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The True
Lives in a remote Northumbrian valley are separated by centuries but woven togeher in the heart of the trees.
Coquetdale, Northumberland
1725. After the final tragedy of an age-old feud, Sam's mother disappears. His guilt-ridden search brings unexpected adventure and romance. As a fellow of the secret order of 'The True', Sam learns to enhance his affinity with nature, and enigmatic links across time are revealed to him in ancient woodlands.
2000. Isolated hill-farmer, Kate, is cautiously attracted to an intriguing stranger brought to her door by endearing runaway, Joe. The man is certainly odd but not disturbing, unlike her stalker. Further down the dale, Kate's woodsman cousin, Nick, falls in love with a mysterious young woman who arrives with spring and disappears as summer ends.
Middle Wood links these seemingly disparate lives separated by centuries, but is that their only connection? Does the answer lie with The True?
"A story is never finished until you can read it in the trees."
Coquetdale, Northumberland
1725. After the final tragedy of an age-old feud, Sam's mother disappears. His guilt-ridden search brings unexpected adventure and romance. As a fellow of the secret order of 'The True', Sam learns to enhance his affinity with nature, and enigmatic links across time are revealed to him in ancient woodlands.
2000. Isolated hill-farmer, Kate, is cautiously attracted to an intriguing stranger brought to her door by endearing runaway, Joe. The man is certainly odd but not disturbing, unlike her stalker. Further down the dale, Kate's woodsman cousin, Nick, falls in love with a mysterious young woman who arrives with spring and disappears as summer ends.
Middle Wood links these seemingly disparate lives separated by centuries, but is that their only connection? Does the answer lie with The True?
"A story is never finished until you can read it in the trees."
380 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2019
157 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
June 8, 2021
An intruiging story of time travel and nature. Beautiful cover and some fascinting facts about trees.
January 2, 2021
This time slip story starts off with a mystery which goes full circle to be completely resolved with a very satisfactory ending. I was immediately captivated by Eleanor appearing mysteriously in Nick’s part of the wood. She is a sympathetic character mourning the loss of her daughter at the hands of a cruel husband. It was not a stretch to believe that Nick would immediately feel protective of her. Her story then gets more fascinating as we go back in time led by the trees and the connection to nature. All of the main characters are likeable and leave you caring about what happens to them and fearful for them when they are in danger. The chapters are interspersed with information about the trees found in the wood which I found interesting and the story emphasises the importance of trees to life and the environment. It is also a take about home and belonging which can be found in the most unexpected places. A truly fascinating tale and I’d love to read more from this author.
March 3, 2025
A beautifully written book. I loved how the 2 time lines were woven together and how it all comes full circle at the end and demonstrates how people and their lives are so intricately connected through nature and even more so through the trees...I'm sure we can all think of or remember a grand oak tree we have seen and admired, and that would have been admired by so many lives, generations before us and possibly will be, beyond us. Absolutely enthralling - loved it!
December 1, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. If you enjoy romance and adventure, a cast of attractive characters and a suitably evil villain then this is the book for you. The characters deal with real problems: loss and guilt, violence and abandonment in a believable way and i engaged fully with the main protagonists wanting them to win through to a happy ending. Where this book differs from an ordinary adventure romance is with the central theme of time travel so that the action takes place partly in the 1700s and part in the current day. That I was able to accept this quite readily is undoubtedly due to the skill of the author. She weaves such an enticing picture of The True that I really wanted to believe such things were possible.
The book is set in Northumberland and the authors love for and understanding of the countryside, the weather and the people in this northern part of England comes through in every word of the book. But above all it is the trees who permit themselves to be used for the purpose of time travel that lie at the heart of this extraordinary book. The little sections on each of the main types of tree are enchanting. Buy and read this book, you won’t be disappointed.
The book is set in Northumberland and the authors love for and understanding of the countryside, the weather and the people in this northern part of England comes through in every word of the book. But above all it is the trees who permit themselves to be used for the purpose of time travel that lie at the heart of this extraordinary book. The little sections on each of the main types of tree are enchanting. Buy and read this book, you won’t be disappointed.
February 25, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It had a few changes of pace when describing the thoughts and benefits of some of the different trees, and a few times I lost my onward drive to read the book. But I kept remembering pieces of the story, which prompted me to pick it up again.
I look forward to reading any other books this author writes, as The True was magical and the idea of being able to read trees and move forwards and backwards in time was enchanting.
I look forward to reading any other books this author writes, as The True was magical and the idea of being able to read trees and move forwards and backwards in time was enchanting.
July 24, 2021
What a beautiful book, the trees are central to the whole story. I often chat with trees and wander what they have seen and who has passed them by over the years, I have lost count of the times that I’ve said “I wish you could talk”. Oh,to be able to read trees like the True; what a gift. All you nature and tree lovers out there, this one’s for you. I absolutely loved it and it will stay with me for a long time.
February 23, 2024
Loved it!
One of the best books I've read in ages. Enjoyed it so much, I got it on kindle unlimited but going to buy a copy to keep always.
One of the best books I've read in ages. Enjoyed it so much, I got it on kindle unlimited but going to buy a copy to keep always.
August 25, 2022
Refreshingly different and informative .
September 21, 2020
Very good, a little slow to start off with but overall it is such a lovely read!
February 14, 2021
Absolutely beautiful book, the trees of the wood are almost as important as the human characters, and as the threads of the plot head towards the climax, my heart was in my mouth!
August 25, 2020
Hands up, I was originally drawn to this book because of its cover (and we all know what we're told about that!) I'm so glad I went on to purchase it. Not only are the cover and internal illustriations exquisite but the writing is beautiful.
Amanda has pulled together an interesting and intriguing plot, interwoven with the natural world and folklore to create a wonderfully drawn drama taking place amongst the Northumbrian landscape. So often timeslip novels feel contrived, but both timelines slipped seamlessly one into the other and this is a realistic telling of what it could be like. Amanda's writing has made me want to visit Coquetdale and see the area for myself so, with her other hat on as a travel company owner, she has done her job well!
And as for that horrible piece of work, Silas... Grrr!
Amanda has pulled together an interesting and intriguing plot, interwoven with the natural world and folklore to create a wonderfully drawn drama taking place amongst the Northumbrian landscape. So often timeslip novels feel contrived, but both timelines slipped seamlessly one into the other and this is a realistic telling of what it could be like. Amanda's writing has made me want to visit Coquetdale and see the area for myself so, with her other hat on as a travel company owner, she has done her job well!
And as for that horrible piece of work, Silas... Grrr!
June 28, 2021
So sad I've finished it!
This book captivated me from the first few pages and is so well written that it's hard to believe that it's a debut novel.
I love how the protagonists draw the reader in; sensitivity, romance and action interact successfully with time travel and mystery, which is why I think the book appeals to a wide range of readers in both age and gender. The fact that the author has only 2 time period references and few main characters avoids confusion and deepens both our connection and sense of intrigue. Get typing Amanda.- I can't wait for the next one. Thank you so much!
This book captivated me from the first few pages and is so well written that it's hard to believe that it's a debut novel.
I love how the protagonists draw the reader in; sensitivity, romance and action interact successfully with time travel and mystery, which is why I think the book appeals to a wide range of readers in both age and gender. The fact that the author has only 2 time period references and few main characters avoids confusion and deepens both our connection and sense of intrigue. Get typing Amanda.- I can't wait for the next one. Thank you so much!
December 20, 2021
Beautiful, Believable, Magical
I love this book. It combines all my favourite things: nature, a sense of community, magic and time-slip adventure. I found the characters warm and likeable and the writer's voice warm and engaging.
The illustrations on the front and back are incredible and I thought the illustrated chapters from the points of view of different trees were wonderful. I really felt I was entering the magical, mystical world of the woodland.
This is my favourite book of the year and I hope to read more by this excellent author soon.
I love this book. It combines all my favourite things: nature, a sense of community, magic and time-slip adventure. I found the characters warm and likeable and the writer's voice warm and engaging.
The illustrations on the front and back are incredible and I thought the illustrated chapters from the points of view of different trees were wonderful. I really felt I was entering the magical, mystical world of the woodland.
This is my favourite book of the year and I hope to read more by this excellent author soon.
January 20, 2025
I really wanted to love this book but honestly ended up just liking it. I have never found time travel a satisfactory plot devise and so when I realised that this would be part of the story my hackles did go up. That having been said I felt the authors power of description in respect of places was wonderful. Some of the characters were well drawn and evoked emotion. The tree sections were lovely. Most lovely of all though was the beautiful cover and sketches.
January 22, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Amanda Marks's debut novel is a fabulous combination of history, magic and great characters with an intriguing storyline interwoven with tree-lore. I sincerely hope there will be more
December 9, 2022
Captivating and different
I liked how unexpected the whole story was and how likable the characters were. Would love to hear more about the True!
I liked how unexpected the whole story was and how likable the characters were. Would love to hear more about the True!
January 15, 2023
Really enjoyed this book. It was lovely read
July 22, 2024
A really lovely, magical story about nature, trees and love. I especially liked the parts about the different trees and their particular qualities. I thoroughly enjoyed it - beautiful.
August 20, 2020
I'm so glad this book popped up in my recommendations! As soon as I saw 'An enchanting tale for nature lovers' I was immediately intrigued, but then to find out it had strong woodland/tree themes and was set in Northumberland (a place I have strong ties to) I was immediately sold.
Enchanting is actually an excellent description of this story. At first I was a bit wary of the time travel aspect, only because it tends to confuse me, however that didn't happen in this book and I thought it flowed well and didn't jump around too erratically so you knew where you were in each chapter. I really loved the concept of The True and how they existed through time. The incorporation of the magic of nature in the world was well weaved into every aspect of the story and I found the addition of the tree description chapters a really charming touch too. The world and characters felt rich, (helped by my knowing some of places to picture them) I could easily have digested more of the True world and the characters.
A great debut from Amanda Marks, I'll be sure to keep my eyes peeled for other work from her in the future.
Enchanting is actually an excellent description of this story. At first I was a bit wary of the time travel aspect, only because it tends to confuse me, however that didn't happen in this book and I thought it flowed well and didn't jump around too erratically so you knew where you were in each chapter. I really loved the concept of The True and how they existed through time. The incorporation of the magic of nature in the world was well weaved into every aspect of the story and I found the addition of the tree description chapters a really charming touch too. The world and characters felt rich, (helped by my knowing some of places to picture them) I could easily have digested more of the True world and the characters.
A great debut from Amanda Marks, I'll be sure to keep my eyes peeled for other work from her in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2022
A beautifully magical story.
What a fantastic book!! Congratulations to Amanda Marks on her debut novel. I looked at some of the reviews for this book while trying to decide on buying it or not. A lot of the reviews seemed negative. A few said it was slow or hard to keep up with. I promise you, it's absolutely not!!
This is a kind of time-slip story. I won't spoil it by writing too much though! This is such a different book! I've read a few time-slip books, but none like this!
If you love nature and history, love and friendship and a baddie thrown in for good measure, this is your book!!
I could not put it down from the moment I started reading!
The flow of the book is spot on. The characters are all great, some you'll get to know better than others.
I am so so pleased I decided to buy this book!! I knew I'd love it as soon as I read the product description, so I'm pleased I didn't turn away from a great story because of some negative comments, it's all about personal preference at the end of the day.
So thank you again to Amanda Marks for a magical, beautiful, heartwarming book..... I can't wait for the next one!!
What a fantastic book!! Congratulations to Amanda Marks on her debut novel. I looked at some of the reviews for this book while trying to decide on buying it or not. A lot of the reviews seemed negative. A few said it was slow or hard to keep up with. I promise you, it's absolutely not!!
This is a kind of time-slip story. I won't spoil it by writing too much though! This is such a different book! I've read a few time-slip books, but none like this!
If you love nature and history, love and friendship and a baddie thrown in for good measure, this is your book!!
I could not put it down from the moment I started reading!
The flow of the book is spot on. The characters are all great, some you'll get to know better than others.
I am so so pleased I decided to buy this book!! I knew I'd love it as soon as I read the product description, so I'm pleased I didn't turn away from a great story because of some negative comments, it's all about personal preference at the end of the day.
So thank you again to Amanda Marks for a magical, beautiful, heartwarming book..... I can't wait for the next one!!
January 25, 2025
3.75*
WHY DID I CHOOSE THIS BOOK? – I picked this novel up a few years back on my Kindle as I thought the synopsis was quite intriguing. I finally decided to read it now, because it fitted a prompt for a reading challenge. I think it was a good choice.
WHAT DID I LIKE? – I liked the characters and the structure of the story. I thought the notion of time travel through trees was fun and oddly made sense to me. I still do not understand the mechanics of it, but I don’t think I mind that.
WHAT DID I NOT LIKE? – Something about the execution of the plot did not quite work fully for me. I do not know whether it was the tone of the writing or the way the characters were connected. There were some plot points that felt a bit unnecessary. In the end I enjoyed this one just fine.
SO… This is one of those novels that I am glad I read, but I do not think I would read it again. The idea of the novel was wonderful, and the execution was fine. I just did not quite love it. I would still recommend this novel if the synopsis sounds up your street. It’s a good read.
WHY DID I CHOOSE THIS BOOK? – I picked this novel up a few years back on my Kindle as I thought the synopsis was quite intriguing. I finally decided to read it now, because it fitted a prompt for a reading challenge. I think it was a good choice.
WHAT DID I LIKE? – I liked the characters and the structure of the story. I thought the notion of time travel through trees was fun and oddly made sense to me. I still do not understand the mechanics of it, but I don’t think I mind that.
WHAT DID I NOT LIKE? – Something about the execution of the plot did not quite work fully for me. I do not know whether it was the tone of the writing or the way the characters were connected. There were some plot points that felt a bit unnecessary. In the end I enjoyed this one just fine.
SO… This is one of those novels that I am glad I read, but I do not think I would read it again. The idea of the novel was wonderful, and the execution was fine. I just did not quite love it. I would still recommend this novel if the synopsis sounds up your street. It’s a good read.
June 30, 2020
A little treasure
The True is the author,s first book.
It is reminiscent of the classic
Mythago Wood. It gave a old druid a place to share True magic with, during a lockdown world that will never be the same again. Thank the Gods that trees aren't big on social distancing and one can always get a hug from a friendly tree. I highly recommend this book and love the cover art and illustrations of trees inside.
The True is the author,s first book.
It is reminiscent of the classic
Mythago Wood. It gave a old druid a place to share True magic with, during a lockdown world that will never be the same again. Thank the Gods that trees aren't big on social distancing and one can always get a hug from a friendly tree. I highly recommend this book and love the cover art and illustrations of trees inside.
April 8, 2020
Trees & time travel, interesting premise, poor execution. It felt like reading a high schooler's essay rather than a book. The romance part of it is really shallow, as well as the characters in general. I only finished the book, because I hoped it'd get better at some stage but nope. The 'tree chapters' were more interesting than the story itself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2020
A thoroughly enjoyable read
Ms Marks has weaved a storyline full of intrigue and wonder as detailed and intricate as the most lovely of ancient tapestries. This one will be saved in my favourites folder and re-read again and again. I'm looking forward to more books by this author.
Ms Marks has weaved a storyline full of intrigue and wonder as detailed and intricate as the most lovely of ancient tapestries. This one will be saved in my favourites folder and re-read again and again. I'm looking forward to more books by this author.
August 25, 2020
Gentle tale
This was a relaxing read. I enjoyed it. The plotting was more competent than inspiring - a little bit predictable to be honest, the characterisation predictable (but with warmth) and the language and writing were nicely done. Good premise too - perhaps the author will have another go? Liked the Northumbrian setting.
This was a relaxing read. I enjoyed it. The plotting was more competent than inspiring - a little bit predictable to be honest, the characterisation predictable (but with warmth) and the language and writing were nicely done. Good premise too - perhaps the author will have another go? Liked the Northumbrian setting.
September 13, 2020
A most amazing and enchanting read.
I love trees. I love a story line where trees can be read and also assist in time travel. The tree stories in between chapters I found totally fascinating. This is a keeper for me. Being an earth person, to me trees are the givers of life. They give us air to breathe. This story was a breath of fresh air.
I love trees. I love a story line where trees can be read and also assist in time travel. The tree stories in between chapters I found totally fascinating. This is a keeper for me. Being an earth person, to me trees are the givers of life. They give us air to breathe. This story was a breath of fresh air.
January 10, 2021
Really enjoyed this, a tranquil exploration of some heart-wrenching themes and beautiful writing. Particularly loved the scenes exploring nature, Marks vividly portrays the landscape and I quite liked the bits about the trees. I did get a bit confused with the many characters but overall an interesting idea well executed.
January 24, 2021
Really enjoyed this, a tranquil exploration of some heart-wrenching themes and beautiful writing. Particularly loved the scenes exploring nature, Marks vividly portrays the landscape and I quite liked the bits about the trees. I did get a bit confused with the many characters but overall an interesting idea well executed.
November 18, 2021
Time travel, tree hugging and love.
I haven't been able to put this down, it's brilliant. Good original storyline and a romance but not mushy. We've all looked at trees and thought If they could talk what a tale it would be. Imagine it being possible, i might just try my cherry tree in the morning . I'm still rooting for Hawk.
I haven't been able to put this down, it's brilliant. Good original storyline and a romance but not mushy. We've all looked at trees and thought If they could talk what a tale it would be. Imagine it being possible, i might just try my cherry tree in the morning . I'm still rooting for Hawk.
June 8, 2020
My imagination and thirst for joyful fantasy have been quenched
The past 24 hours have been filled with mystery, fantasy, anger, heartache, greed, but not of all love and joy. Relax let your heart be open and ride on the breeze of reading The True. Ahhhhh!
The past 24 hours have been filled with mystery, fantasy, anger, heartache, greed, but not of all love and joy. Relax let your heart be open and ride on the breeze of reading The True. Ahhhhh!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews