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What the Trees Remember: A Novel
Deeply researched and perfect for fans of Jayne Anne Phillips’s Night Watch, this action-packed coming-of-age tale, set in post–Civil War Appalachia, is part suspenseful mystery, part incisive examination of this nation’s history of racial violence.
Dora Minor, a quirky and fiercely courageous girl, grows up in a remote Virginia mountain community in a family of outliers, thanks to their Quaker beliefs that all people are born equal. After her mother’s death, her indomitable, pipe-smoking grandmother Alma—a revolutionary in her own right—becomes her primary caregiver and protector. With a fierce moral compass, Alma helps shape Dora’s worldview and guides her to question the status quo.
When Dora’s father partners with formerly enslaved Ginny Dudley to open a school for Black children in a place where none would otherwise exist, it sparks a violent backlash. After her father’s death and then a lynching, Dora, with Alma at her side, are forced to look at their community in a new light. Alongside Ginny’s husband Randolph and her closest friend Watcher James, a preacher guided by Nature spirits, Dora confronts hard truths about her neighbors, her father’s death, and, finally, the mysteries of her mother’s life—all of which ultimately leads to healing.
A post–Civil War novel that opens just as Reconstruction is falling apart, What the Trees Remembered depicts a time of extreme social unrest and the birth of the Jim Crow era as experienced by strong women constrained by the limitations of the time they live in. Through the devastating loss of loved ones, the destruction of the comfortable life they’ve known, and Nature’s wrath, Dora and Alma strive to rise above their trials by drawing strength from the natural world and never losing faith in themselves.
Dora Minor, a quirky and fiercely courageous girl, grows up in a remote Virginia mountain community in a family of outliers, thanks to their Quaker beliefs that all people are born equal. After her mother’s death, her indomitable, pipe-smoking grandmother Alma—a revolutionary in her own right—becomes her primary caregiver and protector. With a fierce moral compass, Alma helps shape Dora’s worldview and guides her to question the status quo.
When Dora’s father partners with formerly enslaved Ginny Dudley to open a school for Black children in a place where none would otherwise exist, it sparks a violent backlash. After her father’s death and then a lynching, Dora, with Alma at her side, are forced to look at their community in a new light. Alongside Ginny’s husband Randolph and her closest friend Watcher James, a preacher guided by Nature spirits, Dora confronts hard truths about her neighbors, her father’s death, and, finally, the mysteries of her mother’s life—all of which ultimately leads to healing.
A post–Civil War novel that opens just as Reconstruction is falling apart, What the Trees Remembered depicts a time of extreme social unrest and the birth of the Jim Crow era as experienced by strong women constrained by the limitations of the time they live in. Through the devastating loss of loved ones, the destruction of the comfortable life they’ve known, and Nature’s wrath, Dora and Alma strive to rise above their trials by drawing strength from the natural world and never losing faith in themselves.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 21, 2026
About the author
Abigail Cutter
3 books71 followersAbigail Cutter started out as an artist/printmaker with a MFA from George Washington University, but during a long stint at the National Endowment for the Humanities, she developed a deep love of American history. She married a man who came with 200 acres and an 18th century farmhouse in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. The farmhouse came with a very active ghost that inspired this book. She currently lives at both the farm and in the small town of Waterford, VA with her husband, a black labrador named Emma, and a cat that bites named Barnibi.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 2, 2026
4.5 very Strong 🌟 rounded up!
Thank you to She Writes Press through NetGalley for allowing me to read What the Trees Remember by Abigail Cutter in exchange for an honest review.
What the Trees Remember was the first book by Abigail Cutter that I have had the pleasure of reading but it certainly won’t be my last. I was completely immersed in this beautifully written historical fiction novel. It blended real events with unforgettable characters and a deeply emotional story.
What the Trees Remember was set in Nelson County, Virginia on Horseshoe Mountain in post Civil War years. The novel followed a cast of very compelling characters including Dora Minor, Alma Minor (Dora’s grandmother), Tom Minor (Dora’s father), Watcher James, Joe, Randolph, Ginny and Benny whose lives were forever changed by tragedy, prejudice, racism and the bonds of family and community. Abigail Cutter brought the post Civil War era vividly to life, portraying not only the beauty of the Appalachian landscape but also the harsh realities of the Jim Crow South. Blacks during the height of the Jim Crow era suffered from racism, injustices and especially from limited opportunities. The Black characters in What the Trees Remember, like Randolph, Ginny and Benny were portrayed with honesty and compassion by Abigail Cutter and added depth and authenticity to the story.
I especially appreciated how Abigail Cutter wove the stark and devastating real life avalanche and flood into the novel as well as the lynching of a young black boy that was only nine years old. The avalanche and flood that Abigail Cutter wrote about in What The Trees Remember were inspired by Hurricane Camille that actually occurred in the summer of 1969 in Nelson County. Before reading this book, I had no prior knowledge of these events. I found that I developed an intense curiosity about these historical events after reading this book and was compelled to do more research myself to find out more about them. Historical fiction at its best, for me, tends to teach me about a particular event or topic that I hadn’t known about. This novel did exactly that for me.
The characters in What the Trees Remember felt authentic and real. Each carried their own hopes, fears, questions, cautions and heartbreaks while they tried to survive unimaginable loss, grief and suffering the best they could. Their resilience and the way they leaned on one another through their grief and hardship made their journeys all the more moving. I found myself deeply invested in their lives and rooting for them until the very last page.
What the Trees Remember by Abigail Cutter was a masterfully researched and emotionally rich novel for me. I highly recommend this thought provoking and profound novel to readers who enjoy historical fiction with compelling characters and stories inspired by real events.
Thank you to She Writes Press through NetGalley for allowing me to read What the Trees Remember by Abigail Cutter in exchange for an honest review.
What the Trees Remember was the first book by Abigail Cutter that I have had the pleasure of reading but it certainly won’t be my last. I was completely immersed in this beautifully written historical fiction novel. It blended real events with unforgettable characters and a deeply emotional story.
What the Trees Remember was set in Nelson County, Virginia on Horseshoe Mountain in post Civil War years. The novel followed a cast of very compelling characters including Dora Minor, Alma Minor (Dora’s grandmother), Tom Minor (Dora’s father), Watcher James, Joe, Randolph, Ginny and Benny whose lives were forever changed by tragedy, prejudice, racism and the bonds of family and community. Abigail Cutter brought the post Civil War era vividly to life, portraying not only the beauty of the Appalachian landscape but also the harsh realities of the Jim Crow South. Blacks during the height of the Jim Crow era suffered from racism, injustices and especially from limited opportunities. The Black characters in What the Trees Remember, like Randolph, Ginny and Benny were portrayed with honesty and compassion by Abigail Cutter and added depth and authenticity to the story.
I especially appreciated how Abigail Cutter wove the stark and devastating real life avalanche and flood into the novel as well as the lynching of a young black boy that was only nine years old. The avalanche and flood that Abigail Cutter wrote about in What The Trees Remember were inspired by Hurricane Camille that actually occurred in the summer of 1969 in Nelson County. Before reading this book, I had no prior knowledge of these events. I found that I developed an intense curiosity about these historical events after reading this book and was compelled to do more research myself to find out more about them. Historical fiction at its best, for me, tends to teach me about a particular event or topic that I hadn’t known about. This novel did exactly that for me.
The characters in What the Trees Remember felt authentic and real. Each carried their own hopes, fears, questions, cautions and heartbreaks while they tried to survive unimaginable loss, grief and suffering the best they could. Their resilience and the way they leaned on one another through their grief and hardship made their journeys all the more moving. I found myself deeply invested in their lives and rooting for them until the very last page.
What the Trees Remember by Abigail Cutter was a masterfully researched and emotionally rich novel for me. I highly recommend this thought provoking and profound novel to readers who enjoy historical fiction with compelling characters and stories inspired by real events.
July 24, 2026
A very deep look into the years post civil war, and how people navigated this time. This one is hard to read at times. It's an unflinching look at a dark time, and hard to imagine being a young woman growing up in that era. This had to have take years of research, and I commend the author for such a thorough story.
I enjoyed it, but it's a book that makes you reflective and sort of sit with your thoughts after.
A big thank you to GetRedPR and the author for a copy, I have a family member that loves all historical fiction settings and I cannot wait to share the story with them!
I enjoyed it, but it's a book that makes you reflective and sort of sit with your thoughts after.
A big thank you to GetRedPR and the author for a copy, I have a family member that loves all historical fiction settings and I cannot wait to share the story with them!
May 24, 2026
Eye opening and profound book about what it was like to live in the south, in a small community, during the early Jim Crow Era.
Dora is a 90 yr old woman,raised by her grandmother and father on a mountain outside a small town. Their beliefs and views on how to treat other’s differed greatly from those around they. Early in the story Tom, Dora’s father, continues the work of his father by opening the doors of a small rural school for black children. Randolph, who manages their tobacco farm, encourages Tom to run for a city council seat with the goal of making changes to education and opportunities for the black community. This is where the story takes a turn, and I will not provide any spoilers.
This book was very well researched. It provided a glimpse of what it would’ve been like to grow up with Quaker beliefs during the time of resistance to equality for African Americans. I really enjoyed the author taking us back through Dora’s life, and the things that shaped her as a person. Although as heartbreaking asi it was to read at times due to the devastating losses she went through, I found a sense of hope and peace for Dora’s family and those they befriended.
Thank you Get Red PR for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. My hope is that other readers enjoy it as much as I did.
Dora is a 90 yr old woman,raised by her grandmother and father on a mountain outside a small town. Their beliefs and views on how to treat other’s differed greatly from those around they. Early in the story Tom, Dora’s father, continues the work of his father by opening the doors of a small rural school for black children. Randolph, who manages their tobacco farm, encourages Tom to run for a city council seat with the goal of making changes to education and opportunities for the black community. This is where the story takes a turn, and I will not provide any spoilers.
This book was very well researched. It provided a glimpse of what it would’ve been like to grow up with Quaker beliefs during the time of resistance to equality for African Americans. I really enjoyed the author taking us back through Dora’s life, and the things that shaped her as a person. Although as heartbreaking asi it was to read at times due to the devastating losses she went through, I found a sense of hope and peace for Dora’s family and those they befriended.
Thank you Get Red PR for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. My hope is that other readers enjoy it as much as I did.
July 30, 2026
Where was the setting of the last book that you read? I am intrigued by the Appalachian mountain setting in this book.
In 1969, an old woman Dora Minor, awakens to a terrible flood. Clinging to her dogs and riding out the storm, Dora thinks back over her life. She was born a Quaker in that very house on a mountain in Virginia. Her grandmother, Alma, raised her after her mother’s death from childbirth and her father’s mysterious death. What secrets will the flood waters reveal?
My thoughts on this novel:
• This was a beautifully written novel. It created a visual picture in my mind to describe the mountain and its inhabitants.
• It was a great story with well-developed interesting characters and an intriguing and unique storyline.
• This story was set in the post-Civil War era primarily with some flash forwards to 1969.
• This novel showed the social unrest that happened after the Civil War as people were trying to come up with the new normal. A tragic event occurs in the novel and sadly the detailed notes at the end describe how it was based on a true story.
• Dora’s father Tom taught a school with a formerly enslaved woman, Ginny, for black children. There was a need for education and unfortunately the townspeople would not provide it.
• I keep thinking about this book and the trying times after the Civil War. It took so much work and time for formerly enslaved people to really receive the full rights of citizens.
• The flood in 1969 was devastating and based on a real event.
• I had some maternal ancestors that were Quakers and lived in the Appalachian mountains so this was extra intriguing to me imagining what their lives were like.
• I loved the friendships in the novel and how they stuck together through good and bad times.
• Sometimes doing what is right is dangerous. True freedom was built on the sacrifice of many.
Favorite Quote: “She’s read what St. Thomas of Aquinas had said about sin; the greatest was turning a blind eye those who most needed help.”
Overall, What the Trees Remember by Abigail Cutter was a beautifully written southern historical fiction novel that truly captured the story of social unrest after the Civil War. I will be thinking about this story for a long time.
Book Source: Thank-you to Get Red PR, Abigail Cutter, and She Writes Press for a review copy of the novel as part of the book tour.
This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2026...
In 1969, an old woman Dora Minor, awakens to a terrible flood. Clinging to her dogs and riding out the storm, Dora thinks back over her life. She was born a Quaker in that very house on a mountain in Virginia. Her grandmother, Alma, raised her after her mother’s death from childbirth and her father’s mysterious death. What secrets will the flood waters reveal?
My thoughts on this novel:
• This was a beautifully written novel. It created a visual picture in my mind to describe the mountain and its inhabitants.
• It was a great story with well-developed interesting characters and an intriguing and unique storyline.
• This story was set in the post-Civil War era primarily with some flash forwards to 1969.
• This novel showed the social unrest that happened after the Civil War as people were trying to come up with the new normal. A tragic event occurs in the novel and sadly the detailed notes at the end describe how it was based on a true story.
• Dora’s father Tom taught a school with a formerly enslaved woman, Ginny, for black children. There was a need for education and unfortunately the townspeople would not provide it.
• I keep thinking about this book and the trying times after the Civil War. It took so much work and time for formerly enslaved people to really receive the full rights of citizens.
• The flood in 1969 was devastating and based on a real event.
• I had some maternal ancestors that were Quakers and lived in the Appalachian mountains so this was extra intriguing to me imagining what their lives were like.
• I loved the friendships in the novel and how they stuck together through good and bad times.
• Sometimes doing what is right is dangerous. True freedom was built on the sacrifice of many.
Favorite Quote: “She’s read what St. Thomas of Aquinas had said about sin; the greatest was turning a blind eye those who most needed help.”
Overall, What the Trees Remember by Abigail Cutter was a beautifully written southern historical fiction novel that truly captured the story of social unrest after the Civil War. I will be thinking about this story for a long time.
Book Source: Thank-you to Get Red PR, Abigail Cutter, and She Writes Press for a review copy of the novel as part of the book tour.
This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2026...
July 22, 2026
Truly an incredible historical fiction novel. It’s set just after the Civil War when social unrest, racism, violence, etc is high. It is a very heavy book but I know this is one I will remember forever.
In this book we follow the lives of Alma & Dora Minor, known as outcasts in their small southern town. They have firm Quaker beliefs that all humans are equal. Of course, many people disagree & do everything to knock them down. It is a dual timeline jumping from the late 1800s to 1969.
I will say I was a bit confused by the timeline at first. It did seem to jump back & forth a bit before it started to really keep my attention. I also had to put it down & come back frequently as some storylines were truly heartbreaking. With that being said, I still believe this is a book everyone should read! It was very thought provoking.
Thank you Get Red PR & Abigail Cutter for an advanced copy to review.
In this book we follow the lives of Alma & Dora Minor, known as outcasts in their small southern town. They have firm Quaker beliefs that all humans are equal. Of course, many people disagree & do everything to knock them down. It is a dual timeline jumping from the late 1800s to 1969.
I will say I was a bit confused by the timeline at first. It did seem to jump back & forth a bit before it started to really keep my attention. I also had to put it down & come back frequently as some storylines were truly heartbreaking. With that being said, I still believe this is a book everyone should read! It was very thought provoking.
Thank you Get Red PR & Abigail Cutter for an advanced copy to review.
July 23, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley, I received an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
What the Trees Remember by Abigail Cutter focuses on a mountain family of Virginia during Reconstruction post Civil War era. Heralding from Quaker roots, the Minor family is an anomaly in Appalachian society. With their belief that all people are created equal, the men of the family ran a school for African Americans on their property located on the top of a mountain of the Blue Ridge Mountain range. The family pays dearly for their beliefs when Tom, Dora’s father, is brutally murdered. The book then follows the Minor women’s lives as they try to deal with their grief and figure out a way to continue living. Dora, Tom’s daughter, is the main character of the book who suffers great loss and disappointment throughout her life.
This book was well-written and the ending ties up the various parallel story lines, but left me feeling very sad. In fact, throughout the book, I felt a deep sadness for the characters in the novel, and embarrassed about this particular era of U.S. history based on how Native Americans and African Americans were treated during this time period. I’m not quite sure how much of a positive impact the 1900’s “flash forwards” made on the novel. I think the novel would have been as good, if not even better, if the author had stuck with the 1800’s story lines rather than provide flash backs and flash forwards to keep the story moving. I also think the piano player story line should have either been eliminated or flushed out more. To me, this part of the novel seemed out of place and unnecessary to the plot.
What the Trees Remember by Abigail Cutter focuses on a mountain family of Virginia during Reconstruction post Civil War era. Heralding from Quaker roots, the Minor family is an anomaly in Appalachian society. With their belief that all people are created equal, the men of the family ran a school for African Americans on their property located on the top of a mountain of the Blue Ridge Mountain range. The family pays dearly for their beliefs when Tom, Dora’s father, is brutally murdered. The book then follows the Minor women’s lives as they try to deal with their grief and figure out a way to continue living. Dora, Tom’s daughter, is the main character of the book who suffers great loss and disappointment throughout her life.
This book was well-written and the ending ties up the various parallel story lines, but left me feeling very sad. In fact, throughout the book, I felt a deep sadness for the characters in the novel, and embarrassed about this particular era of U.S. history based on how Native Americans and African Americans were treated during this time period. I’m not quite sure how much of a positive impact the 1900’s “flash forwards” made on the novel. I think the novel would have been as good, if not even better, if the author had stuck with the 1800’s story lines rather than provide flash backs and flash forwards to keep the story moving. I also think the piano player story line should have either been eliminated or flushed out more. To me, this part of the novel seemed out of place and unnecessary to the plot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What the Trees Remember by Abigail Cutter was quite an unlikely read for me. I don’t typically gravitate towards historical fiction, but I’m glad I gave this novel a chance. The story begins with Dora Miner, an old lady living alone on a mountain who wakes in the middle of the night to a raging storm. Lightning is flashing, water levels are rising, and the mountain seems like it is being torn apart around her. While she weathers the storm, terrified for her life, we take a journey through her past. The story delves into Dora’s birth and childhood, leading up to her life as a young woman.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. There were moments that were heartbreaking, others that were heartwarming, and others still that were simply infuriating. Dora’s family and friends were such amazing characters, I found myself wishing and hoping that nothing bad would happen to them. The antagonists of the story on the other hand were despicable and I desperately wanted the story to take a much darker turn in regards to them. I don’t want to give anything away, but I wanted more satisfying justice for Bessie Bell!
I’m not overly knowledgeable in the era of the American Civil War and the years following it, but I can tell that a good amount of research went into this story. I really felt like I was transported back into that time, which to me is the mark of a well written book. I did find myself wishing that there was more action to the story, and some of the sections felt a bit choppy and didn’t flow perfectly. A few times, the section would begin in one point of time then flash backwards but the next section would start from the first point in time again. Until I became accustomed to that style of writing, it was a little confusing to follow and remember what was happening when.
Overall, the story was quite interesting. It definitely picked up towards the end when Dora moves to town to become a school teacher. From that point I found that I could not stop reading. Prior to that, it was a little difficult to become engrossed in the story. If you are a fan of historical fiction, then I would recommend Cutter’s novel. The plot may be slow to set up, but once it gets moving it’s incredibly gripping. The characters are also really well developed for such a short novel, you’ll come to love some and despise others. You may even cry, I came very close a few times while reading.
Thank you She Writes Press and Netgalley for this ARC.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. There were moments that were heartbreaking, others that were heartwarming, and others still that were simply infuriating. Dora’s family and friends were such amazing characters, I found myself wishing and hoping that nothing bad would happen to them. The antagonists of the story on the other hand were despicable and I desperately wanted the story to take a much darker turn in regards to them. I don’t want to give anything away, but I wanted more satisfying justice for Bessie Bell!
I’m not overly knowledgeable in the era of the American Civil War and the years following it, but I can tell that a good amount of research went into this story. I really felt like I was transported back into that time, which to me is the mark of a well written book. I did find myself wishing that there was more action to the story, and some of the sections felt a bit choppy and didn’t flow perfectly. A few times, the section would begin in one point of time then flash backwards but the next section would start from the first point in time again. Until I became accustomed to that style of writing, it was a little confusing to follow and remember what was happening when.
Overall, the story was quite interesting. It definitely picked up towards the end when Dora moves to town to become a school teacher. From that point I found that I could not stop reading. Prior to that, it was a little difficult to become engrossed in the story. If you are a fan of historical fiction, then I would recommend Cutter’s novel. The plot may be slow to set up, but once it gets moving it’s incredibly gripping. The characters are also really well developed for such a short novel, you’ll come to love some and despise others. You may even cry, I came very close a few times while reading.
Thank you She Writes Press and Netgalley for this ARC.
August 9, 2026
🌲🤎 🆂🅴🆅🅴🅽 🅻🅸🆃 🆃🅷🅸🅽🅶🆂 🤎🌲
|| 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 by Abigail Cutter||
𝗜𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲?
Yes, Cutter blends historical fiction, social commentary, and nature’s healing power into a story that feels both timely and timeless. I would read more of her work.
𝗠𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆:
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 reminds readers that silence in the face of injustice is never neutral. Through Dora’s coming-of-age journey, Cutter explores how ordinary people respond to prejudice, violence, and social change. The novel shows that courage often lies with those willing to challenge harmful traditions, even when doing so exacts a tremendous personal cost.
𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗲𝘀:
Racial Justice
Family Legacy
Female Resilience
Community Accountability
Grief & Healing
Moral Courage
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸’𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿?
The cover captures the novel's connection to the natural world. It feels atmospheric, reflective, and rooted in the idea that the land itself holds memory, history, and truth.
𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸’𝘀 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗺 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁/𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝘀𝗹𝗼𝘄/𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁?
It is balanced. The story takes its time developing the characters and community dynamics.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗸𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂?
Heartbreak, anger, hope, admiration, frustration, and perseverance. Dora and Alma's journey is emotionally powerful and deeply moving during a time when many would have simply given up.
𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝘀𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗶𝘁 𝗯𝗲?
Were Dora and Alma inspired by specific historical figures, or did they emerge entirely from your imagination while researching the Reconstruction era?
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌟 Thanks partners @shewritespress, @abigailcutter.author, @getredprbooks, and @getredpr for the gifted copy. 🌟
🏷 #WhatTheTreesRemember #AbigailCutter #historicalfiction #BooksToRead #Bookish #CandiceReviews #CandiceReads #HaleYeahBooks #Bookstagrammer #BookLover #wellreadblackgirl
July 24, 2026
What the Trees Remember is a powerful, deeply felt read — a story built from equal parts emotion and historical truth, all woven together with immersive, compelling prose. Abigail Cutter blends research and lived‑in scholarship into the quiet, intimate shape of one woman’s life, creating a narrative that feels both personal and sweeping. Nothing here is distant or abstract; the history is carried in the body, in memory, and in the land itself.
This is vivid writing that brings Post‑Civil War Appalachia to life — its natural beauty, its tangled racial past, and the struggle of people trying to live and do good in spite of everything. Distilled through Dora’s life and experiences, this novel shows why women’s literature and historical fiction can feel so bittersweet. History isn’t only made of the moments written in textbooks; it’s also made of the small daily living that only the trees remember.
What struck me most is how Cutter handles the past. So often, history is presented like a window with a beautiful curtain — softened, filtered, made polite. This book does the opposite. It reaches in, pulls the curtain back, lifts the screen, and says: look clearly, look directly, look without protection. And once you do, you realize the past isn’t as far away as we pretend. It echoes. It lingers. It asks questions of us.
That, I think, is the real power of Cutter’s storytelling: the way she makes history feel present, alive, and emotionally resonant. The narrative is shocking in places, not for spectacle, but because it refuses to hide the truth of what was. And in doing so, it asks us to consider what still is.
A moving, atmospheric, and beautifully researched novel — one that stays with you long after you close the last page.
Thank you to the author, She Writes Press (SWP) and Get Red PR for the free gifted copy of the book that I read
This is vivid writing that brings Post‑Civil War Appalachia to life — its natural beauty, its tangled racial past, and the struggle of people trying to live and do good in spite of everything. Distilled through Dora’s life and experiences, this novel shows why women’s literature and historical fiction can feel so bittersweet. History isn’t only made of the moments written in textbooks; it’s also made of the small daily living that only the trees remember.
What struck me most is how Cutter handles the past. So often, history is presented like a window with a beautiful curtain — softened, filtered, made polite. This book does the opposite. It reaches in, pulls the curtain back, lifts the screen, and says: look clearly, look directly, look without protection. And once you do, you realize the past isn’t as far away as we pretend. It echoes. It lingers. It asks questions of us.
That, I think, is the real power of Cutter’s storytelling: the way she makes history feel present, alive, and emotionally resonant. The narrative is shocking in places, not for spectacle, but because it refuses to hide the truth of what was. And in doing so, it asks us to consider what still is.
A moving, atmospheric, and beautifully researched novel — one that stays with you long after you close the last page.
Thank you to the author, She Writes Press (SWP) and Get Red PR for the free gifted copy of the book that I read
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What the Trees Remember by Abigail Cutter is a powerful and deeply moving work of literary art that lingers long after the final page. At the heart of the novel is Dora Minor, whose story is portrayed with remarkable depth, nuance, and emotional weight. Cutter masterfully brings Dora’s experiences to life, allowing readers to witness not only her personal struggles but also the broader realities faced by non-white individuals during the Jim Crow era.
The novel does not shy away from the harsh truths of its setting. It offers an unflinching look at racism and the daily injustices endured, while also exploring the often-overlooked experiences of multiracial children, both in society and within their own families. These elements are handled with care and authenticity, making the narrative as enlightening as it is heartbreaking. Readers should be aware that the book contains depictions of racially motivated violence, which, while difficult to read, are integral to the story’s impact and historical honesty.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its structure. Despite shifting back and forth through time, the story flows seamlessly. The transitions are clear and purposeful, enhancing the emotional depth and gradually building a fuller understanding of Dora’s life and legacy. Cutter’s writing is both elegant and accessible, ensuring that the reader remains engaged without ever feeling lost.
This is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, particularly those interested in stories set during the Jim Crow era. What the Trees Remember is not just a book, it is an experience that challenges, educates, and resonates.
The novel does not shy away from the harsh truths of its setting. It offers an unflinching look at racism and the daily injustices endured, while also exploring the often-overlooked experiences of multiracial children, both in society and within their own families. These elements are handled with care and authenticity, making the narrative as enlightening as it is heartbreaking. Readers should be aware that the book contains depictions of racially motivated violence, which, while difficult to read, are integral to the story’s impact and historical honesty.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its structure. Despite shifting back and forth through time, the story flows seamlessly. The transitions are clear and purposeful, enhancing the emotional depth and gradually building a fuller understanding of Dora’s life and legacy. Cutter’s writing is both elegant and accessible, ensuring that the reader remains engaged without ever feeling lost.
This is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, particularly those interested in stories set during the Jim Crow era. What the Trees Remember is not just a book, it is an experience that challenges, educates, and resonates.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Powerful and profound, What the Trees Remember provides insight into the late 19th century South following emancipation.
Dora Minor, a quirky and fiercely courageous girl, grows up in a remote Virginia mountain community in a family of outliers, thanks to their Quaker beliefs that all people are born equal. After her mother’s death, her indomitable, pipe-smoking grandmother Alma—a revolutionary in her own right—becomes her primary caregiver and protector. With a fierce moral compass, Alma helps shape Dora’s worldview and guides her to question the status quo.
When Dora’s father partners with formerly enslaved Ginny Dudley to open a school for Black children in a place where none would otherwise exist, it sparks a violent backlash. After her father’s death and then a lynching, Dora, with Alma at her side, are forced to look at their community in a new light. Alongside Ginny’s husband Randolph and her closest friend Watcher James, a preacher guided by Nature spirits, Dora confronts hard truths about her neighbors, her father’s death, and, finally, the mysteries of her mother’s life—all of which ultimately leads to healing.
A post–Civil War novel that opens just as Reconstruction is falling apart, What the Trees Remember depicts a time of extreme social unrest and the birth of the Jim Crow era as experienced by strong women constrained by the limitations of the time they live in. Through the devastating loss of loved ones, the destruction of the comfortable life they’ve known, and Nature’s wrath, Dora and Alma strive to rise above their trials by drawing strength from the natural world and never losing faith in themselves.
Add this to your TBR list!
Dora Minor, a quirky and fiercely courageous girl, grows up in a remote Virginia mountain community in a family of outliers, thanks to their Quaker beliefs that all people are born equal. After her mother’s death, her indomitable, pipe-smoking grandmother Alma—a revolutionary in her own right—becomes her primary caregiver and protector. With a fierce moral compass, Alma helps shape Dora’s worldview and guides her to question the status quo.
When Dora’s father partners with formerly enslaved Ginny Dudley to open a school for Black children in a place where none would otherwise exist, it sparks a violent backlash. After her father’s death and then a lynching, Dora, with Alma at her side, are forced to look at their community in a new light. Alongside Ginny’s husband Randolph and her closest friend Watcher James, a preacher guided by Nature spirits, Dora confronts hard truths about her neighbors, her father’s death, and, finally, the mysteries of her mother’s life—all of which ultimately leads to healing.
A post–Civil War novel that opens just as Reconstruction is falling apart, What the Trees Remember depicts a time of extreme social unrest and the birth of the Jim Crow era as experienced by strong women constrained by the limitations of the time they live in. Through the devastating loss of loved ones, the destruction of the comfortable life they’ve known, and Nature’s wrath, Dora and Alma strive to rise above their trials by drawing strength from the natural world and never losing faith in themselves.
Add this to your TBR list!
August 3, 2026
Lately, I’ve become interested in the Reconstruction period in the South. What the Trees Remember tackles the time period as Reconstruction started to fall apart and the Jim Crow era began. It’s a well researched historical fiction that fulfilled my goals - teaching me something new, imparting facts without slowing down the story while still keeping me thoroughly engaged. While fiction, the author relies on actual events as her inspiration.
The story is told in the almost ubiquitous dual timeline. Dora is raised by her grandmother and father in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia. They are outliers to the community, due to their Quaker beliefs. I hadn’t realized that most Quakers were run out of the south because they opposed the Civil War. They’re further outliers because Dora’s father runs a school for black children. The book also shows Dora as an old woman in 1969, still living on the mountain when a storm ravishes the mountain and valley below.
This is not an easy book to read. It takes on how far whites were willing to go to keep Blacks down. But the writing is beautiful and made me feel like I was right there in the midst of the natural mountain world.
The story worked well to have a young woman as its main character. Still somewhat naive, she is just learning how cruel the world could be. “How could she belong to a species that did things so foul and then justified them as necessary?” I found the section when Dora realizes what Mildred believes about Blacks and Indians insightful. How many of us have been caught off guard to discover a friend holds racist or other ugly beliefs? The book raises some interesting thoughts about justice and revenge. It would make an interesting book club selection.
My thanks to netgalley and She Writes Press for an advance copy of this book.
The story is told in the almost ubiquitous dual timeline. Dora is raised by her grandmother and father in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia. They are outliers to the community, due to their Quaker beliefs. I hadn’t realized that most Quakers were run out of the south because they opposed the Civil War. They’re further outliers because Dora’s father runs a school for black children. The book also shows Dora as an old woman in 1969, still living on the mountain when a storm ravishes the mountain and valley below.
This is not an easy book to read. It takes on how far whites were willing to go to keep Blacks down. But the writing is beautiful and made me feel like I was right there in the midst of the natural mountain world.
The story worked well to have a young woman as its main character. Still somewhat naive, she is just learning how cruel the world could be. “How could she belong to a species that did things so foul and then justified them as necessary?” I found the section when Dora realizes what Mildred believes about Blacks and Indians insightful. How many of us have been caught off guard to discover a friend holds racist or other ugly beliefs? The book raises some interesting thoughts about justice and revenge. It would make an interesting book club selection.
My thanks to netgalley and She Writes Press for an advance copy of this book.
July 16, 2026
What a devastatingly beautiful story. Reading this book was like a gut punch in so many aspects. It made me angry, it made me sad, and it had me rooting for these characters every step of this way. This is such an eye opening novel about what life was like in small town Virginia during the Jim Crow era. The racial disparity and the unjust treatment of the Black community in this book had me so upset. I fell in love with these characters and being completely immersed in their struggles made this book tough to read, but it is absolutely worth the journey. I was bawling my eyes out by the end of this book. This is definitely a read that will stick with me long after the last page.
This book starts out in 1969 when Dora wakes up to a devastating flash flood. She is sure she is going to die and get washed away. Then we go back in time to the late 1800s and we get to follow Dora’s life from the time she is born and onwards. We mainly follow Dora and her grandmother Alma in this story. Dora’s family has always faced backlash for being supporters of the Black community, but that never stopped them from wanting to do more to help. I don’t want to summarize much more about this book, because I think going in blind will have the best reading experience.
Also, the vivid imagery of this book will have you feeling like you are a part of this story. The way the author is able to paint such beautiful descriptions really makes for a great immersive experience.
Thank you so much to Get Red Pr for the early copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This book starts out in 1969 when Dora wakes up to a devastating flash flood. She is sure she is going to die and get washed away. Then we go back in time to the late 1800s and we get to follow Dora’s life from the time she is born and onwards. We mainly follow Dora and her grandmother Alma in this story. Dora’s family has always faced backlash for being supporters of the Black community, but that never stopped them from wanting to do more to help. I don’t want to summarize much more about this book, because I think going in blind will have the best reading experience.
Also, the vivid imagery of this book will have you feeling like you are a part of this story. The way the author is able to paint such beautiful descriptions really makes for a great immersive experience.
Thank you so much to Get Red Pr for the early copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I am still processing this emotional read. It will stick in my mind forever. The writing makes you feel like you are falling into hills of Virginia. You can picture the lush greens, the burbling brook, the tobacco plants swaying in the breeze. The characters make you swoon and fall instantly in love. They are layered, unique, and make this story phenomenal. It is told through Dora Minor from the day she was born in 1877 and works its way through her life. Until she wakes in 1969, during a hurricane that is wreaking havoc on her beloved Horseshoe Mountain in Virginia.
During her ninety years on earth, Dora has experienced quite a life. Her mother died shortly after she was born leaving her wondering about her and what she is missing. Dora was never short on love. Her father and grandmother, Alma, doted on her. Their way of life opened her eyes that many did not experience at the beginning of Jim Crow. Her grandfather started a school for black children. It kept the townspeople constantly whispering. As long as they were at their homestead, they felt safe. As Dora grew, she wanted to experience life outside of the mountain. Leading her to teach school for a year in town. Where she saw racism first hand. The KKK was functioning at full capacity and would use any excuse to go after anyone that did not fit their perfect image. The unimaginable atrocities that they do to other human beings makes me sick to my stomach. My eyes were filled and I felt like I was witnessing this horror before my own eyes.
This is a slow burn read that played like a movie inside my head. It is atmospheric and haunting on one hand and joyous and encouraging on the other. Dora and Alma are as sturdy as hearty oaks, brave, and will stick up for what is right. No matter what may happen to them. Benny and his walks stole my heart and soul. Thank you to Abigail Cutter, She Writes Press, and Get Red PR for my copy of this stunning read.
During her ninety years on earth, Dora has experienced quite a life. Her mother died shortly after she was born leaving her wondering about her and what she is missing. Dora was never short on love. Her father and grandmother, Alma, doted on her. Their way of life opened her eyes that many did not experience at the beginning of Jim Crow. Her grandfather started a school for black children. It kept the townspeople constantly whispering. As long as they were at their homestead, they felt safe. As Dora grew, she wanted to experience life outside of the mountain. Leading her to teach school for a year in town. Where she saw racism first hand. The KKK was functioning at full capacity and would use any excuse to go after anyone that did not fit their perfect image. The unimaginable atrocities that they do to other human beings makes me sick to my stomach. My eyes were filled and I felt like I was witnessing this horror before my own eyes.
This is a slow burn read that played like a movie inside my head. It is atmospheric and haunting on one hand and joyous and encouraging on the other. Dora and Alma are as sturdy as hearty oaks, brave, and will stick up for what is right. No matter what may happen to them. Benny and his walks stole my heart and soul. Thank you to Abigail Cutter, She Writes Press, and Get Red PR for my copy of this stunning read.
July 21, 2026
What the Trees Remember is a beautifully written work of literary historical fiction that weaves together family secrets, social justice, and unforgettable women into a story that is both deeply personal and historically significant. Set against the backdrop of Reconstruction and the Jim Crow South, Abigail Cutter explores racism, inherited trauma, moral courage, and the price of standing up for what is right when the cost is almost unimaginable. The rich Appalachian setting and meticulous historical research create an immersive reading experience, while the novel's symbolism adds another layer of meaning that lingers as you reflect on Dora's journey. This is exactly the kind of novel that sparks meaningful conversations, making it a wonderful addition to any book club's reading list.
I'll admit this is a much slower paced book than I typically reach for, but in this case, the pacing serves the story. Cutter doesn't rush the moments that deserve your attention. Instead, she invites readers to sit with the tension, the heartbreak, and the difficult choices these characters face, allowing the emotional weight of each chapter to fully settle in. Some stories entertain us, while others teach us something about history, humanity, and ourselves. What the Trees Remember accomplishes all three. It's a novel I will gladly recommend not only to fellow readers, but also to my mother and to my children because stories like this deserve to be shared across generations.
I'll admit this is a much slower paced book than I typically reach for, but in this case, the pacing serves the story. Cutter doesn't rush the moments that deserve your attention. Instead, she invites readers to sit with the tension, the heartbreak, and the difficult choices these characters face, allowing the emotional weight of each chapter to fully settle in. Some stories entertain us, while others teach us something about history, humanity, and ourselves. What the Trees Remember accomplishes all three. It's a novel I will gladly recommend not only to fellow readers, but also to my mother and to my children because stories like this deserve to be shared across generations.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
First, I am drawn by your choice of book cover and title!
And, upon completion - I went back to the cover - knowing the true meaning of those trees that were intertwined throughout the story. They are haunting, yet reverent. I can't get the images of the Virginia Mountain, along with all the paths leading up and down the mountain, and all of the storytelling that occurred off my heart. What a powerful hold.
The characters exploded out of the pages! I could see them, feel their sorrows, and wish for a better life for them. Their personalities lured me to be their cheerleader!
Then there was the mystery of Ella. You had me on that one. I would have never guessed...
I did not like how Dora was depicted when she moved to town, and I planned to tell you all about it in my review. BUT, as I read on, I realized... If she hadn't been in that place and time, she would not have overheard an important piece of information - used later. Brilliant!
I enjoyed learning about the post Civil War challenges that all races faced. It is a historical fiction after all. But at the same time - it STUNK! Such evil! Emotions were strongly portrayed and felt.
That makes for a great read!
Your writing is alive!
Thank you for this opportunity to win and read this advanced reader's copy through Goodreads!
And, upon completion - I went back to the cover - knowing the true meaning of those trees that were intertwined throughout the story. They are haunting, yet reverent. I can't get the images of the Virginia Mountain, along with all the paths leading up and down the mountain, and all of the storytelling that occurred off my heart. What a powerful hold.
The characters exploded out of the pages! I could see them, feel their sorrows, and wish for a better life for them. Their personalities lured me to be their cheerleader!
Then there was the mystery of Ella. You had me on that one. I would have never guessed...
I did not like how Dora was depicted when she moved to town, and I planned to tell you all about it in my review. BUT, as I read on, I realized... If she hadn't been in that place and time, she would not have overheard an important piece of information - used later. Brilliant!
I enjoyed learning about the post Civil War challenges that all races faced. It is a historical fiction after all. But at the same time - it STUNK! Such evil! Emotions were strongly portrayed and felt.
That makes for a great read!
Your writing is alive!
Thank you for this opportunity to win and read this advanced reader's copy through Goodreads!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What the Trees Remember immediately hooked me with its dramatic opening chapter courtesy of Mother Nature and the hint of a terrible secret from the past. The novel then jumps back ninety years in time to the birth of our protagonist Dora Minor and then proceeds to follow key events in her life, with occasional interludes into the more contemporary timeline. Dora was easy to like; her life quiet (mostly) but interesting. I confess to finding the secret, when eventually revealed, to be immensely satisfying. The Appalachian setting was beautifully and vividly rendered through rich, sensory details. The book felt like a love letter to the region - the land and the people. It avoided simply relying on simplistic stereotypes whilst still being realistic and true to the place. I appreciated the way it explored various strands of the US's troubled and problematic racial history, highlighting the efforts of those working towards racial equality and social justice, and showing the lengths opponents were willing to go, the toll they exacted. This book covers some traumatic content but it's neither graphic nor gratuitous, and never feels bleak or unbearably heavy. It's clear Cutter has done her research but she wields this knowledge with a light hand, combining several disparate events into a satisfying and compelling story.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Atmospheric, heart wrenching, compelling, beautiful.
WOW. I loved this book. I cried, I was angry, I smiled. I was all the feelings. This story is about a family who has a few secrets of their own. But it’s also about a father who is willing to stand up for what’s right in a time where people are not anywhere close to being open minded. There were gut wrenching moments in the story that made my heart and stomach sink. But then there were moments of pure beauty.
Dora is born in the late 1800s. Unfortunately, soon after her mom does not survive the childbirth. This sends Dora’s father into a downward spiral. Dora and her father remain living with her father‘s mother. When Dora is a little bit older, her father decides to start a school so black children can get the education they also deserve. This sends the community into a spiral. And unfortunately, many people do not agree. We jumped back-and-forth between Dora’s past and present and secrets of her family are revealed overtime.
The ending of the story was beautiful, but also made me a little bit sad at the same time. Truly, this book was a five star beauty. I felt fully immersed in the story as it is so beautifully detailed.
Thank you to Get Red Pr for sending me an early copy of this stunning story.
WOW. I loved this book. I cried, I was angry, I smiled. I was all the feelings. This story is about a family who has a few secrets of their own. But it’s also about a father who is willing to stand up for what’s right in a time where people are not anywhere close to being open minded. There were gut wrenching moments in the story that made my heart and stomach sink. But then there were moments of pure beauty.
Dora is born in the late 1800s. Unfortunately, soon after her mom does not survive the childbirth. This sends Dora’s father into a downward spiral. Dora and her father remain living with her father‘s mother. When Dora is a little bit older, her father decides to start a school so black children can get the education they also deserve. This sends the community into a spiral. And unfortunately, many people do not agree. We jumped back-and-forth between Dora’s past and present and secrets of her family are revealed overtime.
The ending of the story was beautiful, but also made me a little bit sad at the same time. Truly, this book was a five star beauty. I felt fully immersed in the story as it is so beautifully detailed.
Thank you to Get Red Pr for sending me an early copy of this stunning story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What the Trees Remember is the kind of historical fiction that doesn’t just tell you about the past it makes you sit in it. The kind where you can feel the weight of the land, the secrets buried in families, and the consequences of the choices people make when doing the right thing comes with a dangerous price.
Dora and Alma? These women had me saying, “Oh, I love them,” while simultaneously wanting to jump into the book and protect them. Alma is the kind of grandmother who will absolutely give you life advice, challenge the entire social order, and probably do it while smoking a pipe.
The natural world in this story feels like more than a setting. It feels like a witness. Like the mountains have seen everything, remembered everything, and are just sitting there waiting for humans to finally catch up.
This is a slower, richly layered historical read with strong women, complicated family histories, mysteries that unfold over generations, and characters who stay with you long after you close the book. It’s heartbreaking, thought-provoking, and beautifully rooted in the idea that the past doesn’t simply disappear because people stop talking about it.
Dora and Alma? These women had me saying, “Oh, I love them,” while simultaneously wanting to jump into the book and protect them. Alma is the kind of grandmother who will absolutely give you life advice, challenge the entire social order, and probably do it while smoking a pipe.
The natural world in this story feels like more than a setting. It feels like a witness. Like the mountains have seen everything, remembered everything, and are just sitting there waiting for humans to finally catch up.
This is a slower, richly layered historical read with strong women, complicated family histories, mysteries that unfold over generations, and characters who stay with you long after you close the book. It’s heartbreaking, thought-provoking, and beautifully rooted in the idea that the past doesn’t simply disappear because people stop talking about it.
July 21, 2026
What The Trees Remember is such an incredible historical fiction. This one is around 4.5 stars for me, and the characters will stay with me for a long time!
We get to follow Alma and Dora's life and what they go through is devastating, but leaves so much room for heart as well! With this taking place during the Jim Crow era, the Minor family is looked at as outliers for believing all humans are equal, causing others to look down or treat them differently. I love Alma and Dora for never allowing the way others treat them change their perspective on how treating others as inferior is wrong!
There were so many emotional moments in this story, but it allowed us as a reader to really understand some of the horrific events that took place during this time, and the author did a great job with doing the research!
The only thing I wish is that there would have been more about Dora in later years.
This story does a great job of connecting us to the characters, and allowing us to get a glimpse of the reality people lived during this time, but we also get plenty of heart-warming moments as well!
Thank you GetRedPR and the author for allowing me the opportunity to read this story!
We get to follow Alma and Dora's life and what they go through is devastating, but leaves so much room for heart as well! With this taking place during the Jim Crow era, the Minor family is looked at as outliers for believing all humans are equal, causing others to look down or treat them differently. I love Alma and Dora for never allowing the way others treat them change their perspective on how treating others as inferior is wrong!
There were so many emotional moments in this story, but it allowed us as a reader to really understand some of the horrific events that took place during this time, and the author did a great job with doing the research!
The only thing I wish is that there would have been more about Dora in later years.
This story does a great job of connecting us to the characters, and allowing us to get a glimpse of the reality people lived during this time, but we also get plenty of heart-warming moments as well!
Thank you GetRedPR and the author for allowing me the opportunity to read this story!
May 25, 2026
I received an ARC of What the Trees Remember from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I gave this book 4 stars.
Set in a remote Virginia mountain community, this story follows Dora Minor, whose Quaker family believes strongly in equality and justice. After losing her mother as a baby, Dora is raised by her father and grandmother. When her father and his friend Ginny, a formerly enslaved woman, open a school for Black children, they quickly find themselves facing hostility, turmoil, and dangerous enemies within the community.
What stood out most to me in this novel were the characters, the atmosphere, and the setting. Abigail Cutter does a wonderful job bringing the mountain community to life, and the story feels deeply rooted in place and history. I became very attached to Dora and the people around her, especially as they struggled to do what was right in the face of prejudice and resistance. The emotional weight of the story felt very real without becoming overly heavy-handed.
This is a beautifully atmospheric historical novel with strong characters and an important heart at its center.
Set in a remote Virginia mountain community, this story follows Dora Minor, whose Quaker family believes strongly in equality and justice. After losing her mother as a baby, Dora is raised by her father and grandmother. When her father and his friend Ginny, a formerly enslaved woman, open a school for Black children, they quickly find themselves facing hostility, turmoil, and dangerous enemies within the community.
What stood out most to me in this novel were the characters, the atmosphere, and the setting. Abigail Cutter does a wonderful job bringing the mountain community to life, and the story feels deeply rooted in place and history. I became very attached to Dora and the people around her, especially as they struggled to do what was right in the face of prejudice and resistance. The emotional weight of the story felt very real without becoming overly heavy-handed.
This is a beautifully atmospheric historical novel with strong characters and an important heart at its center.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
🌲📖 Review: What the Trees Remember by Abigail Cutter
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ 4.5 Stars
Some stories entertain you. Some stories stay with you.
What the Trees Remember is a beautifully written historical fiction novel filled with resilience, heartbreak, hope, and the enduring strength of women. Dora and Alma completely stole my heart, and the Appalachian setting felt so vivid it became a character all its own.
Abigail Cutter masterfully balances the harsh realities of Reconstruction-era America with moments of compassion, courage, and humanity. The result is a story that feels both deeply emotional and profoundly hopeful.
The pacing slowed for me in a few places, but the rich historical detail, memorable characters, and powerful themes made the journey more than worthwhile.
If you enjoy character-driven historical fiction, family secrets, and stories rooted in the land itself, I highly recommend adding this one to your TBR.
🌲 Like roots buried deep beneath the soil, this story lingers long after the final page.
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ 4.5 Stars
Some stories entertain you. Some stories stay with you.
What the Trees Remember is a beautifully written historical fiction novel filled with resilience, heartbreak, hope, and the enduring strength of women. Dora and Alma completely stole my heart, and the Appalachian setting felt so vivid it became a character all its own.
Abigail Cutter masterfully balances the harsh realities of Reconstruction-era America with moments of compassion, courage, and humanity. The result is a story that feels both deeply emotional and profoundly hopeful.
The pacing slowed for me in a few places, but the rich historical detail, memorable characters, and powerful themes made the journey more than worthwhile.
If you enjoy character-driven historical fiction, family secrets, and stories rooted in the land itself, I highly recommend adding this one to your TBR.
🌲 Like roots buried deep beneath the soil, this story lingers long after the final page.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to She Wrties Press and Get Red PR for the advanced reader copy of this cival war era historical fiction. I can not stress enough that ya'll are sleeping on this small publisher. I have found so many books that I have really enjoyed with them including this one.
This story follows a Quaker family in rural Virginia shortly after the Cival War that builds and runs the first school to accept black and Indian children. As you can imagine the repercussions of this decision follow the family for many generations and there are some truely horrible moments along the way, but the book is written so well that you can not help but be drawn into this amazing family and their journey.
The book is told in a dual timeline. The first is shortly after the Cival War and the second is in 1969 in the same small Virginia area during a devastating hurricane. This book will definitely make you cry, but it will be worth it.
The cover for this book is also absolutely stunning. It is a painting done by Asher Brown Durand and it is one of the best covers I have ever seen.
This story follows a Quaker family in rural Virginia shortly after the Cival War that builds and runs the first school to accept black and Indian children. As you can imagine the repercussions of this decision follow the family for many generations and there are some truely horrible moments along the way, but the book is written so well that you can not help but be drawn into this amazing family and their journey.
The book is told in a dual timeline. The first is shortly after the Cival War and the second is in 1969 in the same small Virginia area during a devastating hurricane. This book will definitely make you cry, but it will be worth it.
The cover for this book is also absolutely stunning. It is a painting done by Asher Brown Durand and it is one of the best covers I have ever seen.
July 28, 2026
Abigail Cutter’s new novel “What the Trees Remember” is very much in the vein of one of my favorite Southern novels, Charles Frazier’s “Cold Mountain.” Cutter’s deep love and appreciation for the mountains in eastern Virginia shines through, as does her knowledge of the flora and fauna of this region. She chronicles post-Civil War history in Virginia, as well as the impact of Hurricane Camile in 1969, with an authoritative voice.
“What the Trees Remember” is the story of a Quaker family who believes all people are created equal and deserve respect and an education, contrary to the beliefs of their neighbors. Widowed Alma Minor raises her granddaughter Dora amid a violent backlash against these Quaker beliefs, resulting in violence and a lynching.
The narrative shifts time periods and points of view but Cutter keeps the reader grounded in place and story. All the characters are vividly realized, inspiring individuals who draw strength from their convictions and from the natural world.
This is a coming-of-age story about choices, grief, secrets, revenge, and redemption.
“What the Trees Remember” is the story of a Quaker family who believes all people are created equal and deserve respect and an education, contrary to the beliefs of their neighbors. Widowed Alma Minor raises her granddaughter Dora amid a violent backlash against these Quaker beliefs, resulting in violence and a lynching.
The narrative shifts time periods and points of view but Cutter keeps the reader grounded in place and story. All the characters are vividly realized, inspiring individuals who draw strength from their convictions and from the natural world.
This is a coming-of-age story about choices, grief, secrets, revenge, and redemption.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What the Trees Remember is a interesting post civil war novel which will really have you on your toes. I really enjoyed this book because it allowed us to meet the fmc Dora as a older woman and it recounts her growing up years. This book gave us the opportunity to read about the social changes that she experienced while growing up and how it shaped her into the adult that she came to be. I have to say this is a very excellent coming of age story.
We are first introduced to her parents and grandmother. Her mothet Ella died shortly after she was born and unfortunately her mother harbored a secret past no one knew about. Unfortunately years later her father would die under suspicious circumstances. However despite these tragedies Dora manages to be brought up fine by her grandmother Alma. As the years go by Dora finds herself becoming more involved in helping those who are unfairly treated.
We are first introduced to her parents and grandmother. Her mothet Ella died shortly after she was born and unfortunately her mother harbored a secret past no one knew about. Unfortunately years later her father would die under suspicious circumstances. However despite these tragedies Dora manages to be brought up fine by her grandmother Alma. As the years go by Dora finds herself becoming more involved in helping those who are unfairly treated.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Abigail Cutter, and the publisher for this ARC copy!
What The Trees Remember is a beautifully written story about life in the rural mountains of Virginia post Civil War Era and during a very volatile time in or nation's history, with lots of social injustice, poverty and racism. This was such an immersive story with so many amazing and robust characters. I absolutely devoured this and it leaves you with so many emotions to process and really sit with. I will be thinking about this book for months! I can not wait to read more from this author!
Also, I just have to touch on the cover, it is absolutely beautiful and steeped in symbolism. I will absolutely be picking up a physical copy when it becomes available as a shelf trophy, but also so I can re-read it...I already know this will be one I re-read and annotate, it is just that good!
What The Trees Remember is a beautifully written story about life in the rural mountains of Virginia post Civil War Era and during a very volatile time in or nation's history, with lots of social injustice, poverty and racism. This was such an immersive story with so many amazing and robust characters. I absolutely devoured this and it leaves you with so many emotions to process and really sit with. I will be thinking about this book for months! I can not wait to read more from this author!
Also, I just have to touch on the cover, it is absolutely beautiful and steeped in symbolism. I will absolutely be picking up a physical copy when it becomes available as a shelf trophy, but also so I can re-read it...I already know this will be one I re-read and annotate, it is just that good!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and She Writes Press for an ARC of this book.
The abstract gives a clear idea of this book's storyline, so I will not reiterate or provide specifics to avoid spoilers. This is written in dual timeline format.
Abigail Cutter has done her research and does a wonderful job bringing the settings to life. The story feels deeply rooted in place and history. She accurately introduces the thoughts and expectations associated with the era, lifestyles, and location. Her prose is clear and descriptive; easily immersing you within the pages of the story. The characters are developed and face challenges. How they navigate through them to reach their individual end goals form the plot.
My only criticism stems from a couple of descriptive masturbation sentences that add nothing to the storyline; it doesn't detract. Regardless, I would still recommend this read.
The abstract gives a clear idea of this book's storyline, so I will not reiterate or provide specifics to avoid spoilers. This is written in dual timeline format.
Abigail Cutter has done her research and does a wonderful job bringing the settings to life. The story feels deeply rooted in place and history. She accurately introduces the thoughts and expectations associated with the era, lifestyles, and location. Her prose is clear and descriptive; easily immersing you within the pages of the story. The characters are developed and face challenges. How they navigate through them to reach their individual end goals form the plot.
My only criticism stems from a couple of descriptive masturbation sentences that add nothing to the storyline; it doesn't detract. Regardless, I would still recommend this read.
July 22, 2026
This historical fiction book captures the essence of the time and place it portrays, the mountains of rural Virginia in the time after the Civil War. The hardship and horrifying behaviors of a society that was doing everything in their power to deny the rights of the Black community is a stark reminder of the Jim Crow era in the South. Dora Minor and her family strongly believe in education for all in a community that does not want the black community to have access to education or advancement and would prefer that they leave. The family moves to Horseshoe Mountain to live their life and beliefs and this is the story of almost a century of their life.
Readers that enjoy historical fiction will enjoy this book.
Thanks to Get Red for the free, gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Readers that enjoy historical fiction will enjoy this book.
Thanks to Get Red for the free, gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 Stars: I really loved this historical fiction piece by Abigail Cutter. The story follows Dora across two very different stages of her life: her younger years spent navigating the deep-seated prejudices of the post-Civil War era, and her perspective now as an elderly woman.
Dora is a wonderful character—she firmly believes in racial equality and the right to education, even in her small rural town. While her family actively supports the community by teaching and building friendships across racial lines, the rest of the town isn't so progressive. The book doesn't shy away from the harsh reality of that time, showing the harassment and extreme violence faced by anyone who dared to challenge the status quo.
Cutter has done her research and beautifully weaves it into this novel.
Dora is a wonderful character—she firmly believes in racial equality and the right to education, even in her small rural town. While her family actively supports the community by teaching and building friendships across racial lines, the rest of the town isn't so progressive. The book doesn't shy away from the harsh reality of that time, showing the harassment and extreme violence faced by anyone who dared to challenge the status quo.
Cutter has done her research and beautifully weaves it into this novel.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5⭐️
This gem of a book is historical fiction inspired by actual events and was just a beautifully written tale of two amazing women. Told in dual timelines nearly a century apart, I felt like I was on that mountaintop watching the lives of Alma’s family fight for those less privileged than themselves. Their Quaker beliefs were contradictory to what their rural community thought and they continued to educate and help the Black families in need. So many unfortunate events plagued the family but they seemed to become stronger with time. So full of emotions, this book will stay with me for a long time.
This gem of a book is historical fiction inspired by actual events and was just a beautifully written tale of two amazing women. Told in dual timelines nearly a century apart, I felt like I was on that mountaintop watching the lives of Alma’s family fight for those less privileged than themselves. Their Quaker beliefs were contradictory to what their rural community thought and they continued to educate and help the Black families in need. So many unfortunate events plagued the family but they seemed to become stronger with time. So full of emotions, this book will stay with me for a long time.
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