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Elderberry Croft #1-4
Elderberry Croft: The Complete Collection
On a blustery January breeze, a new girl sweeps into the neighborhood, breathing life—and a bit of magic—into the cottage she christens Elderberry Croft.
The folks at The Coach House Trailer Park can't help but fall under Willow Goodhope's spell. She charms them all with her whimsical nature and outrageous laugh. But there's something about her, a secret sadness that hovers at the corners of her irrepressible smile. And it has everyone talking.
Doc catches her burning letters out under the moonlight. Joe glimpses the whispering shadows clinging to the girl's coattails. Eddie and Donny compete to see who can make her smile first, and Patti can't ignore that her husband is sitting up straighter and taking notice of the young beauty. Kathy is doing everyone in the park a favor by keeping a close eye on the wild woman next door.
Through her binoculars.
And what she sees doesn't sit well with any of them.
The folks at The Coach House Trailer Park can't help but fall under Willow Goodhope's spell. She charms them all with her whimsical nature and outrageous laugh. But there's something about her, a secret sadness that hovers at the corners of her irrepressible smile. And it has everyone talking.
Doc catches her burning letters out under the moonlight. Joe glimpses the whispering shadows clinging to the girl's coattails. Eddie and Donny compete to see who can make her smile first, and Patti can't ignore that her husband is sitting up straighter and taking notice of the young beauty. Kathy is doing everyone in the park a favor by keeping a close eye on the wild woman next door.
Through her binoculars.
And what she sees doesn't sit well with any of them.
Audible Audio
First published January 4, 2014
About the author
Becky Doughty
109 books216 followersBecky writes heartfelt and wholesome contemporary commercial fiction filled with friendship, romance, humor, a touch of mystery, a sprinkling of whimsy, plus a bushel of family drama. And usually a four-legged or winged companion, too. She’s also the voice behind an ever-expanding library of more than 200 audiobooks.
Becky and her Tomato Man met in the '80s (big hair, big hats, poofy sleeves, the works - see her About Page on BeckyDoughty.com). They live at the end of a lane on top of a hill in a hundred-year-old house. They share their lives with never enough pets, and they grow dueling riotous, rambling gardens. Most of the things in their gardens are edible… but some are most definitely not, due to Becky’s fascination with poisonous plants. They have three adult children living wild adventures of their own, but who also show up on demand with scrumptious grandbabies to nibble on.
Becky and her Tomato Man met in the '80s (big hair, big hats, poofy sleeves, the works - see her About Page on BeckyDoughty.com). They live at the end of a lane on top of a hill in a hundred-year-old house. They share their lives with never enough pets, and they grow dueling riotous, rambling gardens. Most of the things in their gardens are edible… but some are most definitely not, due to Becky’s fascination with poisonous plants. They have three adult children living wild adventures of their own, but who also show up on demand with scrumptious grandbabies to nibble on.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
December 23, 2013
Elderberry Croft is as chock-full of delectable prose as an apple-elderberry pie baked by its main character, the unforgettable Willow Goodhope. The Coach House Trailer Park comes alive for readers through the eyes of each resident--and so does Willow, the flame-haired messenger of hope and healing. But Willow hides her own secrets, ones that will shake us to our core. This book delves into issues rarely seen in Christian fiction, such as drug addiction, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and PTSD, but in a way that never feels heavy or forced. I would feel confident giving this to a myriad of friends from different backgrounds. Emotionally honest read I'm thrilled to have on my shelf.
August 13, 2018
This was a lovely series about lots of people who stay at the Coach House Trailer Park. The setting is beautifully described and you feel a part of the community whilst people have their lives enriched by Willow. Elderberry Croft is healing the people who have found themselves there.
April 2, 2014
The Coach House Trailer Park is a small community full of hurting souls for various reasons. When Willow moves in with her own hurting soul, she starts touching the lives of others in the park and somehow their hurts seem to lessen. One by one, Willow brings a healing touch to the lives of others, but can't seem to heal herself. Help comes in the form of a healing touch back. I was given a copy of this book for my honest review. Maybe this book will inspire you to get in touch with the healing nature we all carry inside of us.
May 25, 2014
I really enjoyed these books. I was pleasantly surprised by it but it was really good. The characters will grab you from the start and you won't be able to stop reading. Anyone that loves to read a book with happy endings, well 4 books actually, will love this set.
I was given this for my honest review from Story Cartel and am very glad I read these stories. It was a great time in my life for such a heart warming read.
I was given this for my honest review from Story Cartel and am very glad I read these stories. It was a great time in my life for such a heart warming read.
August 31, 2023
Elderberry Croft by Becky Doughty is a series of stories that take place in the Coach House Trailer Park in southern California after Willow Goodhope moves into Space 12.
Willow is an enigma to her neighbors at first. She festoons her run-down spot with plants, wind chimes, fairy lights, and sun-catchers. She’s gorgeous enough to turn heads, but not at all flirtatious. She takes the initiative to introduce herself to her neighbors, even the standoffish ones, and seems to know just what everyone needs. She has a loud, outrageous laugh. But every now and then, someone will catch just a glimpse of hidden sorrow.
Three things stood out to me in these stories. First, ministry to others doesn’t have to be demonstrated in grand gestures or “official” ministry channels. Thoughtfulness and kindness go a long way. Secondly, it can be therapeutic to help other people with their needs, but it’s no substitute for dealing with your own. Thirdly, everyone has a story. Someone who seems eccentric or oddballish may have hidden hurts.
Willow might seem too good to be true from the description, or the stories a little fairy-taleish. But they are not. The characters and story lines are realistically drawn.
I loved the stories. I had never read Becky Doughty before, but I’d be willing to read some of her other books now. I enjoyed all the characters (though I lost track of who a couple of them were) and story lines and how everything wrapped up.
Willow is an enigma to her neighbors at first. She festoons her run-down spot with plants, wind chimes, fairy lights, and sun-catchers. She’s gorgeous enough to turn heads, but not at all flirtatious. She takes the initiative to introduce herself to her neighbors, even the standoffish ones, and seems to know just what everyone needs. She has a loud, outrageous laugh. But every now and then, someone will catch just a glimpse of hidden sorrow.
Three things stood out to me in these stories. First, ministry to others doesn’t have to be demonstrated in grand gestures or “official” ministry channels. Thoughtfulness and kindness go a long way. Secondly, it can be therapeutic to help other people with their needs, but it’s no substitute for dealing with your own. Thirdly, everyone has a story. Someone who seems eccentric or oddballish may have hidden hurts.
Willow might seem too good to be true from the description, or the stories a little fairy-taleish. But they are not. The characters and story lines are realistically drawn.
I loved the stories. I had never read Becky Doughty before, but I’d be willing to read some of her other books now. I enjoyed all the characters (though I lost track of who a couple of them were) and story lines and how everything wrapped up.
June 22, 2020
Uplifting and Inspirational!
Apparently I purchased this book at the end of 2014 and have finally read it! I doubt I can do it justice in a review, so please read some of the many others if you aren’t convinced. It took me awhile to fully get into this book. The format is somewhat like a series of short stories strung together, and I generally don’t like short stories. But as you read, you feel more immersed in the place and people, and by the end, it is all tied together. The book was inspirational. I loved the illustration of a broken, wounded believer, who was full of His light and love. Despite the depth of her own pain, she “bloomed where she was planted” and God used her to reach her community in meaningful ways that resulted in healing and blessing. I know God operates in this manner, as I have been both the vehicle and recipient of His love through others. (I found 7 minor errors which should have been caught by an editor, but I don’t consider that significant for the number of pages.)
Apparently I purchased this book at the end of 2014 and have finally read it! I doubt I can do it justice in a review, so please read some of the many others if you aren’t convinced. It took me awhile to fully get into this book. The format is somewhat like a series of short stories strung together, and I generally don’t like short stories. But as you read, you feel more immersed in the place and people, and by the end, it is all tied together. The book was inspirational. I loved the illustration of a broken, wounded believer, who was full of His light and love. Despite the depth of her own pain, she “bloomed where she was planted” and God used her to reach her community in meaningful ways that resulted in healing and blessing. I know God operates in this manner, as I have been both the vehicle and recipient of His love through others. (I found 7 minor errors which should have been caught by an editor, but I don’t consider that significant for the number of pages.)
June 26, 2025
I bought this book on Amazon. Average 4.2 stars.
There could be triggers in each book, depending on what's going on with your life: losing a spouse, a baby, or a friend. Drug and alcohol abuse, homicide, violence to children, etc.
I have to say that from the get-go, I did not like Willow; I thought she was too snoopy, wanting to know everyone's secrets, but never sharing hers - and she had plenty, and always sharing theirs to others!!!! Her story (December) is the one I liked the least, as it happens. These people are broken each in their own way and they come back up for air in their own time. I really liked how the map of the trailer park was described in each story; you could just imagine it in your head. I also like the camaraderie between all the people living at the park. March (Joe) as the funniest and most endearing; June (Myra) is a beautiful love story. Editing needs another pass (missing words, wrong words, etc.).
There could be triggers in each book, depending on what's going on with your life: losing a spouse, a baby, or a friend. Drug and alcohol abuse, homicide, violence to children, etc.
I have to say that from the get-go, I did not like Willow; I thought she was too snoopy, wanting to know everyone's secrets, but never sharing hers - and she had plenty, and always sharing theirs to others!!!! Her story (December) is the one I liked the least, as it happens. These people are broken each in their own way and they come back up for air in their own time. I really liked how the map of the trailer park was described in each story; you could just imagine it in your head. I also like the camaraderie between all the people living at the park. March (Joe) as the funniest and most endearing; June (Myra) is a beautiful love story. Editing needs another pass (missing words, wrong words, etc.).
May 16, 2017
I will confess that if I had not read another book by Becky Doughty and enjoyed it so much that I would have missed out on this gem of a series. Elderberry Croft is a monthly "serial" about trailer park residents who are transformed by the arrival of Willow Goodhope. Everywhere she goes she brings the warmth of a smile, good food, and genuine kindness. But Willow has her own burden of sadness, and as the months pass and lives are changed, Willow's story unfolds. Like the residents at the trailer park she has a choice: continue to hide from life and drown in sorrow, or live and seek healing grace. Quirky and amusing characters that are in many ways so true to life - this story is as entertaining as it is emotional. A very enjoyable book collection.
June 26, 2019
I had never read anything by Becky Dooughty but I saw this book on sale and read a few reviews and it appealed to me. I usually read cozy mysteries and romantic suspense so this was refreshingly different. The setting is a trailer park in California. A place where the people aren't lawyers and school teachers. Life has hit some of them hard--in fact, all of them. BUT IT'S NOT DOWNER! All because Willow Goodhope moves in and begins to love the people there. At first the residents resist but Willow is unstoppable and...sad. I guessed her secret pain but that didn't stop me from reading to the happy ending. In the mood for something deep, something different, somehting happy? Try it.
January 26, 2024
Everyone has their secrets
Secrets. Everyone has them. Even in the close confines of a trailer park. All it takes is a catalyst to unlock the Pandora's box of secrets and that catalyst is Willow Goodhope. Ms. Roughly has a delightful way with words, and a talent for interweaving a dozen different points of view into a satisfying whole.
I have one quibble, though. I make elderberry jelly -- not jam, elderberry syrup, and have even made an elderberry pie. BUT. Elderberries are 90% seed and can't be used whole. However, elderberry blossoms, dipped in a tempura batter and deep fried are delicious.
Secrets. Everyone has them. Even in the close confines of a trailer park. All it takes is a catalyst to unlock the Pandora's box of secrets and that catalyst is Willow Goodhope. Ms. Roughly has a delightful way with words, and a talent for interweaving a dozen different points of view into a satisfying whole.
I have one quibble, though. I make elderberry jelly -- not jam, elderberry syrup, and have even made an elderberry pie. BUT. Elderberries are 90% seed and can't be used whole. However, elderberry blossoms, dipped in a tempura batter and deep fried are delicious.
June 14, 2022
Beautiful collection of stories featuring Willow Goodhope as the main protagonist. Willow moves into the Stage Coach Trailer Park and life is never the same for the other residents. Willow seems mysterious and a bit magical. Her cottage is transformed overnight and soon she is bringing elderberry treats and balms to each resident. This was a book full of hope and compassion and the theme that it is never to late to change. We all need each other. What is Willow’s secret? Read to find out. Enchanting story.
January 5, 2019
This was a cute story. I enjoyed personally getting to know each character in every chapter. The author did a great job at character development. The main character is very likable and made me wish I had her as my neighbor.
June 4, 2019
A Thought Provoking Story
Elderberry Drift is an excellent novel full of tenderness, hope, change, growth and renewal. I loved learning about Willow Goodhope's story as she unraveled the secrets of all her neighbors. This is an excellent book!
Elderberry Drift is an excellent novel full of tenderness, hope, change, growth and renewal. I loved learning about Willow Goodhope's story as she unraveled the secrets of all her neighbors. This is an excellent book!
September 3, 2019
Sweet series of short stories
Very interesting story line of a mobile home park and all the neighbors. Everyone thinks they have problems until Willow reaches out to them to help. But Willow has her own problems.
Very interesting story line of a mobile home park and all the neighbors. Everyone thinks they have problems until Willow reaches out to them to help. But Willow has her own problems.
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May 29, 2021They made me smile and made me cry. Doughty takes the ordinary and brings out the extraordinary of living in community. It does not ease the pain of life, but living in community makes it a gift that brings comfort and joy.
September 20, 2021
Truly one of the most enjoyable series I've read - I've shared this book with many friends. The characters will delight you - there is laughter, whimsy, friendships and a coming together of a small community. If I could give it more stars, I would!!!
July 6, 2023
I was enjoying this right up to the end. Parts of it had me in tears, it dealt with very real and very painful issues. I did not care for the sudden switch to first person in the last chapter or some of Willow's options regarding Ivan.
June 1, 2017
I got more than half way through before I started skimming through this book. It didn't hold my interest.
January 30, 2018
I loved the collection of stories and how they intertwined. Was beautifully written and a great book. I suggest tissues near the end of the 'year'
February 10, 2019
A community of strangers come together as a community of dear friends. I would love to live at this place! Described as a series of short stories; they all read like chapters of a single book.
July 30, 2019
Interesting cast of characters. Sweet stories but real-life problems. Neighbor caring for neighbor.
January 19, 2020
Rings so true and humane. A real treat to meet all those people.
September 14, 2021
A quaint novel covering the interactions of the inhabitants of a trailer court with their new inhabitant and each other over the course of a year.
March 23, 2017
A top-notch story about a group of misfits - each with a story of his/her own - brought together by an unlikely newcomer in their midst. I laughed some, smiled some, and I admit a I cried a few times, too. Unconventional, but well worth my time... and yours, too!
October 10, 2016
A new woman moves into a trailer park, and touches every life around her. Residents consider Willow Goodhope a bit odd - she talks to her plants, she dresses differently, heavens - her very name is odd! Willow offers loving but unusual gifts - elderberry tea, elderberry muffins, and tucks wisdom and encouragement into every gift and conversation. But this stranger to Coach House Trailer Park has her own needs and hides them away from her new friends. . . for a time. Each installment of this book is based on a month, and in that month we see Willow's relationship develop with one of the people or families of the park. In the end, you will come away feeling you have joined the Coach House Trailer Park community, and have seen some marvelous healing take place - physical, emotional, and spiritual - binding them together.
March 14, 2017
Wonderful story. A little mystery, a hint of fairytale, and a lot of hope.
March 11, 2017
A wonderful set of books about life and how people react to different situations. A pleasure to help review
April 29, 2016
Read my full review at http://blackwords-whitepages1977.blog...
We are all broken in some way, shape, or form, and it doesn't matter what shape, size, and religion, and color we are, all we need to heal is someone who cares, listens with a good ear, give us some advise, and remind us that we are never alone, and that God is with us every step of the way. God will help guides us through the good times and the bad as long as we remember to lean on Him for help and support.
NOW, ON TO MY REVIEW......
This book has really touched my heart and soul. It's a beautiful set of stories that brought on many feelers and has captured a piece of my heart within its pages.
Willow Goodhope is a down to Earth and remarkable character. She not only opened up the hearts of the other characters in the stories, but opened me up too. This author did a phenomenal job bringing forth these stories and she has a real knack for keeping her audience guessing and hypnotized in each page I turned. I absolutely love this bunch of stories and I can't say which one I love more because I loved them each the same. I highly recommend this heartfelt series to all to enjoy and remember for years to come, not matter what genre is your favorite. This series will change your mind about reading the Adult Christian Genre.
I give this author my five book review and more for her storytelling. Bravo, Ms. Doughty, bravo. This author has brought hope back into my life, just as I was starting to forget that there was hope in the world. I will be forever grateful for these stories. I am hooked to this author's style of writing and I can't wait to venture into more of her Christian writing.
Sometimes we have to be reminded that there is hope, love, and Jesus Christ in our lives, even if its a book that reminds us of this. -Jenny Bynum
We are all broken in some way, shape, or form, and it doesn't matter what shape, size, and religion, and color we are, all we need to heal is someone who cares, listens with a good ear, give us some advise, and remind us that we are never alone, and that God is with us every step of the way. God will help guides us through the good times and the bad as long as we remember to lean on Him for help and support.
NOW, ON TO MY REVIEW......
This book has really touched my heart and soul. It's a beautiful set of stories that brought on many feelers and has captured a piece of my heart within its pages.
Willow Goodhope is a down to Earth and remarkable character. She not only opened up the hearts of the other characters in the stories, but opened me up too. This author did a phenomenal job bringing forth these stories and she has a real knack for keeping her audience guessing and hypnotized in each page I turned. I absolutely love this bunch of stories and I can't say which one I love more because I loved them each the same. I highly recommend this heartfelt series to all to enjoy and remember for years to come, not matter what genre is your favorite. This series will change your mind about reading the Adult Christian Genre.
I give this author my five book review and more for her storytelling. Bravo, Ms. Doughty, bravo. This author has brought hope back into my life, just as I was starting to forget that there was hope in the world. I will be forever grateful for these stories. I am hooked to this author's style of writing and I can't wait to venture into more of her Christian writing.
Sometimes we have to be reminded that there is hope, love, and Jesus Christ in our lives, even if its a book that reminds us of this. -Jenny Bynum
May 29, 2014
Undoubtedly, Becky Doughty knows how to weave a tale within tales: tales of warmth, humanness, longing, and hope with a batch of "misfit" characters who find a way to fit together. The unfolding of Willow's story in the Elderberry Croft series, degree by degree, in the midst of the stories of her neighbors at The Coach House Trailer Park, has an enthralling quality.
The series brings you into a modern day Anne-of-Green-Gables-Avonlea-type place, filled with flowers and homemade baked goods and remedies, families and neighbors and memories. Oh, yes, and older people, for the most part. The first half of the collection is full of feel good reads, made all the better by their aching moments, and, as characters Patti and Richard would say, the little things. The second half is darker, but not morbidly so, and it's good to catch glimpses of Willow's uncertainty, even ineptness, concerning her own troubles while she busies herself with helping her neighbors through theirs. I'll admit, by the time I got to Prudence and Carney's story, for about the first five-sixths of the couple's airtime, I wanted them chiefly as an entry point into learning more of Willow's mysterious plight.
The final story, the one you can't help waiting for, serves as a benediction for the collection, one well worth the wait.
"No reservations, Doc. Elderberry trees go all out, full-throttle, wild and willing... That, neighbor, is a true Giving Tree."
____________
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The series brings you into a modern day Anne-of-Green-Gables-Avonlea-type place, filled with flowers and homemade baked goods and remedies, families and neighbors and memories. Oh, yes, and older people, for the most part. The first half of the collection is full of feel good reads, made all the better by their aching moments, and, as characters Patti and Richard would say, the little things. The second half is darker, but not morbidly so, and it's good to catch glimpses of Willow's uncertainty, even ineptness, concerning her own troubles while she busies herself with helping her neighbors through theirs. I'll admit, by the time I got to Prudence and Carney's story, for about the first five-sixths of the couple's airtime, I wanted them chiefly as an entry point into learning more of Willow's mysterious plight.
The final story, the one you can't help waiting for, serves as a benediction for the collection, one well worth the wait.
"No reservations, Doc. Elderberry trees go all out, full-throttle, wild and willing... That, neighbor, is a true Giving Tree."
____________
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2014
There are some people in the world who are truly angels and Willow Goodhope is one of them. The story is set up in a way that is very moving. The book starts out in January and there is a section for each month of the year. Each month has a couple of chapters in it and each one focuses on a different character in the trailer park.
Willow is new and moves in, instantly transforming her little corner into something magical. She is wise beyond her years and has two thumbs greener than green, for it seems that everything she even looks at grows. She can bake like no other and knows natural methods and cures for just about anything. She is so in tune to those around her and their needs, that I sometimes wondered if she knew what they needed before they did.
Willow is also something of a mystery--she occasionally seems sad, yet she's not one to talk about herself. Each character gets a piece of Willow until the full story comes out. I wondered at times if she was real, instead of a magical fairy.
What I loved the most about the story is the way that Willow is able to draw each person out and help them become a better person. I'm so glad I had the complete collection because everything ties together perfectly and I enjoyed every minute of it!
Content: Clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
Willow is new and moves in, instantly transforming her little corner into something magical. She is wise beyond her years and has two thumbs greener than green, for it seems that everything she even looks at grows. She can bake like no other and knows natural methods and cures for just about anything. She is so in tune to those around her and their needs, that I sometimes wondered if she knew what they needed before they did.
Willow is also something of a mystery--she occasionally seems sad, yet she's not one to talk about herself. Each character gets a piece of Willow until the full story comes out. I wondered at times if she was real, instead of a magical fairy.
What I loved the most about the story is the way that Willow is able to draw each person out and help them become a better person. I'm so glad I had the complete collection because everything ties together perfectly and I enjoyed every minute of it!
Content: Clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews