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Finding Home #1
Bending Willow
1939051207
An alternate cover (I forgot to attache it)
An alternate cover (I forgot to attache it)
Unknown Binding
First published June 1, 2013
3 people are currently reading
668 people want to read
About the author
Jacci Turner
21 books135 followersTumbled People: Deconstructing and Reconstructing your faith is selling well. If you're going through a time of faith discouragement, for instance leaving the evangelical world because of their alignment with power and privilege, instead of the poor and marginalized. You might find solace and hope in this book.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 6, 2020
A heartwarming middle grade story of two orphans struggling to find their family. The hardships they encounter are difficult but they manage to overcome them in their long journey.
When Riley discovers her dead grandmother one morning, she knows that it is time to leave Nevada with her younger sister Mia. Riley has cared for the little girl since their mother died and now she wants to find her father, who lives in Idaho and doesn’t even know she exists. Riley realizes that they must be very careful so that they aren’t discovered and brought back to the children’s shelter where they once lived. They meet some unsavory characters on their journey, but never give up hope. Will their father even want them or will he send them back to Nevada??
I loved this EBook that I won from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review. The courage and determination of the two sisters make it easy to like these characters and support them in their journey. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series to see what happens to Riley and Mia. Their bond is unbreakable.
When Riley discovers her dead grandmother one morning, she knows that it is time to leave Nevada with her younger sister Mia. Riley has cared for the little girl since their mother died and now she wants to find her father, who lives in Idaho and doesn’t even know she exists. Riley realizes that they must be very careful so that they aren’t discovered and brought back to the children’s shelter where they once lived. They meet some unsavory characters on their journey, but never give up hope. Will their father even want them or will he send them back to Nevada??
I loved this EBook that I won from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review. The courage and determination of the two sisters make it easy to like these characters and support them in their journey. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series to see what happens to Riley and Mia. Their bond is unbreakable.
November 27, 2017
I don’t usually read middle grade books, but this one was adorable! It was simple and sweet, and had a bunch of action and a level-headed protagonist. I cried twice! I would highly recommend this book to any kid or adult who doesn’t mind a simple story with a feel-good ending. It was kind of like watching a Hallmark movie.
It's a super quick read (the only reason it took me so long to read was that I put it down so I could sleep one night and just picked it up today).
It's a super quick read (the only reason it took me so long to read was that I put it down so I could sleep one night and just picked it up today).
May 31, 2020
Wild Ride.
Riley & Mia! Oh, what brave and trusting little girls!! They have had a tough life and when the grandma who didn't want them dies, instead of going back into the system, they go on a wild adventure to find the father they never knew. So a lot of the things they experience on their way to Idaho from Nevada are things you never want your young children to experience. Many times I found myself yelling, "Don't do that!" But when a kind, old, deaf man gets them to their final destination, a new journey begins. As a mother, my heart went out to these two the entire book and had me in tears the last two chapters! Great quick read filled with adventure and emotion.
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
Riley & Mia! Oh, what brave and trusting little girls!! They have had a tough life and when the grandma who didn't want them dies, instead of going back into the system, they go on a wild adventure to find the father they never knew. So a lot of the things they experience on their way to Idaho from Nevada are things you never want your young children to experience. Many times I found myself yelling, "Don't do that!" But when a kind, old, deaf man gets them to their final destination, a new journey begins. As a mother, my heart went out to these two the entire book and had me in tears the last two chapters! Great quick read filled with adventure and emotion.
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
May 29, 2020
Great storyline with wholesome read
This book was a refreshing wholesome read with a great storyline. I love finding books that I can recommend to my younger friends without feeling guilty for recommending smut. And this story delivers that! Sometimes the storyline can be flat or just plain depressing, but this story, although hardship was definitely an obstacle, kept a positive storyline and great suspense along the way. The characters have spark and personality and the ending was solid and positive. Note to editor: I found a handful of grammar errors, a couple very blatant (like anyone one). Overall loved the book and look forward to reading more and recommending this to others.
This book was a refreshing wholesome read with a great storyline. I love finding books that I can recommend to my younger friends without feeling guilty for recommending smut. And this story delivers that! Sometimes the storyline can be flat or just plain depressing, but this story, although hardship was definitely an obstacle, kept a positive storyline and great suspense along the way. The characters have spark and personality and the ending was solid and positive. Note to editor: I found a handful of grammar errors, a couple very blatant (like anyone one). Overall loved the book and look forward to reading more and recommending this to others.
June 1, 2020
I won this kindle book in a Goodreads giveaway.
This was a book full of adventures of all kinds for two sisters seeking the older girl's biological father. I look forward to reading their upcoming adventures.
This was a book full of adventures of all kinds for two sisters seeking the older girl's biological father. I look forward to reading their upcoming adventures.
May 27, 2020
I loved it. I was not ready for the book to end. great book.
January 12, 2018
What a sweet book about Riley and her little sister. This
is a young adult novel. Riley finds her grandmother who cares for them dead so she and Mia
set out to find their dad. I loved this book what courage
and suspense. But the end left me without answers
to the fate of these girls. I received this book as a ARC
from Goodreads.
is a young adult novel. Riley finds her grandmother who cares for them dead so she and Mia
set out to find their dad. I loved this book what courage
and suspense. But the end left me without answers
to the fate of these girls. I received this book as a ARC
from Goodreads.
January 12, 2015
This Book held me captured from start to finish. I couldn't put it down once I started. I finished it in about an hour, and was still in shock afterwards. The ending is such a cliff hanger that we are left wondering what happens next to these 2 amazing little girls. All sort of scenarios entered my head. I couldn't believe that the book was finished. I kept trying to swipe to the next page only there was no next page. (The author later emailed me and told me that there are 2 other books out following this one, so that made it all better. And yes I did download those 2!)
We go on this scary, amazing, journey with Riley and her younger sister, Mia. We follow them as they make their way to find Riley's father. Both girls were left alone once their grandmother died and instead of waiting to go back to the state home, they decided to head out together. With just 2 back packs filled with, 2 peanut butter sandwiches each, 2 bottled of water, 3 things of pop tarts, 2 change of clothes, 1extra pair of shoes, tooth brushes, paste, a hair brush, and 7 dollars, and some change. Oh and a bag Lemon Head candy. That was all these girls took. We follow them as they stowaway in a bus, and experience something they never knew about in a community setting. There they meet River who help them on their way up to Idaho. After a scary experience with a truck driver, the girls end up at their Nana's house. And Nana wasn't letting them go, but that didn't mean that Blaine, Riley's dad wanted them or even her.
This book will leave you on the edge of your seat and have your heart hurting. Riley is such an amazing character. She stays strong for her sister, making sure she was taken care of. The strength in that one girl makes all other heroines seem so small. I fell in love with these 2 little girls, and trust me you will too.
Follow their journey. Feel their pain and fear. But most of all Find their Hope. Because in the end there isn't nothing stronger than a child's hope.
We go on this scary, amazing, journey with Riley and her younger sister, Mia. We follow them as they make their way to find Riley's father. Both girls were left alone once their grandmother died and instead of waiting to go back to the state home, they decided to head out together. With just 2 back packs filled with, 2 peanut butter sandwiches each, 2 bottled of water, 3 things of pop tarts, 2 change of clothes, 1extra pair of shoes, tooth brushes, paste, a hair brush, and 7 dollars, and some change. Oh and a bag Lemon Head candy. That was all these girls took. We follow them as they stowaway in a bus, and experience something they never knew about in a community setting. There they meet River who help them on their way up to Idaho. After a scary experience with a truck driver, the girls end up at their Nana's house. And Nana wasn't letting them go, but that didn't mean that Blaine, Riley's dad wanted them or even her.
This book will leave you on the edge of your seat and have your heart hurting. Riley is such an amazing character. She stays strong for her sister, making sure she was taken care of. The strength in that one girl makes all other heroines seem so small. I fell in love with these 2 little girls, and trust me you will too.
Follow their journey. Feel their pain and fear. But most of all Find their Hope. Because in the end there isn't nothing stronger than a child's hope.
January 18, 2015
This YA book will have you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next. And be ready to want to read the second part of this 3-part story as soon as you put this one down.
When we first meet Riley and her little sister, Mia, we quickly realize they’ve had a hard life that’s recently gotten harder. Products of a blended family, they were orphaned and have been living with a grandmother whose lifestyle and economic means are not suited to raising two young girls.
The sudden death of their grandmother causes Riley to take matters into her own hands, and she and Mia set out on their own to search for the father Riley has never met, with only the address on an old letter to guide them. They have some interesting adventures and you’ll have to read the book to find out where they end up!
This book takes place in Nevada and other parts of what this life-long New Yorker considers “the west.” I found it interesting to see some places I’ve never set foot in through the eyes of Riley and the books author, Jacci Turner. Jacci lives in Nevada and has written 2 more books in the “Finding Home” series, plus several other books as well. I’m looking forward to checking them out.
Note: I received a paperback copy of Bending Willow for free as part of a giveaway from IndieBooksBeSeen.com, with the expectation that I would write an honest review. I love supporting Indie authors, as I hope to be one myself someday.
When we first meet Riley and her little sister, Mia, we quickly realize they’ve had a hard life that’s recently gotten harder. Products of a blended family, they were orphaned and have been living with a grandmother whose lifestyle and economic means are not suited to raising two young girls.
The sudden death of their grandmother causes Riley to take matters into her own hands, and she and Mia set out on their own to search for the father Riley has never met, with only the address on an old letter to guide them. They have some interesting adventures and you’ll have to read the book to find out where they end up!
This book takes place in Nevada and other parts of what this life-long New Yorker considers “the west.” I found it interesting to see some places I’ve never set foot in through the eyes of Riley and the books author, Jacci Turner. Jacci lives in Nevada and has written 2 more books in the “Finding Home” series, plus several other books as well. I’m looking forward to checking them out.
Note: I received a paperback copy of Bending Willow for free as part of a giveaway from IndieBooksBeSeen.com, with the expectation that I would write an honest review. I love supporting Indie authors, as I hope to be one myself someday.
July 3, 2017
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Bending Willow
Author: Jacci Turner
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 26
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 9/10
Of the 26 readers:
25 would read another book by this author.
24 thought the covers were good or excellent.
13 thought the characters were the best.
25 would recommend them to another reader to try.
2 felt it was a little slow in parts.
3 (all teachers) felt the language was age-appropriate.
Readers’ Comments
‘I liked this story so much. It was exciting and sad in parts too. I read it over two days. I will try to find other books by this author.’ Girl, aged 12
‘This is a good story to show children in England that not all children are home safe with mum and dad. It’s not very long but that’s okay. Lots happen and I enjoyed it right to the end. Riley is a fantastic character.’ Boy, aged 13
‘Engaging characters and dealing with many important themes. I’d welcome this in the school library.’ Primary teacher, aged 51
‘I’m going to read all the books by this author.’ Girl, aged 12
‘Sad and happy too in parts. I have a lot of respect for the two characters and what they went through.’ Boy, aged 13
‘A fascinating story of two girls trying to find a home. A finalist and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Bending Willow
Author: Jacci Turner
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 26
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 9/10
Of the 26 readers:
25 would read another book by this author.
24 thought the covers were good or excellent.
13 thought the characters were the best.
25 would recommend them to another reader to try.
2 felt it was a little slow in parts.
3 (all teachers) felt the language was age-appropriate.
Readers’ Comments
‘I liked this story so much. It was exciting and sad in parts too. I read it over two days. I will try to find other books by this author.’ Girl, aged 12
‘This is a good story to show children in England that not all children are home safe with mum and dad. It’s not very long but that’s okay. Lots happen and I enjoyed it right to the end. Riley is a fantastic character.’ Boy, aged 13
‘Engaging characters and dealing with many important themes. I’d welcome this in the school library.’ Primary teacher, aged 51
‘I’m going to read all the books by this author.’ Girl, aged 12
‘Sad and happy too in parts. I have a lot of respect for the two characters and what they went through.’ Boy, aged 13
‘A fascinating story of two girls trying to find a home. A finalist and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
October 13, 2015
I friggin love this book. I think everyone could read this touching story about two displaced young girls who have to fight to stay together and learn the different definitions of "family." It's kind of an easy feel-good book and I would recommend it for anyone who is introducing chapter books to their kids (by reading them aloud, not for beginner readers), for anyone who is dealing with issues around building, changing or adapting your idea of family, or for anyone who likes to snuggle up with a good before bedtime and have good dreams.
February 29, 2016
This is a sweet, heartwarming story about a pair of orphans that takes you on a journey for friendship, love, and family. It's not particularly long, but I enjoyed it.
April 15, 2023
Just too unbelievable.
September 12, 2016
I just loved this sweet little book.
When their grandmother passes away, Riley and Mia refuse to go back to a shelter for abandoned kids. So armed with only a couple of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, very little money, and an old address, they set out to cross two states to find Riley's dad. How they manage the trip involves some luck, a good bit of ingenuity, and even a few moments of nail-biting suspense. Their final destination isn't quite what they expected, but it's a beautiful ending.
I also loved the title. Bending Willow describes Riley so perfectly. She's really a courageous role model for girls, shown not just by her leading her sister on the ambitious journey but also in how she is able to overcome the negative labels that stick with her from her time with her grandmother. She overcomes in every sense of the word.
Highly recommend!
When their grandmother passes away, Riley and Mia refuse to go back to a shelter for abandoned kids. So armed with only a couple of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, very little money, and an old address, they set out to cross two states to find Riley's dad. How they manage the trip involves some luck, a good bit of ingenuity, and even a few moments of nail-biting suspense. Their final destination isn't quite what they expected, but it's a beautiful ending.
I also loved the title. Bending Willow describes Riley so perfectly. She's really a courageous role model for girls, shown not just by her leading her sister on the ambitious journey but also in how she is able to overcome the negative labels that stick with her from her time with her grandmother. She overcomes in every sense of the word.
Highly recommend!
July 9, 2013
I must say, I am in love with this book even though I wrote it! It's already won the privilege of representing the state of Nevada at the National Book Fair put on by the library of Congress! It is a high interest and low level book so teachers are happy. There is a strong female lead but it is not fantasy so a modern day role model for girls!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews