What do you think?
Rate this book
A Carousel for Shade Tree
Ever since Funland closed and the highway relocated, Shade Tree has been a community in decline, with businesses closing and home prices falling.
When Shade Tree native, widower Gus Stewart, sees a wooden horse on television, it reminds him of the carousel where he proposed to Wendy. The amusement park shut down long ago, but the memory of the beautiful girl on the carousel horse ignites his desire to find the hand-carved figure as a link to his late wife.
Locating the long-lost carousel may be what Gus and Shade Tree need to revive again. But not everyone agrees. Even his daughter wants him to forget this ridiculous project and move away from Shade Tree. As obstacles mount, Gus and the members of his grief group are determined to find and restore the missing pieces of the past.
The historic carousel just might be a beacon of hope for the community… and for Gus, especially when his emotions stir for someone new.
Become captivated by this heartwarming story of small-town perseverance and courage to recover from loss.
When Shade Tree native, widower Gus Stewart, sees a wooden horse on television, it reminds him of the carousel where he proposed to Wendy. The amusement park shut down long ago, but the memory of the beautiful girl on the carousel horse ignites his desire to find the hand-carved figure as a link to his late wife.
Locating the long-lost carousel may be what Gus and Shade Tree need to revive again. But not everyone agrees. Even his daughter wants him to forget this ridiculous project and move away from Shade Tree. As obstacles mount, Gus and the members of his grief group are determined to find and restore the missing pieces of the past.
The historic carousel just might be a beacon of hope for the community… and for Gus, especially when his emotions stir for someone new.
Become captivated by this heartwarming story of small-town perseverance and courage to recover from loss.
412 pages, Paperback
Published June 16, 2026
About the author
K.L. Small
12 books29 followersK. L. Small writes fiction for young readers and the young at heart. A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale is her debut middle grade novel. The Brass Ring Series includes The Magic Carousel, The Christmas Carousel, and The Haunted Carousel. Letters from Shadow Oaks is a women's fiction that readers have described as a "heart-warming read".
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
June 17, 2026
4 stars
A Carousel for Shade Tree reads like a small town that’s been slowly circling the drain ever since the highway moved and Funland died, and now everyone’s pretending it’s fine while absolutely knowing it’s not.
Shade Tree is clinging to its identity with the desperation of a town that’s seen better decades, and Gus Stewart decides he’s going to fix it with… a carousel horse. Honestly? Iconic behaviour. The man sees a wooden horse on TV and immediately spirals into a full‑blown quest. Not a hobby. Not a project. A mission. The kind of mission only a grieving widower with too much time and too many memories can commit to.
Everyone around him thinks he’s lost the plot — especially his daughter, who would prefer he pack up, move on, and stop chasing ghosts carved out of wood. But Gus is stubborn in that “I’ve lived long enough to ignore your opinions” way, and his grief group? They’re right there with him, ready to hunt down a long‑lost carousel like they’re forming a senior‑citizen heist crew.
The town politics add the perfect amount of chaos.
Some people want the carousel back.
Some people want Shade Tree to stay dead.
Some people just want to complain because it’s Tuesday.
Peak small‑town energy.
And through all of it, Gus starts feeling something for someone new — not in a swoony, dramatic way, but in that “oh no, my heart is waking up again and I wasn’t prepared for this” way. It’s tender, quiet, and painfully human.
The story isn’t saccharine.
It’s not cozy.
It’s not trying to be a Hallmark movie.
It’s about a man clinging to a piece of his past because it’s the only thing that still feels real — and a town deciding whether it wants to resurrect itself or keep rotting quietly.
It’s engaging, grounded, and full of that small‑town messiness that feels real. The emotional beats land without drowning you in sentiment. The carousel hunt is weirdly compelling. And Gus is the kind of character you root for even when you’re side‑eyeing his life choices.
A solid, slightly chaotic, small‑town story about grief, stubbornness, and the strange things people chase when they’re trying to feel alive again.
A Carousel for Shade Tree reads like a small town that’s been slowly circling the drain ever since the highway moved and Funland died, and now everyone’s pretending it’s fine while absolutely knowing it’s not.
Shade Tree is clinging to its identity with the desperation of a town that’s seen better decades, and Gus Stewart decides he’s going to fix it with… a carousel horse. Honestly? Iconic behaviour. The man sees a wooden horse on TV and immediately spirals into a full‑blown quest. Not a hobby. Not a project. A mission. The kind of mission only a grieving widower with too much time and too many memories can commit to.
Everyone around him thinks he’s lost the plot — especially his daughter, who would prefer he pack up, move on, and stop chasing ghosts carved out of wood. But Gus is stubborn in that “I’ve lived long enough to ignore your opinions” way, and his grief group? They’re right there with him, ready to hunt down a long‑lost carousel like they’re forming a senior‑citizen heist crew.
The town politics add the perfect amount of chaos.
Some people want the carousel back.
Some people want Shade Tree to stay dead.
Some people just want to complain because it’s Tuesday.
Peak small‑town energy.
And through all of it, Gus starts feeling something for someone new — not in a swoony, dramatic way, but in that “oh no, my heart is waking up again and I wasn’t prepared for this” way. It’s tender, quiet, and painfully human.
The story isn’t saccharine.
It’s not cozy.
It’s not trying to be a Hallmark movie.
It’s about a man clinging to a piece of his past because it’s the only thing that still feels real — and a town deciding whether it wants to resurrect itself or keep rotting quietly.
It’s engaging, grounded, and full of that small‑town messiness that feels real. The emotional beats land without drowning you in sentiment. The carousel hunt is weirdly compelling. And Gus is the kind of character you root for even when you’re side‑eyeing his life choices.
A solid, slightly chaotic, small‑town story about grief, stubbornness, and the strange things people chase when they’re trying to feel alive again.
July 4, 2026
4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
A Carousel for Shade Tree is a story of a small town the comes full circle and eventually bands together to no only have an idea to fix a famous Carousel but also try and make Shade Tree prosper again. This story ties several characters together with the start of Gus Stewart when he wants to fix the old Carousel in memory of his wife. Ideas come in from different sides, but it all starts and a grief group. Once the wheels turn and ideas take off to bring the Carousel back to life....the roller-coaster of ups and downs as not everyone is keen on this idea from Gus. What starts as this focus of bringing back a piece of joy that was once lost.....turns into this beautiful story of hope, renewal and helping through grief.
This is a wonderful story and gave me a lot of "feels". I have read other books by this author and this story definitely did not disappoint.
A Carousel for Shade Tree is a story of a small town the comes full circle and eventually bands together to no only have an idea to fix a famous Carousel but also try and make Shade Tree prosper again. This story ties several characters together with the start of Gus Stewart when he wants to fix the old Carousel in memory of his wife. Ideas come in from different sides, but it all starts and a grief group. Once the wheels turn and ideas take off to bring the Carousel back to life....the roller-coaster of ups and downs as not everyone is keen on this idea from Gus. What starts as this focus of bringing back a piece of joy that was once lost.....turns into this beautiful story of hope, renewal and helping through grief.
This is a wonderful story and gave me a lot of "feels". I have read other books by this author and this story definitely did not disappoint.
July 3, 2026
5 out of 5 Stars
A Carousel For Shade Tree by K. L. Small
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. A Carousel for Shade Tree is a fantastic book. A grief group comes together to do something for their town. The author made it seem so dang realistic that I felt I was part of the group. I don’t want to spoil the ending so I will tell you that you will have to read this book to know how it ends.
Buck lost his daughter due to an accident. He and his wife have been in a downward spiral since her death. When he goes to the garden center the owner tells him about a grief group at the library. He only goes at first because he made a deal with Marie. Now though it’s turned into something else. A group project. Something to get his mind off of his daughter. The quote I chose for him is this: “Since this is our last meeting before the bids are due to the town, we need to finalize ours. The delinquent taxes total $ 2,430. We can offer that amount or more. If we go higher, we need to decide how much makes sense.”
Gus is watching the television when he sees something he hasn’t seen since the amusement park closed. The horse on the carousel that his wife always rode while she was alive. Gus wants it, but doesn’t have the money to do it. When his daughter tells him to go to the grief group he agrees thinking nothing of it. Then he tells them what he saw on TV and they all help him. He does get the horses, but now it’s getting them restored. The quote I chose for him is this: “Cappy, We bought the old hippie church the other night. Jessica’s going to say I’m crazy.”
Marie has to close the garden center and it’s a loss all on it’s own. When Buck comes in and Marie tells him about the group he says that he’ll go if she goes. Now that she’s going she is also learning that maybe they can do something to save their town. She helps Sharon with something and now she is helping Gus get his horses from the guy he bought them from to the land they bought. She is also doing a garden thing for the land they bought. The quote I chose for her is this: “Gus Stewart, stop talking like that. You’re not too old, and we’re all stiff.”
Sharon is the librarian and she is the one who is doing the grief group. She lost her mom and now is losing the house. Although she doesn’t see herself running it, when the therapist cancels at the last minute she runs it. Then when Gus says something about the Carousel she does the research. The more she researches the more she finds. Then she does something that is out of the ordinary for her. She goes and buys a storage unit. The quote I chose for her is this: “For one-hundred dollars, I bought what I believe are parts from the Funland carousel. There’s one horse and a chariot.”
Grace is told to go to the grief group to see if it would help other staff members and parents. She lost one of her students due to them taking their life. She doesn’t know how the group will help because all they want to talk about is the carousel. Then the principal is jumping on board with it and says that is what they need to do. The quote I chose for her is this: “What if we win? Where does the money come from?”
A Carousel For Shade Tree by K. L. Small
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. A Carousel for Shade Tree is a fantastic book. A grief group comes together to do something for their town. The author made it seem so dang realistic that I felt I was part of the group. I don’t want to spoil the ending so I will tell you that you will have to read this book to know how it ends.
Buck lost his daughter due to an accident. He and his wife have been in a downward spiral since her death. When he goes to the garden center the owner tells him about a grief group at the library. He only goes at first because he made a deal with Marie. Now though it’s turned into something else. A group project. Something to get his mind off of his daughter. The quote I chose for him is this: “Since this is our last meeting before the bids are due to the town, we need to finalize ours. The delinquent taxes total $ 2,430. We can offer that amount or more. If we go higher, we need to decide how much makes sense.”
Gus is watching the television when he sees something he hasn’t seen since the amusement park closed. The horse on the carousel that his wife always rode while she was alive. Gus wants it, but doesn’t have the money to do it. When his daughter tells him to go to the grief group he agrees thinking nothing of it. Then he tells them what he saw on TV and they all help him. He does get the horses, but now it’s getting them restored. The quote I chose for him is this: “Cappy, We bought the old hippie church the other night. Jessica’s going to say I’m crazy.”
Marie has to close the garden center and it’s a loss all on it’s own. When Buck comes in and Marie tells him about the group he says that he’ll go if she goes. Now that she’s going she is also learning that maybe they can do something to save their town. She helps Sharon with something and now she is helping Gus get his horses from the guy he bought them from to the land they bought. She is also doing a garden thing for the land they bought. The quote I chose for her is this: “Gus Stewart, stop talking like that. You’re not too old, and we’re all stiff.”
Sharon is the librarian and she is the one who is doing the grief group. She lost her mom and now is losing the house. Although she doesn’t see herself running it, when the therapist cancels at the last minute she runs it. Then when Gus says something about the Carousel she does the research. The more she researches the more she finds. Then she does something that is out of the ordinary for her. She goes and buys a storage unit. The quote I chose for her is this: “For one-hundred dollars, I bought what I believe are parts from the Funland carousel. There’s one horse and a chariot.”
Grace is told to go to the grief group to see if it would help other staff members and parents. She lost one of her students due to them taking their life. She doesn’t know how the group will help because all they want to talk about is the carousel. Then the principal is jumping on board with it and says that is what they need to do. The quote I chose for her is this: “What if we win? Where does the money come from?”
June 23, 2026
4.5 Stars
This was just an absolutely wonderful read, probably my favourite book from Small. It has such a unique and wonderfully simple premise that delves right into the heart of loss and grief, and takes you on an emotional journey, with more ups and downs than a carousel. I think what I loved the most about this read was the fact that it addressed so many of the varied ways that people can not only experience grief but also how they then choose to cope with it. Small really highlights the importance of being there for one another through difficult times, not to fix anything, or to say the right words, just to be there. And I honestly think that is such a beautiful message.
Once again, Small absolutely nailed the small-town vibe and the real issues that close-knit communities can face. I loved that at no point in this story did moments feel forced, and there were no miraculous moments where everything was sorted. The characters had to work hard together, and there were setbacks, and help from unlikely and unexpected sources. Just like in life. Just like when grieving.
I really loved all the characters in their own way, to be honest. Buck was endlessly sweet and honestly reminded me of my husband. When disaster strikes, he often needs to keep himself busy, as keeping still is when all the sadness has a chance to catch up. Buck was very much like this, but I loved how devoted he was to his wife, and how, no matter how much pain he was in, he was still trying to fix things and take control. Sharon was just so sweet, and I empathised with her so much. The way she fully invested in the carousel idea from the get-go was just beautiful, and how she embraced the grief support group because she was so lonely, but also just a wonderful person who wanted to help others. She is probably my joint favourite character with Gus.
Gus, oh my gosh, Gus. He actually broke my heart. He has so much love for his wife, it is unbelievable and so, so touching. I swear, every scene where he was talking about her just had me tearing up; it was beautiful. Him just wanting to keep her and her memory alive somehow was just so heartbreakingly wonderful. Finally, Grace and Marie were awesome characters. I loved that their grief was less stereotypical, possibly more difficult to define and come to terms with, simply because others may not fully understand. I loved the strength in these two characters, and it was a delight to watch Marie grow throughout the book, finding her strength and rising from what she saw as a failure into doing something she never expected she would ever do.
This is a great summer read, and I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a good tear-jerker to sink their teeth into. It is heartbreaking, but lovely, and really explores the power of community and never giving up. Another great write from Small, definitely recommend giving this one a go.
This was just an absolutely wonderful read, probably my favourite book from Small. It has such a unique and wonderfully simple premise that delves right into the heart of loss and grief, and takes you on an emotional journey, with more ups and downs than a carousel. I think what I loved the most about this read was the fact that it addressed so many of the varied ways that people can not only experience grief but also how they then choose to cope with it. Small really highlights the importance of being there for one another through difficult times, not to fix anything, or to say the right words, just to be there. And I honestly think that is such a beautiful message.
Once again, Small absolutely nailed the small-town vibe and the real issues that close-knit communities can face. I loved that at no point in this story did moments feel forced, and there were no miraculous moments where everything was sorted. The characters had to work hard together, and there were setbacks, and help from unlikely and unexpected sources. Just like in life. Just like when grieving.
I really loved all the characters in their own way, to be honest. Buck was endlessly sweet and honestly reminded me of my husband. When disaster strikes, he often needs to keep himself busy, as keeping still is when all the sadness has a chance to catch up. Buck was very much like this, but I loved how devoted he was to his wife, and how, no matter how much pain he was in, he was still trying to fix things and take control. Sharon was just so sweet, and I empathised with her so much. The way she fully invested in the carousel idea from the get-go was just beautiful, and how she embraced the grief support group because she was so lonely, but also just a wonderful person who wanted to help others. She is probably my joint favourite character with Gus.
Gus, oh my gosh, Gus. He actually broke my heart. He has so much love for his wife, it is unbelievable and so, so touching. I swear, every scene where he was talking about her just had me tearing up; it was beautiful. Him just wanting to keep her and her memory alive somehow was just so heartbreakingly wonderful. Finally, Grace and Marie were awesome characters. I loved that their grief was less stereotypical, possibly more difficult to define and come to terms with, simply because others may not fully understand. I loved the strength in these two characters, and it was a delight to watch Marie grow throughout the book, finding her strength and rising from what she saw as a failure into doing something she never expected she would ever do.
This is a great summer read, and I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a good tear-jerker to sink their teeth into. It is heartbreaking, but lovely, and really explores the power of community and never giving up. Another great write from Small, definitely recommend giving this one a go.
July 17, 2026
There are some books that entertain you, and then there are books that quietly settle into your heart. A Carousel for Shade Tree was definitely the latter for me.
What I loved most about this story was its honest portrayal of grief. We often think of grief as only the loss of a loved one, but this book beautifully reminds us that grief comes in many forms. We grieve the life we thought we’d have, relationships that change, dreams that don’t work out, parts of ourselves we’ve lost along the way, and the unexpected turns life takes. Each character carries their own burden, and watching them find healing together felt genuine and incredibly moving.
I also loved the sense of community woven throughout the story. The restoration of the carousel wasn’t just about bringing an old landmark back to life. It became a symbol of hope, second chances, and the reminder that healing doesn’t happen overnight, but it is possible when people show up for one another.
The characters felt real, each with their own struggles, flaws, and strengths. I found myself rooting for all of them and didn’t want to leave Shade Tree when I turned the last page.
If you enjoy heartfelt, character-driven stories filled with hope, friendship, resilience, and a little small-town charm, I highly recommend picking this one up. It’s a beautiful reminder that while grief may shape us, it doesn’t have to define us, and sometimes the most unexpected places become where we begin to heal.
What I loved most about this story was its honest portrayal of grief. We often think of grief as only the loss of a loved one, but this book beautifully reminds us that grief comes in many forms. We grieve the life we thought we’d have, relationships that change, dreams that don’t work out, parts of ourselves we’ve lost along the way, and the unexpected turns life takes. Each character carries their own burden, and watching them find healing together felt genuine and incredibly moving.
I also loved the sense of community woven throughout the story. The restoration of the carousel wasn’t just about bringing an old landmark back to life. It became a symbol of hope, second chances, and the reminder that healing doesn’t happen overnight, but it is possible when people show up for one another.
The characters felt real, each with their own struggles, flaws, and strengths. I found myself rooting for all of them and didn’t want to leave Shade Tree when I turned the last page.
If you enjoy heartfelt, character-driven stories filled with hope, friendship, resilience, and a little small-town charm, I highly recommend picking this one up. It’s a beautiful reminder that while grief may shape us, it doesn’t have to define us, and sometimes the most unexpected places become where we begin to heal.
June 30, 2026
A Carousel For Shade Tree by K. L. Small.
4 of 5 Stars.
This heartwarming story kept me captivated throughout. Widower Gus who is grieving his late wife Wendy, is a Shade Tree native who still remembers when the small town was alive. However, once Funland amusement park closed, the highway relocated and the community went into decline. When Gus sees a wooden horse on tv it instantly reminds him of the carousel where he proposed to Wendy. He then becomes determined to find the hand-carved horse as it’s a link to his late wife. His daughter tries to get him to forget his “ridiculous project’ and move away from Shade Tree, but Gus believes finding the long-lost carousel may be the key to reviving the town. With the help of the other members of his grief group, even the mounting obstacles can’t stop Gus from finding and restoring this missing piece from his and the town’s past. As the carousel becomes a beacon of hope for the community, Gus finds that he now has the courage to recover from his loss. This emotional and inspiring story swept me up and transported me to Shade Tree, with its small town vibe. Gus is such a realistic and relatable character whose grief really came across in the narrative. The other members of the grief group all added to the overall storyline, and the setting was brought vividly to life.
4 of 5 Stars.
This heartwarming story kept me captivated throughout. Widower Gus who is grieving his late wife Wendy, is a Shade Tree native who still remembers when the small town was alive. However, once Funland amusement park closed, the highway relocated and the community went into decline. When Gus sees a wooden horse on tv it instantly reminds him of the carousel where he proposed to Wendy. He then becomes determined to find the hand-carved horse as it’s a link to his late wife. His daughter tries to get him to forget his “ridiculous project’ and move away from Shade Tree, but Gus believes finding the long-lost carousel may be the key to reviving the town. With the help of the other members of his grief group, even the mounting obstacles can’t stop Gus from finding and restoring this missing piece from his and the town’s past. As the carousel becomes a beacon of hope for the community, Gus finds that he now has the courage to recover from his loss. This emotional and inspiring story swept me up and transported me to Shade Tree, with its small town vibe. Gus is such a realistic and relatable character whose grief really came across in the narrative. The other members of the grief group all added to the overall storyline, and the setting was brought vividly to life.
June 17, 2026
One sees it happen so many times , small towns declining as big business takes over and rural roads are replaced by highways and it’s so sad ….but it’s memories that keep it alive 🥰
Now Gus is missing his beloved wife and he sees something on the tele and it reminds him of the day he proposed to the love of his life and now he’s determined to rebuild the carousel and hopefully bring life back to Shade Tree ….
Not everyone is on board though and even his daughter wants him to move away but fortunately his grief group is behind him and while this is all happening I think his focus is moved from grief to new possibilities of living , making new memories 😉
Moving on from grief isn’t easy but it is necessary and our loved ones want us to move on and not drown in grief but it’s a hard process to reach that point where you put grief to rest and it doesn’t mean you didn’t love the one you lost ….
I’m not going to lie , I cried buckets ! This is so real , raw , relatable and heartbreakingly beautiful 😍
Now Gus is missing his beloved wife and he sees something on the tele and it reminds him of the day he proposed to the love of his life and now he’s determined to rebuild the carousel and hopefully bring life back to Shade Tree ….
Not everyone is on board though and even his daughter wants him to move away but fortunately his grief group is behind him and while this is all happening I think his focus is moved from grief to new possibilities of living , making new memories 😉
Moving on from grief isn’t easy but it is necessary and our loved ones want us to move on and not drown in grief but it’s a hard process to reach that point where you put grief to rest and it doesn’t mean you didn’t love the one you lost ….
I’m not going to lie , I cried buckets ! This is so real , raw , relatable and heartbreakingly beautiful 😍
June 26, 2026
Gus saw the head of what could be a very special carousel horse while watching television. It filled him with memories of his younger years, specifically when he had proposed to his wife. He goes to a weekly group, Monday Afternoon Grief Group, and has connected with others that are going through the motions and stages of grief just like him. All of them have also seen the town they live in, the town of Shade Tree fall by the wayside and slowly become forgotten when the highway moved. Not only is Gus not only hoping to bring back the nostalgia and good memories, but he hopes to bring people back to a town that was once glorious. I liked how this book was oriented around people coming together as one. Each person bad their own personal grief they were battling yet they were able to come together to help each other.
July 21, 2026
I was not expecting this book to affect me in the ways that it did. This ok is amazing and really dives in to a feeling that we all go through but many don’t like talking about, grief. I also appreciated that it was more than just the typical thought of grief when you lose a loved one but that you can also grieve for jobs, homes, towns, and experiences. The ways that grief is discussed, the different things that can happen prior to, during and after something has happened that makes a person feel grief and how there is no right way to grieve is a really great way to converse about such a hard topic.
The cast is diverse, each dealing with their own grief in their own way. They work together and try to revive their town and find new passion and meaning for their lives.
I truly enjoyed this book and think it is a great read.
The cast is diverse, each dealing with their own grief in their own way. They work together and try to revive their town and find new passion and meaning for their lives.
I truly enjoyed this book and think it is a great read.
July 20, 2026
I really am loving every book I read by this author. This book is so genuine, touching the subjects of loss and connection across multiple generations. I love that the MAGS- Monday Afternoon Grief Support group contains a wide variety of grief. Each member is experiencing their own type of loss, ranging from loss of a parent of child, to loss of a family business. The chapters alternate focus, so we get to see into each character, as well as their interactions as a group. The book has a sad theme, but a beautiful happily ever after. The characters deal with more than just the loss of a loved one- the connections and feelings surrounding that loss as well. Things you don’t always think of on the surface. It is just so genuine and gave me all the feels.
July 13, 2026
This is a wonderfully written story! As the book moved along I was pulled further and further into the lives of this magnificent group of people. I was enthralled with the how and the why then with the intermingling of these people. I ended this with goosebumps for the major accomplishment the magic five put into motion. Overall this is a well told story that has its sad moments but also many inspiring ones.
July 17, 2026
A Carousel for Shade Tree was one of those books that just pulled at my heart. I found myself really invested in the characters and hoping they'd find the healing and happiness they deserved. It had emotional moments that made me stop and reflect, but it also left me feeling hopeful by the end. I closed the book with a smile and was honestly a little sad it was over. If you enjoy stories that make you feel something and stay with you after the last page, I'd definitely recommend this one.
July 17, 2026
This was a really good book. Shade tree has been a town decking ever since the highway relocated. Gus has the idea to track down the old carousel maker and hopefully it will make the town come to life again. People in his support group join in to help. Not everyone is thrilled about bringing it back. Through this story there are a rollercoaster of emotions. The author definitely made you feel like you were apart of the story.
July 22, 2026
This was my 1st book dealing witu grief and loss! I wasnt sure what I was expecting, being on the verge of tears wasnt an emotion im used to dropping while reading
While I was reading this book pulled out the grief I felt when my uncle passed! And how i clung to something that made no sense to anyone else but me at the time! I felt like this book actually helped me in a way!! This was a an emotional read for me! And im glad I read it!
While I was reading this book pulled out the grief I felt when my uncle passed! And how i clung to something that made no sense to anyone else but me at the time! I felt like this book actually helped me in a way!! This was a an emotional read for me! And im glad I read it!
July 21, 2026
A Carousel for Shade Tree by K.L. Small is a beautiful novel, one of not only grief, but resilience. This is the kind of book that settles deep in your soul, one that you'll be remembering often. Small makes a point to highlight of just...being there. If you dont understand what that means, then i HIGHLY suggest you read this novel and find out. Oh, and dont forget your tissues, this one's rough.
July 24, 2026
This story kept my attention
I usually don't write reviews other than give stars. This story compelled me to do more. I totally related to one of the characters as well as another's situation. I teared up three times, starting with Crappie but the other two were the happy kind. I love this story and highly recommend it.
I usually don't write reviews other than give stars. This story compelled me to do more. I totally related to one of the characters as well as another's situation. I teared up three times, starting with Crappie but the other two were the happy kind. I love this story and highly recommend it.
July 2, 2026
This is an emotional story of a man wanting to revive the town with a simple memory of his late wife. It gives a little bit of Disney’s Up a run for its money. Everyone tries to persuade him to move on but this is something he truly is passionate about.
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 18, 2026
First time reading this author. And I'm in love!!!!! This was absolutely beautiful and so heart warming. The characters are absolutely fantastic. It felt like I was apart of this story. This one is a must read for everyone!
July 21, 2026
A Carousel for Shade Tree is a wonderful book about a small community that is on the decline. I felt like this was so relatable as I thought of some of the smaller towns dealing with a lot of issues with no money in their economy, and I felt so heartbroken by that alone. In the story we meet a small group of main characters all devastated by loss, and you are exposed to what it takes for a person to face hard things and reach out for help. Our main character, Gus, is struggling heavily with the loss of his wife. He is heartbroken by her passing, and has basically lived in sadness missing her presence and everything she was to him in his life. This is a tough place to be in as hopefully many of us can relate to having a support system that we rely on to go through life with. Gus receives a phone call from their daughter that reminds him that he's been stagnant and not taking care of himself. Although he has his old dog there, he needs to really try to take care of himself. I could also relate to his daughter, as she pushed him but she also has her own responsibilities to take care of in her life, but she lets him know about a grief support group, and with one look in the mirror he decided to go. There are a few others who have the same type of story where they suffered loss, and reluctantly go to the support group. Of course there's supposed to be a licensed professional leading this group, but that didn't work out so well. Somehow this group of people along with help from the library employee stumbled upon a level of support they never knew they needed. One day Gus was watching an antique show and recognized his wife's favorite carousel horse, the one that he proposed to her on, and he was determined to get it back for her! Unfortunately he found that the price was very steep for a retiree, but somehow this group decided to help him find a way to get the house back. The fact that they all worked together using their individual skills and didn't give up right away is a great lesson in working through grief. Often we will try and overwork ourselves but not try to work through them with the help of others. This story really inspired me and definitely warmed my heart. It was a page turner I had to make myself put down every night!
July 16, 2026
Meet the cast of A Carousel for Shade Tree: Sharon – librarian - her mom died of cancer and she’s being forced from her home (by her brother!); Gus – a retired lineman, his wife Wendy was killed in an auto accident (he faces one more major loss); Marie – forced to close her family’s garden center business and disappoint her parents; Buck – in a strained marriage after the OD death of his daughter and with a real estate business that is circling the drain; and Grace – high school drama teacher forced to deal with students who recently experienced the loss of a classmate from suicide (Grace has her own losses she has yet to face). Together they form the MAGG-ies – the Monday Afternoon Grief Group at Shade Tree’s local library, organized by librarian, Sharon. Following a disastrous meeting with a professional counselor, the group coalesces around the task of bringing one member’s dream to life – locate and restore a very special carousel horse. Of course, the project snowballs, and soon becomes a project meant to reinvigorate a slowly dying town.
As the novel progresses, each participant comes to learn several lessons. First, the ways we express grief are not universal. Second, unifying around a common goal shifts focus and allows one to feel useful once again. Third, grief does not end, it just becomes a wound that gradually forms a scar which then becomes a part of who we are as individuals. Fourth, new love can grow from the ashes. The story spans an incredible year filled with high highs and low lows. I would recommend it for anyone experiencing grief, or for those who just enjoy reading an old-fashioned, sweet, cozy, clean story. 5 Stars.
As the novel progresses, each participant comes to learn several lessons. First, the ways we express grief are not universal. Second, unifying around a common goal shifts focus and allows one to feel useful once again. Third, grief does not end, it just becomes a wound that gradually forms a scar which then becomes a part of who we are as individuals. Fourth, new love can grow from the ashes. The story spans an incredible year filled with high highs and low lows. I would recommend it for anyone experiencing grief, or for those who just enjoy reading an old-fashioned, sweet, cozy, clean story. 5 Stars.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When grieving widower Gus, watching a television program, spots the head of what might be a very special carousel horse peeking from a dusty crate, he’s instantly transported back to the moment he proposed to his loved wife – with her perched on that horse.
From this small beginning a grand project slowly takes shape: restoring the long-forgotten carousel that once brought joy, laughter, and romance to the now-dying town of Shade Tree.
The ambitious undertaking is taken on by the members of the Monday Afternoon Grief Group (nicknamed the Maggies) which Gus’s caring and interfering daughter has pushed him to attend.
Each member of the group carries their own unique burden of loss and not all are eager to confront it, or to get involved in the project. But under the enthusiastic guidance of Buck, a visionary realtor with big ideas for the town, they gradually rally behind him.
While Buck dreams of giving Shade Tree a second chance, none of the Maggies anticipates the unexpected ways the carousel will change their own lives. As the restoration unfolds, and the many obstacles have to be confronted, so the group members’ personal journeys of healing and of rediscovering what’s important also evolve.
A Carousel for Shade Tree gently explores grief, resilience, and the courage it takes to move forward. This heartfelt and uplifting small-town tale reminds us there is always room for hope, and for new beginnings. Well done, Ms Small.
From this small beginning a grand project slowly takes shape: restoring the long-forgotten carousel that once brought joy, laughter, and romance to the now-dying town of Shade Tree.
The ambitious undertaking is taken on by the members of the Monday Afternoon Grief Group (nicknamed the Maggies) which Gus’s caring and interfering daughter has pushed him to attend.
Each member of the group carries their own unique burden of loss and not all are eager to confront it, or to get involved in the project. But under the enthusiastic guidance of Buck, a visionary realtor with big ideas for the town, they gradually rally behind him.
While Buck dreams of giving Shade Tree a second chance, none of the Maggies anticipates the unexpected ways the carousel will change their own lives. As the restoration unfolds, and the many obstacles have to be confronted, so the group members’ personal journeys of healing and of rediscovering what’s important also evolve.
A Carousel for Shade Tree gently explores grief, resilience, and the courage it takes to move forward. This heartfelt and uplifting small-town tale reminds us there is always room for hope, and for new beginnings. Well done, Ms Small.
July 8, 2026
A Carousel for Shade Tree by K.L. Small is a wonderful story about a small town on the decline and a grief support group that banded together to save the town. It all started when Gus was watching TV and noticed a carousel horse in the background of the warehouse where the program was filmed. Gus knew immediately that it was Promise. Promise was a special carousel horse. Gus proposed to his wife while she was riding that horse. The only way he could buy Promise was to buy all the horses in the warehouse. Gus sold his prize-winning car to raise the money for the horses. Once the grief group knew he had the horses, an idea came to life to rebuild the carousel that had once meant so much to the town. The idea snowballed into a full-blown tourist attraction with each member of the group bringing their own unique talents to the project. The group had no support from the mayor or city council so they had to raise the money for the restoration project on their own. No matter what barriers the group encountered, they found their way through them. Although the main characters were all grieving, Small did a great job of not letting the story get too heavy. With each character’s personal grief and all the obstacles put in their way, the story is full of hope. Great small town story!
June 27, 2026
4 Stars
A Carousel for Shade Tree by K.L. Small keeps to the ‘carousel’ theme that seems to thread through most of Ms. Small’s work. It is another quietly powerful story that blends small-town charm with a heartfelt exploration of grief, hope, overcoming obstacles, and the courage to start again.
At the heart of the story is Gus, a widower whose determination to restore a sentimental memento of the past, a carousel horse, becomes more than just a nostalgic project - it’s a lifeline. Through his journey, we meet a cast of endearing, flawed, and deeply human characters - many of whom are also navigating their own losses. And the small town (setting) of Shade Tree itself felt like a living, breathing character - full of history, whispers of the past, and the stubborn resilience of those who call it home.
I felt that the carousel was a lovely metaphor for life’s cycles of love, loss, healing, possibilities, and hope – leaving, and the returning in unexpected ways.
This is not a story of big grand gestures, but of small, meaningful acts that ripple through a community.
It’s a gentle, hopeful read that lingers, and is perfect for anyone who believes in second chances and the magic of holding on to what matters most.
Happy Reading…
A Carousel for Shade Tree by K.L. Small keeps to the ‘carousel’ theme that seems to thread through most of Ms. Small’s work. It is another quietly powerful story that blends small-town charm with a heartfelt exploration of grief, hope, overcoming obstacles, and the courage to start again.
At the heart of the story is Gus, a widower whose determination to restore a sentimental memento of the past, a carousel horse, becomes more than just a nostalgic project - it’s a lifeline. Through his journey, we meet a cast of endearing, flawed, and deeply human characters - many of whom are also navigating their own losses. And the small town (setting) of Shade Tree itself felt like a living, breathing character - full of history, whispers of the past, and the stubborn resilience of those who call it home.
I felt that the carousel was a lovely metaphor for life’s cycles of love, loss, healing, possibilities, and hope – leaving, and the returning in unexpected ways.
This is not a story of big grand gestures, but of small, meaningful acts that ripple through a community.
It’s a gentle, hopeful read that lingers, and is perfect for anyone who believes in second chances and the magic of holding on to what matters most.
Happy Reading…
June 17, 2026
This was a really moving and heartwarming story about a group of people who are dealing with their own grief, a small town struggling to survive and a community project that hopes to not only bring life back to their town but also back to the people who are struggling with their own grief.
It all starts when Gus sees a carousel horses head on a tv programme. However it’s not just any horses head. It is the horse his departed wife was riding when Gus proposed. Gus now knows he needs that horse back as his final link to his lost wife.
When the seller refuses to sell just that horse he tell Gus he needs to buy the whole carousel. When Gus returns to his grief group he explained the situation to the rest of the members and what unfolds is a project and a plan that will not only help each person from the group to move on from their grief but also to save their town from dying.
It is a beautiful story that is fast paced and I was willing all the way through that the group would succeed in their plan and that each member would find some comfort in their project.
It all starts when Gus sees a carousel horses head on a tv programme. However it’s not just any horses head. It is the horse his departed wife was riding when Gus proposed. Gus now knows he needs that horse back as his final link to his lost wife.
When the seller refuses to sell just that horse he tell Gus he needs to buy the whole carousel. When Gus returns to his grief group he explained the situation to the rest of the members and what unfolds is a project and a plan that will not only help each person from the group to move on from their grief but also to save their town from dying.
It is a beautiful story that is fast paced and I was willing all the way through that the group would succeed in their plan and that each member would find some comfort in their project.
June 26, 2026
A Carousel For Shade Tree by K. L. Small, I loved this emotional read. Its a similar Hallmark movie vibe but very sad. It's the story of Gus Stewart who is grieving the loss of his wife. Shade Tree is a small town that is dying like a lot of other small towns but Gus see it as something to bring back to life. When Gus see the sad story of the Carousel horse of Shade Tree that is almost beyond repair he is determined to go find it and fix it. His daughter thinks he's losing it but his grief group is right there with him. ( I lead a grief group at my church so this hit home). This Carousel Horse has more meaning to Gus because it was the horse his departed wife was riding when he proposed all those years ago. In Gus's mind, if he can repair the horse head it will be a memory saved of his wife. It will help him live again. While the whole grief group gets in on it they all work thru some of their grief by saving this carousel horse and also help their town come back to life. Such a great read. I will recommend it to my readers in my group!
June 17, 2026
This is not my first book by this author but it is one my favorites by this author. I enjoy this author’s use of details that make me feel as if I am part of the story. This is a story that starts with seeing a wooden horse on television. The wooden horse that Gus sees on television reminds him of a carousel that Shade Tree once had. Now Gus and his grief group are determined to find all the parts of this carousel and not only bring life back to the town but to Gus as well. I enjoyed Gus and the other characters in the story. They are connectable and well developed. They made me want to see if they are able to bring this carousel back to life. I found this story to be emotional in parts which just added to the story. I found this story to be easy and entertaining to read. This is a fast paced story that is well written and has great growth throughout. This is a story that I enjoyed reading and one you don’t want to miss. I highly recommend this story.
July 3, 2026
This book hit me harder than what I thought it would. I love the storyline and the characters. When widower Gus Stewart watches a tv show and sees a wooden horse that reminds him of his wife Wendy that passed away. He gets the inspiration to go find and buy the horse to help keep her memory alive. He attends a grief support group and they help him to find what he is looking for and hope rebuilding the carousel will help revive their home town Shade Tree before it becomes a ghost town. This is such a good book to read, if you are grieving the loss of a loved one, this book will hit you, but it is still a good read. Will the Carousel help heal the grieving people in Shade Tree and bring tourists to them or will they become a ghost town? Just have to read to find out. Can't wait to read more from this author.
July 16, 2026
I’ve read several books by this author, and they always have a way of pulling me into the story with heartfelt characters and that unique small-town charm. This one was no exception. I really enjoyed following Gus as he searched for the missing carousel horse because it felt like so much more than just a treasure hunt. The story beautifully blends grief, hope, and the idea that it is never too late to start over. I also loved how the whole community came together making Shade Tree feel like a place worth rooting for. The touches of romance and friendship added just the right amount of warmth without taking over the story. The pacing, the characters, and the world-building were all so perfect. If you enjoy uplifting stories with lovable characters and a strong sense of community, I think this one definitely deserves a spot on your shelf.
July 21, 2026
A Carousel for Shade Tree is a tender contemporary novel that explores grief, healing, and the quiet power of community. At its heart is Gus Stewart, a widower who becomes fixated on restoring the long lost Funland carousel after a fleeting TV moment reminds him of his happiest memory with his late wife. His quest draws in the members of his Monday Afternoon Grief Group, each carrying their own burdens, and together they transform a simple restoration project into a shared journey of renewal. Gus’s gentle determination anchors the story, while Buck’s bluster, Marie’s steadiness, Sharon’s unexpected leadership, and Grace’s vulnerability create a warm, believable ensemble. The novel’s small town charm and emotional honesty make it a quietly powerful read, offering a hopeful reminder that healing often happens through connection and purpose.
June 19, 2026
4 Stars
A Carousel For Shade Tree By K. L. Small
A Carousel For Shade Tree is a beautifully written story about grief and loss and heartbreak. It shows us how people deal with their losses a grief differently. I had a feeling going in that this story might just break me and it came pretty darn close. My emotions were all over the place. The characters were easy to connect with and were raw,relatable and fully developed. They brought the story to life. I literally felt like I was apart of the story and I could feel the pain from their loss. What started out as going to find this wooden Carousel turned into so much more than that. I highly recommend reading this book and absolutely can’t wait to read more from this Author.
A Carousel For Shade Tree By K. L. Small
A Carousel For Shade Tree is a beautifully written story about grief and loss and heartbreak. It shows us how people deal with their losses a grief differently. I had a feeling going in that this story might just break me and it came pretty darn close. My emotions were all over the place. The characters were easy to connect with and were raw,relatable and fully developed. They brought the story to life. I literally felt like I was apart of the story and I could feel the pain from their loss. What started out as going to find this wooden Carousel turned into so much more than that. I highly recommend reading this book and absolutely can’t wait to read more from this Author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews