The Dancing Willow Tree

by Anita Ballard-Jones

In 1950, young Elizabeth Turner was raped by Reverend Oliver, the assistant pastor of her father's church. After a hidden pregnancy she gave birth to her son, Johnny. Reverend Turner, Elizabeth's father refused to respond to her story of rape and disowned her and her son. He forced Elizabeth and his wife, Loretha to hide the identity of the baby's father and live the next thirty six years with lies and secrets. In 1986, Reverend Oliver was forced to confess to his family as well as the Turner family, but before he could leave Rehoboth he became seriously ill. The ripple effect of his confession touches everyone causing them to have an array of physical and emotional reactions. As Elizabeth continued to move on with her life, she didn't know the secret her husband, Nat harbored was the cause of his suffering and enormous pain. Thea, Reverend Oliver's wife, could not escape the disgrace and shame she was feeling. She watched painfully as her son, Malcolm tried to forge a relationship with his brother, Johnny. And she never knew Malcolm was also struggling to come to terms with his sexuality. Thea's most plaguing dilemma had to do with her relationship with her husband. Her only consolation was an old weeping willow tree in her front yard where the graceful branches would dance on the mild summer breezes. Thea called it her dancing willow tree and she would sit under it daily to pray and receive guidance from the Lord. She knew if her husband was to be saved, she had to give him a life threatening ultimatum.

212 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2007

Reviews

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read Rehoboth Road by her and it was such a good book, I had to read this one to. My niece and I could not fine the book in any book stores, so she went to her web and order it. That book was great and I tell every on about it.

[Carmen Averhart]

I just finish reading Rehoboth over Christmas and I enjoy it. I am so happy to find The Dancing Willow Tree can't wait to read it.

[⭐️MidnightSun⭐️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dancing Willow Tree is the 2nd half of Rehoboth Road and it was needed. It makes the story complete.

[Elaine]

1324

1145

[Lakeasha Pitchford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[S L]

great ending to rehoboth road, if you are looking for a good story read both.