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Where the Ironweed Blooms
From the time Jeremiah Sims moves to Romley, rumors of Selena Highland poisoning her husband are such a part of the town's fabric, they've been accepted as truth. The beautiful young mistress of Highland House is scorned and reviled by the old Romley stock - a close knit society steeped in prejudice and resentment.
One look and Jeremiah knows the town is wrong. He sees a young woman tormented by demons and consumed by a past that won't set her free. It's all in her eyes as she sits by the fire listening to the children spin their tales. The children also know she's innocent of the gossip that surrounds her - and even when sinister incidents begin plaguing the property their loyalty never waivers.
This chance meeting will eventually lead Jeremiah to uncover a spiraling path of deceit, secrets and ultimately murder, as he begins to unravel the mysteries of the past to make a shocking discovery. Before it's over, he will be forced to make a choice between what he knows is right, or saving the woman he loves.
One look and Jeremiah knows the town is wrong. He sees a young woman tormented by demons and consumed by a past that won't set her free. It's all in her eyes as she sits by the fire listening to the children spin their tales. The children also know she's innocent of the gossip that surrounds her - and even when sinister incidents begin plaguing the property their loyalty never waivers.
This chance meeting will eventually lead Jeremiah to uncover a spiraling path of deceit, secrets and ultimately murder, as he begins to unravel the mysteries of the past to make a shocking discovery. Before it's over, he will be forced to make a choice between what he knows is right, or saving the woman he loves.
217 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 9, 2016
6 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
C.M. Turner
7 books27 followersC.M. Turner is the author of Where the Ironweed Blooms, Not Flowers For Charlie, Husband, and four other novels to be published in the not too distant future. She is a multi-genre author, who grew up in Southern California and lived in the Pacific Northwest, as well as several states in the South.
She has met an become friends with people from all walks of life, many she is still in contact with today. She presently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada with her writing companion, Clooney, the Golden Retriever.
She has met an become friends with people from all walks of life, many she is still in contact with today. She presently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada with her writing companion, Clooney, the Golden Retriever.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 27, 2017
One of the best stories I've ever read!
To say that I loved this story would be an understatement. I adored this story beyond measure. Heart-breakingly romantic, highly suspenseful, masterfully written, and perfectly plotted, are just a few ways to describe 'Where the Ironweed Blooms'. Murder, Mystery, Suspense, Romance, and long buried ghost are all a part of widowed heiress, Selena Highland's story. Plagued by rumors of murder, the beautiful heiress elects to hide away from the vicious residents of Romley, by remaining recluse inside her stately home. Her only solace comes from the time she spends with her 'lieblings', the towns children whom visit regularly to hear her stories and share their own. It is her love of these children and their companionship that keeps her hanging on. However, it is Jerimiah's love and unwavering devotion that stands aside from all the others. I was so intrigued with his character. Although just a boy, Jeremiah was an old-soul. Despite the age difference, I so wanted him for Selena. His affection for her was deep and genuine. There were so many touching moments, and thoughts that gripped my heart. The writing of this story was so well done that I felt like a fly on the wall watching as it all unfolded. In all, this story was one of the best stories I've ever read, and a definite must add for my library. I highly recommend this story to all readers. This is truly a satisfaction guaranteed read!
To say that I loved this story would be an understatement. I adored this story beyond measure. Heart-breakingly romantic, highly suspenseful, masterfully written, and perfectly plotted, are just a few ways to describe 'Where the Ironweed Blooms'. Murder, Mystery, Suspense, Romance, and long buried ghost are all a part of widowed heiress, Selena Highland's story. Plagued by rumors of murder, the beautiful heiress elects to hide away from the vicious residents of Romley, by remaining recluse inside her stately home. Her only solace comes from the time she spends with her 'lieblings', the towns children whom visit regularly to hear her stories and share their own. It is her love of these children and their companionship that keeps her hanging on. However, it is Jerimiah's love and unwavering devotion that stands aside from all the others. I was so intrigued with his character. Although just a boy, Jeremiah was an old-soul. Despite the age difference, I so wanted him for Selena. His affection for her was deep and genuine. There were so many touching moments, and thoughts that gripped my heart. The writing of this story was so well done that I felt like a fly on the wall watching as it all unfolded. In all, this story was one of the best stories I've ever read, and a definite must add for my library. I highly recommend this story to all readers. This is truly a satisfaction guaranteed read!
May 28, 2019
Where the Ironweed Blooms by C.M. Turner is a fantastic novel that performs literally on every level. Having read Turner’s first novel, Not Flowers for Charlie, which was also phenomenal, I was compelled to experience Ironweed, thinking there was no way it could be as good, it being her debut effort. I was pleasantly surprised. I just had to experience a portion of the magic I found in Charlie. Ironweed is at least just as good, if not better. Turner has a way of crafting characters, painting scenes, and pacing a story that draws the reading in and holding them captive as she did one of the characters in the story (no spoilers).
Ironweed is a murder mystery wrapped in a Historical Fiction piece rolled into, surprisingly, YA novel. And it packs a wallop in the suspense category as Turner piles it on thick and high in just the right amounts and at the right times. The characters are complex and flawed. Even their introduction is powerful and done masterfully.
“Clouds swirl in the sky now and take on the shape of monsters. Cells split and form into faces. A dragon spits streaks of fiery sunset across the sky. Night falls, and things change like in a dream. The monsters become boys, their forms silhouetted against the dark universe. Watching this struggle, it is impossible to tell which boy will become the conqueror. Behold Edward and Jeremiah. Rival knights, entering a world of damsels in distress. Embittered adversaries, torn apart by hatred, bound together by love. It’s an old story.”
There are many memorable characters. As we follow Jeremiah, we see what he sees, and the sizable mystery unfolds over time. But the point of view is not limited to Jeremiah’s which opens the story up to a much larger context. Add to that, vivid and potent descriptions that elicit multiple senses, and the narrative takes on a cinematic feel. Indeed, both Turners novels cry out for film adaptations. I’ll be the first in line at the ticket counter.
Ironweed is a murder mystery wrapped in a Historical Fiction piece rolled into, surprisingly, YA novel. And it packs a wallop in the suspense category as Turner piles it on thick and high in just the right amounts and at the right times. The characters are complex and flawed. Even their introduction is powerful and done masterfully.
“Clouds swirl in the sky now and take on the shape of monsters. Cells split and form into faces. A dragon spits streaks of fiery sunset across the sky. Night falls, and things change like in a dream. The monsters become boys, their forms silhouetted against the dark universe. Watching this struggle, it is impossible to tell which boy will become the conqueror. Behold Edward and Jeremiah. Rival knights, entering a world of damsels in distress. Embittered adversaries, torn apart by hatred, bound together by love. It’s an old story.”
There are many memorable characters. As we follow Jeremiah, we see what he sees, and the sizable mystery unfolds over time. But the point of view is not limited to Jeremiah’s which opens the story up to a much larger context. Add to that, vivid and potent descriptions that elicit multiple senses, and the narrative takes on a cinematic feel. Indeed, both Turners novels cry out for film adaptations. I’ll be the first in line at the ticket counter.
December 22, 2016
Gripping Twist on the Southern Gothic
Suspense, romance, and intrigue – they all abound in C.M. Turner’s debut novel, "Where the Ironweed Blooms." Turner’s penchant for story-telling is the showcase of this work, carrying the reader through the whirlwind of events that surround the residents of Highland House. Page after page, the story unravels a plot complete with mystery and unanswered questions that urge the reader to continue.
The concept of the story within a story is not new. However, Turner takes this plot device and makes it all her own as the stories told by Ma’am and her lieblings allow for a glimpse into the sinister undercurrent afflicting those with ties binding them to Highland House. Turner’s weaving of story and character meld multiple points of view into a singular plot; without effort she is able to contrive layers of narrative and individual moods that contribute to the overall ebb and flow felt throughout "Where the Ironweed Blooms."
Turner takes her debut into the realm of Southern Gothic, offering a nouveau feel to this genre. It is an adventure to a bygone era in America, where grand houses stood watch over small towns, their inhabitants lending bits of gossip to feed the rumor mills that breathed life into small town affairs. Turner has created a town all her own, a commentary on race relations, sexual exploration, religion, life, and death in the American South of the early twentieth century.
Join Turner in her reminiscent journey back to Romley, where the scent of lilac and the music of Brahms lure the reader deep into the mysteries of Highland House and "Where the Ironweed Blooms." Turner has honed a uniquely styled writer’s voice setting her apart from her peers. Her future works are certain to please, and I look forward to more pages filled with her brand of story-telling.
Suspense, romance, and intrigue – they all abound in C.M. Turner’s debut novel, "Where the Ironweed Blooms." Turner’s penchant for story-telling is the showcase of this work, carrying the reader through the whirlwind of events that surround the residents of Highland House. Page after page, the story unravels a plot complete with mystery and unanswered questions that urge the reader to continue.
The concept of the story within a story is not new. However, Turner takes this plot device and makes it all her own as the stories told by Ma’am and her lieblings allow for a glimpse into the sinister undercurrent afflicting those with ties binding them to Highland House. Turner’s weaving of story and character meld multiple points of view into a singular plot; without effort she is able to contrive layers of narrative and individual moods that contribute to the overall ebb and flow felt throughout "Where the Ironweed Blooms."
Turner takes her debut into the realm of Southern Gothic, offering a nouveau feel to this genre. It is an adventure to a bygone era in America, where grand houses stood watch over small towns, their inhabitants lending bits of gossip to feed the rumor mills that breathed life into small town affairs. Turner has created a town all her own, a commentary on race relations, sexual exploration, religion, life, and death in the American South of the early twentieth century.
Join Turner in her reminiscent journey back to Romley, where the scent of lilac and the music of Brahms lure the reader deep into the mysteries of Highland House and "Where the Ironweed Blooms." Turner has honed a uniquely styled writer’s voice setting her apart from her peers. Her future works are certain to please, and I look forward to more pages filled with her brand of story-telling.
December 10, 2017
“The truth be told, that shadow over the porte-cochere is probably nothing more than swamp fire, those mysterious lights that flash over a body of water.”
There is something wrong at the Highland House. The sort of wrong well familiar to the likes of the Brontës, Daphne du Maurier, and Shirley Jackson. The highly observant reviews by H.A. Callum and Bibiana Krall cover this ground well.
I want to talk about Turner’s language. Writing with the even hand of a master, the rhythm of her prose mirrors the dark and beautiful hills of the Kentucky setting. The words are delicious. Their arrangement, intoxicating. Long, languid sentences resonate with with the smells of the tangled woods, the taste of cold punch in July, the pungency of rot and old blood. The tactility of this world comes to life in Turner’s craftsmanship over language. Folks, this is how its done. On reading this book, one can learn much about the craft of writing as they submerge into the town of Romley and slowly unravel its secrets.
While reading this on my kindle, I felt the worn texture of a hardcover, saw its yellowed pages, the paper smell strong in my nose. This book is a potent magic. A totem summoning the past in a way I thought lost. Read this book.
There is something wrong at the Highland House. The sort of wrong well familiar to the likes of the Brontës, Daphne du Maurier, and Shirley Jackson. The highly observant reviews by H.A. Callum and Bibiana Krall cover this ground well.
I want to talk about Turner’s language. Writing with the even hand of a master, the rhythm of her prose mirrors the dark and beautiful hills of the Kentucky setting. The words are delicious. Their arrangement, intoxicating. Long, languid sentences resonate with with the smells of the tangled woods, the taste of cold punch in July, the pungency of rot and old blood. The tactility of this world comes to life in Turner’s craftsmanship over language. Folks, this is how its done. On reading this book, one can learn much about the craft of writing as they submerge into the town of Romley and slowly unravel its secrets.
While reading this on my kindle, I felt the worn texture of a hardcover, saw its yellowed pages, the paper smell strong in my nose. This book is a potent magic. A totem summoning the past in a way I thought lost. Read this book.
February 8, 2017
I loved this book, and the twists and turns it took. I felt like a storyteller was weaving a tale around me. Each time I thought I had the story figured out the author corrected my assumptions, which kept me turning page after page. By the time I hit 75% I couldn't put the book down. I had to find out what happened to the residents of Highland House.
The characters were so well developed, and I thank the author for that! I hate trying a new author for the first time and getting flat characters. No worries here! C. M. Turner gave me believable people, not characters. I feel like I could find each of these characters in a town registry. Turner didn't sugar coat anything. Turner laid it bare for us to sift through, whether the way anyone different was treated or the rumor mills that surround small towns and small town ways.
The characters were so well developed, and I thank the author for that! I hate trying a new author for the first time and getting flat characters. No worries here! C. M. Turner gave me believable people, not characters. I feel like I could find each of these characters in a town registry. Turner didn't sugar coat anything. Turner laid it bare for us to sift through, whether the way anyone different was treated or the rumor mills that surround small towns and small town ways.
November 19, 2016
Where The Ironweed Blooms is a beautifully written story that takes readers on a journey to times gone by in the American South. Themes of love, loss, secrecy, and whispered rumors prevail.
C.M. Turner evoked my senses through the written word, equating the sweet scent of lilac with mystery. Take a look:
"Strange how a fragrance can stir such memories bringing them out of mothballs, those things one tries to forget. I close my eyes and the lilac brings it back."
Another one of my favorite passages by C.M. Turner occurs early on in the book:
"Observe Edward and Jeremiah, two boys in pursuit of the same rainbow, in love with the same illusion. And who was the recipient of all this boyish affection—why Selena Highland, of course . . . mistress of the big house on Porter."
Where the Ironweed Blooms is a rainbow worth chasing down and reading. Five colorful stars!
C.M. Turner evoked my senses through the written word, equating the sweet scent of lilac with mystery. Take a look:
"Strange how a fragrance can stir such memories bringing them out of mothballs, those things one tries to forget. I close my eyes and the lilac brings it back."
Another one of my favorite passages by C.M. Turner occurs early on in the book:
"Observe Edward and Jeremiah, two boys in pursuit of the same rainbow, in love with the same illusion. And who was the recipient of all this boyish affection—why Selena Highland, of course . . . mistress of the big house on Porter."
Where the Ironweed Blooms is a rainbow worth chasing down and reading. Five colorful stars!
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August 17, 2017This book was deep and suspenseful, yet a real page turner. The characters were great, and mysterious nature of the town was done perfectly. I couldn't put it down.
August 15, 2019
Where The Ironweed Blooms by C.M.Turner is another example of her wonderful storytelling. This story is set in a time of privilege for a few at the expense of others. A tale of love, friendship and betrayal. A mystery unfolding that will keep you engaged till the very end. A different coming of age story than her "Not Flowers For Charlie" yet just as worthy of a five star review. I would highly recommend.
February 14, 2017
The good citizens of Romley have spoken of Selena Highland in hushed rumors and innuendos for years. But the children of the town know her better. They flock to her, sitting with her and taking turns telling tales to entertain her. But still, there is something wrong at Highland House. Secrets and madness cling to its walls.
Where The Ironweed Blooms sets a leisurely pace, drawing the reader deeper and deeper into the life of Jeremiah Sims. The bulk of the story follows him as he grows from one of the children drawn to Selena, to a young man in her employ and the keeper of Highland House’s secrets. Jeremiah is vividly drawn; his curiosity about, and love for, Selena is his defining characteristic but the author shows various to her sides to him. His kindness, jealousy, fears; all are given their moments and all add to creating a real and well-rounded character.
The most impressive thing about this novel is its descriptiveness. The author brings the setting alive; with sights, sounds and smells all combining to paint a sensory image of Highland House and its surroundings. The depiction of small town life is also given great treatment. There are petty jealousies, gossip and rumor-mongering, and the sense that everyone knows (or thinks they know) everyone else's business. But there are also kindnesses and loss. Nothing seems one note.
There are some sections when the story moves away from Jeremiah, but rather than feel the loss of the main character, it helps to deepen the others. Best are the reminiscences of the initially unnamed narrator, looking back on the events of the main story. These, especially, add a sense of unease about Highland House which only grows as the novel progresses.
I did enjoy this book and would certainly read more of this author's work. I will admit that I did find it a little slow going at first, but perseverance does get rewarded. I read the final half of the book in the space of a couple of hours, having been pulled into the story.
Where The Ironweed Blooms sets a leisurely pace, drawing the reader deeper and deeper into the life of Jeremiah Sims. The bulk of the story follows him as he grows from one of the children drawn to Selena, to a young man in her employ and the keeper of Highland House’s secrets. Jeremiah is vividly drawn; his curiosity about, and love for, Selena is his defining characteristic but the author shows various to her sides to him. His kindness, jealousy, fears; all are given their moments and all add to creating a real and well-rounded character.
The most impressive thing about this novel is its descriptiveness. The author brings the setting alive; with sights, sounds and smells all combining to paint a sensory image of Highland House and its surroundings. The depiction of small town life is also given great treatment. There are petty jealousies, gossip and rumor-mongering, and the sense that everyone knows (or thinks they know) everyone else's business. But there are also kindnesses and loss. Nothing seems one note.
There are some sections when the story moves away from Jeremiah, but rather than feel the loss of the main character, it helps to deepen the others. Best are the reminiscences of the initially unnamed narrator, looking back on the events of the main story. These, especially, add a sense of unease about Highland House which only grows as the novel progresses.
I did enjoy this book and would certainly read more of this author's work. I will admit that I did find it a little slow going at first, but perseverance does get rewarded. I read the final half of the book in the space of a couple of hours, having been pulled into the story.
May 11, 2019
Writer C.M. Turner allows the reader to envision the Kentucky landscape in this Southern gothic novel. She also brings each character to life by giving them a voice filled with authentic dialect and depth. I really like period pieces and mysteries, so this novel appealed to me on several levels. It becomes more and more suspenseful and I couldn’t stop reading toward the end.
It is character driven. Selena Highland is the central character. She lives in the Highland House and is a widowed and beautiful heiress and the topic of much gossip in the small town, Romely. Her only real company are the children who visit her, 'the lieblings.' Jeremiah is one of the children who visits and is extremely devoted to her. He grows into a young man in the story. Their relationship is intriguing. It is a moving, romantic and twisty tale. I loved it!
It is character driven. Selena Highland is the central character. She lives in the Highland House and is a widowed and beautiful heiress and the topic of much gossip in the small town, Romely. Her only real company are the children who visit her, 'the lieblings.' Jeremiah is one of the children who visits and is extremely devoted to her. He grows into a young man in the story. Their relationship is intriguing. It is a moving, romantic and twisty tale. I loved it!
July 12, 2021
You need to read this book. I have never been more engaged by a book that also delivers big on suspense, emotion, descriptions that aren't annoying to read, and frequent bouts of oh-NOW-I've-got-it (I didn't). Where the Ironweed Blooms aches like Wuthering Heights but with a heroine you truly want to root for and a main character you're not actively annoyed by. One of the tenderest moments in this novel is delivered by a calculating cold-blooded murderer. Once the plot starts moving it does not stop, yet you can feel and smell the atmosphere (in every way) of Romley in the early twentieth century with each description in a way other authors could not capture with twice as much to say. You need to read this book. This is a startlingly wonderful example of southern Gothic literature, and a love story, and a multi-murder mystery, and...This book feels as if it will one day be read as part of a general high school or undergraduate curriculum. I couldn't recommend it more.
October 18, 2021
Where the Ironweed Blooms is a haunting story that centers in the southern town of Romely and the Highland House, a nearby wealthy estate. Jeremiah, a young boy, spends a large portion of his childhood at the estate, developing a special bond with the estate’s widow, Selena Highland. As Jeremiah grows from boy to adult, he struggles to cope with rumors of Selena and her deceased husband.
The author is a beautiful writer. As authors ourselves, we were captivated by her descriptive language. She masterfully builds suspense through the story, culminating in a shocking series of murders. The book embodies the deep, spooky south, and the author has a unique voice. We felt lulled along the story, then shocked when the darker side of the town emerged.
Even though this is a genre we wouldn’t typically read, the book definitely kept our interest. The writing is slow, beautiful, and mysterious. We would recommend this to anyone that loves a haunting mystery.
The author is a beautiful writer. As authors ourselves, we were captivated by her descriptive language. She masterfully builds suspense through the story, culminating in a shocking series of murders. The book embodies the deep, spooky south, and the author has a unique voice. We felt lulled along the story, then shocked when the darker side of the town emerged.
Even though this is a genre we wouldn’t typically read, the book definitely kept our interest. The writing is slow, beautiful, and mysterious. We would recommend this to anyone that loves a haunting mystery.
June 19, 2020
The story has it all. Mystery, romance, suspense. Selena Highland is wealthy and rich and she always keeps hiding inside her mansion. Her relationship with the two children who are her only contact with the outside world is beautiful.
Overall, the story was beautiful and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Overall, the story was beautiful and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
December 3, 2021
Deadly Rathbone! Tension builds in a small town, centered upon a woman so beautiful and wealthy she is constantly gossiped about. Adored by some, Selena Highland remains mysterious, hidden away in Highland House, a mansion built by a dynasty. Time passes and the fiercely loyal ones who love her are tested, time and again.
Selena is an amazing character building into a crescendo. Darkness falls over the town and this time it’s quite real. Jeremiah becomes privy to more and more secrets as he falls into a careful trap set by another. Meanwhile the town folk believe what they want to believe. There is another character that drew me in right away, Trelawney. I just love her name and how she was described.
The mystery and tension builds, unsure where this story might take me. More than once the shadows, family secrets and the unspoken hovering in this story reminded me of Daphne Du Maurier’s, Jamaica Inn. Then other times the story reminded me of, To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee.
The ending was so dang twisty; there was no way to see it coming! Oh Jeremiah! Loved all the southern references and real-life knowledge of what it’s really like to live down south. A fabulous read, with a slew of shifty and colorful characters that kept me coming back for more. You really don’t want to miss this one!
Selena is an amazing character building into a crescendo. Darkness falls over the town and this time it’s quite real. Jeremiah becomes privy to more and more secrets as he falls into a careful trap set by another. Meanwhile the town folk believe what they want to believe. There is another character that drew me in right away, Trelawney. I just love her name and how she was described.
The mystery and tension builds, unsure where this story might take me. More than once the shadows, family secrets and the unspoken hovering in this story reminded me of Daphne Du Maurier’s, Jamaica Inn. Then other times the story reminded me of, To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee.
The ending was so dang twisty; there was no way to see it coming! Oh Jeremiah! Loved all the southern references and real-life knowledge of what it’s really like to live down south. A fabulous read, with a slew of shifty and colorful characters that kept me coming back for more. You really don’t want to miss this one!
August 26, 2021
OK, everyone, this is important: you should read C.M. Turner's work.
I can't believe she is not a famous author! It seems that she has just not been discovered yet...
I have now read two novels of hers, and I loved them!
Just read them - you will love them, I promise - and help promote them, so that everyone gets a chance to discover her work, and she gets the credit she deserves!
That's all I wanted to say.
I can't believe she is not a famous author! It seems that she has just not been discovered yet...
I have now read two novels of hers, and I loved them!
Just read them - you will love them, I promise - and help promote them, so that everyone gets a chance to discover her work, and she gets the credit she deserves!
That's all I wanted to say.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews