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The Witness Tree
A tree in rural Iowa bears witness to generations of human experience—and deadly secrets.
Dani Holden thinks moving to an old farmstead will help her forget her past. She agrees to help neighbors take down a strange double-headed tree that has stood alone between two fields for almost a century. Unexplainable accidents begin haunting those who help, and Dani must uncover a community's secret before tragedy claims her as its next victim.
Dani's not the only one running from her past—two generations ago, young Lilly Bradstreet is not the person her small town wants her to be. She falls in love with a Mexican migrant worker and is forced to choose between her family's wishes, her passionate romance, and the life of freedom she's always dreamed of.
Lilly's long-forgotten quest for independence and Dani's search for answers intertwine at the foot of the Witness Tree, whose secrets are darker and more unnerving than either woman ever expected. Vivid depictions of small-town bonds, young love, racism, and women who've dreamed and been denied make The Witness Tree a moving, page-turning debut novel.
Dani Holden thinks moving to an old farmstead will help her forget her past. She agrees to help neighbors take down a strange double-headed tree that has stood alone between two fields for almost a century. Unexplainable accidents begin haunting those who help, and Dani must uncover a community's secret before tragedy claims her as its next victim.
Dani's not the only one running from her past—two generations ago, young Lilly Bradstreet is not the person her small town wants her to be. She falls in love with a Mexican migrant worker and is forced to choose between her family's wishes, her passionate romance, and the life of freedom she's always dreamed of.
Lilly's long-forgotten quest for independence and Dani's search for answers intertwine at the foot of the Witness Tree, whose secrets are darker and more unnerving than either woman ever expected. Vivid depictions of small-town bonds, young love, racism, and women who've dreamed and been denied make The Witness Tree a moving, page-turning debut novel.
256 pages, Paperback
First published September 14, 2018
16 people are currently reading
1967 people want to read
About the author
Amy Pendino
4 books54 followersAmy Pendino lives in the rural Midwest with her spouse, dog, and horses. Author of the multi-award-winning novel "The Witness Tree" and its sequels, her fiction explores small town crime and the behavior of rural citizens with secrets.
She's also written short stories, poetry, and writing tips, published in several anthologies, magazines, and reviews.
For more information, please visit amypendino.com . Thanks!
She's also written short stories, poetry, and writing tips, published in several anthologies, magazines, and reviews.
For more information, please visit amypendino.com . Thanks!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 25, 2024
3.5 stars
October 18, 2018
Pendino gives us a shared experience of a quiet place: it is not immune to the world's troubles, but it allows the reader to take it in slowly, thoughtfully, with compassion. Pendino's strengths include descriptive writing about the landscape — the farms, the animals, the plants — even the human beings feel part of the natural order, the way you incorporate “place-on-the-planet.” The book caused me to reflect on Willa Cather, and other writers who “get” the prairie. Beautiful. I liked the length of the book — long enough to feel immersed, and appreciate being in the story for a good stretch — but not too long, so that the suspense elements of the plot were kept enticing, but not belabored. On that note, the alternating chapters worked really well. I never felt annoyed for leaving a character, because she would always be back very soon. And there was never any confusion over who was who, etc. Just well-written, healthy teasers for the relationships between people and who they would become. The tensions and characterizations felt very accurate. No pity for the jerks. No sainthood for the well-meaning. And the illustrations of time period — especially pre-WWII — are evocative and kept me visualizing heavy telephone handsets, waxy smelling lipstick, old car fumes. Terrific set and moods. I was reminded of “Bridges of Madison County,” “The Notebook,” and “Where the Heart Is.” It also brought to mind the short stories of Carol Bly who revealed the truth and bitterness in and around love and romance in a midwestern landscape. This is a book a reader can own, read again every few years, and find beauty in a story.
January 8, 2019
I’ve been holding on to this book since it was published In September. Wanting to read it yet never seeming to grab it when I had a few moments of time choosing the convenience of an ebook instead of an actual paperback. The book was selected for my book club and I knew it was time to dive in.
I’m so sad that I waited so long! I felt so immersed in the story from the very beginning. Amy’s storytelling took me back to my Iowa roots and I could envision every scene that was taking place. I could place my grandpa, a farmer sitting in that cafe talking with his fellow neighbors. I could relate to the close mindedness that you seem to find in small towns and the desire to escape to something more. The story is told in alternating chapters of Dani in present day and Lilly from the past. Their two worlds were woven together so seamlessly as we learn about what happened in that small town so many years ago.
While this book isn’t a typical genre I’d read, I’m so glad I branched out. It’s made me think about the relationships we have with one another and how being close minded to people and opportunities can have such far reaching and sometimes devastating consequences. I highly recommend this book.
I’m so sad that I waited so long! I felt so immersed in the story from the very beginning. Amy’s storytelling took me back to my Iowa roots and I could envision every scene that was taking place. I could place my grandpa, a farmer sitting in that cafe talking with his fellow neighbors. I could relate to the close mindedness that you seem to find in small towns and the desire to escape to something more. The story is told in alternating chapters of Dani in present day and Lilly from the past. Their two worlds were woven together so seamlessly as we learn about what happened in that small town so many years ago.
While this book isn’t a typical genre I’d read, I’m so glad I branched out. It’s made me think about the relationships we have with one another and how being close minded to people and opportunities can have such far reaching and sometimes devastating consequences. I highly recommend this book.
December 20, 2022
This is our book club book for October, so I can't say too much about what I thought about it right now. I will say that I highly recommend it.
August 17, 2019
The Witness Tree by Amy Pendino is a debut novel by a Minnesota author that I met at an opening of a neighborhood bookstore. The book appeals to me because it takes place in a rural setting in my home state of Iowa. I can easily identity with the utterly down to earth group of characters that populate the small town and surrounding countryside. But old-fashioned values and common sense mask an undercurrent of mystery, mythology, and superstition that begins with the story of Lilly in the late 1930s.
Dani, another young woman, moves to the area seventy years later to try her hand at farming. Even though general distrust of newcomers and her gender delay her acceptance in this farming community, she is determined to unravel the superstition surrounding a particular tree that marks the border between two fields. The women’s stories are told in alternate chapters and easily reveal most of the mystery. But the final piece of the puzzle awaits the reader at the end of the book.
Although much of the story has authenticity, I question the possibility of Dani's farming enterprise. Also, I am uncomfortable with the magical realism that plays a part in the plot.
Dani, another young woman, moves to the area seventy years later to try her hand at farming. Even though general distrust of newcomers and her gender delay her acceptance in this farming community, she is determined to unravel the superstition surrounding a particular tree that marks the border between two fields. The women’s stories are told in alternate chapters and easily reveal most of the mystery. But the final piece of the puzzle awaits the reader at the end of the book.
Although much of the story has authenticity, I question the possibility of Dani's farming enterprise. Also, I am uncomfortable with the magical realism that plays a part in the plot.
May 15, 2019
*Disclaimer" I don't read a lot of "women's fiction," which is what I would call this--rightly or wrongly--so take my review for what it's worth.
Beautiful writing with rich, realistic characters are the hallmarks of this story. At first, the story questions seem rather mundane--is the Witness Tree bringing bad luck to those who chopped it down? What happened to Lillian? Yet, Pendino draws us into the parallel stories of Dani and Lillian and makes us wonder and care about the outcome.
By alternating scenes between 1930s Lillian and 21st Century Dani, a natural tension and curiosity build without seeming contrived to create false tension. The two female protagonist's lives are parallel in enough ways that we can watch them grow simultaneously and see the similarities and differences that arise because of the two-generation gap between their lives.
Well worth reading if you enjoy character-driven stories.
Beautiful writing with rich, realistic characters are the hallmarks of this story. At first, the story questions seem rather mundane--is the Witness Tree bringing bad luck to those who chopped it down? What happened to Lillian? Yet, Pendino draws us into the parallel stories of Dani and Lillian and makes us wonder and care about the outcome.
By alternating scenes between 1930s Lillian and 21st Century Dani, a natural tension and curiosity build without seeming contrived to create false tension. The two female protagonist's lives are parallel in enough ways that we can watch them grow simultaneously and see the similarities and differences that arise because of the two-generation gap between their lives.
Well worth reading if you enjoy character-driven stories.
October 17, 2019
I exchanged books with Amy and I fully expected to read a womans romance novel. I figured that I would read for a while and when it got too chicky I would hand it off to my wife or one of my very literate daughters but the more I read, the more I liked it. Amy has a very tasty way of getting her point across. The story was a good one and it is darn well deserving of the awards she has been given. I think that this book is very adaptable for a movie. It checks all of the boxes. Amy is a talented lady and her book is well worth reading.
September 11, 2019
A little slow and more than slightly unbelievable at times. I never felt fully invested in any of the characters. Just an ok read.
January 25, 2020
The Witness Tree is an absolutely marvelous book. I would have given it five stars except that parts of it made my blood boil, although I suppose that is what Ms. Pendino intended. So, five it is.
The book has two time lines, both principally set, in what I assume to be, northeast Iowa and Minneapolis. I've lived in that area for most of my adult life and so I felt some familiarity with the physical environment. However, I was not prepared to come face-to-face with the racism that I suppose existed in small town Iowa.
We are introduced to Lily, as a high school graduate getting ready to go to Iowa State University in Ames, IA, that fall. She has been dating Ned for some time and he has every intention of marrying and turning her into a well domesticated housewife. That was not what Lily had in mind for her life and coupling that with a very unfortunate date, their relationship ended, for her.
Dani, disappointed with her general lot in life, quits her job and moves to Iowa and rents a farm to experiment with a new vision. In an effort to be accepted by the male old-timers, she agrees to help cut down an old tree, which supposedly had a curse on it. Following the removal of the tree, things begin happening in town that make the reality of the curse more believable. Dani decides to dig into the curse.
What follows is an page turning exploration of the families and events involved. Lily's story unfolds as Dani's investigation progresses. I've come to love this dual timeline story format.
My only disappointment with the story is that we/I don't get to learn what happened to Ned. My blood thirsty nature was not satisfied, but that's probably best.
I can highly recommend The Witness Tree. Amy Pendino hit a home run with this, her first novel.
The book has two time lines, both principally set, in what I assume to be, northeast Iowa and Minneapolis. I've lived in that area for most of my adult life and so I felt some familiarity with the physical environment. However, I was not prepared to come face-to-face with the racism that I suppose existed in small town Iowa.
We are introduced to Lily, as a high school graduate getting ready to go to Iowa State University in Ames, IA, that fall. She has been dating Ned for some time and he has every intention of marrying and turning her into a well domesticated housewife. That was not what Lily had in mind for her life and coupling that with a very unfortunate date, their relationship ended, for her.
Dani, disappointed with her general lot in life, quits her job and moves to Iowa and rents a farm to experiment with a new vision. In an effort to be accepted by the male old-timers, she agrees to help cut down an old tree, which supposedly had a curse on it. Following the removal of the tree, things begin happening in town that make the reality of the curse more believable. Dani decides to dig into the curse.
What follows is an page turning exploration of the families and events involved. Lily's story unfolds as Dani's investigation progresses. I've come to love this dual timeline story format.
My only disappointment with the story is that we/I don't get to learn what happened to Ned. My blood thirsty nature was not satisfied, but that's probably best.
I can highly recommend The Witness Tree. Amy Pendino hit a home run with this, her first novel.
October 11, 2019
First, let me say that I was really thankful to have received this in a #goodreadsgiveaway, or I might not have seen it at all. I am so glad I was able to read it and happily review it here.
This is a lyrical story of two women coming into their individual independence. Two time settings, one starting just before America's involvement in WWII, the other in contemporary times, but both located in the same small town in Iowa. Typical set up, right? But, what my description can't possibly convey is the incredible writing that Ms. Pendino blesses the reader with. There were many times when I had to read a phrase or sentence over just to savor its beauty.
In the very beginning, before I got to know the characters, I kept confusing them, and found the time jumps uncomfortable...you might also. But, I urge you to keep going for two reasons. First, that sensation goes away and you will be able to follow the intended flow. Second, if you don't finish it you will miss out on a truly good book.
People with prejudices held in the 40's, 50's and 60's became better informed and laws were created to make sure equality was held to a stricter standard. That does not mean that discrimination and hatred went away. This book is mostly about one family and decisions based on those prejudices of the past. But even today walls are being built and hatred screams at us from our media outlets. This novel is just a gentle reminder of what we should regret, but sometimes now seem to forget.
I really enjoyed the layering of subplots, and degrees of character involvement and interaction. Ms. Pendino is gifted, and I can't wait to read more of her works. Fan made here...you will be too.
This is a lyrical story of two women coming into their individual independence. Two time settings, one starting just before America's involvement in WWII, the other in contemporary times, but both located in the same small town in Iowa. Typical set up, right? But, what my description can't possibly convey is the incredible writing that Ms. Pendino blesses the reader with. There were many times when I had to read a phrase or sentence over just to savor its beauty.
In the very beginning, before I got to know the characters, I kept confusing them, and found the time jumps uncomfortable...you might also. But, I urge you to keep going for two reasons. First, that sensation goes away and you will be able to follow the intended flow. Second, if you don't finish it you will miss out on a truly good book.
People with prejudices held in the 40's, 50's and 60's became better informed and laws were created to make sure equality was held to a stricter standard. That does not mean that discrimination and hatred went away. This book is mostly about one family and decisions based on those prejudices of the past. But even today walls are being built and hatred screams at us from our media outlets. This novel is just a gentle reminder of what we should regret, but sometimes now seem to forget.
I really enjoyed the layering of subplots, and degrees of character involvement and interaction. Ms. Pendino is gifted, and I can't wait to read more of her works. Fan made here...you will be too.
June 20, 2019
Literary fiction that delves into the psychology of humanity and interpersonal relationships is my ultimate cup of tea. And Amy Pendino’s novel, The Witness Tree, is a soothing yet complex brew. The story is told through parallel narratives, one set in 1939, and the other in present day Iowa that comes full circle. The prose is lush, poetic—no wasted words. Mystery is rooted throughout, particularly in the search for the truth behind the so-called Witness Tree curse. Other questions are raised that resonate deeply with this reader: What effect does racism play in society? How is women’s empowerment achieved and/or stunted by society? Two of my favorite literary influences came to mind while reading The Witness Tree in terms of style, tone, and structure: Fried Green Tomatoes (by Fannie Flagg), and, most especially, short story writer and novelist, Eudora Welty. All told, The Witness Tree is incredibly moving, and the ending sent chills throughout my entire body. A stunning debut!
January 1, 2020
In the small Iowa town of Crestview, a double headed tree marks the boarder of two farms. It is rumored the three is cursed by the locals as a migrant worker hung himself from the tree 50 years earlier.
Dani moves to Crestview, leaving the Minneapolis St. Paul area and the stress of her job and life and buys a farm by the tree. Another farmer Jacobs and two brothers (nicknamed Tator and Tot) take down the tree, much to the push back from the locals.
Then a series of traumatic events start to happen to the people who took the tree down. Dani befriends the local librarian trying to find the mystery of the curse. She uses her detective skills to find out the secret of the reason of the migrant worker’s death, and the secrets the town is hiding.
The book was written in two timelines, and each chapter covering each time. The way it was written you saw the parallels of Lily in the 1940s and Dani in present time.
Very good story.
Dani moves to Crestview, leaving the Minneapolis St. Paul area and the stress of her job and life and buys a farm by the tree. Another farmer Jacobs and two brothers (nicknamed Tator and Tot) take down the tree, much to the push back from the locals.
Then a series of traumatic events start to happen to the people who took the tree down. Dani befriends the local librarian trying to find the mystery of the curse. She uses her detective skills to find out the secret of the reason of the migrant worker’s death, and the secrets the town is hiding.
The book was written in two timelines, and each chapter covering each time. The way it was written you saw the parallels of Lily in the 1940s and Dani in present time.
Very good story.
March 22, 2020
A tree is taken down, supposedly unleashing a curse. Dani Holden, a city girl and newcomer to a small rural Iowa farming community, gets involved in the destruction of a rumored cursed tree. One accident later, she starts to search for the true history behind a curse that may affect her, if there is one. Lilly Bradstreet's story is told in parallel to Dani's search for the truth. Lilly lived years before, and her story shapes the history of the legendary tree. Dual timelines reveal the story in a satisfying rise in tension as each thread answers questions in the other. The end of the story was heartwarming and sad. This is a great read in a rural setting.
December 3, 2022
I met Amy Pendino at at Thriller Fest in NYC, where I heard about her novel. After reading The Witness Tree, I recommend it to everyone who loves a good story. Pendino is a writer who can rely on her craft to propel the story. No gimmicks or tropes, nothing for shock value, no graphic sex scenes, and no purple prose. There's suspense, mystery, just a touch of romance, and it's an integral part of the plot. Her protagonist is capable and brave but also relatable. It's a then-and-now story told smoothly, without confusion. Pendino writes the setting like a talented artist uses a paintbrush, and every word or stroke counts. She will take you there without wasting ink.
June 12, 2023
What an amazing debut novel by Pendino! Amy is a master at descriptive details, which shape the setting/landscape and characters in a way that is very satisfying to the reader. Her characters have a richness and depth to them, so you not only want to, but need to, care about them. This intriguing story is very engaging even when you believe you know where the story is going. I thought the depiction of rural and agricultural driven small town America was spot on. The Witness Tree is both a gentle and gripping tale, and now that I have read it, I can't wait to plow into Wild Horses!!
Congrats to this rookie author and let us hope there is more to come from her. BJH
Congrats to this rookie author and let us hope there is more to come from her. BJH
November 3, 2018
Two main characters, one from the past, one in the present and both female; Amy Pendino tells a story about love, hate and friendship through them. I enjoyed this story and was particularly fond of Lily. I felt she was a woman ahead of her time. It's a rather thought provoking little novel! (Do you believe in curses? Is guilt really the curse? What are the origins of your own prejudices?)
You should read The Witness Tree.
You should read The Witness Tree.
January 18, 2019
I didn't want this book to end! The characters Dani and Lilly became like friends to me. I loved their similar independence, grace, and spirit, even though they grew up decades apart.
Amy Pendino is a beautiful writer and storyteller. Not only has she developed these rich characters, she has created rich and wonderful scenery and setting that shine a light on the beauty of the midwest and both the simplicity and complexity of small-town life. I look forward to reading Amy's future books.
Amy Pendino is a beautiful writer and storyteller. Not only has she developed these rich characters, she has created rich and wonderful scenery and setting that shine a light on the beauty of the midwest and both the simplicity and complexity of small-town life. I look forward to reading Amy's future books.
November 24, 2019
I read to 45% before giving up. I found it well written but the story was too slow and I didn't connect to any of the characters. I may give it another try in the future. I wouldn't usually rate a book I didn't finish but I guess because this was a Goodreads giveaway I have to mark it as read and give it some stars.
I received this book for free through a Goodreads Firstreads giveaway but this has not influenced my review in any way.
I received this book for free through a Goodreads Firstreads giveaway but this has not influenced my review in any way.
May 15, 2024
A beautifully written story, written in a dual timeline. I found myself more connected to Lily and her story, it was hard for me to connect with Dani. I loved the descriptions of the small farming town in Iowa. I was disappointed by how quick Lily and Cisco’s relationship was, they bumped into each other a few times and then fell in love?? Overall, the book was too slow for me, but it wrapped up nicely with a good ending!
May 9, 2025
This book wasn't for me. My main critique is with the formatting, if your gonna have a characters name at the top make the chapter in their pov. Having chapters in other characters povs is good but add their name to the top. I liked the ending and Mrs. Swenson that's about it though. I think sometimes things happened that didn't really have too they were just added to have a dramatic and sad story.
October 19, 2018
I enjoyed this two-part story, looking at the lives of two women who lived in two different times, but who shared a common secret. This story has mystery, great descriptions, and believeable characters. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes to sink their teeth into a good story!
September 1, 2019
This book was recommended by a friend and I couldn’t put it down. It is hard to believe it is a first book for this author. The evocative language used took me straight to the time and place settings. I really enjoyed the back and forth between characters chapter style used and that is not usually true for me. Can’t wait for more from this author!
May 27, 2020
The story, overall, has good bones. But, it definitely lacks in character development, story development, and there are holes all over. It was a bit of a tiresome read, in my opinion, with a lot of missed potential. And the whole bit about the “cursed tree” could have been left out completely as it really had no true baring, or consistency, on the story at all.
November 8, 2018
Loved this story of two women from different generations, both struggling with what they want in life. Amy draws you in with all the great characters and very descriptive writing. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a book to read with a bit of romance and a bit of mystery.
October 19, 2019
Very descriptive and powerfully character driven! Amazingly intertwined between 1939 and present day.
I’m very much recommending it and also very much looking forward to the sequel which I hope is coming!
I’m very much recommending it and also very much looking forward to the sequel which I hope is coming!
December 23, 2022
Very well done dual storyline/time period debut book by a Minnesota author. As always, I was more interested in the storyline set during WWII but the author wove them together beautifully and ended the story in a satisfying way.
December 3, 2024
I have the sequel, Wild Horses, and I will wait to write a full review until I have read that book. I enjoyed the story of Dani and Lilly, two women living in the same Iowa town 60 years apart, but there are some loose ends in this book that I hope the author picks up in Wild Horses.
September 27, 2018
Good read..thoroughly enjoyed!
November 5, 2018
This beautifully written takes readers on a journey that braids through generations and reminds us that issues that resonate with us today were on the minds and hearts of our ancestors as well.
March 26, 2019
Great book with twists and turns!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews