The Malburry Tree

by Nicole Walker

Lena Marshall always questioned what her purpose in life was. She never understood why she and her family were so hated in their little town of Malburry. The rumors, some true and some malicious lies that followed her family tormented her days and haunted her nights. With being the unofficial scapegoat of all that was wrong in the world, Lena is initially apprehensive when in their final year of high school, Thomas Campbell; the town’s golden boy, began to pay attention to her.

Thomas Campbell led what would some call a fortunate life. As the popular son of the mayor and star student and athlete, Thomas coasted through life on his good looks, money and charm. In his eyes, in order to have received such gifts in life, he knew he would have to pay it forward and Lena was the perfect candidate.

In order to help Lena understand what her mission is in life, as well as fulfill his own destiny; Thomas teaches Lena about Malburry’s history, including a secret place in the forest on the outskirts of town, that few know of. After visiting this secret place, Lena gains understanding and confidence of whom she is and an unlikely friendship blossoms between the two. However, tragedy strikes that changes the course of Lena and Thomas’s lives forever.

215 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 10, 2013