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The Boy in the Woods
Librarian's Note: This is an alternate-cover edition for The Boy in the Woods
After a devastating accident takes Jess's parents, a cold and controlling uncle is the only family she has left. Ripping away everything she’s ever known, he takes her far from her home in the big city to live on the rural family estate. With a spoiled and stuck up older cousin the only other young person in the home, Jess struggles to adjust to her new life of loneliness and quiet isolation.
While exploring the woods surrounding her home one day, she stumbles upon a mysterious boy. Desperate for a friend, she's instantly drawn to him, but he's deeply distrustful and wants nothing to do with her. Sneaking away to see him, she works hard to break through his walls and slowly gains his trust.
As time passes, their bond grows from forbidden friendship into something more, but the threat they'll be caught looms closer. How far will Jess have to go to protect the boy she's fallen in love with? Or will her uncle find out about them before she can escape his control?
The Boy in the Woods is a mysterious and poignant coming of age novel set in the late 1950’s, with the same classic feel as A Little Princess and The Secret Garden. As one of the top ten most read historical fiction stories on the popular reading website Wattpad.com, it’s already loved by tens of thousands of readers. This compelling story is twice the length of the average young adult novel, and is appropriate for ages 14 to adult.
After a devastating accident takes Jess's parents, a cold and controlling uncle is the only family she has left. Ripping away everything she’s ever known, he takes her far from her home in the big city to live on the rural family estate. With a spoiled and stuck up older cousin the only other young person in the home, Jess struggles to adjust to her new life of loneliness and quiet isolation.
While exploring the woods surrounding her home one day, she stumbles upon a mysterious boy. Desperate for a friend, she's instantly drawn to him, but he's deeply distrustful and wants nothing to do with her. Sneaking away to see him, she works hard to break through his walls and slowly gains his trust.
As time passes, their bond grows from forbidden friendship into something more, but the threat they'll be caught looms closer. How far will Jess have to go to protect the boy she's fallen in love with? Or will her uncle find out about them before she can escape his control?
The Boy in the Woods is a mysterious and poignant coming of age novel set in the late 1950’s, with the same classic feel as A Little Princess and The Secret Garden. As one of the top ten most read historical fiction stories on the popular reading website Wattpad.com, it’s already loved by tens of thousands of readers. This compelling story is twice the length of the average young adult novel, and is appropriate for ages 14 to adult.
404 pages, ebook
First published November 27, 2013
27 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Katherine A. Ganzel
3 books49 followersKatherine A. Ganzel began writing late in life, starting her first novel when her children were nearly grown. She has published The Stolen Hearts Trilogy on Wattpad.com where the first two books were finalists in the 2012 and 2013 Watty's. Her next story, The Boy in the Woods, was a Talk of the Town winner in the 2014 Watty's. The prequel to The Boy in the Woods, The Man Behind the Iron Fence: Jonathon’s Story is completed and can be found on Wattpad.
She has one published short story, Finding Marty, which was included in the anthology, Library of Dreams. She hopes to publish The Boy in the Woods in 2016.
Currently residing in Ann Arbor, Michigan, she shares her home with her husband, and many pets.
You can find the author at www.Wattpad.com as KatherineArlene
She has one published short story, Finding Marty, which was included in the anthology, Library of Dreams. She hopes to publish The Boy in the Woods in 2016.
Currently residing in Ann Arbor, Michigan, she shares her home with her husband, and many pets.
You can find the author at www.Wattpad.com as KatherineArlene
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
August 3, 2016
I read this book on Wattpad and it is one of the best stories I've read on Wattpad. I love everything about Jess and Marty's relationship. It is such a beatiful and innocent friendship blooming into romance. They both have problems going on at home and they become each other's family. They meet just about everyday in the woods behind Jess's house to do homework, swim, and fish. Their romantic relationship gets stalled for a few years because Jess is so innocent/naive that she doesn't know how a baby is made and worries that she might have done something to already cause her to be pregnant (which at that point they have only hugged and hold hands). Her innocence is refreshing and realistic for the time since sex wasn't taught at school and she has no one to tell her. The author said she was taking steps to get her book published and that there would be more scenes between Marty and Jess & more on Marty's POV. I cannot wait to buy the book! This a story that I keep thinking about.
April 5, 2017
It was one of those books that will keep you up at night, turning the pages, because you want to know what happened to Jess and Marty. But it is also that story, which will compel you to put in a part of your heart and soul into it, leaving you bereft and wanting for more when it ends.
Who said love stories had to have feisty heroines and super-hot heroes. It can simply have an innocent girl without a family and deep-down-kind-hearted guy who hs nothing more to lose. The boy in the Woods is that story. Jess has lost her family and is not received like she expected by her new one. Marty is lonely in the world. His brothers have abondoned and with a father like his, he had be better off being alone. When these two souls connect under the most overwhelming circumstances, they'll do everything to fight their way to each other.
Like some beautiful dream come true, they ultimately discover the path to their togetherness. After thousands of squashed hopes and dreams, hundreds of obstacles and a cruel uncle Jonathan ruling with an iron fist, they finally find a family in each other. All the while, being there for each other, none realises as they fall for the other. It has been one of the most amazing stories I've read in my lifetime.
Who said love stories had to have feisty heroines and super-hot heroes. It can simply have an innocent girl without a family and deep-down-kind-hearted guy who hs nothing more to lose. The boy in the Woods is that story. Jess has lost her family and is not received like she expected by her new one. Marty is lonely in the world. His brothers have abondoned and with a father like his, he had be better off being alone. When these two souls connect under the most overwhelming circumstances, they'll do everything to fight their way to each other.
Like some beautiful dream come true, they ultimately discover the path to their togetherness. After thousands of squashed hopes and dreams, hundreds of obstacles and a cruel uncle Jonathan ruling with an iron fist, they finally find a family in each other. All the while, being there for each other, none realises as they fall for the other. It has been one of the most amazing stories I've read in my lifetime.
September 24, 2019
What a thrilling and fascinating book! I also first read it on Wattpad and it is indeed one of the best Historical Fiction on that site. The characters are very relatable, the descriptions are absolutely exquisite, and the storyline keeps you enthralled from beginning to the end. For those of you who want to unravel the rest of the mysteries of Jess's uncle, read The Man Inside the Iron Fence and you will never regret it.
December 31, 2016
I freaking LOVE stories like these. I vibe with the 60s and I also enjoy coming of age stories so this book was heaven to me. Only thing I didn't like was the ending but the ending made perfect sense. It felt more like an autobiography then fiction (in the least boring sense). It was such a beautifully crafted piece. I likes it A LOT!
August 8, 2017
a quaint read. the characters were very finely nuanced and yet had their own box of surprises. initially it seemed a very dark sort of a novel, but I'm more than happy to say that I was completely wrong and it was definitely one of the nicest reads by the time it ended. kudos to the author :)
July 30, 2015
Least boring historical I ever read. I didn't even know it was history. Loved it so much. Katherine A. Gaznel is super super good.
May 16, 2020
I simply adore this book.
That's all I can say.
To read more reviews, head to my blog
That's all I can say.
To read more reviews, head to my blog
February 28, 2016
One of the best novel I have ever read!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2016
Love love loved this book!! Absolutely one of my favorite books of all time!! ❤
May 1, 2019
This touching coming of age story is a period piece set in the 1950s that nurtures nostalgia as well as shines a light on the classism and sexism of the past (and present). It begins shortly after Jess loses both of her parents and is sent off to live with her tyrannical uncle. The story then follows her from the start of her teenage years to the cusp of adulthood. Through it all is her friendship with Marty. Together they hold each other up in a world set on battering them down. This is a book full of charm and is filled with wonderful touches. I especially enjoyed how each chapter title is a hit song from the era. The plot is anchored by Jess and Marty’s friendship and later romance, but is filled with a string of dramas. Some of these are the expected sort common to any teenager and others hit upon Jess’s unique circumstances and intensify the stakes by threatening both her happiness and her freedom. In either case, it’s impossible not to be moved by Jess and her plights. To me, the story felt suited to younger teenagers, but I’m probably not the best guide of such things. Regardless, the novel contains a lot of positives for both teenagers and adults. Highly recommended.
September 6, 2018
I started reading this amazing story when it was first being published on wattpad. I fell in love with it instantly. Its a beautiful coming of age story set in the late 50s/ early 60s. It has just the right amount of heartwarming and gut-wrenching. The main characters, Marty and Jess, will give you so many smiles and butterflies as they grow together. I’ve read it 5 times. Each and every time it makes me cry from sadness and happiness.
August 7, 2015
cosita cómo amé esta historia la amé la amé y la amé, la leí en dos días. El final me encantó y amo a Jess y Marty, juntos y por separados. Y también a Doug y Annie y Louisa a todo en realidad (menos a nuestro querído Uncle Jonathon). Hermoso <3<3<3<3.
April 18, 2024
I am and will forever be in love with this book. I enjoyed every minute of reading this book. The character growth, the sweet little moments between them, the ending just makes my heart so happy. Really, Really worth the read.
July 25, 2015
I'M SO HAPPY THIS BOOK IS BEING PUBLISHED.
September 11, 2015
After a long time loved a book to such a extent that couldnt stop reading!!
November 23, 2016
Absolutely love this book!
December 3, 2025
The Boy in the Woods is one of those rare books that feels like coming home. This was a reread for me, and somehow I loved it even more the second time. Katherine A. Ganzel writes with such warmth, depth, and emotional honesty that every single character feels alive. There wasn’t one moment where I felt bored, confused, or disconnected—every page had me hooked.
The story follows Jess, who moves in with her cold, controlling uncle after her parents’ death. In the woods surrounding their expansive property, she finds an old cabin—and inside, she finds Marty, a boy carrying his own painful past. Their friendship builds slowly, beautifully, over years, and watching that friendship blossom into love is one of the most tender reading experiences I’ve ever had. Their emotions became my emotions: I laughed with them, cried with them, felt angry for them, and held my breath during the moments they were torn apart.
Every character here—Jess, Marty, Doug, Annie, even the complicated Uncle Jonathan—is layered, purposeful, and crafted with care. Ganzel is a phenomenal storyteller, and I genuinely cannot praise her enough. I’m so excited to read the prequel, The Man Behind the Iron Fence, and I’m going into it with sky-high hopes.
This book is everything I want romance to be: slow, heart-deep, emotional, and unforgettable. I love it endlessly. If I could rate it higher than 5 stars, I absolutely would—this one gets 100/5 stars from me.
The story follows Jess, who moves in with her cold, controlling uncle after her parents’ death. In the woods surrounding their expansive property, she finds an old cabin—and inside, she finds Marty, a boy carrying his own painful past. Their friendship builds slowly, beautifully, over years, and watching that friendship blossom into love is one of the most tender reading experiences I’ve ever had. Their emotions became my emotions: I laughed with them, cried with them, felt angry for them, and held my breath during the moments they were torn apart.
Every character here—Jess, Marty, Doug, Annie, even the complicated Uncle Jonathan—is layered, purposeful, and crafted with care. Ganzel is a phenomenal storyteller, and I genuinely cannot praise her enough. I’m so excited to read the prequel, The Man Behind the Iron Fence, and I’m going into it with sky-high hopes.
This book is everything I want romance to be: slow, heart-deep, emotional, and unforgettable. I love it endlessly. If I could rate it higher than 5 stars, I absolutely would—this one gets 100/5 stars from me.
March 8, 2021
This is actually the only book in wattpad that I wouldn't mind reading again. It was romantic not in a way that it ended up forced into characters. The setting and time period was so well-developed that you wouldn't think this was made by a wattpad author. The characters were decent enough that you would root for them.
However, even though I love this book, I wouldn't say this is the best among all the books that I've already read. I think its sweet and well-written but not necessarily my favorite. Although, I kinda like the idea of the main girl and main guy growing up together secretly before they fell in love. The setting did help set the romantic tone too.
However, even though I love this book, I wouldn't say this is the best among all the books that I've already read. I think its sweet and well-written but not necessarily my favorite. Although, I kinda like the idea of the main girl and main guy growing up together secretly before they fell in love. The setting did help set the romantic tone too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2020
Reread one of the best stories in Wattpad since I've missed its heartwarming story, and yes it's worth the time. Read it first around 2014 and still remain the top on my list until now. The plot coming from the late 50s and early 60s with the main character, Jess and Marty. The story is beautifully written from the innocent friendship to longing each other. I freaking love this book.
April 3, 2020
Amazing read!
Read this in 2 days during COVID-19 quarantine (avoiding online work lol) and couldn't put it down! I couldn't believe how easily Jess was able to sneak to the cabin all the time, but hey, at least she ended up happy!
Read this in 2 days during COVID-19 quarantine (avoiding online work lol) and couldn't put it down! I couldn't believe how easily Jess was able to sneak to the cabin all the time, but hey, at least she ended up happy!
May 31, 2021
The first time I read this was on Wattpad and I loved it, and this second time around I loved it even more. This story is just so good. I love Marty’s character the most. And Jess and Doug!! So good! 5 stars
July 27, 2019
Wow, I was blown away by this. This is an amazing book. Initially it made me feel sad but then it turned into the book which had me smiling at every word. Highly recommend it!
August 25, 2019
Their relationship was cutee
October 11, 2020
A very good read
A very good read i enjoyed it so much that I am looking forward to seeing more of your work a very clean book
A very good read i enjoyed it so much that I am looking forward to seeing more of your work a very clean book
October 21, 2021
This book was interesting at first, but then it started to get slow-paced and boring. I got about sixty pages in when I abandoned it. All in all, it was just ok.
December 4, 2021
I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH! this is my NUMBER 1 FAVORITE BOOK FOR ROMANCE!!!!
January 2, 2022
FAVORITE ROMANCE BOOK!
April 17, 2025
One of my favourite books. I first read it on wattpad and then bought a physical copy because I loved it so much. I also bought my grandma one, she loved it too.
April 19, 2025
It's a page-turner that won't let you put it down. It was such a nice and well-written story. One of the good stories I read on Wattpad. Read the sequel for more information about their life.
June 19, 2021
one of the best books ive ever read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews