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What the Trees Remember: A Novel
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Expected 21 Jul 26Win a free print copy of this book!
9 days and 09:49:26
10 copies available
U.S. only
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.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 21, 2026
About the author
Abigail Cutter
3 books58 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 - 6 of 6 reviews
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It’s 1969 - at the top of Horseshoe Mountain, in the house built by her grandfather, 90+ year old Dora is awakened by rafter shaking thunder & lightning, sheets of water blinding the view from her 2nd story windows and ear piercing howls from her faithful hounds, Terry and Henry. Confident that the three on them would not survive this monolith storm, and carefully making her way down to the first floor, Dora does what she can to make them safe, after briefly opening the front door to asses the situation and receive two laying hens that blew in on a hurricane force wind. There’s no sign of her livestock - no cow, pigs or most of the chicken flock. Their coop is missing. Water from the creek has risen at least 30 feet and is raging thru the yard like rapids. Dora locks the front door and wedges towels, table cloths and aprons into the gap at the bottom, before climbing the stairs back to her dogs. As the storm rages, Dora grabs pillows, for her and the boys to hunker down under to wait out the wrath of nature.
It’s 1877 - Dora is born into the tumultuous world of post Civil War Virginia. Her mother died shortly after the birth and her father grieved hard, ignoring his new born daughter. Fortunately, for widowed grandmother Alma, Dora is a quiet baby. Her husband had been a Quaker, gifted to teach, which he did faithfully, to underserved black families. He passed his mission on to Tom, Dora’s father. Altho’ black folks had been freed from slavery and given rights to vote, relationships were tenuous, at best. Life in the Virginia mountains is difficult, unpublished “rules” continue to penalize blacks and empower whites. Prejudice is alive and hinders progress for black families. Tom’s position as their teacher is a strain on the community and his family.
The story moves forward to 1885, Dora is 8 years old. Readers are treated with an introduction to Watcher John, the disavowed brother of antagonists, Zeke and Eb. They are despicable in every sense of the word. As the story unfolds, relationships and little known facts involving this family play intricately thru the storyline. Watcher John lives an outcast’s life. He’s got an intriguing view of God and scholarly knowledge of nature. He and Dora develop a lifelong friendship that lifts both characters.
Women are expected to stay home, have babies and run households, with little opportunity for much else. The story continues to advance chronologically thru Dora’s life until current day and history come together. Author, Abigail Cutter, provides seamless plotting with smooth transitions. Characters are well developed as is the community around them. Brilliant descriptive prose and feisty dialogue propel the story forward.
WHAT THE TREES REMEMBER is an insider’s view of mountain life in rural Virginia. It’s not a barn burner but a well researched, intimate view of a family that bucks the norms during a volatile period of history. Hidden beneath the daily tasks are a few mysteries that snake thru generations; revealed by the satisfying conclusion.
Recommended for readers who enjoy Historical Fiction, strong female characters, history of Virginia, post Civil War fiction or well crafted stories about family📚
I received a copy for review purposes. All opinions are honest and mine alone.
Read & Reviewed from a NetGalley eARC via Kindle with thanks to the publisher and author.
It’s 1877 - Dora is born into the tumultuous world of post Civil War Virginia. Her mother died shortly after the birth and her father grieved hard, ignoring his new born daughter. Fortunately, for widowed grandmother Alma, Dora is a quiet baby. Her husband had been a Quaker, gifted to teach, which he did faithfully, to underserved black families. He passed his mission on to Tom, Dora’s father. Altho’ black folks had been freed from slavery and given rights to vote, relationships were tenuous, at best. Life in the Virginia mountains is difficult, unpublished “rules” continue to penalize blacks and empower whites. Prejudice is alive and hinders progress for black families. Tom’s position as their teacher is a strain on the community and his family.
The story moves forward to 1885, Dora is 8 years old. Readers are treated with an introduction to Watcher John, the disavowed brother of antagonists, Zeke and Eb. They are despicable in every sense of the word. As the story unfolds, relationships and little known facts involving this family play intricately thru the storyline. Watcher John lives an outcast’s life. He’s got an intriguing view of God and scholarly knowledge of nature. He and Dora develop a lifelong friendship that lifts both characters.
Women are expected to stay home, have babies and run households, with little opportunity for much else. The story continues to advance chronologically thru Dora’s life until current day and history come together. Author, Abigail Cutter, provides seamless plotting with smooth transitions. Characters are well developed as is the community around them. Brilliant descriptive prose and feisty dialogue propel the story forward.
WHAT THE TREES REMEMBER is an insider’s view of mountain life in rural Virginia. It’s not a barn burner but a well researched, intimate view of a family that bucks the norms during a volatile period of history. Hidden beneath the daily tasks are a few mysteries that snake thru generations; revealed by the satisfying conclusion.
Recommended for readers who enjoy Historical Fiction, strong female characters, history of Virginia, post Civil War fiction or well crafted stories about family📚
I received a copy for review purposes. All opinions are honest and mine alone.
Read & Reviewed from a NetGalley eARC via Kindle with thanks to the publisher and author.
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!
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 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
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.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews