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Life of Willow #1-2
Life of Willow
Two Full-Length Novels in one bargain box set!
In Somewhere Beautiful, book one in the Life of Willow, sixteen-year-old Willow is strong, courageous, but weary of being under control of those in charge of the orphanage. Though she is used to being forgotten, she's grown tired of being labeled as unwanted. The years have been hard on her, making it impossible to get close to anybody, except for her best friend Kai who has made it all bearable. When bureaucracy threatens to tear them apart, Willow and Kai make a run for it. The only problem is, they aren't alone. They'll have to figure out if their excess baggage--a sassy girl who holds an extra chromosome--will be the glue that keeps them together as they navigate street life, or the obstacle that jeopardizes their newfound freedom.
A fascinating look into modern day orphanage life and what it's like to feel as though you belong to no one, Kay Bratt's novel, Somewhere Beautiful, is the first in the two-book Life of Willow series. In Somewhere Beautiful, Bratt weaves a story of loss and loyalty that will have you following three teens as they battle their way through life's obstacles in the search for the always elusive happily ever after.
In Where I Belong, book two in the Life of Willow, after a tumultuous childhood living in an orphanage, Willow feels she's finally found a safe haven amongst new friends in a peaceful place. When she is faced with a threat that could harm them all, she'll have to pull from within to find the courage to take it on. Meanwhile her best friend, Kai, has kept his guard up as he's battled to make it through the worst of circumstances, only to keep coming up lacking. Through it all he's only known one thing for sure; that Willow will always be there for him. Then came the day that she wasn't--something he'd never seen coming and may never get over.
On another path, Luyan is a girl who hoards years of resentment. When Willow comes into her life, her days as an up and coming model come to an end and she must decide if she should open her heart for the chance of being reconciled to her family. An enchanting tale of modern day Chinese village life and the pull of destiny, Where I Belong, the second book and conclusion of Kay Bratt's Life of Willow series, will reinforce your belief in family and forgiveness.
A fascinating look into modern day orphanage life and what it's like to feel as though you belong to no one, Kay Bratt's novel, Somewhere Beautiful, is the first in the two-book Life of Willow series. In Somewhere Beautiful, Bratt weaves a story of loss and loyalty that will have you following three teens as they battle their way through life's obstacles in the search for the always elusive happily ever after.
In Where I Belong, book two in the Life of Willow, after a tumultuous childhood living in an orphanage, Willow feels she's finally found a safe haven amongst new friends in a peaceful place. When she is faced with a threat that could harm them all, she'll have to pull from within to find the courage to take it on. Meanwhile her best friend, Kai, has kept his guard up as he's battled to make it through the worst of circumstances, only to keep coming up lacking. Through it all he's only known one thing for sure; that Willow will always be there for him. Then came the day that she wasn't--something he'd never seen coming and may never get over.
On another path, Luyan is a girl who hoards years of resentment. When Willow comes into her life, her days as an up and coming model come to an end and she must decide if she should open her heart for the chance of being reconciled to her family. An enchanting tale of modern day Chinese village life and the pull of destiny, Where I Belong, the second book and conclusion of Kay Bratt's Life of Willow series, will reinforce your belief in family and forgiveness.
659 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 7, 2017
370 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Kay Bratt
55 books2,077 followersWriter, Rescuer, Wanderer
Kay Bratt is the powerhouse author behind 40 internationally bestselling books that span genres from mystery and women’s fiction to memoir and historical fiction. Her books are renowned for delivering an emotional wallop wrapped in gripping storylines. Her Hart's Ridge small-town mystery series earned her the coveted title of Amazon All Star Author and continues to be one of her most successful projects out of her more than two million books sold around the world.
Kay's literary works have sparked lively book club discussions wide-reaching, with her works translated into multiple languages, including German, Korean, Chinese, Hungarian, Czech, and Estonian.
Beyond her writing, Kay passionately dedicates herself to rescue missions, championing animal welfare as the former Director of Advocacy for Yorkie Rescue of the Carolinas. She considers herself a lifelong advocate for children, having volunteered extensively in a Chinese orphanage and supported nonprofit organizations like An Orphan's Wish (AOW), Pearl River Outreach, and Love Without Boundaries.
In the USA, Kay served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for abused and neglected children in Georgia, as well as spearheaded numerous outreach programs for underprivileged kids in South Carolina. Most recently Kay spent a year volunteering as a Hospice volunteer.
As a wanderlust-driven soul, Kay has called nearly three dozen different homes on two continents her own. Her globetrotting adventures have taken her to captivating destinations across Mexico, Thailand, Malaysia, China, the Philippines, Central America, the Bahamas, and Australia. Today, she and her soulmate of more than 30 years find their sanctuary in St. Augustine, Florida.
Described as southern, spicy, and a touch sassy, Kay loves to share her life's antics with the Bratt Pack on social media. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the fun and buckle up for the ride of a lifetime. Explore her popular catalog of published works at Kay Bratt Dot-Com and never miss a new release (or her latest Bratt Pack drama) by signing up for her monthly email newsletter. For more information, visit www.kaybratt.com.
Kay Bratt is the powerhouse author behind 40 internationally bestselling books that span genres from mystery and women’s fiction to memoir and historical fiction. Her books are renowned for delivering an emotional wallop wrapped in gripping storylines. Her Hart's Ridge small-town mystery series earned her the coveted title of Amazon All Star Author and continues to be one of her most successful projects out of her more than two million books sold around the world.
Kay's literary works have sparked lively book club discussions wide-reaching, with her works translated into multiple languages, including German, Korean, Chinese, Hungarian, Czech, and Estonian.
Beyond her writing, Kay passionately dedicates herself to rescue missions, championing animal welfare as the former Director of Advocacy for Yorkie Rescue of the Carolinas. She considers herself a lifelong advocate for children, having volunteered extensively in a Chinese orphanage and supported nonprofit organizations like An Orphan's Wish (AOW), Pearl River Outreach, and Love Without Boundaries.
In the USA, Kay served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for abused and neglected children in Georgia, as well as spearheaded numerous outreach programs for underprivileged kids in South Carolina. Most recently Kay spent a year volunteering as a Hospice volunteer.
As a wanderlust-driven soul, Kay has called nearly three dozen different homes on two continents her own. Her globetrotting adventures have taken her to captivating destinations across Mexico, Thailand, Malaysia, China, the Philippines, Central America, the Bahamas, and Australia. Today, she and her soulmate of more than 30 years find their sanctuary in St. Augustine, Florida.
Described as southern, spicy, and a touch sassy, Kay loves to share her life's antics with the Bratt Pack on social media. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the fun and buckle up for the ride of a lifetime. Explore her popular catalog of published works at Kay Bratt Dot-Com and never miss a new release (or her latest Bratt Pack drama) by signing up for her monthly email newsletter. For more information, visit www.kaybratt.com.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 5, 2019
Loved this book. Exposes living & abuse in Chinese orphanages. Characters were so real & overcame their poverty.
June 13, 2021
I read both books together on my kindle. I loved the truth to this story (we have 5 children we have brought home from Chinese orphanages) and the tale she tells. I would look forward to sitting down to find out what adventure was next for the three characters! As I finish the tale, I will miss these fictitious people. I enjoy Kay’s writing, her subject matter and the unpredictable journey the story takes. I loved the themes of being lost and then finding acceptance and love and that it can redefine family. Kay is a skilled writer and has created an interesting story. I enjoyed reading knowing I would not be able to guess what comes next. The ending was pleasant and believable.
December 30, 2018
Amazing book
I loved, loved, loved this book. I'm sad to have finished it, the characters are so real and so well written I feel like I have just said goodbye to friends. I suppose in the corners of our minds, those of us who live with all the things we need, do realize that things may not be sunshine and roses in any orphanage, but Ms Bratt really brings to mind the horrors that can happen to unwanted or damaged children, not only in China, and that most of us give it so little thought is horrifying. I think this book, as sad as it is in parts, may wake us up. Thank you Ms Bratt for an amazing, heart warming really thought provoking book.
I loved, loved, loved this book. I'm sad to have finished it, the characters are so real and so well written I feel like I have just said goodbye to friends. I suppose in the corners of our minds, those of us who live with all the things we need, do realize that things may not be sunshine and roses in any orphanage, but Ms Bratt really brings to mind the horrors that can happen to unwanted or damaged children, not only in China, and that most of us give it so little thought is horrifying. I think this book, as sad as it is in parts, may wake us up. Thank you Ms Bratt for an amazing, heart warming really thought provoking book.
January 17, 2025
Excellent tale told in 2 Volumes
Kat Bratt does an excellent job of developing characters who are realistic, even though in a different culture can be easily recognized as a diverse community of individuals, facing many of the same challenges as those in English speaking areas. Loved the books. Great plot development as well. She also sheds light on a practice long cast in shadow.
Kat Bratt does an excellent job of developing characters who are realistic, even though in a different culture can be easily recognized as a diverse community of individuals, facing many of the same challenges as those in English speaking areas. Loved the books. Great plot development as well. She also sheds light on a practice long cast in shadow.
May 14, 2018
Great book about. Family
This is a great book for anyone interested in China, orphanages, adoptions, and importance of being a legal citizen in a Chinese village or city. The story line is well developed, the characters are believable, and there is suspense to keep the reader in the story. I learned so much about China, and recommend this book to friends.
This is a great book for anyone interested in China, orphanages, adoptions, and importance of being a legal citizen in a Chinese village or city. The story line is well developed, the characters are believable, and there is suspense to keep the reader in the story. I learned so much about China, and recommend this book to friends.
September 15, 2018
Must Read
This book was recommended by a friend. I'm so glad she did. I started reading and never stopped. Wish I had read it before I retired. I know my kids would have loved it. Family, traditions, history, morals, devotion, friendship, sacrifice - so many aspects to keep them interested and talking.
This book was recommended by a friend. I'm so glad she did. I started reading and never stopped. Wish I had read it before I retired. I know my kids would have loved it. Family, traditions, history, morals, devotion, friendship, sacrifice - so many aspects to keep them interested and talking.
May 16, 2019
Young readers perfect!
Especially a great read for young readers. Kay wrote from a young person’s perspective, which was frustrating as an older person, who understands hindsight is 20/20.
The book was sad, suspenseful and intriguing. It brought up questions as to why each culture progresses through these old customs faster than others.
Especially a great read for young readers. Kay wrote from a young person’s perspective, which was frustrating as an older person, who understands hindsight is 20/20.
The book was sad, suspenseful and intriguing. It brought up questions as to why each culture progresses through these old customs faster than others.
August 21, 2021
An awesome story from begin to end!
Kay Brady's China stories are just amazing. This one brings us into the lives of China's orphans. We get to know each character so well and the story moves us and we fall in love with each character. This book had me glued. It was a page turner and tugged at our heart. Highly recommend!
Kay Brady's China stories are just amazing. This one brings us into the lives of China's orphans. We get to know each character so well and the story moves us and we fall in love with each character. This book had me glued. It was a page turner and tugged at our heart. Highly recommend!
September 11, 2017
A story of hope and love
This book will make you feel anger frustration hope joy and a quiet peace. The story is wonderfully written and hard to put down. Many lessons can be taught here and I recommend this book to everyone.
This book will make you feel anger frustration hope joy and a quiet peace. The story is wonderfully written and hard to put down. Many lessons can be taught here and I recommend this book to everyone.
October 6, 2018
Poignant
I love the lesson that we can all make our own families. This book also Points out a lovely lesson that we can all continue to grow and become better persons, more caring and full of love.
I love the lesson that we can all make our own families. This book also Points out a lovely lesson that we can all continue to grow and become better persons, more caring and full of love.
November 13, 2018
Life of Willow
This book was hard to put down once I started reading it. I feel like I am learning on top of well written book about the children of China. Being a mother of 2 girls it would be impossible for me to have ever given them up. Such a great writer Kay Bratt is.
This book was hard to put down once I started reading it. I feel like I am learning on top of well written book about the children of China. Being a mother of 2 girls it would be impossible for me to have ever given them up. Such a great writer Kay Bratt is.
October 13, 2019
Terrific Book
Every book by Kay Bratt that I have read has been a learning and pleasurable experience. I have a hard time setting her books down. I feel like I'm having a Chinese real life experience.
Every book by Kay Bratt that I have read has been a learning and pleasurable experience. I have a hard time setting her books down. I feel like I'm having a Chinese real life experience.
June 28, 2020
Wonderfully written tale of a young woman struggling to find her place in life. The author takes us on a winding whirlwind of relationships, friendships and finally family. A page turner and so worth reading.
July 14, 2020
Enjoy this story of people working to change their lives, when they don't always have control of how they can make the changes. Characters show and review their many emotions as they grow and change in age and relationships with each other.
July 8, 2017
.Really good
Twists turns good plots a good read. You won't be disappointed. Looking forward to the next book. Nice little education on Chinese culture
Twists turns good plots a good read. You won't be disappointed. Looking forward to the next book. Nice little education on Chinese culture
July 22, 2017
Heartfelt
The book made me laugh and cry, what a wonderful story!
Amazing what the went through and yet became stronger.
The book made me laugh and cry, what a wonderful story!
Amazing what the went through and yet became stronger.
May 19, 2020
I loved it.
Excellent story teller incorporating history,emotion, facts and life's sadnesses into compelling characters. I will recommend it to my grandaughters and friends.
Excellent story teller incorporating history,emotion, facts and life's sadnesses into compelling characters. I will recommend it to my grandaughters and friends.
September 18, 2020
I love Willow! Both of these books were incredible. I didn’t want the story to end. Beautifully written and the author does a great job of wrapping everything up.
July 23, 2021
Never giving up
Awesome story of courage and determination to fight for what’s right. Never giving up Hope for a new season of life
Awesome story of courage and determination to fight for what’s right. Never giving up Hope for a new season of life
October 19, 2022
China
The custom of either sending a girl child to an orphanage or out right killing them is an old Chinese custom, OR is it? Kay Bratt has written a compelling story! Read!!!
The custom of either sending a girl child to an orphanage or out right killing them is an old Chinese custom, OR is it? Kay Bratt has written a compelling story! Read!!!
June 20, 2017
Family
A story of a Chinese orphanage and three young people. The story keeps you engaged while you learn of Chinese roles in a family. The plight of these children breaks your heart. This story has a happy ending but one knows the plight of so many orphans.
A story of a Chinese orphanage and three young people. The story keeps you engaged while you learn of Chinese roles in a family. The plight of these children breaks your heart. This story has a happy ending but one knows the plight of so many orphans.
Read
April 22, 2017Great book
These books have opened my eyes to the plight of orphans everywhere. The many twists and turns of the novel are enjoyable and leave me emotional
These books have opened my eyes to the plight of orphans everywhere. The many twists and turns of the novel are enjoyable and leave me emotional
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews