a soldier compelled to take the wrong train on his way to prepare for combat and then ship out to hostile territory. What he finds in Oakwood Hollow is a charming small town awaiting a festival which surrounds a wishing tree. It is a quaint, lovely small town with a host of quirky yet endearing townsfolk which includes a young girl who holds book club meetings for one — herself. The author does a nice job with these secondary characters, adding color and depth to the story, while turning Oakwood Hollow into a real place for the reader.
The best thing Moore discovers in Oakwood Hollow, however, is not the town, but the owner of the Someday Cafe. It is that meeting, and one wonderful day, that casts a shadow over the present. That day from the past is seen through Graham’s eyes, while the present, with it’s lonely ache for what might have been, is seen through the eyes and heart of Eden. Letters, that wishing tree, what happened and whether there can ever be a way forward for Eden are elements of this sensitive and heartfelt novelette.
June Gray gives both sides of her romantic entanglement some nice moments, but we feel Eden’s heartache in the present without Graham the most palpably. The loss of her father, whom Eden talks to at his gravesite, and bits about the town’s reaction in the past to the letters Eden receives give us insight into both Eden, and a feel for Oakwood Hollow. I can’t go into much more detail than that, but it is a lovely story that’s well written and splendidly executed by the author.
Because of how the story is packaged and marketed — including the cozy-style cover — I think it’s warranted for other readers to know there are a couple of softly explicit scenes of intimacy in Under the Wishing Tree. In the scenes, June Gray manages to capture the passion and desire while not forgetting the feelings wrapped up with the need to connect. The author’s descriptive choices create the heat but remain tasteful, making those brief scenes as well done as every other element in this resonating story.
I only make mention of it in case that’s not your thing, or perhaps not what you’re expecting due to the cozy-style cover and book description — I know it surprised me. Though I certainly didn’t mind those scenes, as a writer I thought the author had done such a wonderful, sensitive job with her characters, especially Eden, that had she chosen to place those scenes off-screen in this particular story, Under the Wishing Tree would have been just as great. That’s not a knock in any way, but rather a compliment.
All in all this is a lovely and tender story that’s tremendously engaging. Though novelette, or short novella in length, Under the Wishing Tree feels full, rich even, which is to author June Gray’s credit. I'm happy to see this listed as the first book, and hope this writer continues to gravitate toward stories like this, because Under the Wishing Tree was a terrific find. Very highly recommended.
October 23, 2024
Insta lovey for sure, but the writing was 🤌
October 11, 2024
Better Than Hallmark
This was all the feel good fall vibes of hallmark but with the tougher emotions of a tv drama. This was the kind of instalove that romance is made of. Like who hasn’t day dreamed about mutual attraction between strangers but a connection that felt like they were meant for you? June has a descriptive but not overly wordy writing style, the spice conveyed the passion but fit the coziness of the story. She actually had me tearing up a little and that’s not easy. She’s a new to me author and I’m excited to read more, especially if she makes you work for the HEA. I kinda like my romance to hurt a little.
This was all the feel good fall vibes of hallmark but with the tougher emotions of a tv drama. This was the kind of instalove that romance is made of. Like who hasn’t day dreamed about mutual attraction between strangers but a connection that felt like they were meant for you? June has a descriptive but not overly wordy writing style, the spice conveyed the passion but fit the coziness of the story. She actually had me tearing up a little and that’s not easy. She’s a new to me author and I’m excited to read more, especially if she makes you work for the HEA. I kinda like my romance to hurt a little.
October 12, 2024
Dreamy
This was such cozy, dreamy, easy read. June Gray really transported me to this fabulous small town of Oakwood Hollow with a few descriptive paragraphs. Her writing is so evocative, I teared up a little bit from her memories of her papa. I also smiled a lot because of the quirky townspeople. And of course, I melted with the Romance. The longing is so glorious in this one.
I can’t wait for more stories from this author especially those upcoming ones in this series.
This was such cozy, dreamy, easy read. June Gray really transported me to this fabulous small town of Oakwood Hollow with a few descriptive paragraphs. Her writing is so evocative, I teared up a little bit from her memories of her papa. I also smiled a lot because of the quirky townspeople. And of course, I melted with the Romance. The longing is so glorious in this one.
I can’t wait for more stories from this author especially those upcoming ones in this series.
October 4, 2024
such a cute quick read!
My only complaint is that it wasn’t longer! I want moorrreeee! I read this without stopping — in just a few hours time. If you like cozy feel good stories, this is the novella for you! Grab your favorite coffee and a blanket, and get to reading!
My only complaint is that it wasn’t longer! I want moorrreeee! I read this without stopping — in just a few hours time. If you like cozy feel good stories, this is the novella for you! Grab your favorite coffee and a blanket, and get to reading!
October 5, 2024
A cute, quick and fun read!
I love June Gray’s writing and her exceptional storytelling so much.
This novella felt like magic from page one!
And the little town was so endearing. It made me feel cozy and warm and so happy!
I love June Gray’s writing and her exceptional storytelling so much.
This novella felt like magic from page one!
And the little town was so endearing. It made me feel cozy and warm and so happy!
November 21, 2024
A quick and cute short story! Although very instalovey, gives you the coziest Gilmore Girls vibes and written so well. Would love to read more set in this town and from this author.
December 2, 2024
This was too short for me.
October 22, 2025
4.5 stars
Perfect fall cozy vibes.
This story is so sweet and whimsical. We don't get a ton of back story from the characters, but just enough to understand them and keep the story moving. There is so much emotion packed into this novella. I love how JG wrote the townspeople. They never were overbearing on the story and seemed very realistic. I can't wait to read more from this series.
Perfect fall cozy vibes.
This story is so sweet and whimsical. We don't get a ton of back story from the characters, but just enough to understand them and keep the story moving. There is so much emotion packed into this novella. I love how JG wrote the townspeople. They never were overbearing on the story and seemed very realistic. I can't wait to read more from this series.
January 11, 2025
🌟 4.5/5
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews