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The Woodcutter's Wife
Set against the backdrop of the Civil War comes a tale of love lost and found.
Mary Thomson is no ordinary woman. She works alongside her husband William cutting firewood to sell in the city, earning the nickname “The Woodcutter’s Wife.” She kills a bear with her bare hands. And she prefers plowing a field to cooking a meal. The one thing she cannot seem to handle is the melancholy that has enveloped her. Mary lost four children before they were a year old, and the doctor says she will never be able to conceive again.
Mary’s world flies apart when William disappears, leaving her with the arduous task of tending their farm by herself. Using her fierce independent spirit to cope as the war rages around her, she finds help in the form of a freed slave who offers his help. But fate throws her another dramatic curve, forcing her to make the most difficult choice of her life.
David Johnson, author of the bestselling Tucker series, has written another of his signature “Books with Heart.”
Mary Thomson is no ordinary woman. She works alongside her husband William cutting firewood to sell in the city, earning the nickname “The Woodcutter’s Wife.” She kills a bear with her bare hands. And she prefers plowing a field to cooking a meal. The one thing she cannot seem to handle is the melancholy that has enveloped her. Mary lost four children before they were a year old, and the doctor says she will never be able to conceive again.
Mary’s world flies apart when William disappears, leaving her with the arduous task of tending their farm by herself. Using her fierce independent spirit to cope as the war rages around her, she finds help in the form of a freed slave who offers his help. But fate throws her another dramatic curve, forcing her to make the most difficult choice of her life.
David Johnson, author of the bestselling Tucker series, has written another of his signature “Books with Heart.”
495 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 4, 2017
1864 people are currently reading
1086 people want to read
About the author
David Johnson
21 books180 followersDavid Johnson has developed a reputation as a writer of "books with heart." His books feature strong, unforgettable characters from humble backgrounds who have to grapple with the unexpected turns of everyday life.
He is the author of the riveting "Tucker" series, one of the best-selling series on Amazon. The series has collected over 5,000 reviews, averaging 4.7 stars, and sales of the books will soon approach 500,000 copies.
Toby, his next book, following the Tucker series, is a story about a dog, a woman who has gotten lost in addiction, and a hermit who has hidden from his past for decades.
The Woodcutter's Wife, a Civil War era, historical romance, was his next book. It is a story of love lost and love found.
And his newest release is The Last Patient. A story of secrets, resentment, regret, and redemption.
David maintains a very busy life outside of writing. He's a full-time Marriage and Family Therapist, is Director of a community chorus that performs all across the Southeast, performing 15 shows a year. He maintains a blog: www.thefrontwindow.wordpress.com . He's been married for 44 years, has two daughters and six grandchildren.
He would love to hear from you. Send him a note to davidjohnsonbooks@gmail.com and join him on Facebook - David Johnson, author
He is the author of the riveting "Tucker" series, one of the best-selling series on Amazon. The series has collected over 5,000 reviews, averaging 4.7 stars, and sales of the books will soon approach 500,000 copies.
Toby, his next book, following the Tucker series, is a story about a dog, a woman who has gotten lost in addiction, and a hermit who has hidden from his past for decades.
The Woodcutter's Wife, a Civil War era, historical romance, was his next book. It is a story of love lost and love found.
And his newest release is The Last Patient. A story of secrets, resentment, regret, and redemption.
David maintains a very busy life outside of writing. He's a full-time Marriage and Family Therapist, is Director of a community chorus that performs all across the Southeast, performing 15 shows a year. He maintains a blog: www.thefrontwindow.wordpress.com . He's been married for 44 years, has two daughters and six grandchildren.
He would love to hear from you. Send him a note to davidjohnsonbooks@gmail.com and join him on Facebook - David Johnson, author
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews
March 10, 2018
Mary and William are happily married,but one thing that is missing from their life are children. Mary has had not been successful conceiving for years, thus she is deeply disturbed by the fact that she will never be allowed to have kids. According to her,the good Lord has her cursed, but William thinks that should not blame herself or God for that matter, the most important thing is that they are happy. Set in the Civil War, their union is short lived when William has a good chance of fighting in the Civil War.
Mary does not want to think of that happening, losing William will be too much of a burden to carry. Yet she does not have to be alone with her great friends Abigail and Thomas who she considers her deal companions. William and Marry often accompany them by their house for dinner and fellowship, though they disapprove of their ownership of slavery.
The Woodcutter's wife as known as Mary must face her inner demons when the thing she fears the most happens to her,now she must decide whether life is even worth living.
This is one of the best books I read, it is very emotional and deeply evocative. It is one of those novels that will stay with you. Love the setting of the story, also there is so much imagery that you can actually vision how the story is coming together.
Highly recommended, my updates does not compare to how astounding this book was!
Mary does not want to think of that happening, losing William will be too much of a burden to carry. Yet she does not have to be alone with her great friends Abigail and Thomas who she considers her deal companions. William and Marry often accompany them by their house for dinner and fellowship, though they disapprove of their ownership of slavery.
The Woodcutter's wife as known as Mary must face her inner demons when the thing she fears the most happens to her,now she must decide whether life is even worth living.
This is one of the best books I read, it is very emotional and deeply evocative. It is one of those novels that will stay with you. Love the setting of the story, also there is so much imagery that you can actually vision how the story is coming together.
Highly recommended, my updates does not compare to how astounding this book was!
June 30, 2017
--I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are purely my own and not influenced in any way.--
Well, this book is pretty much exactly what you would expect: forbidden love, "the liar revealed" plot, and strong women to almost Mary Sue proportions and even a bit of "the magical negro" trope. Basically, this is a Lifetime Civil War movie in book form. The dialogue is very stilted and unrealistic at times ("we've been friends ever since he started selling chairs at his workshop and now we're as close as brothers. That is true friendship" is not something that any normal person would say to someone who already knows the backstory) and you can see the ending coming a mile away. Nonetheless, the characters do grow and actually have some development and I couldn't help but be drawn to this book. Mary is a decent main character and John is pretty much the best character and his scenes are remarkably well written when he's talking about the slave trade.
This is not great literature, but if you want something to read on the beach or a plane that's not too heavy, I would recommend this. If you want a heavy Civil War book, I would recommend The Second Mrs. Hockaday.
Well, this book is pretty much exactly what you would expect: forbidden love, "the liar revealed" plot, and strong women to almost Mary Sue proportions and even a bit of "the magical negro" trope. Basically, this is a Lifetime Civil War movie in book form. The dialogue is very stilted and unrealistic at times ("we've been friends ever since he started selling chairs at his workshop and now we're as close as brothers. That is true friendship" is not something that any normal person would say to someone who already knows the backstory) and you can see the ending coming a mile away. Nonetheless, the characters do grow and actually have some development and I couldn't help but be drawn to this book. Mary is a decent main character and John is pretty much the best character and his scenes are remarkably well written when he's talking about the slave trade.
This is not great literature, but if you want something to read on the beach or a plane that's not too heavy, I would recommend this. If you want a heavy Civil War book, I would recommend The Second Mrs. Hockaday.
June 23, 2017
This book was set in American Civil War time. Mary and William are living a wonderful life together, managing their small home and farming. They work together so well and their love for each other is obvious for everyone to see. Unfortunately the four times Mary has become pregnant have all ended in tragedy, none of them have survived and Mary often questions herself if she alone will be enough for William, melancholy often sets in and she tries everything she can to pull herself out of it.
Mary often becomes jealous of their friends in town who have two daughters of their own until at the birth of the third Thomas's wife Anna died during childbirth and now Thomas was left to bring up their three daughters on his own.
The war is coming and Mary and William spot soldiers around their property. William is a Scotsman and is neutral and there is no way he wishes to join the Army and leave Mary unattended to work their small farm on her own.
One day soldiers approach the farm, questioning William why he isn't fighting and Mary's beauty attracts the attention of one of the soldiers. Worry starts to set in and when William disappears, Mary despairs if she will ever see her man again.
When the soldier who caught Mary's attention returns one day, with the intention of having Mary, a Black man comes to Mary's aid and a friendship develops between them, John stays with Mary and they work the farm, keeping it profitable. Mary has found two boys abandoned, one a slave boy who was living at the home of the white boy but when hard times fell they were left on their own. After having no children of her own, Mary takes them into their care and they help John and Mary and their life seems very settled.
Mary has struck up a relationship with Thomas over the three years that William has been gone and they finally plan to wed.
Just before the wedding, William returns, he is a changed man, losing an eye and arm through the war and his temper and demeanour are no longer the same. Mary can of course no longer Marry Thomas and she must concentrate her efforts to help William regain the life he had before he was kidnapped to become a soldier.
After months, William seems to be getting his life in order, then tragedy strikes once again and the lives of all concerned are in disarray.
Will Mary and Thomas be able to put everything else behind them and bring their families together to live a happy and fulfilled life?
This was a fantastic read from beginning to end. The whole story flowed so well and there was so much packed into it.
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and write a voluntary review.
Mary often becomes jealous of their friends in town who have two daughters of their own until at the birth of the third Thomas's wife Anna died during childbirth and now Thomas was left to bring up their three daughters on his own.
The war is coming and Mary and William spot soldiers around their property. William is a Scotsman and is neutral and there is no way he wishes to join the Army and leave Mary unattended to work their small farm on her own.
One day soldiers approach the farm, questioning William why he isn't fighting and Mary's beauty attracts the attention of one of the soldiers. Worry starts to set in and when William disappears, Mary despairs if she will ever see her man again.
When the soldier who caught Mary's attention returns one day, with the intention of having Mary, a Black man comes to Mary's aid and a friendship develops between them, John stays with Mary and they work the farm, keeping it profitable. Mary has found two boys abandoned, one a slave boy who was living at the home of the white boy but when hard times fell they were left on their own. After having no children of her own, Mary takes them into their care and they help John and Mary and their life seems very settled.
Mary has struck up a relationship with Thomas over the three years that William has been gone and they finally plan to wed.
Just before the wedding, William returns, he is a changed man, losing an eye and arm through the war and his temper and demeanour are no longer the same. Mary can of course no longer Marry Thomas and she must concentrate her efforts to help William regain the life he had before he was kidnapped to become a soldier.
After months, William seems to be getting his life in order, then tragedy strikes once again and the lives of all concerned are in disarray.
Will Mary and Thomas be able to put everything else behind them and bring their families together to live a happy and fulfilled life?
This was a fantastic read from beginning to end. The whole story flowed so well and there was so much packed into it.
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and write a voluntary review.
January 12, 2018
A tale of a husband’s undying love for his wife and her struggles through a war having four miscarriages, these tested her mantle more than anything. A promised made and fulfilled that but how were they to know that William was still alive be it broken but alive he was after being missing so long and presumed dead. So as the true friend he is Thomas took care of Mary but fell deeply in love with her and so did Mary likewise with him. William resurfacing from the dead put a damper on what they had found after so many lonely days and nights, putting one’s true feelings aside for another is truly a sacrifice that signifies what type of friend William had in Thomas but was he aware of the depth of their friendship and did he appreciate it. John that lowly slave turned free man and full of the love of God in him, became so much more to them than just a worker, a friendship born from some of the hardest and most difficult times in Mary and Thomas lives even John’s, but true love and friendship forms a bond that no skin color or station in life can change. Mary plight was a sad yet happy one, having lost him once can her heart take another hit by losing him again, these are the things that fashioned this book into the gem it was. I didn’t think I would like this book but it crept up on me, a most lovely and interesting romance.
October 22, 2017
Uplifting!
At first afraid it would corny but turned into a really good read. Loved the heroine, so strong. What a gal....these are our forbearers.
At first afraid it would corny but turned into a really good read. Loved the heroine, so strong. What a gal....these are our forbearers.
December 31, 2017
The Woodcutter's Wife
This book had so much potential but unfortunately fell flat. I put it down multiple times because it just wasn't doing anything for me and was painfully slow.
Mary, the Woodcutter's Wife, was not a very likeable character. I found her abrasive and wishy-washy. I can admire independence but the blatant hostility that radiated from her was too much. I did not like the relationship she had with her husband, William, but I cannot put my finger on what about it I disliked. Maybe it was her mouth getting them both in trouble often. I preferred her relationship with Thomas however I felt she strung him along for a long time. I found it ridiculous she called them each by the wrong name in the throes of passion. Really?!?
I noticed a couple of errors in the book and they were within a few pages of each other. *Mary writes to Thomas on February 14th. Thomas replies on February 16th stating he will visit on "Sunday, February 2nd". What? He's planning to call on her in a year? Man and I thought she was dragging him along!
*John observes Mary climbing the Bitter Hill on April 19th. When he joins her at the top she mentions it's her son's birthday, April 30th. What a trek!! I thought about going back to the beginning and checking the dates on the tombstone but don't want to risk losing what I've typed so far.
One last thing...where did Thomas and his girls live in relation to Mary and the farm? Sometimes it seemed like quite the journey to go into town for a visit which is why Mary and William would often stay with Thomas and his family but on another trip into town it seems as if he was practically in shouting distance. I'm truly amazed at the speed of the Postal Service back then (see previous comment regarding dates).
Okay I lied...I have another question. When Mary was out checking on her neighbors the woman and her husband that died from Typhoid Fever were basically an afterthought. However when Mary was trying to aid the woman she referred to her as a best or closest friend...did I miss something?
Anyhoo, not a terrible read just a letdown from what I was hoping for.
This book had so much potential but unfortunately fell flat. I put it down multiple times because it just wasn't doing anything for me and was painfully slow.
Mary, the Woodcutter's Wife, was not a very likeable character. I found her abrasive and wishy-washy. I can admire independence but the blatant hostility that radiated from her was too much. I did not like the relationship she had with her husband, William, but I cannot put my finger on what about it I disliked. Maybe it was her mouth getting them both in trouble often. I preferred her relationship with Thomas however I felt she strung him along for a long time. I found it ridiculous she called them each by the wrong name in the throes of passion. Really?!?
I noticed a couple of errors in the book and they were within a few pages of each other. *Mary writes to Thomas on February 14th. Thomas replies on February 16th stating he will visit on "Sunday, February 2nd". What? He's planning to call on her in a year? Man and I thought she was dragging him along!
*John observes Mary climbing the Bitter Hill on April 19th. When he joins her at the top she mentions it's her son's birthday, April 30th. What a trek!! I thought about going back to the beginning and checking the dates on the tombstone but don't want to risk losing what I've typed so far.
One last thing...where did Thomas and his girls live in relation to Mary and the farm? Sometimes it seemed like quite the journey to go into town for a visit which is why Mary and William would often stay with Thomas and his family but on another trip into town it seems as if he was practically in shouting distance. I'm truly amazed at the speed of the Postal Service back then (see previous comment regarding dates).
Okay I lied...I have another question. When Mary was out checking on her neighbors the woman and her husband that died from Typhoid Fever were basically an afterthought. However when Mary was trying to aid the woman she referred to her as a best or closest friend...did I miss something?
Anyhoo, not a terrible read just a letdown from what I was hoping for.
February 9, 2018
I'm surprised by all the five-star reviews this book received. There was not much of the book that I liked or found believable. The lead female charcter, Mary, is a miserable, whiny pain in the ass who thinks far too highly of herself. The other characters are at least likeable, although a bit irritating at times. One thing that I found confusing...how far was it from their farm to town? In one instance it's so far that they stay over at least a night or two to make the journey worth while, but later we are told that they will live on the farm and commute each day to town. Huh?? The dialogue induced many eye-rolls with it's ridiculousness. No one speaks that way, not even during the Civil War. I won't be reading any more by this author. Just not my cup of tea.
November 1, 2017
Emotional , beautifully written.
The twists and turns kept me involved and anticipating what was about to happen.
I found myself laughing and crying with the characters. The history was well displayed within the story as well
as being intertwined with the characters' lives.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read historical novels with a believable story line
around the lives of real human beings and all their raw emotions set before their eyes.
The twists and turns kept me involved and anticipating what was about to happen.
I found myself laughing and crying with the characters. The history was well displayed within the story as well
as being intertwined with the characters' lives.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read historical novels with a believable story line
around the lives of real human beings and all their raw emotions set before their eyes.
January 20, 2018
For readers that loved Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale here is another book that is just as intense and beautifully written. A historical fiction that is set during the Civil War. Packed with depth, emotion, and meaning, I give it 5 stars!!!
The writing style was warm and welcoming. Perfectly capturing the dialect of olden days, I felt as if I knew the characters and was in the story.
The first half of the book is slow. At first I wanted it to be faster paced although looking back it would have been a disservice to the reader. With the author drawing out the beginning it emphasizes that grief takes time to heal and sometimes it never truly goes away, it just lessens.
The last 25% of the book is a whirlwind with unexpected twists and turns. There are some great take aways from this book. I found peace and comfort in many quotes.
The writing style was warm and welcoming. Perfectly capturing the dialect of olden days, I felt as if I knew the characters and was in the story.
The first half of the book is slow. At first I wanted it to be faster paced although looking back it would have been a disservice to the reader. With the author drawing out the beginning it emphasizes that grief takes time to heal and sometimes it never truly goes away, it just lessens.
The last 25% of the book is a whirlwind with unexpected twists and turns. There are some great take aways from this book. I found peace and comfort in many quotes.
August 28, 2024
good read without all the explicatives
Loved the plot and characters. This book reminded me of some of my books in that the characters must overcome hardships we can’t imagine. This was clean reading, which is so rare and wonderful to find. I’ll def be reading more by Johnson!
Loved the plot and characters. This book reminded me of some of my books in that the characters must overcome hardships we can’t imagine. This was clean reading, which is so rare and wonderful to find. I’ll def be reading more by Johnson!
July 15, 2017
Spiritually inspiring..
This book took me on a personal journey. Mary had suffered many losses but still had to come to grips with having to get up everyday to live as God intended us to do. Through her pain, she was able to help did many people. Anyone should be able to relate to the people in this book like John, Thomas and William. Their ability to love and help others is what healed them. This helped me in my life. I have lost many close relatives and have felt as Mary, when she went to Bitter Hill. The pain of loss is so heartbreaking at times you front know what to do and at times are angry with God. But then you get up the next day and realize God has a purpose for everything. I really enjoyed this book.
This book took me on a personal journey. Mary had suffered many losses but still had to come to grips with having to get up everyday to live as God intended us to do. Through her pain, she was able to help did many people. Anyone should be able to relate to the people in this book like John, Thomas and William. Their ability to love and help others is what healed them. This helped me in my life. I have lost many close relatives and have felt as Mary, when she went to Bitter Hill. The pain of loss is so heartbreaking at times you front know what to do and at times are angry with God. But then you get up the next day and realize God has a purpose for everything. I really enjoyed this book.
June 13, 2018
I thought the characters behaved uncharacteristically for the time the book was set in. The ending was unsatisfying, the dialog was stilted and the prose was terrible. I would have stopped reading it at 10% through, but I had to finish it for a book club.
Content warning: casual adultery, fairly frequent mention of sexualized body parts, marital sex (not a lot of detail).
Content warning: casual adultery, fairly frequent mention of sexualized body parts, marital sex (not a lot of detail).
December 16, 2017
From the description, I was really interested (historical fiction plus forbidden romance!), but in practice, I felt the book fell a little short of my expectations. The writing was a little awkward and the pace was very slow. The characters felt a little flat and didn't have the personality to really grip me in their story. I ended up putting it down a lot before I gave up on reading it. Since I was unable to finish I'm giving it an extra star. Please note that I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway. All opinions are my own.
October 19, 2017
Characters just didn't develop.
I did not finish this book because the characters were not realistic, nor was the writing. The conversations between people contained way to much unneeded reference to other times in a way that people just wouldn't do. Just couldn't get into it.
I did not finish this book because the characters were not realistic, nor was the writing. The conversations between people contained way to much unneeded reference to other times in a way that people just wouldn't do. Just couldn't get into it.
October 22, 2017
Absolutely excellent book! If you appreciate historical fiction, especially set amid the Civil War, "The Woodcutter's Wife" is a must. Mary Elizabeth Thomson is not a woman to be tangled with -- using her hands as a weapon, she killed a bear! (I'm a wildlife lover, but in this case, the bear really was planning to dine on her for dinner.) Such are the risks for a young woman who works alongside her husband, chopping wood in the forest and building chairs to be sold in the nearby city of Chattanooga, Tennessee.
I attended high school and college in East Tennessee, so it was really interesting seeing Chattanooga's Civil War history play out on the pages of this book. There weren't a lot of battle scenes, but the author presents a look at daily life for those surrounded by it perils. For Mary and her husband (William), this included troops passing by their farm and wanting to know why William had not joined up.
He had his personal opinions about the war, but was also concerned about leaving Mary behind. Yes, she was a strong and spirited woman, but also battled melancholy, which would be called depression today. The reasons could be found atop a place the couple called Bitter Hill, where they had buried four infants that died before their first birthdays. And while Mary was an able and hardworking woman, William also worried about her being left to operate their farm without any help.
When William suddenly disappears, Mary suspects he's been kidnapped by troops and forced into battle. Of course, she's devastated, as she and William were passionately in love. She is also faced with many challenges and threats, out on a farm all by herself, but an angel shows up in the form of a free slave named John. He has plenty of battle scars, some from once being an owned slave and some from having served in the Union army. Now, John just wants safety and peace, and wandered onto Mary's farm. He needs to work and she sure needs the help, so John becomes her right arm in tending the land, but he also becomes her dear friend. John is truly a wise soul and I think will prove to be one of the most memorable characters I've ever encountered.
Other characters are woven into the story, including two young boys left to fend for themselves and William's best friend, a widower, and his three daughters. As their lives unite and blend, Mary experiences a range of emotions (that I think the author handled very honestly),
but a shocking surprise awaits them all, one that shows us more than just a single form of sacrifice. I won't say what alters the course of more than one path, but the reader is given a very vivid look at how the Civil War impacted people and changed their lives forever, those who actually saw the battlefield and those who didn't.
Definitely a five star read!
I attended high school and college in East Tennessee, so it was really interesting seeing Chattanooga's Civil War history play out on the pages of this book. There weren't a lot of battle scenes, but the author presents a look at daily life for those surrounded by it perils. For Mary and her husband (William), this included troops passing by their farm and wanting to know why William had not joined up.
He had his personal opinions about the war, but was also concerned about leaving Mary behind. Yes, she was a strong and spirited woman, but also battled melancholy, which would be called depression today. The reasons could be found atop a place the couple called Bitter Hill, where they had buried four infants that died before their first birthdays. And while Mary was an able and hardworking woman, William also worried about her being left to operate their farm without any help.
When William suddenly disappears, Mary suspects he's been kidnapped by troops and forced into battle. Of course, she's devastated, as she and William were passionately in love. She is also faced with many challenges and threats, out on a farm all by herself, but an angel shows up in the form of a free slave named John. He has plenty of battle scars, some from once being an owned slave and some from having served in the Union army. Now, John just wants safety and peace, and wandered onto Mary's farm. He needs to work and she sure needs the help, so John becomes her right arm in tending the land, but he also becomes her dear friend. John is truly a wise soul and I think will prove to be one of the most memorable characters I've ever encountered.
Other characters are woven into the story, including two young boys left to fend for themselves and William's best friend, a widower, and his three daughters. As their lives unite and blend, Mary experiences a range of emotions (that I think the author handled very honestly),
but a shocking surprise awaits them all, one that shows us more than just a single form of sacrifice. I won't say what alters the course of more than one path, but the reader is given a very vivid look at how the Civil War impacted people and changed their lives forever, those who actually saw the battlefield and those who didn't.
Definitely a five star read!
July 3, 2017
I was really attracted to read The Woodcutter’s Wife as I’m a big fan of historic fiction and the fact that this novel is set during the America Civil War really appealed to me. Also I love the cover!
The Woodcutter’s Wife tells the story of Mary Thompson who is married to William, a woodcutter. Hence she earns the nickname of the Woodcutter’s Wife. Mary is a modern woman; working alongside her husband, spirited and independent. She even appears to be a bit of a super woman, beautiful and known for killing a bear. However Mary has her own personal tragedy that she struggles to come to terms with.
Then as the Civil War intensifies, more tragedy comes to Mary’s door as William mysteriously goes missing.
This is a novel that had all the elements of a fantastic plot and one I thought would truly stir my emotions. For example, through the character of John the subject of the slave trade is explored.
However I’m sorry to say that I found The Woodcutter’s Wife a disappointment. For me throughout the whole novel there was something missing; I found it flat and lacked dramatic tension. All the characters had so much potential but I felt they didn’t have any real depth to them. Also in my opinion they were all too righteous, hence making them one-dimensional and if I’m honest, boring.
There is no denying that Mary is dogged by tragedy. Yet I couldn’t help feeling that the tragedies were all very convenient to keep the story moving. They were also pretty predictable and it was easy to work out the ending.
I did consider giving up on this novel. However I’m glad I didn’t as the story does get better towards the end and I actually found myself slightly investing in the characters. For example, I was slightly on edge at one point, but on the whole, The Woodcutter’s Wife was all too predictable for me unfortunately.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kindle Press for sending me a proof copy in exchange for my honest review.
The Woodcutter’s Wife tells the story of Mary Thompson who is married to William, a woodcutter. Hence she earns the nickname of the Woodcutter’s Wife. Mary is a modern woman; working alongside her husband, spirited and independent. She even appears to be a bit of a super woman, beautiful and known for killing a bear. However Mary has her own personal tragedy that she struggles to come to terms with.
Then as the Civil War intensifies, more tragedy comes to Mary’s door as William mysteriously goes missing.
This is a novel that had all the elements of a fantastic plot and one I thought would truly stir my emotions. For example, through the character of John the subject of the slave trade is explored.
However I’m sorry to say that I found The Woodcutter’s Wife a disappointment. For me throughout the whole novel there was something missing; I found it flat and lacked dramatic tension. All the characters had so much potential but I felt they didn’t have any real depth to them. Also in my opinion they were all too righteous, hence making them one-dimensional and if I’m honest, boring.
There is no denying that Mary is dogged by tragedy. Yet I couldn’t help feeling that the tragedies were all very convenient to keep the story moving. They were also pretty predictable and it was easy to work out the ending.
I did consider giving up on this novel. However I’m glad I didn’t as the story does get better towards the end and I actually found myself slightly investing in the characters. For example, I was slightly on edge at one point, but on the whole, The Woodcutter’s Wife was all too predictable for me unfortunately.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kindle Press for sending me a proof copy in exchange for my honest review.
February 16, 2018
The Woodcutter’s Wife is by David Johnson. It is a historical fiction that takes place near Chattanooga, Tennessee during the Civil War. This area was split between the North and South and both sides at one time or another held Chattanooga. Many settlers here had to make a decision whether to fight for the North or South. William Thomson said if it came to it, he would fight for the South because he disliked the Federal interference in their lives. He did not condone slavery. His best friend Thomas Henry who ran the general store said he would support whichever side was in control of the city. He hoped his store would survive and his three young daughters would be fine. He has made Mary promise to take care of the girls if anything happens to him. William had made Thomas promise to take care of Mary and marry her if he didn’t return, if he left.
William Thomson and his wife Mary live on a farm outside of Chattanooga. Along with his farm, William cuts firewood to sell and makes chairs which Mary canes the seats. It is a rough life but they are making it and are very much in love. Mary feels she is cursed because of the loss of four children. William, however, feels blessed he still has Mary. William is kidnapped by Confederate soldiers who wanted him to help identify the highest places around Chattanooga so they would ambush the Northern soldiers who were there. It wasn’t until he was threatened to be shackled to a tree and left to die that he joined the army. Meanwhile, Mary has no idea where he is nor what happened to him. Now she has to care for the farm all on her own. She intends to have it in fair shape at least when William returns. She believes he will return.
How will the Civil War affect Mary and her friends and family? Will William return? How will Mary survive on the farm by herself?
The book is very interesting and is very hard to put down once you get into it.
William Thomson and his wife Mary live on a farm outside of Chattanooga. Along with his farm, William cuts firewood to sell and makes chairs which Mary canes the seats. It is a rough life but they are making it and are very much in love. Mary feels she is cursed because of the loss of four children. William, however, feels blessed he still has Mary. William is kidnapped by Confederate soldiers who wanted him to help identify the highest places around Chattanooga so they would ambush the Northern soldiers who were there. It wasn’t until he was threatened to be shackled to a tree and left to die that he joined the army. Meanwhile, Mary has no idea where he is nor what happened to him. Now she has to care for the farm all on her own. She intends to have it in fair shape at least when William returns. She believes he will return.
How will the Civil War affect Mary and her friends and family? Will William return? How will Mary survive on the farm by herself?
The book is very interesting and is very hard to put down once you get into it.
April 7, 2024
This was an enjoyable read even though the ending, with 2 deaths (I won't tell who), felt a bit too contrived. Depression made a couple of the characters almost unlikeable, but that is how it sometimes is with depression, right? The dramatic appearance of two orphans literally falling down out of the sky or trees and the drama-filled scene with lightning, a near suicide, and the lessons to be found in a Chestnut tree--well, a bit too much. Numbers were haphazard. A letter written on August 1, 1865 was answered on August 3, 1864? A letter written on Feb. 14, 1863, was answered on Feb. 16 and received on Feb. 2, 1863? A Feb. 14 proposal was to lead to a marriage and a house to be completed for the couple by April 19, and this before power saws and nail guns? Still, as historical fiction, we follow lots of fast paced action and facts from the Civil War around Chatanooga and the U.S. A strong female character was nice though a little too strong for her own good. The men were almost nicer than you'd expect...until some of them weren't. The dialogue between the married couple could be a little sappier than you'd expect, too. Though I am complaining quite a bit, again, many of the characters were likeable, the plot faster than a runaway wagon (after a plodding first few chapters), and some good morals to the story.
The best part might have been the African proverbs by the once-slave John, who remembers his capture in Africa. Here's a sampling: "Rain does not fall on one roof alone." "One falsehood spoils a thousand truths." "Don't set sail using someone else's star." "Ears that do not listen to advice accompany the head when it is chopped off." "If there is character, ugliness becomes beauty. If there is no character, beauty becomes ugliness."
The best part might have been the African proverbs by the once-slave John, who remembers his capture in Africa. Here's a sampling: "Rain does not fall on one roof alone." "One falsehood spoils a thousand truths." "Don't set sail using someone else's star." "Ears that do not listen to advice accompany the head when it is chopped off." "If there is character, ugliness becomes beauty. If there is no character, beauty becomes ugliness."
November 1, 2017
I was horribly disappointed. This book was over-dramatized and the dialogue was ridiculous. I couldn't wait for it to be over. The whole things was full of "convenient" meetings and instances and improbabilities.
The book starts in late 1862. Her husband disappears in 1863 and she can't wait until 1865 to see if he is alive? This is the love of her life who she can't imagine living without and wants to die because he is missing, but feels like she has to get over him and marry this other guy, whose wife has apparently been dead for quite some time. Really? Everyone knew that communication, particularly in the South, was next to impossible.
On one hand the author makes it sound like the shopkeeper and his children just hopped in the buggy and brought dinner to the family from their store in town. The next time going to town is mentioned it is an all day affair and she has to stay overnight to be with the children. So, was it close or was it an all day trek?
The whole while she is obviously a manic depressive and mourning the deaths of her children.
The likelihood of living that close to a town and not having someone discover a freed slave, in the south, and turning them in for living on the property with a lone white woman is next to impossible. Didn't happen. Everyone was looking for a reason to blame slaves and ex-slaves for the war.
I'm not even going to go into the whole log-splitting and bear killing parts. Or the ridiculous ending when her husband really does die.
I finished it because I wanted it to get better, but it didn't.
The book starts in late 1862. Her husband disappears in 1863 and she can't wait until 1865 to see if he is alive? This is the love of her life who she can't imagine living without and wants to die because he is missing, but feels like she has to get over him and marry this other guy, whose wife has apparently been dead for quite some time. Really? Everyone knew that communication, particularly in the South, was next to impossible.
On one hand the author makes it sound like the shopkeeper and his children just hopped in the buggy and brought dinner to the family from their store in town. The next time going to town is mentioned it is an all day affair and she has to stay overnight to be with the children. So, was it close or was it an all day trek?
The whole while she is obviously a manic depressive and mourning the deaths of her children.
The likelihood of living that close to a town and not having someone discover a freed slave, in the south, and turning them in for living on the property with a lone white woman is next to impossible. Didn't happen. Everyone was looking for a reason to blame slaves and ex-slaves for the war.
I'm not even going to go into the whole log-splitting and bear killing parts. Or the ridiculous ending when her husband really does die.
I finished it because I wanted it to get better, but it didn't.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2018
This talented and brilliant author David Johnson is such an amazing man and especially in today's political climate and unrest I would definitely vote for him to be president of the United States. His values and ethics and understanding of tolerance, diversity, family, love, honor, respect, friendship and hard work are always overwhelming in the best possible of ways in the characters he creates in his books. This book, The Woodcutter's Wife is no exception. Mary, the Woodcutter’s Wife is an extremely strong woman facing hard times managing their farm alone when her husband William is kidnapped by the Confederates and forced into war. She is still grief stricken over losing not one but four babies at birth or just after. An amazing man happens along, a slave named John, who escaped his imprisoned life and becomes her lifelong friend, family, confidante and source of wisdom while her husband is missing and eventually presumed dead. The author is brilliant in adding other characters to the story which proved to enhance and add to the beauty and truth of this powerful story of love and loyalty, and family no matter how it is created. This book will overwhelm you in the best possible of ways as you follow Mary and John, along with two abandoned boys who find their way to Mary and John. William and Mary's best friend Thomas and his three daughters are powerfully blended with them through a life of struggle, friendship, hope, fear and sacrifice beyond measure. Thank you President David Johnson.
March 30, 2018
I loved the strong central character and her own growth arc. The secondary characters, too, are fairly well developed, particularly John. The story clipped along so I had trouble putting the book down (in fact, I stayed up long into the night for two nights in a row to finish the book). With clear and concise writing, nothing got between the reader and the story. Despite the backdrop of the US Civil War, the actual events of the war were very minor episodes in the story; virtually non-existent. It was actually refreshing to read a book that focused on the folks left at home that demonized neither side, but showed the impact of that war on struggling communities, rending the traditions and norms that kept human interactions intact. All those are strengths and I would recommend the book on their weight. However, I found the plot of the human dramas very predictable. I would have appreciated some elements that were more ambiguous or slightly surprising. While some stereotypes were challenged, the book was not transformative either by its novelty or its writing, so I gave it just 4 stars. Still a good read.
January 15, 2018
Wonderful book.
I really don't know where to start when describing this book. It is set in Tennessee during the American civil war but is so much more than that. The heroine is a woman called Mary ( the woodcutters wife) who lives with her husband on a farm where they work together to make a living. Mary is a loving, tough and hard working woman who struggles to keep the farm going alone when her husband is abducted to fight in the Southern army.
There is much more to this book and you will meet some wonderful well portrayed characters and wonder why man still makes war when it causes so much suffering.
Any one wanting to read about a strong but caring woman should read this book and realise that there are woman just like Mary in war zones everywhere even today.
I have not read anything by this author before but definitely recommend it.
I really don't know where to start when describing this book. It is set in Tennessee during the American civil war but is so much more than that. The heroine is a woman called Mary ( the woodcutters wife) who lives with her husband on a farm where they work together to make a living. Mary is a loving, tough and hard working woman who struggles to keep the farm going alone when her husband is abducted to fight in the Southern army.
There is much more to this book and you will meet some wonderful well portrayed characters and wonder why man still makes war when it causes so much suffering.
Any one wanting to read about a strong but caring woman should read this book and realise that there are woman just like Mary in war zones everywhere even today.
I have not read anything by this author before but definitely recommend it.
October 19, 2022
The setting of the story is rural south America during the Civil War. Mary is the protagonist, who is an amazing woman, working side by side her husband on their small farm. She can do just about anything - cut trees down, plant crops, cook, clean, and defend herself even from a bear who attacks her. Mary is devoted to her husband, William, and is forlorn that she has not been able to successfully mother any children. She has birthed four children, all who died within a year of life. This sadness envelopes her at times that she calls her "melancholy". The story is historical fiction, but the author never mentions any real hardships the family endures. There is plenty of food and Mary and William make frequent trips into town to visit the store, where the widowed owner (wife had been Mary's best friend) lives with his four young daughters, who embrace Mary as their mother. Then William is kidnapped by a group of enlisted men, and is gone so long that he is presumed dead. That's when Mary develops a romance with the store owner. Eventually she is helped on the farm by a freed black slave who provides much needed support. There are two young boys who need Mary and are embraced to live at the farm with Mary. All of this points to an interesting story and that is the saving grace of the book. It is not particularly well written, but does tell a tale.
February 26, 2020
My cheeks are still wet with tears.
What an incredible book! What an incredible author! I’ve read all his other books and loved every one of them. I bought this book long ago and it got buried in with all my other kindle books. I came across it a couple of days ago and decided not to wait any longer. I just now finished it and the tears are still flowing. You absolutely couldn’t help but fall in love with a John the free slave that showed up at Mary’s house one day. You love him from the moment he arrives until the end. I made a connection with every character but John left a mark on my heart. I don’t write reviews often, usually only when a book really leaves an impression on me and this one certainly did.
What an incredible book! What an incredible author! I’ve read all his other books and loved every one of them. I bought this book long ago and it got buried in with all my other kindle books. I came across it a couple of days ago and decided not to wait any longer. I just now finished it and the tears are still flowing. You absolutely couldn’t help but fall in love with a John the free slave that showed up at Mary’s house one day. You love him from the moment he arrives until the end. I made a connection with every character but John left a mark on my heart. I don’t write reviews often, usually only when a book really leaves an impression on me and this one certainly did.
April 21, 2022
Enthralling Civil War era story
Mary & William had lost all of their babies in infancy. The Civil War was in progress. William refused to take sides but was kidnapped and forced to fight. This started a series of events that changed the lives of many. I got so into Mary's life of survival that I forgot I was only a reader!
There are quite a few syntac errors that need to be corrected. Also the words that John spoke did not seem realistic. They were odd for his character. John wasn't an educated man, so he wouldn't have used sophisticated words.
John was my favorite person in the book. He had a forgiving spirit, was so wise, and made everyone be a better version of themselves.
I recommend this book! I enjoyed it!
Mary & William had lost all of their babies in infancy. The Civil War was in progress. William refused to take sides but was kidnapped and forced to fight. This started a series of events that changed the lives of many. I got so into Mary's life of survival that I forgot I was only a reader!
There are quite a few syntac errors that need to be corrected. Also the words that John spoke did not seem realistic. They were odd for his character. John wasn't an educated man, so he wouldn't have used sophisticated words.
John was my favorite person in the book. He had a forgiving spirit, was so wise, and made everyone be a better version of themselves.
I recommend this book! I enjoyed it!
February 4, 2025
Predictable but in a good way ... heartwarming story about how the Civil War impacted families, towns and cities, soldiers, farmers, merchants, Negroes, children and more.
Well-researched and highly plausible, a love story between friends, spouses, children and the country they each were both indebted to for their livelihood and the land that continued giving back, in spite of everything that was happening around them.
I particularly enjoyed reading about a strong feminine character, as she worked through several layers of grief without letting any of them get in her way of not only becoming who she was meant to be but also to find an abiding love of many kinds in the midst of death and turmoil.
Fast read but impactful all the same. Recommend.
Well-researched and highly plausible, a love story between friends, spouses, children and the country they each were both indebted to for their livelihood and the land that continued giving back, in spite of everything that was happening around them.
I particularly enjoyed reading about a strong feminine character, as she worked through several layers of grief without letting any of them get in her way of not only becoming who she was meant to be but also to find an abiding love of many kinds in the midst of death and turmoil.
Fast read but impactful all the same. Recommend.
July 4, 2025
This book was not heartbreaking, heartwarming or mesmerizing as others have described. It was okay - a little too long…unnecessarily long, actually. I felt like the author realized how close he was to 500 pages and decided to abruptly end the story in a neat little package. What a convenient ending.
Others have questioned discrepancies in the writing: were they close to town or far away? Upon meeting Thomas, Frank said “I don’t like him”…umm…okay… there was no reason for his statement and it was never explained or elaborated on later.
This was the second book I’ve read by this author. This one is slightly better than the first. I’m not sure if I’ll read any more of his books or not.
Just ⭐️⭐️ for The Woodcutter’s Wife.
Others have questioned discrepancies in the writing: were they close to town or far away? Upon meeting Thomas, Frank said “I don’t like him”…umm…okay… there was no reason for his statement and it was never explained or elaborated on later.
This was the second book I’ve read by this author. This one is slightly better than the first. I’m not sure if I’ll read any more of his books or not.
Just ⭐️⭐️ for The Woodcutter’s Wife.
October 17, 2017
Great depth of character developed into a compelling story
We know a lot about the battles of the civil war but not so much of the desperation of the farmers and merchants who lived through it. Very few stories except maybe GONE WITH THE WIND explore the emotional complexities of color, class, and the ambivalence of southerners who were not slave owners but who were swept up in a war they didn't want. So many kinds of love are called into play, woven together through g a story that is never predictable. Interesting how hardship can create whole new family ties and character can trump.social norms.
We know a lot about the battles of the civil war but not so much of the desperation of the farmers and merchants who lived through it. Very few stories except maybe GONE WITH THE WIND explore the emotional complexities of color, class, and the ambivalence of southerners who were not slave owners but who were swept up in a war they didn't want. So many kinds of love are called into play, woven together through g a story that is never predictable. Interesting how hardship can create whole new family ties and character can trump.social norms.
January 5, 2018
4.5 stars. I relished David Johnson's character development of Mary Thompson in The Woodcuter's Wife. Fiercely independent and strong, yet vulnerable and at times self-doubting, Mary struggles with more than just the work of a farm wife in Tennessee during the 1860s. Yes, Mary kills a bear - with her axe!
My vocabulary grew by at least two concepts during this book. 1.) I learned about this woodcutter's tool: a froe. 2.) I learned how Mary uses a lunar caustic for first aid.
As the book progresses, the reader can see why so many people flock to Mary, as she perseveres to do what is right, and what is best for her family and those she loves.
My vocabulary grew by at least two concepts during this book. 1.) I learned about this woodcutter's tool: a froe. 2.) I learned how Mary uses a lunar caustic for first aid.
As the book progresses, the reader can see why so many people flock to Mary, as she perseveres to do what is right, and what is best for her family and those she loves.
July 13, 2019
As always, I have to state that this book was given to me for free in exchange for a review.
I always like to state that this does not impact my review or my opinion of the book. My reviews are honest and my own opinion of the story, performance, and overall thoughts on the book.
This book was an interesting focal point of the civil war and times. It has some twists that kept coming through the last page and is about surviving.
You will experience a lot of emotions with this story, so get the tissues out.
The storyline was really unrealistic, predictable, and the characters were just really boring and shallow.
I always like to state that this does not impact my review or my opinion of the book. My reviews are honest and my own opinion of the story, performance, and overall thoughts on the book.
This book was an interesting focal point of the civil war and times. It has some twists that kept coming through the last page and is about surviving.
You will experience a lot of emotions with this story, so get the tissues out.
The storyline was really unrealistic, predictable, and the characters were just really boring and shallow.
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