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Under The Hickory Tree
A multigenerational tale of family secrets, betrayal, and redemption. Spanning continents and decades, it weaves fact and fiction to explore identity, resilience, and forgiveness.
Gryff Morgan, a church-going Kentucky family man, hides a dark secret. Living under an assumed identity to avoid extradition to Argentina, not even his twin sons, Travis and Chase, know their comfortable lives are built on the proceeds of drug smuggling. Only his wife, Gwenna Garland—a failed singer—knows the truth of his Welsh origins.
In South Wales, Huw and Rhys grow up believing their father died at sea before they were born. Their mother, Shirley, was left heartbroken, never revealing she was pregnant when tragedy drove him away.
Three decades later, during NATO peacekeeping in Sarajevo, a chance meeting between Chase and a British soldier sets events in motion, bringing the four brothers’ worlds together. Betrayal and an explosive love triangle lead to a journey from Kentucky to South Wales, where family matriarch Lowri still waits for her missing son.
As secrets unravel, Gryff and Gwenna’s daughter, Country music superstar Greer Garland, takes on the task of reuniting her fractured family. But can love and forgiveness heal decades of lies, or will the past prove too devastating to overcome?
Gryff Morgan, a church-going Kentucky family man, hides a dark secret. Living under an assumed identity to avoid extradition to Argentina, not even his twin sons, Travis and Chase, know their comfortable lives are built on the proceeds of drug smuggling. Only his wife, Gwenna Garland—a failed singer—knows the truth of his Welsh origins.
In South Wales, Huw and Rhys grow up believing their father died at sea before they were born. Their mother, Shirley, was left heartbroken, never revealing she was pregnant when tragedy drove him away.
Three decades later, during NATO peacekeeping in Sarajevo, a chance meeting between Chase and a British soldier sets events in motion, bringing the four brothers’ worlds together. Betrayal and an explosive love triangle lead to a journey from Kentucky to South Wales, where family matriarch Lowri still waits for her missing son.
As secrets unravel, Gryff and Gwenna’s daughter, Country music superstar Greer Garland, takes on the task of reuniting her fractured family. But can love and forgiveness heal decades of lies, or will the past prove too devastating to overcome?
268 pages, Paperback
First published June 25, 2025
3 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 21, 2025
I had the pleasure to be offered an ARC of Under The Hickory Tree by debut author, Jo Chinn.
This story is one of family intrigue, past secrets and a key question: can decades of deceit be undone?
The author offers a perfectly delivered, excellently interwoven tale of a family and their histories; set over decades and two key locations. I really enjoyed the unexpected setting of Wales as it’s not often a focal location for novels that I’ve read. Whilst the story is set over a long period of time, it’s not a challenge to keep track of what’s happened when and to who.
The family trees at the beginning are a key factor and you can really tell that the author has an interest in genealogy and has done plenty of research to use this as a tool.
It’s easily one of the best books I’ve read this year so far and would happily recommend it to anyone who wants to lose themselves in a story, although you’ll find yourself thinking about it and the characters long after you’ve turned the last page.
This story is one of family intrigue, past secrets and a key question: can decades of deceit be undone?
The author offers a perfectly delivered, excellently interwoven tale of a family and their histories; set over decades and two key locations. I really enjoyed the unexpected setting of Wales as it’s not often a focal location for novels that I’ve read. Whilst the story is set over a long period of time, it’s not a challenge to keep track of what’s happened when and to who.
The family trees at the beginning are a key factor and you can really tell that the author has an interest in genealogy and has done plenty of research to use this as a tool.
It’s easily one of the best books I’ve read this year so far and would happily recommend it to anyone who wants to lose themselves in a story, although you’ll find yourself thinking about it and the characters long after you’ve turned the last page.
May 27, 2025
First, let me say how much I enjoyed reading Under the Hickory Tree, and I feel privileged to have received an advanced copy of Jo Chinn’s novel debut.
This dynamic story opens in the 1930s and leads the reader on a journey spanning eighty years, merging a family saga with turbulent events of the era. Compelling characters transport us from the coalfields of South Wales to the Americas, providing the reader with snapshots of society in key moments of history, evoking the times with such beautiful detail. I love the way the lives of the main characters collide, how threads of the past resurface throughout, and then at the end, the story comes full circle.
Under the Hickory tree brings to mind the writing of Diana Gabaldon and Kate Atkinson.
This dynamic story opens in the 1930s and leads the reader on a journey spanning eighty years, merging a family saga with turbulent events of the era. Compelling characters transport us from the coalfields of South Wales to the Americas, providing the reader with snapshots of society in key moments of history, evoking the times with such beautiful detail. I love the way the lives of the main characters collide, how threads of the past resurface throughout, and then at the end, the story comes full circle.
Under the Hickory tree brings to mind the writing of Diana Gabaldon and Kate Atkinson.
July 10, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and The Book Guild for a free ARC of this book.
Under the Hickory Tree by Jo Chinn is a multi-generational family saga that spans five decades and various countries. The story begins in 1934 with Lowri as a 14-year-old girl, living in Wales and being quarantined due to the white plague. It quickly moves on to 1963 and Bryn, Lowri’s son, who abandons his pregnant fiancée, Shirley, due to a family tragedy. He leaves his life in Wales behind, unaware that Shirley is pregnant. The story then follows Bryn to Buenos Aires, where he becomes entangled with revolutionaries and must flee with the assumed identity of Gryff Morgan. He then travels to Charleston as Gryff Morgan to avoid extradition to Argentina. In Charleston, he meets his future wife, Gwenna. They have to leave Charleston as the past of the real Gryff Morgan catches up to Bryn in the form of two thugs bent on revenge. They move to Nashville but eventually settle in Kentucky, which is close to Gwenna’s family. Bryn dies many decades later, leaving behind his daughter Greer, twin sons Travis and Chase and unbeknownst to him, another set of twin sons, Huw and Rhys, in Wales. The story then follows the lives of Greer, Travis, Chase, Rhys and Huw till finally all their lives collide and the truth is uncovered.
As I read this book, it dawned on me that it is possible to have too much of something and yet feel like it isn’t enough. There were so many characters in this book, yet it felt empty. I was unable to connect with or care about any of the characters because of the constant switches in the POV. These changes in perspective occurred at breakneck speed, ruining the flow of the book. In my opinion, the story would’ve benefited from sticking to maybe the perspectives of some of the main characters, of which there were plenty.
Despite the disconnect with the characters, I found certain aspects engaging and intriguing. Some of the horrific and tragic moments that various members of this family faced left a strong impression. Lowri’s time in the attic quarantine at the beginning of the book, Bryn’s unforgivable act that made him run away from Wales, his time on the sea on his way to Argentina, the sense of being surrounded by caring family and friends in Kentucky, and finally the environmental protest at the end, were events that were very well-written and kept me reading.
The premise of the book was compelling. But the execution was disappointing. A lot of time was spent creating situations where some members of the Kentucky and Wales family were in proximity to each other, but nothing came of it. The coincidences in the book truly stretched my credulity. Dialogue between the characters was almost non-existent. There was too much exposition, too much telling and not enough showing in the book. One huge example is how the twins, Travis and Chase, whose conflict was such an integral part of moving the story forward, had barely any interaction in the book. Maybe it was done deliberately to show misunderstandings due to a lack of communication, but it wasn’t effective.
The climax of the book, which began with the promising environmental protest and the unravelling of the truth, ended with a disappointing scene from the POV of a minor character and an unbelievable coincidence. The resolution to the various deceptions and conflicts wasn’t shown. Instead, the story fast-forwarded to a few years later, where everyone was this one big happy family.
Overall, I appreciated and marvelled at the vast effort and extensive research it must have taken to write a family saga following multiple characters through various countries over several years. But as I turned the last page of the book, it was with regret that, despite an interesting premise, the style of writing, the dialogue or lack thereof, and the choice to put in everything, rather than emphasise the voices of certain characters and certain events, made the story feel inauthentic and scattered.
For more reviews, Visit - https://bookishexperiences.wordpress.com
Under the Hickory Tree by Jo Chinn is a multi-generational family saga that spans five decades and various countries. The story begins in 1934 with Lowri as a 14-year-old girl, living in Wales and being quarantined due to the white plague. It quickly moves on to 1963 and Bryn, Lowri’s son, who abandons his pregnant fiancée, Shirley, due to a family tragedy. He leaves his life in Wales behind, unaware that Shirley is pregnant. The story then follows Bryn to Buenos Aires, where he becomes entangled with revolutionaries and must flee with the assumed identity of Gryff Morgan. He then travels to Charleston as Gryff Morgan to avoid extradition to Argentina. In Charleston, he meets his future wife, Gwenna. They have to leave Charleston as the past of the real Gryff Morgan catches up to Bryn in the form of two thugs bent on revenge. They move to Nashville but eventually settle in Kentucky, which is close to Gwenna’s family. Bryn dies many decades later, leaving behind his daughter Greer, twin sons Travis and Chase and unbeknownst to him, another set of twin sons, Huw and Rhys, in Wales. The story then follows the lives of Greer, Travis, Chase, Rhys and Huw till finally all their lives collide and the truth is uncovered.
As I read this book, it dawned on me that it is possible to have too much of something and yet feel like it isn’t enough. There were so many characters in this book, yet it felt empty. I was unable to connect with or care about any of the characters because of the constant switches in the POV. These changes in perspective occurred at breakneck speed, ruining the flow of the book. In my opinion, the story would’ve benefited from sticking to maybe the perspectives of some of the main characters, of which there were plenty.
Despite the disconnect with the characters, I found certain aspects engaging and intriguing. Some of the horrific and tragic moments that various members of this family faced left a strong impression. Lowri’s time in the attic quarantine at the beginning of the book, Bryn’s unforgivable act that made him run away from Wales, his time on the sea on his way to Argentina, the sense of being surrounded by caring family and friends in Kentucky, and finally the environmental protest at the end, were events that were very well-written and kept me reading.
The premise of the book was compelling. But the execution was disappointing. A lot of time was spent creating situations where some members of the Kentucky and Wales family were in proximity to each other, but nothing came of it. The coincidences in the book truly stretched my credulity. Dialogue between the characters was almost non-existent. There was too much exposition, too much telling and not enough showing in the book. One huge example is how the twins, Travis and Chase, whose conflict was such an integral part of moving the story forward, had barely any interaction in the book. Maybe it was done deliberately to show misunderstandings due to a lack of communication, but it wasn’t effective.
The climax of the book, which began with the promising environmental protest and the unravelling of the truth, ended with a disappointing scene from the POV of a minor character and an unbelievable coincidence. The resolution to the various deceptions and conflicts wasn’t shown. Instead, the story fast-forwarded to a few years later, where everyone was this one big happy family.
Overall, I appreciated and marvelled at the vast effort and extensive research it must have taken to write a family saga following multiple characters through various countries over several years. But as I turned the last page of the book, it was with regret that, despite an interesting premise, the style of writing, the dialogue or lack thereof, and the choice to put in everything, rather than emphasise the voices of certain characters and certain events, made the story feel inauthentic and scattered.
For more reviews, Visit - https://bookishexperiences.wordpress.com
June 15, 2025
I loved this book, and of the six books I took on holiday with me, this was the one I enjoyed the most.This is a lovely familial saga stretching across decades, weaving countries, people and families together. There was lovely description, characters that pulled you so that rooted for them and didn't want to leave them behind on the last page, some surprising twists and an exploration or relationships and what it is that makes a family. I am looking forward to more from the impressive debut author.
June 1, 2025
Not normally my genre of book but once I started reading it I found it hard to put down. A well written book with a number of story lines that flow smoothly. The characters are brought to life and their stories at times, very emotional. Best book I’ve read this year.
May 24, 2025
I was delighted to receive an advance copy of this debut novel in return for an honest review. I certainly enjoyed the story as it zipped across the continents following the story of a Welsh man who fled his home after causing a tragedy to make a new life for himself . Having two families one in wales that he was unaware of and one in the US made the story quite convoluted and tricky to follow - I would advise readers to keep the handy family tree close to hand !! However the characters were likeable and believable with most well developed . There were a couple of side characters and storylines that I felt were left hanging but maybe that was the authors intention for a sequel ?
I felt the author had done her research on the geography of the areas covered and so felt I learned something of that which I like in a novel. I was a little unsure about the religious references as I thought it was going to play a major part in the story but it didn't so wondered what had been the authors intention. I found some parts of the storyline a little unbelievable and rather too coincidental but hey it's a novel - that's more my obsessive desire for fact and continuity so I can't complain about that - a novel should be allowed a little fantasy .
Although the story shifts between continents it's largely chronological which was a relief as I dislike stories that repeatedly do flashbacks as I find the hard to follow .
So i found the book easy to read , I was well motivated to discover what the outcomes would be for the main characters and I liked how the author brought it all together at the end .
I would definitely recommend this book and hope you enjoy it as much as I did .
I felt the author had done her research on the geography of the areas covered and so felt I learned something of that which I like in a novel. I was a little unsure about the religious references as I thought it was going to play a major part in the story but it didn't so wondered what had been the authors intention. I found some parts of the storyline a little unbelievable and rather too coincidental but hey it's a novel - that's more my obsessive desire for fact and continuity so I can't complain about that - a novel should be allowed a little fantasy .
Although the story shifts between continents it's largely chronological which was a relief as I dislike stories that repeatedly do flashbacks as I find the hard to follow .
So i found the book easy to read , I was well motivated to discover what the outcomes would be for the main characters and I liked how the author brought it all together at the end .
I would definitely recommend this book and hope you enjoy it as much as I did .
August 23, 2025
This book is filled with intrigue and secrets. It spans across several characters povs and stretches across decades, as we move through countless countries, following the twists and turns of family life.
It took me a minute to get use to the mutiple pov’s but once I was in the swing of things I couldn’t put the book down. The way these families lives were interwoven was done in such a clever way. I enjoyed how all the little threads ended up coming together at the end. Cleverly done.
Some moments in the book were tragic and yet the characters moved forward in their lives with quiet strength. Lowri for me was inspirational and a real backbone for the story. Despite all the heartache she lived through, she was always there for others and always held onto hope, even during the darkest of times.
I enjoyed the writing style in this book immensely. The descriptions made me feel like I had been transported into the scene with the character. I could imagine the sights and smells vividly. It was clear a lot of research was done into the places our characters lived, which was appreciated as it made everything feel more real.
I also love an author that gives you a family tree, especially when there are so many characters to keep track of. This was such a great addition to have in the book.
Overall, definitely one I would recommend to anyone that loves a family drama.
It took me a minute to get use to the mutiple pov’s but once I was in the swing of things I couldn’t put the book down. The way these families lives were interwoven was done in such a clever way. I enjoyed how all the little threads ended up coming together at the end. Cleverly done.
Some moments in the book were tragic and yet the characters moved forward in their lives with quiet strength. Lowri for me was inspirational and a real backbone for the story. Despite all the heartache she lived through, she was always there for others and always held onto hope, even during the darkest of times.
I enjoyed the writing style in this book immensely. The descriptions made me feel like I had been transported into the scene with the character. I could imagine the sights and smells vividly. It was clear a lot of research was done into the places our characters lived, which was appreciated as it made everything feel more real.
I also love an author that gives you a family tree, especially when there are so many characters to keep track of. This was such a great addition to have in the book.
Overall, definitely one I would recommend to anyone that loves a family drama.
June 28, 2025
A real page turner from the first page following the story of Gryff Morgan, a church-going Kentucky family man, hides a dark secret.
Gryff is living under a assumed name whose life of his sons and wife are built on his drug smuggling days.
In South Wales, Huw and Rhys grow up believing their father died at sea before they were born. three decades later secrets are revealed Loved reading about the different characters lives and how the revolved through the years.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Gryff is living under a assumed name whose life of his sons and wife are built on his drug smuggling days.
In South Wales, Huw and Rhys grow up believing their father died at sea before they were born. three decades later secrets are revealed Loved reading about the different characters lives and how the revolved through the years.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 17, 2025
This was a great read , and as I understand it her first book . Great plots that intertwined seamlessly, I sincerely hope this isn’t a one off , I look forward to the next
July 6, 2025
Loved this book and how the two families were intertwined! Couldn’t put it down, desperate to know if they were reunited!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews