The Carving Tree

by Terry Thomas Bowman

A tale of love, courage, and God's redemptive grace that reminds readers there is always hope. Forty-six years ago Jake pledged his love to Sadie by carving their names into the Carving Tree. Now newly retired, Sadie is eager to take on life’s newest adventures with Jake by her side. But when the symbol of their enduring love begins to wither and Jake is diagnosed with a heart condition, Sadie’s dreams are put on hold. Bitter towards God, Sadie is determined to nurse Jake and their beloved Carving Tree back to health on her own. Sadie’s luck takes a turn for the worse when she and Jake are threatened with a false lawsuit and Megan Thompson, an aspiring model, goes missing after leaving her young son in Sadie’s care. Overwhelmed with stress, medical bills, and Jake’s deteriorating health, Sadie’s notion of retired life is turning out to be quite different than she anticipated. Miles away, Megan Thompson’s world is also shaken. When what she thought was an audition for a modeling gig turns out to be a hoax, Megan finds herself a victim of a human-trafficking ring. Terrified and far from home, Megan knows only one thing is she must, against all odds, escape and return to her son. Will Sadie be able to regain her footing and find peace with God, and will Megan ever escape and return to her young son? Both women’s courage and resilience are put to the test in Terry Bowman’s captivating novel, The Carving Tree.

Genres: Christian Fiction

326 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2015

About the author

Terry Thomas Bowman is happily married to Karen, his wife of more than forty years. Terry and Karen make their home near Greensboro, North Carolina. He has been writing for twenty-three years and has had numerous devotions appear in Open Windows, The Upper Room, and other publications. More than fifty of his Christian inspirational, home-school, and biblical world-view articles have been published, and he has written several award-winning historical fiction short stories.

In The Carving Tree a majestic old beech containing a heart-shaped carving stands as a symbol of love for the main characters. Terry drew upon personal experience when he selected this symbol of undying love. Prior to proposing to his wife in 1981, he etched a similar carving on a beech tree at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Thirty years later they returned to the university and showed their children the living symbol of their love.

Visit www.EyeOnTheBlaze.com to learn more about Terry.

Reviews

[Xulon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart-shaped carving in a tree represents the enduring love of Jake and Sadie, but what happens when that old Beech begins to die?

In The Carving Tree by Terry Thomas Bowman, newly retired Sadie has to come to terms with the approaching death of her husband, Jake. As if this weren’t enough, she is left in charge of an abandoned child and is hit with a false lawsuit, leaving her bitter with God. Meanwhile, the child’s mother had become the victim of a human trafficking ring and needs to find the courage to find her way back to her son. Bowman gives us a beautiful story of love, faith, courage, God’s Grace and hope.

[Darlene Luton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding story about life and faith !

I chose a 5 star rating because there were no higher stars to give! Truly a remarkable story told well. The characters were well thought out as were the feelings they portrayed ! An uplifting read !

[Sandra Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If I could give this book 10 stars, I would. I’m so glad I read this book & highly recommend it. All the ups & downs of life & God’s amazing saving grace ❤️

[Debi Helgren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Loved it! Had a little trouble getting into the story, but kept coming back. I loved how the story lines intertwined, and the ending had me in tears.

[Cynthia Quick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book!!! So inspiring!!!

This book is very inspirational!! I love this author!! You will not be able to put this book down. I read it from start to finish

[Joleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The tree in the title had names or initials of many people carved into it over decades, including Jake and Sadie who own the land on which the tree resides. Eventually the health of the tree was waning and so was Jake's. A heart condition that seems to be fatal was causing this 60-something couple to re-evaluate their future.

Megan, a student from Sadie's teaching past, asked them to watch her son for a few days, thinking she was auditioning for a modeling job, unaware of the evil about to suck her in.

I’m not sure it was supposed to be a theme in this book, but three people who are either not honest with each other or keeping secrets, face some pretty difficult times.

Two very strong topics are sex-slave trafficking and true confession of faith. Both are fairly intense, and surprises abound.

Two favorite characters were hard of hearing Clyde and sweet, prayer-warrior Erma. Full of wise words from scripture and often on her knees, Erma seems to always know who needs prayer and obeys God's prompts, even though she's never sure if she'll be able to get back up. 😁

I’m not sure I’ve ever read a book with such emphasis on repentance before. Pretty serious.

I loved the love Sadie and Jake had for each other, even after forty-five years of marriage. Inspiring.

Good book. Well done.

[Donna Abercrombie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. It was like going back to my growing up days in small-town Texas in our little community church. The characters came alive as the author gave insight into their points of view and how those had developed through the years. She skillfully dealt with devastating issues of our time and how those issues impact people who seem far removed from the actual events...chilling and thought-provoking indeed! I hope she writes a sequel. I was very engaged with these characters and want more about them!

[Christine Maynor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good book! I love the storyline, that even though the characters have great struggles, they find their way to God. I wish this author would write more books.

[Jeannie Schwab · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this book. I LOVED it. I can't stop crying. But I loved it! The story was so real. The folks were real! Can't wait to see what else I can find of yours! Thank you for sharing your talent!

Going to share this book with my friends, I know they will love it too! Have you written others? mandshorsefeathersranch @gmail.com

[Gwynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story of finding faith.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was a great story, read well into the night to finish and cried until my head hurt. Need more books like this one.

[Gail Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've really been touched my this book. God has a plan and he loves us Please read . Hope to read more from this author

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I generally do not read Christian fiction because the characters often seem flat to me and the plots are often uninspired and sickeningly sweet. I am happy to report that The Carving Tree does not fall into the category of typical Christian fiction. The characters in Mr. Bowman's debut novel are multi-faceted, complicated people whose struggles and insecurities mirror our own. We see glimpses of ourselves in Megan, a young woman who is haunted by her past, trying to raise a young son on her own and desperate to create a better life. We relate to newly retired Sadie, who finds it easy to blame God for the failures and losses in her life, her hurt creating a barrier between her and the Lord. Even the secondary characters like the lawyer, Daniel, and Sadie's friends Maude and Mabel are given nuance and complexity that draw the reader in and make us feel a part of the world.

The plot of The Carving Tree is complex and does not shy away from difficult topics and issues. There aren't many Christian novels that deal with the issue of human trafficking-- but this novel does so with a deftly crafted, yet sensitive, look at the gritty reality of the horrors faced by millions of young women and girls around the world. This novel also deals with how, for many people, going through the motions and sitting in a pew on Sunday morning is a substitute for an authentic relationship with Christ. Bowman weaves the stories of Sadie and Megan together in a masterful way that leaves readers both satisfied and longing to read more about the people they've grown to love. Ultimately, the book is one about redemption through second chances-- the ones we give each other and the ones God gives us all.

Bowman's writing clips along at a swift pace between action in California and North Carolina. The reader slips eagerly between the two locations, anxious to find out what happens next. His style is purposeful and emotional without becoming cloying.

It would be wonderful to hear more from Mr. Bowman in the way of a sequel to The Carving Tree. I couldn't recommend this stunningly beautiful novel more.

[Hans Schult · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian Author Terry Bowman’s flagship novel, The Carving Tree exhibits the author’s heart and passion for weaving a story of God’s grace evidenced in the lives of ordinary people.

Mr. Bowman did an outstanding job weaving the plots of the different characters. From the outset we care and connect with the characters. Sadie is recently retired and looking forward to spending this joyful time with Jake. But God has other plans. How does Sadie handle the crisis that has befallen her? How is God’s grace manifested?

We see Jake, steadfastly trusting on God’s Word, and the two of them not apart for 46 years, but now…

Enter Megan, a single mother trying to do the best she can to support her family. The story takes her from North Carolina to California and back. God’s grace is again apparent in her struggles and circumstances. And how about Erma hearing God’s voice even in the smallest of things.

We are able to relate to the characters through recognition of the lives they lead. We feel for their difficulties. The reader can’t help but give in and feel emotion for the people they have grown to know. The author allows us to explore our character’s struggles through their situations. Once again by the grace of God their pain is temporary, and the outcome is often amazing.

In the end we are taken back to the Carving Tree.

This is a story of our sovereign God affecting the lives of those who trust in him. In my opinion a must read for every Christian and an excellent gift to give to non believing friends.

[Laura Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I am your typical fiction romance novel reader. I like the type of romance novel that is only in novels...you know the kind that when you read it there really is no reality in it at all. They are fantasy type books but reality- no. When I sat down to read Terry Bowman's book I didn't quite know what to expect but no sooner had I read it, I was hooked! The book had depth and meaning to it. Every page was filled with true love..one that you find in real life. It's the kind of love that I want with my husband again...the real, true, God only can give you love. The love that will last you a lifetime no matter your trials. Each page was full of surprises and twists. I loved how Terry incorporated scripture in the book. Scripture that most of us can use when we are going through a tough time. This book was about real life, real people, real love-even though it was fictional. It was heart felt and it was beautiful. I would highly recommend this book to anyone. This was well worth my time (which is very limited...lol!) If you haven't gotten yourself a copy of this book I think it's about time that you do. It will bring a sprinkle of happiness and laughter into your life. When I finished this book my thoughts were "What an amazing and magnificent God we have who loves us so very much." Thank you Terry Bowman for writing such a truly wondeful and inspirational book!

[Kerry Hedden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terry Bowman takes on several deep issues in "The Carving Tree." I like how he wove together the topic of "pretenders" in the church (those that look and act like Christians but deep in their souls they know they have never accepted Christ as their savior) and the abductions of young women that are later sold into the sexual slave industry.

Even though these seem to be weighty subjects the book does not read like it, there are very light moments and characters that even out the seriousness of the other subjects. Terry develops his characters very well to the point that I shed tears twice while reading it.

So I would recommend you give this book a read, you like getting to know the cast of characters. My hope is since he took such time with these characters that there is a sequel on the horizon. I personally would love to see Megan and Daniel further extend the story and check in to see how Sadie is fairing. My favorite line in the book is "Save your fork, the best is yet to come."

This book was given to me in EBook format by NetGalley for my honest review. You can see all of my reviews at Blessings N Bloggings

[Cynthia Ulmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book. The characters are true to life and the situations interesting. My only issue was in several places the story builds to a climax ending the chapter on a high exciting what will happen next scenario and then the next chapter begins with everything suddenly solved. I would have liked to have read more about how certain issues were solved instead of reading how it was the next hour, day, or whatever with the situation settled. I guess you could say I feel the book would have been better with more of the old show don't tell advice that writers are constantly given. Still I really enjoyed this book, and while there were moments of telling and not showing, the author has the ability to captivate the reader. I found myself looking forward each day for some time when I could get alone with my kindle to read and find out what the characters were doing. I wish Mr. Bowman would consider writing another story, maybe even a sequel to this one. I would love to know more about Megan, Ethan and Sadie, and to find out if Erma ever figures out she can't really make good "nana" pudding. I recommend this book. It holds the readers attention and leaves you wanting more.

[BlessingKeeper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading The Carving Tree. I immediately fell in love with the characters and was drawn into the plot. I could easily visualize the tree, the home, and community that was described. I could identify with the feelings and the emotions of the people throughout the book. This was a sweet love story that will inspire you. The human trafficking plot was frightening, but made me more aware of how easily we can become victims. It conveys a message of hope, no matter what circumstances you may be facing.

[K9Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed the story! Loved Buckshot, the family K9. The author masterfully blended the slower-paced primary plot with the fast-paced edge-of-your-seat secondary plot. The characters were unique, well-developed, and easy to visualize. Though the story addresses some tough topics and circumstances, the reader is reminded that by God’s redeeming grace, there is always hope! Couldn’t put it down.

[Pat Goddard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. It is a story of love and of hopes and dreams. The characters were interesting. Mr. Bowman gives his characters realism and very distinct personalities. The storyline was very relevant to what is happening in the world today. He makes you aware of how easily some people can fall into a bad situation.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Loved characters and story. I know some folks just like them! Message was clear and encouraged me in my walk with the Lord. I started to read and did not want to put down until I finished it. Get this book!!!!

[JoAnne Macco · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first thing that drew me to this book was how much I liked the main characters, Jake and Sadie Hopkins - good people with human flaws. They are deeply in love and approaching what should be their golden years. Megan, a single mother struggling to support herself, asks Sadie and Jake to watch her impetuous toddler while she takes care of some business. Then Megan is abducted into the nightmare of human trafficking. Excitement builds as the story lines come together demonstrating God’s love and the power of prayer. I felt like I was there with the characters as they faced heartache and trepidation. I did not want this book to end and would love to read a sequel.

[Alicia Woods · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book. The premise sounded good to me. Unfortunately, the book is full of too much prose. I skimmed through much of it, trying to find something interesting to read. There was also some racial stereotypes that made me cringe. I only finished it because I wanted my review to be fair. One over-the-top event after another. I rolled my eyes so many times. There were other times when I wondered if the timeline was set several decades before and was surprised to see it was set in 2005. I just couldn't embrace this one. Too bad.

[kathleen n jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story followed so closely to mine and my husband's life. He just passed a bit ago last month. I just couldn't believe it--even when we had to put our favorite dog down just a few months before my husband died. I also had taught school. I enjoyed how through all the stories they joined in creating such a beautiful ending for all involved. Such a great story and so uplifting. Well worth the read.

[DelliaJoann VanScyoc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life lived to the fullest

This book was hard to turn off my kindle. So true to the challenges we all face in our earthly journey. With Jesus as our guide we are able to dig out that root of bitterness that tries to wedge deeper in us.
It is so refreshing to read stories of God’s faithfulness .
Thank you Terry

[Joan mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touching

This is the best book I’ve read in a long time. It’s heart wrenching and so well written. The scriptures were exactly what I needed to hear. The story was beautiful. I will be looking for more by this uthor

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

You Should Read this Book

The whole time I was reading this book, I couldn't decide if I liked it or not. There were so many twists and turns. But, I'm glad I stuck with it. The author pulled everything together in a way that made a lot of sense.

[Lauri Gentry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pleasant read involving two main characters of an older generation. Their life together and struggles faced in their many years together. Circumstances come along the way that has the woman questioning the goodness of God and is her faith real or has she been faking it.

[Rachel Bonner · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is fine, the characters are well drawn and realistic, just not really my thing.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of God's love

THis is a wonderful story of how God works in our lives . He lives us and wants to be a part of our life.