Tangled Roots: A Contemporary Small-Town Christian Novel

by Jessica Brodie

Some secrets can’t stay buried forever.
Tiff Steadman has spent seven years running from the broken pieces of her past—the alcoholic parents, the convicted-felon brother, the shame of being “one of those no-good Steadmans.” Now, as editor of the Dahlia Weekly, she’s finally built the respectable life she’s always craved. With a proposal from her upstanding boyfriend Bobby, everything seems perfect.

Until her past comes knocking.

James Steadman has found God behind prison bars, but freedom feels more terrifying than his cell ever did. All he wants is a chance to reconnect with the little sister he once protected—the sister who now refuses to even acknowledge his existence. When his parole officer sends him to Dahlia, James discovers Tiff’s walls run deeper than he imagined, and starting over means confronting the wreckage they both left behind.

Two siblings. One devastating secret. And a love that refuses to let go.

As wedding plans collide with family secrets, Tiff must choose between the safe life she’s built and the messy grace that might heal them both. Can she find the courage to let her brother back into her heart? And can James prove that redemption is real—even for people like them?

In a small Southern town where everyone knows everyone’s business, some stories are too painful to tell—and too powerful to stay buried.

Buy Book Two in the Dahlia Series, where grace meets grit, hearts are mended, and hope finds a way to flourish.

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 30, 2025

About the author

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning journalist, author, blogger, editor, writing coach, and devotional writer with thousands of articles to her name. Since 2010, she has served as the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism, which has won 123 journalism awards during her tenure. Her latest book is Preparing Our Hearts: An Advent Devotional to Draw Closer to God at Christmas.

She has won more than 100 writing awards and is a seasoned speaker and frequent contributor to Christianity.com, BibleStudyTools.com, and Crosswalk.com, among many others. She has a weekly faith blog at https://www.jessicabrodie.com/ and is part of the team at Wholly Loved Ministries, with her work included in many of their devotionals and Bible studies.

You can connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and more. She’s also produced a free eBook, A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When You’re Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed. It is available on her website.

Brodie holds a Master of Arts in English, and she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in communications/print journalism from Florida International University. Born and raised in Miami, Brodie now lives in Lexington, South Carolina, just outside Columbia. She has also lived in Ohio and in the mountains of western North Carolina. She and her husband, Matt Brodie, have a blended family of four teenage children and stepchildren.

Brodie has written several novels and is actively seeking publication through her agent Bob Hostetler of The Steve Laube Agency. Her novel The Memory Garden won the 2018 Genesis contest for Contemporary Fiction from American Christian Fiction Writers, and her novel Tangled Roots won a third place Foundation Award in Contemporary Romance at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference in 2019.

Reviews

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tangled Roots is another heartfelt and engaging story from Jessica Brodie, set once again in the charming fictional town of Dahlia, SC. I loved how this book carried some overlap with The Memory Garden, yet stood on its own with fresh characters and challenges. From the beginning, I found myself drawn into the struggles of the protagonist, Tiff, whose journey felt raw, honest, and deeply human. The problems she faced weren’t easy or neatly resolved — instead, the story leaned into the reality of growth through hardship.

While I appreciated the satisfying ending, what really struck me was the twist — one I genuinely didn’t see coming. That made the conclusion all the more rewarding. Jessica Brodie has once again created a compelling, character-driven novel full of emotional depth, resilience, and hope.

I highly recommend Tangled Roots to anyone who loves stories about real people navigating life’s challenges with courage, honesty, and heart.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. I couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait for book 3 of the series!

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot of this book was perfectly paced by the author. The characters had depth and personality. The author did a good job in portraying Tiff as the heroine of this story. She carefully peeled back the layers of Tiff’s backstory, painful past, and regrets in a way that a skilled chef peels the layers of an onion before sautéing it to enhance the meat. This story was definitely filled with a lot of meat in the fact that it was not a light and airy read. It was deep and the plot thickened as the story progressed. I liked how Tiff’s boss Rebecca was always there for her not just as a good boss but as a good friend. And I love the way the romance between Tiff and her fiancé Bobby played out. The author did a good job in addressing the broken family relationship aspect of this story and she weaved the highs and lows together in a way that made the story end with a note of hope and happily ever after.

[Robin Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica Brodie's first book, "The Memory Garden," satisfied all my requirements for a great read and I didn't think her work could get any better until I read "Tangled Roots"! It's such a perfect redemption story and it stepped on my own toes quite a bit. Haven't we ALL thought some people could never truly change?

Two siblings escape a horrendous home life; one pulls herself up while the other hits rock bottom. Tiff Steadman moved to a new town, leaving her past behind, getting an education, and a great job. But her brother James went as low as he could go before allowing God to give him a new life. Read this great book to learn how their lives collide and whether forgiveness is really possible. I loved this book!

[Linda Sammaritan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when you spend a decade striving to hide your horrible childhood? Eventually, it all blows up in your face.

Tiff Steadman knows it might be a relief to let the world know her secrets. On the other hand, once her adopted town learns ALL about her, she could suffer the same rejection and scorn she endured as a kid.

Jessica Brodie has invited us to join Tiff on the difficult yet wonderful journey of how we learn to trust family, friends, and God. Her story is even better than The Memory Garden!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book in the Dahlia series, and this second one is another good read. We get a deep look into Tiff's life, though we were just introduced to her in the first book. As you read, you'll learn how Tiff had to struggle with an abusive childhood and why she wanted to break free. You'll also learn how her brother, James, made bad choices, but is now on a path of redemption. The story kept me engaged with well-drawn characters and sensory details. I enjoyed it very much, and I look forward to the third book in the series soon.

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have the opportunity to learn from the past, ask forgiveness for mistakes, and proceed with a fresh start for the future. In this heartwarming story, author Jessica Brodie brings characters who have "less than perfect" lives. Yet, with the secrets from the past and the hope for a bright future, there can be a chance for forgiveness and peace. Excellent read. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.

[Melissa McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming and Inspiring!

Another must-read from Jessica Brodie! This book pulled me right in with deep, vulnerable, resilient characters who push through great difficulties and abusive pasts to forge a future bright with hope. This moving story of faith, family, and community is sure to inspire.

[Beth Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Series and even better than book 1 !

I loved both books in this series and hope there is a book 3 coming! Going to look for more books by this author. These books are for those of us whose lives were very broken before coming to the cross. God is faithful to redeem us and restore our lives , making it a life worth living. Both these stores reflect those truths .

[Jennifer Tirrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Satisfying!

I thoroughly enjoyed this small-town redemption story. There is healing in His wings, and this entertaining story showcases how even tangled roots become beautiful when we trust in Him.

[Lee Guerrero · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT

Best story yet. Kept me reading. Loved the scriptures. It’s exactly the stories I love reading. Now do you have a mystery written?

[Heidi Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I found myself speed-reading through parts of this! I really enjoy this author and look forward to Book #3! I had never heard of Jessica Brodie before but I love the well-drawn characters & I so fiercely was fighting for the underdog at the end of the story. Very well done! Great characters with a hard-fought happy ending!