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South of the Buttonwood Tree
Blue Bishop has a knack for finding lost things. While growing up in charming small-town Buttonwood, Alabama, she’s happened across lost wallets, jewelry, pets, her wandering neighbor, and sometimes, trouble. No one is more surprised than Blue, however, when she comes across an abandoned newborn baby in the woods, just south of a very special buttonwood tree.
Sarah Grace Landreneau Fulton is at a crossroads. She has always tried so hard to do the right thing, but her own mother would disown her if she ever learned half of Sarah Grace’s secrets.
The unexpected discovery of the newborn baby girl will alter Blue’s and Sarah Grace’s lives forever. Both women must fight for what they truly want in life and for who they love. In doing so, they uncover long-held secrets that reveal exactly who they really are—and what they’re willing to sacrifice in the name of family.
Sarah Grace Landreneau Fulton is at a crossroads. She has always tried so hard to do the right thing, but her own mother would disown her if she ever learned half of Sarah Grace’s secrets.
The unexpected discovery of the newborn baby girl will alter Blue’s and Sarah Grace’s lives forever. Both women must fight for what they truly want in life and for who they love. In doing so, they uncover long-held secrets that reveal exactly who they really are—and what they’re willing to sacrifice in the name of family.
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First published July 21, 2020
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About the author
Heather Webber
36 books4,323 followersUSA Today bestselling author Heather Webber loves to read, drink too much coffee and tea, birdwatch, crochet, and bake. She currently lives near Cincinnati, Ohio, and is hard at work on her next book. *Heather also writes under the pen name Heather Blake.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,834 reviews
July 26, 2024
EXCERPT: It was the kind of day in Buttonwood, Alabama, where trouble slipped into town with the breeze, jarring awake sleepy springtime leaves on the massive oaks and sky-high hickories. It scraped parched dirt, sending dust skittering along the trail like it was running for cover. It whistled its warning, plain as day to anyone who cared to listen.
If anyone could recognize the cautionary tune, it was me.
I was a Bishop after all. My family name was practically synonymous with the word 'trouble'. Daddy, Twyla, and my three brothers had embraced trouble like long-lost kin, consequences be damned. And look where that had landed them - each now dead and buried.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Blue Bishop has a knack for finding lost things. While growing up in charming small-town Buttonwood, Alabama, she's happened across lost wallets, jewelry, pets, her wandering neighbor, and sometimes, trouble. No one is more surprised than Blue, however, when she comes across an abandoned newborn baby in the woods, just south of a very special buttonwood tree.
Sarah Grace Landreneau Fulton is at a crossroads. She has always tried so hard to do the right thing, but her own mother would disown her if she ever learned half of Sarah Grace's secrets.
The unexpected discovery of the newborn baby girl will alter Blue's and Sarah Grace's lives forever. Both women must fight for what they truly want in life and for who they love. In doing so, they uncover long-held secrets that reveal exactly who they really are--and what they're willing to sacrifice in the name of family.
MY THOUGHTS: 'What's that Dahl quote? 'Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.'
I found magic in this wonderful book. By the end of the first page, I knew that I had found something special. Heather Webber, whom I have never read before, reached out and touched my heart, enchanted my mind, and kept me enamored right through to the last page.
The characters are depicted so clearly and cleverly that they are never anything less than real. 'Sarah Grace.....if she were a book, her binding would be pristine, and her pages glued together to hide what was inside.' 'If there were a personification of Southern Gothic, it would be Oleta. Dressed in one of her overly starched, vintage short-sleeve shirtwaist dresses with matching pillbox hat, she was altogether nightmarish with her nearly skeletal figure, short grey hair, black eyes, sharp cheekbones, barbed tongue, and utter self-righteousness.'
The writing is gentle and enthralling. It is Southern. I could hear the characters in my mind. The story of this abandoned baby tore at my heartstrings and misted my eyes. Notice that I didn't say 'unloved.' Baby Flora is loved greatly, by a large number of people.
There is a lot of love in this book. Not romance. Love. Blue's love for this tiny baby left for her to find. Her love for her family, the notorious Bishops. Marlo and her love for her husband Moe, now suffering from dementia. And magic. The magic of love.
There is also a good dose of mystery in South of the Buttonwood Tree, and it's not confined to the identity of the baby's mother.
If you need a little magic in your life, or you want a wonderful read that will make you forget the current troubles in the world, this is the book that will do it.
❤❤❤❤.6
'In the book of life, everyone has chapters they don't like reading out loud.'
THE AUTHOR: Heather Webber, aka Heather Blake, is the author of more than twenty-five novels. She loves to read, drink too much coffee and tea, birdwatch, crochet, and bake. She currently lives near Cincinnati, Ohio, and is hard at work on her next book.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Macmillan-Tor/Forge via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of South of the Buttonwood Tree by Heather Webber for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
If anyone could recognize the cautionary tune, it was me.
I was a Bishop after all. My family name was practically synonymous with the word 'trouble'. Daddy, Twyla, and my three brothers had embraced trouble like long-lost kin, consequences be damned. And look where that had landed them - each now dead and buried.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Blue Bishop has a knack for finding lost things. While growing up in charming small-town Buttonwood, Alabama, she's happened across lost wallets, jewelry, pets, her wandering neighbor, and sometimes, trouble. No one is more surprised than Blue, however, when she comes across an abandoned newborn baby in the woods, just south of a very special buttonwood tree.
Sarah Grace Landreneau Fulton is at a crossroads. She has always tried so hard to do the right thing, but her own mother would disown her if she ever learned half of Sarah Grace's secrets.
The unexpected discovery of the newborn baby girl will alter Blue's and Sarah Grace's lives forever. Both women must fight for what they truly want in life and for who they love. In doing so, they uncover long-held secrets that reveal exactly who they really are--and what they're willing to sacrifice in the name of family.
MY THOUGHTS: 'What's that Dahl quote? 'Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.'
I found magic in this wonderful book. By the end of the first page, I knew that I had found something special. Heather Webber, whom I have never read before, reached out and touched my heart, enchanted my mind, and kept me enamored right through to the last page.
The characters are depicted so clearly and cleverly that they are never anything less than real. 'Sarah Grace.....if she were a book, her binding would be pristine, and her pages glued together to hide what was inside.' 'If there were a personification of Southern Gothic, it would be Oleta. Dressed in one of her overly starched, vintage short-sleeve shirtwaist dresses with matching pillbox hat, she was altogether nightmarish with her nearly skeletal figure, short grey hair, black eyes, sharp cheekbones, barbed tongue, and utter self-righteousness.'
The writing is gentle and enthralling. It is Southern. I could hear the characters in my mind. The story of this abandoned baby tore at my heartstrings and misted my eyes. Notice that I didn't say 'unloved.' Baby Flora is loved greatly, by a large number of people.
There is a lot of love in this book. Not romance. Love. Blue's love for this tiny baby left for her to find. Her love for her family, the notorious Bishops. Marlo and her love for her husband Moe, now suffering from dementia. And magic. The magic of love.
There is also a good dose of mystery in South of the Buttonwood Tree, and it's not confined to the identity of the baby's mother.
If you need a little magic in your life, or you want a wonderful read that will make you forget the current troubles in the world, this is the book that will do it.
❤❤❤❤.6
'In the book of life, everyone has chapters they don't like reading out loud.'
THE AUTHOR: Heather Webber, aka Heather Blake, is the author of more than twenty-five novels. She loves to read, drink too much coffee and tea, birdwatch, crochet, and bake. She currently lives near Cincinnati, Ohio, and is hard at work on her next book.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Macmillan-Tor/Forge via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of South of the Buttonwood Tree by Heather Webber for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
July 29, 2020
Looking for something a little light, a little fun with southern charm and magical realism??? Look no further!
If you believe in magic, come along with me
We'll dance until morning 'til there's just you and me
And maybe, if the music is right
I'll meet you tomorrow, sort of late at night
And we'll go dancing, baby, then you'll see
How the magic's in the music and the music's in me -The Lovin' Spoonful
Family, it not just the people you are related to, it is those you let into your heart. This book is full of Southern Charm, family, relationships, a tree that gives advice, a small town, women with special abilities and the question about who Flora’s mother is. Who indeed? Will the search for the truth unravel some secrets, will old grudges be forgiven, will love conquer all? Small towns are where you know everyone, and everyone knows you and your business.... or do they? This can be both a blessing and a curse.
These characters each have a journey to go on, each is interesting, vivid and real. When Blue finds a newborn baby in the woods, everything changes. Sarah Grace listens to houses. She has a knack for redecorating and well, she has her secrets and.... (read the book!)
I found this to be an extremely sweet, charming, light read. Perfect for the time we are living in. Who doesn't want an escape from time to time? I know I do! I look forward to more books by Webber.
I received a copy of this book from Macmillan -Forge Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
If you believe in magic, come along with me
We'll dance until morning 'til there's just you and me
And maybe, if the music is right
I'll meet you tomorrow, sort of late at night
And we'll go dancing, baby, then you'll see
How the magic's in the music and the music's in me -The Lovin' Spoonful
Family, it not just the people you are related to, it is those you let into your heart. This book is full of Southern Charm, family, relationships, a tree that gives advice, a small town, women with special abilities and the question about who Flora’s mother is. Who indeed? Will the search for the truth unravel some secrets, will old grudges be forgiven, will love conquer all? Small towns are where you know everyone, and everyone knows you and your business.... or do they? This can be both a blessing and a curse.
These characters each have a journey to go on, each is interesting, vivid and real. When Blue finds a newborn baby in the woods, everything changes. Sarah Grace listens to houses. She has a knack for redecorating and well, she has her secrets and.... (read the book!)
I found this to be an extremely sweet, charming, light read. Perfect for the time we are living in. Who doesn't want an escape from time to time? I know I do! I look forward to more books by Webber.
I received a copy of this book from Macmillan -Forge Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 24, 2020
"I was a Bishop...My family was practically synonymous with the word trouble...Why hadn't they fought harder to stay out of trouble? Why hadn't they made different choices? Why had they left me alone to deal with the fallout of their behavior? Left me alone to raise Persy...Bishop black sheep, both of us". Thanks to Marlo and Moe Allemand, our surrogate grandparents, we spent quality time at the "Rabbit Hole", the bookstore owned by the Allemands. Marlo would say, "Stand in your own light, Blue Bishop...but...my light had been dimmed by the bad choices others had made".
"Buttonwood [Alabama] was a small yet thriving community. Tight-knit with a long memory. A very long, judgmental memory". The Buttonwood Tree was situated at the halfway point on the trail that curved around the town. According to local legend, the Buttonwood Tree was a sycamore tree growing from the transformation of a grief stricken woman. "The Buttonwood Tree grew strong, fertilized by her broken heart...While the Buttonwood's buttons were made of wood, what was written on them was set in stone...the tree's buttons had counseled many...To defy the tree's guidance was to bring on everlasting unhappiness".
According to Blue Bishop, "The wind always led me to the lost...how it pushed and pulled...How without fail, it called to me every morning to walk the Buttonwood trail...to lead me to something that was lost...I am still searching for the lost thing with no name". One day, a cry in the woods. "I sprinted due south of the Buttonwood tree, to a basket...a baby...In the basket-a tree button with an etched message, 'Give the baby to Blue Bishop'."
Sarah Grace Landreneau was a house whisperer. She could hear houses. "...houses were the best secret keepers...". Sarah Grace ran a company called "Sweet Home". She located, bought and rehabbed houses. She was bound and determined to buy the farmhouse passed down to Blue. "Sarah Grace, you need this house, more than it needs you. There's a lot to be learned here once you start peeling back layers...". A grudge had been passed down for generations ever since Daddy Bishop won the Landreneau house in a card game. Daddy had cheated! Sarah Grace's mother was outraged. Don't buy this house! She demanded perfection from her only child. "Do better. Be better".
A search was underway, an active police investigation into who had abandoned "Flora". Blue, until now, had avoided conflict choosing to escape into a fictional world by choosing a career as a children's picture book author and illustrator. "But...I would fight for Flora if I had to." Oh, the tangled web we weave. Town secrets were about to be unmasked. Can love, kindness and forgiveness be the new normal?
"South of the Buttonwood Tree" by Heather Webber is a magical story of a small town where judgmental behavior as well as keeping up appearances are challenged in the attempt to unravel a mystery. Who is Flora's mother? A captivating tome I highly recommend.
Thank you Macmillan-Tor/Forge Books and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
"Buttonwood [Alabama] was a small yet thriving community. Tight-knit with a long memory. A very long, judgmental memory". The Buttonwood Tree was situated at the halfway point on the trail that curved around the town. According to local legend, the Buttonwood Tree was a sycamore tree growing from the transformation of a grief stricken woman. "The Buttonwood Tree grew strong, fertilized by her broken heart...While the Buttonwood's buttons were made of wood, what was written on them was set in stone...the tree's buttons had counseled many...To defy the tree's guidance was to bring on everlasting unhappiness".
According to Blue Bishop, "The wind always led me to the lost...how it pushed and pulled...How without fail, it called to me every morning to walk the Buttonwood trail...to lead me to something that was lost...I am still searching for the lost thing with no name". One day, a cry in the woods. "I sprinted due south of the Buttonwood tree, to a basket...a baby...In the basket-a tree button with an etched message, 'Give the baby to Blue Bishop'."
Sarah Grace Landreneau was a house whisperer. She could hear houses. "...houses were the best secret keepers...". Sarah Grace ran a company called "Sweet Home". She located, bought and rehabbed houses. She was bound and determined to buy the farmhouse passed down to Blue. "Sarah Grace, you need this house, more than it needs you. There's a lot to be learned here once you start peeling back layers...". A grudge had been passed down for generations ever since Daddy Bishop won the Landreneau house in a card game. Daddy had cheated! Sarah Grace's mother was outraged. Don't buy this house! She demanded perfection from her only child. "Do better. Be better".
A search was underway, an active police investigation into who had abandoned "Flora". Blue, until now, had avoided conflict choosing to escape into a fictional world by choosing a career as a children's picture book author and illustrator. "But...I would fight for Flora if I had to." Oh, the tangled web we weave. Town secrets were about to be unmasked. Can love, kindness and forgiveness be the new normal?
"South of the Buttonwood Tree" by Heather Webber is a magical story of a small town where judgmental behavior as well as keeping up appearances are challenged in the attempt to unravel a mystery. Who is Flora's mother? A captivating tome I highly recommend.
Thank you Macmillan-Tor/Forge Books and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2020
Southern charm, magic, family secrets and a remarkable tree.
In this southern town in Alabama, there is a tree that has its own story. Folklore if you will. If you ask the tree a question and the tree cares to answer, a button with advice on it is dispensed. It appears at the base of the tree in a hollow called the rabbit hole. This also happens to the name of the local bookstore.
Many lives will change the day Blue finds a three day old baby at the base of the tree instead of a button. Many women in this town have abilities outside the norm. Blue can find lost things, being simpatico with the wind, Sarah Grace can hear what houses have to say and Marlo dances by moonlight, using the energy to heal others. Lovely characters all, including the too good to be true male love interests.
Family reputations, histories, secrets long held will be revealed all in a charming, magical and dysfunctional way. It does sometimes get a little corny, over the top, but a lighter read that is fun. We could all use a little magic right now. I also adore this book cover.
"This is the South after all, where there's always a touch of magic in the air."
"Viewing life with a little sweetness can make a world of difference."
Readers who enjoy Sarah Addison Allen, will find much to like here.
ARC from Edelweiss.
In this southern town in Alabama, there is a tree that has its own story. Folklore if you will. If you ask the tree a question and the tree cares to answer, a button with advice on it is dispensed. It appears at the base of the tree in a hollow called the rabbit hole. This also happens to the name of the local bookstore.
Many lives will change the day Blue finds a three day old baby at the base of the tree instead of a button. Many women in this town have abilities outside the norm. Blue can find lost things, being simpatico with the wind, Sarah Grace can hear what houses have to say and Marlo dances by moonlight, using the energy to heal others. Lovely characters all, including the too good to be true male love interests.
Family reputations, histories, secrets long held will be revealed all in a charming, magical and dysfunctional way. It does sometimes get a little corny, over the top, but a lighter read that is fun. We could all use a little magic right now. I also adore this book cover.
"This is the South after all, where there's always a touch of magic in the air."
"Viewing life with a little sweetness can make a world of difference."
Readers who enjoy Sarah Addison Allen, will find much to like here.
ARC from Edelweiss.
July 26, 2020
Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.
After reading Midnight at the Blackbird Café, I couldn’t imagine the author topping it. But HOLY KAPOW -- she’s done it again! South of the Buttonwood Tree is every bit as good – maybe better. Magical realism is fast becoming one of my go-to genres when cloudy skies and grumpy moods plague me.
Heather Webber has an amazing talent to draw readers into a book with her fabulous depictions of setting and characters, resulting in a story that comes to life giving the feeling you're living the story right along beside the characters.
A baby left alone in the woods near the Buttonwood tree with a small wooden button proclaiming, “Give the baby to Blue Bishop.” And the mystery begins . . . but I'm not going to say any more because every reader needs to experience every drop of magic on their own.
Secrets galore! I loved the way the author chose to expose them one by one and the variety of characters you’ll meet in the process. Love, pain and sorrow, regret, kindness and hope are woven into every aspect of this story. A feast of family secrets and long-held grudges, love affairs and the power of friendship lead us down a magical road to truth and forgiveness. You can expect to find plenty of tender and emotional splashes of romance to balance the otherwise mysterious storyline. A brand new novel that captures the complexities of human emotions in an imaginative and irresistible saga!
I can’t rave enough about the goodness inside the covers of this book. The clouds have disappeared, magic is in the air, my grumpiness has taken a hike and I’m wearing a smile – for now anyway.
July 6, 2020
LOved the magical realism aspect of this book. The buttonwood tree with its advice dispensing buttons was an original concept that was well executed. The story was well-plotted and moved along nicely. The one small comment I have is that there was too much similarity in the character voices and at times I had to look back to check and see whose voice she was in.
June 30, 2020
A warm heartfelt magical story that is original. The characters are deeply developed and you fall in love with the main characters. Fantastic book to get and settle yourself in the warmth of it. Highly recommended!
July 6, 2025
Книгата сама ме намери. Не ме привличаше с нищо, нямаше в анотацията, че героинята е детска писателка, за да ме заинтригува да я чета, но се радвам че успя да стигне до мен. До последно имах съпротива срещу нея, но реших, че ще се чете и точка. Започнах я без очаквания, нито намерения да я харесам. И, може би, именно заради това, ме очарова. Написана жанрово в магическия реализъм, тя ме трогна, развълнува, замисли и остана в сърцето ми.
Имало едно време момиченце на име Блу, родено в семейство, преследвано от неприятности. Всички умират, а тя отглежда малката си сестричка в един враждебен град, който ги е нарочил за зли и привличащи неприятностите. Обърнал им е гръб да се оправят както могат. Двете правят всичко възможно да поддържат добра репутация, тихо оставят подаръчета на местните, Блу открива изгубените им "неща", но нищо не помага да бъдат приети сред тях. Може би причината ще се окаже вътре в самата Блу, която е толкова наранена от отношението, че сама изгражда стени, с които да се защити от болката. Едно бебе, намерено от нея в гората, ще промени целия ѝ свят, ще обърне всички представи и то ще довее вятъра на промяната. Всичко изгубено, дори и неназованото с име, което дълги години преследва Блу, ще бъде намерено. Всяко нещо ще бъде сложено на мястото си. А едно магическо дърво ще продължава да дава съвети и ще се радва на щастието на хората, които ги следват.
Не знам защо не се говори за тази книги. Авторката има много хубав стил на писане. Героите са живи и образни, усещах всяка тяхна емоция, страдах и живях с техните проблеми. Колко предразсъдъци могат да се таят в сърцето на човек... Колко лоши можем да бъдем хората, когато осъждаме... Този, който съди, също има грехове, но в малкото градче името се оказва по-важно от човека. В живота винаги идва момент, в който всичко се завърта - тайните излизат наяве и се обръщат срещу съдниците. Няма съвършени хора, никой не е само черно-бял, просто понякога трябва да поспираме и да се вглеждаме в другите. Всеки човек носи някаква болка в себе си, но е важно разбирателството и доброто отношение.
Хареса ми как е изградена самата книга, всяка глава започваше с разказ на някой местен за семейството на Блу. Всяка история показваше различна гледна точка, чрез която разбираш, че в книгата нищо не е такова, каквото изглежда. Много ми допадна този начин на поднасяне, а и краят беше интересен и изненадващ. Определено има върху какво да се замислиш. Освен това е с лека мистериозна нишка и магически реализъм, който допринася за емоционалността и усещането за нещо приказно и вълшебно.
Имало едно време момиченце на име Блу, родено в семейство, преследвано от неприятности. Всички умират, а тя отглежда малката си сестричка в един враждебен град, който ги е нарочил за зли и привличащи неприятностите. Обърнал им е гръб да се оправят както могат. Двете правят всичко възможно да поддържат добра репутация, тихо оставят подаръчета на местните, Блу открива изгубените им "неща", но нищо не помага да бъдат приети сред тях. Може би причината ще се окаже вътре в самата Блу, която е толкова наранена от отношението, че сама изгражда стени, с които да се защити от болката. Едно бебе, намерено от нея в гората, ще промени целия ѝ свят, ще обърне всички представи и то ще довее вятъра на промяната. Всичко изгубено, дори и неназованото с име, което дълги години преследва Блу, ще бъде намерено. Всяко нещо ще бъде сложено на мястото си. А едно магическо дърво ще продължава да дава съвети и ще се радва на щастието на хората, които ги следват.
Не знам защо не се говори за тази книги. Авторката има много хубав стил на писане. Героите са живи и образни, усещах всяка тяхна емоция, страдах и живях с техните проблеми. Колко предразсъдъци могат да се таят в сърцето на човек... Колко лоши можем да бъдем хората, когато осъждаме... Този, който съди, също има грехове, но в малкото градче името се оказва по-важно от човека. В живота винаги идва момент, в който всичко се завърта - тайните излизат наяве и се обръщат срещу съдниците. Няма съвършени хора, никой не е само черно-бял, просто понякога трябва да поспираме и да се вглеждаме в другите. Всеки човек носи някаква болка в себе си, но е важно разбирателството и доброто отношение.
Хареса ми как е изградена самата книга, всяка глава започваше с разказ на някой местен за семейството на Блу. Всяка история показваше различна гледна точка, чрез която разбираш, че в книгата нищо не е такова, каквото изглежда. Много ми допадна този начин на поднасяне, а и краят беше интересен и изненадващ. Определено има върху какво да се замислиш. Освен това е с лека мистериозна нишка и магически реализъм, който допринася за емоционалността и усещането за нещо приказно и вълшебно.
May 31, 2020
This was a great feel good novel with vivid characters. The book is about the consequences and family bonds. The journey and experiences the characters all take to deal with the trauma and emotions in their life. How each one takes a different path and reconnects over the years. The author weaves things together masterfully to create a truly lovely experience.
Thank you to Netgalley and Forge Books for the opportunity to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and Forge Books for the opportunity to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2020
If you’ve been following me for a while then you know that one of my favorite books from 2019 was Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe; I fell in love with Heather Webber’s writing style. Well, folks, she has done it again with South of the Buttonwood Tree.
I was nervous going into this book as I was worried I wouldn’t feel the same about it as I did her last book. I didn’t feel the same way because they are two completely different stories but I love them both equally. There were countless beautiful life lessons nestled within the pages of Buttonwood that I had to read slowly so I could try to absorb them all.
Heather Webber has this incredible way of writing that draws you in. I feel myself being called into her books, to her characters and to the towns that she writes about. I truly feel that she encapsulates the beauty of small southern towns. I also adore her way of weaving in magical realism into the book that I’m often left with goosebumps because it “is the South after all, where there’s always a touch of magic in the air.”
I loved how with each chapter that I read there was a little bit more information revealed; a connection here, a memory revealed there. It made me stop and think that not everything that we see and hear is correct and that there are, always, two sides to every story.
When I finished reading South of the Buttonwood tree, I felt as if I was leaving a part of myself behind in Buttonwood and my heart was full of love for, not only, the story but the characters. I can’t recommend this book enough to you and I will certainly be adding it to my favorites of 2020.
South of the Buttonwood Tree was published on July 21, and is available to order from your local bookstore!
I was nervous going into this book as I was worried I wouldn’t feel the same about it as I did her last book. I didn’t feel the same way because they are two completely different stories but I love them both equally. There were countless beautiful life lessons nestled within the pages of Buttonwood that I had to read slowly so I could try to absorb them all.
Heather Webber has this incredible way of writing that draws you in. I feel myself being called into her books, to her characters and to the towns that she writes about. I truly feel that she encapsulates the beauty of small southern towns. I also adore her way of weaving in magical realism into the book that I’m often left with goosebumps because it “is the South after all, where there’s always a touch of magic in the air.”
I loved how with each chapter that I read there was a little bit more information revealed; a connection here, a memory revealed there. It made me stop and think that not everything that we see and hear is correct and that there are, always, two sides to every story.
When I finished reading South of the Buttonwood tree, I felt as if I was leaving a part of myself behind in Buttonwood and my heart was full of love for, not only, the story but the characters. I can’t recommend this book enough to you and I will certainly be adding it to my favorites of 2020.
South of the Buttonwood Tree was published on July 21, and is available to order from your local bookstore!
September 12, 2020
According to local, legend, the Buttonwood Tree had come to be more than a 150 years ago after a woman named Delphine had warned her husband and son to delay their hunting expedition because of a storm rolling in. They hadn't heeded her advice and ventured into the woods, where they were struck down when lightning hit the tree they'd taken shelter under. The grief stricken woman sat so long in the woods where her loved ones had perished that she slowly transformed into a sycamore tree, known as a buttonwood tree. The Buttonwood Tree grew strong, fertilised by her broken heart, and her determination to prevent others from heartache had morphed into a small crow, almost ethereal in its luminous appearance, that led people in need of guidance to the tree. The tree's buttons had counselled many. But if people didn't listen to the advice.... there was a steep price to pay. If you asked advice from the tree, you'd best be ready to accept the counsel given. To defy the tree's guidance was to bring on everlasting unhappiness, a curse for ignoring the tree's wisdom.
This was a glorious book and I had a glorious time reading it! I admit that I could have finished it much earlier but then I wouldn't have been able to savour it. To me, reading South of the Buttonwood Tree was like reading a fairytale....a modern, original fairytale. It surely had all the elements of one and much much more! So much more! ☀️🌟💕💞
Five absolute glorious 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟!
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Macmillan-Tor/Forge Books and the author for Heather Webber for the e-Arc of the book.
This book was published on July 21, 2020.
This was a glorious book and I had a glorious time reading it! I admit that I could have finished it much earlier but then I wouldn't have been able to savour it. To me, reading South of the Buttonwood Tree was like reading a fairytale....a modern, original fairytale. It surely had all the elements of one and much much more! So much more! ☀️🌟💕💞
Five absolute glorious 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟!
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Macmillan-Tor/Forge Books and the author for Heather Webber for the e-Arc of the book.
This book was published on July 21, 2020.
April 13, 2020
Heather Webber's 'Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe' was the highlight of my February reading...and I squeezed in 24 books that month! So imagine my absolute delight when I was given an ARC of Webber's summer release, "South of the Buttonwood Tree!"
I am a sucker for a dose of magical realism set in a small, southern town with a little light romance swirled in...and, boy, did Webber deliver. You will so quickly fall in love with this town and these characters...especially Blue, the finder of lost things.
Magical trees, a found baby, and so many family secrets! As much as I adored 'Blackbird,' I loved this one even more. RUN to your computer and pre-order this book immediately.
...absolutely a 5 Star read for me.
A HUGE Thank You to NetGalley and Macmillan/Forge Books for this ebook to read and review!
I am a sucker for a dose of magical realism set in a small, southern town with a little light romance swirled in...and, boy, did Webber deliver. You will so quickly fall in love with this town and these characters...especially Blue, the finder of lost things.
Magical trees, a found baby, and so many family secrets! As much as I adored 'Blackbird,' I loved this one even more. RUN to your computer and pre-order this book immediately.
...absolutely a 5 Star read for me.
A HUGE Thank You to NetGalley and Macmillan/Forge Books for this ebook to read and review!
September 20, 2023
This isn't usually the type of book I read but I loved it! The story flowed nicely and was consistently interesting. I liked the writing and the characters. Adding this author's other work to my TBR!
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June 14, 2021
Heather Webber has a writing style all her own. It's magical and beautiful and draws you in like a warm blanket on a cold evening.
This sweet southern tale of love, loss, family, secrets and finding out who you really are held me captive.
Blue Bishop is judged by her last name. Many people in town believe that if you are a Bishop, you are trouble. But Blue has a heart of gold and wants nothing more than to be a mother. And Sarah Grace wants nothing more than to feel that true love that once was hers so long ago. Both women embark on a journey to discover who they really are and what life has in store for them. This story has all the feels. Each character has their own story and secrets to reveal in order to heal. There is so much to love about this book! If you are in the mood for a small town, feel good, happy ending story, read this!
This sweet southern tale of love, loss, family, secrets and finding out who you really are held me captive.
Blue Bishop is judged by her last name. Many people in town believe that if you are a Bishop, you are trouble. But Blue has a heart of gold and wants nothing more than to be a mother. And Sarah Grace wants nothing more than to feel that true love that once was hers so long ago. Both women embark on a journey to discover who they really are and what life has in store for them. This story has all the feels. Each character has their own story and secrets to reveal in order to heal. There is so much to love about this book! If you are in the mood for a small town, feel good, happy ending story, read this!
April 20, 2020
I loved this book. It is set in small town Alabama and being from Mississippi I could relate. I loved the town and all of it's characters. It drew you in from the very beginning. The story is about a young woman from a family with a sordid past and how people see her and how she sees herself. As the book unfolds and secrets are revealed can the town change their minds on how they see her? It also has some magic and romance. I can't wait to read the next book by Heather Webber.
July 26, 2020
While I didn’t connect with this one the same way I did with 𝐌𝐢𝐝𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐟𝐞, it’s still a good book. Good narration. Just don’t have a ton to say about it 🤷🏼♀️
April 9, 2025
Book : South of the Buttonwood Tree
Author : Heather Webber
Pages : 336
Published : 2020
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heather Webber’s South of the Buttonwood Tree is a charming, magical Southern novel about family secrets, second chances, and the unexpected ways lives intertwine. Set in the small Alabama town of Buttonwood, the story follows two women from feuding families—Blue Bishop, a free-spirited artist with a gift for finding lost things, and Sarah Grace Cabot, the seemingly perfect daughter of Buttonwood’s most influential family. When Blue discovers an abandoned baby under the mystical Buttonwood tree, long-buried secrets begin to surface, forcing both women to confront their pasts and the tangled history between their families.
Webber’s writing is warm and immersive, blending Southern charm with a touch of magical realism. The Buttonwood tree itself becomes a symbol of fate and connection, its whispered legends adding depth to the story. Blue is an interesting protagonist—diffident, kind-hearted but burdened by her family’s reputation, while Sarah Grace’s polished exterior hides quiet desperation. Their journeys toward self-discovery and reconciliation are heartfelt and satisfying.
At its core, South of the Buttonwood Tree is about forgiveness, belonging, and acceptance. The idea that people are more than their family name. The supporting cast—from Blue’s eccentric neighbours Marlo and Mo, to the town cop, Shep, to the quiet Henry— new owner of the bookstore Down the Rabbit Hole—to the tight-knit townsfolk—adds richness to the narrative. While the plot occasionally leans into predictable Southern fiction tropes, Webber’s storytelling and emotional sincerity keep it engaging.
A heartwarming tale of love, redemption, and the ties that bind us. Perfect for fans of The Secret Life of Bees,🐝 this novel is a cozy, uplifting read with just enough mystery and magic to make it stand out.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author : Heather Webber
Pages : 336
Published : 2020
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heather Webber’s South of the Buttonwood Tree is a charming, magical Southern novel about family secrets, second chances, and the unexpected ways lives intertwine. Set in the small Alabama town of Buttonwood, the story follows two women from feuding families—Blue Bishop, a free-spirited artist with a gift for finding lost things, and Sarah Grace Cabot, the seemingly perfect daughter of Buttonwood’s most influential family. When Blue discovers an abandoned baby under the mystical Buttonwood tree, long-buried secrets begin to surface, forcing both women to confront their pasts and the tangled history between their families.
Webber’s writing is warm and immersive, blending Southern charm with a touch of magical realism. The Buttonwood tree itself becomes a symbol of fate and connection, its whispered legends adding depth to the story. Blue is an interesting protagonist—diffident, kind-hearted but burdened by her family’s reputation, while Sarah Grace’s polished exterior hides quiet desperation. Their journeys toward self-discovery and reconciliation are heartfelt and satisfying.
At its core, South of the Buttonwood Tree is about forgiveness, belonging, and acceptance. The idea that people are more than their family name. The supporting cast—from Blue’s eccentric neighbours Marlo and Mo, to the town cop, Shep, to the quiet Henry— new owner of the bookstore Down the Rabbit Hole—to the tight-knit townsfolk—adds richness to the narrative. While the plot occasionally leans into predictable Southern fiction tropes, Webber’s storytelling and emotional sincerity keep it engaging.
A heartwarming tale of love, redemption, and the ties that bind us. Perfect for fans of The Secret Life of Bees,🐝 this novel is a cozy, uplifting read with just enough mystery and magic to make it stand out.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 24, 2020
Magical realism is alive and thriving in Heather Webber's wonderful new book. In her small Alabama town, Blue Bishop may be known for finding lost things, but finding a newborn baby in the forest was more than she ever expected. Still, the buttonwood tree, a local legend for answering locals' questions said "Give the baby to Blue." With her family heritage of troublemakers, the town seems divided about whether she should be able to keep and foster the child. A story filled with secrets, lost loves, friendship and the power of healing. Including Blue the characters are special, well defined with depth and humanity, even when not likeable, at first. I tore through this book, only crying once, but the characters will remain me for a beguiling time.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest.
August 13, 2020
South of the Buttonwood Tree
This book had the right amount of almost-fantasy, almost-magic and whispering winds mingled with tangled life situations that kept me turning the pages. Something in the wind, talking houses, and maternal tree that helped the community find itself engaged me to the very end. This is a quick read, and for me was fully satisfying.
I loved the characters, was thrilled with the outcome, and don’t want to spoil it for anyone.
I do have a question, though: where can we get our own buttonwood tree?
4 stars. All buttoned up.
A sincere thank you to Heather Webber, Forge Books and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review.
This book had the right amount of almost-fantasy, almost-magic and whispering winds mingled with tangled life situations that kept me turning the pages. Something in the wind, talking houses, and maternal tree that helped the community find itself engaged me to the very end. This is a quick read, and for me was fully satisfying.
I loved the characters, was thrilled with the outcome, and don’t want to spoil it for anyone.
I do have a question, though: where can we get our own buttonwood tree?
4 stars. All buttoned up.
A sincere thank you to Heather Webber, Forge Books and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review.
Read
July 14, 2020I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I loved Heather Webber's 2019 release Midnight at the Blackbird Café so I jumped at the chance to review her latest novel, South of the Buttonwood Tree. Just like MatBC, SotBT is full of small town gossip, family dramas, and my fave--magic realism. This book has cemented Heather Webber as one of my auto-buy authors. I recommend this book if you love The Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood and the quaintness of small Southern towns.
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I loved Heather Webber's 2019 release Midnight at the Blackbird Café so I jumped at the chance to review her latest novel, South of the Buttonwood Tree. Just like MatBC, SotBT is full of small town gossip, family dramas, and my fave--magic realism. This book has cemented Heather Webber as one of my auto-buy authors. I recommend this book if you love The Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood and the quaintness of small Southern towns.
Come chat with me about books here, too:
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest
December 3, 2020
Delightful Southern magical realism by the author of Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe. But underlying the magic are serious questions of identity, bitterness stemming from misunderstanding, loss, and grief, tempered with joy -- how could you resist a buttonwood tree that dispenses wisdom, in the form of buttons, or a main character who writes and illustrates children's books featuring a blue rabbit? The structure works well -- we alternate two first-person narrators, but in between, we're given 3d-person snippets in which townspeople find a way to speak their mind to the judge who will have to make a very important decision. Highly recommended!
October 11, 2020
I didn’t connect with this story and the characters like I did with Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe. I was excited for this book but ended up being very disappointed.
April 12, 2020
There is a new star in the magical realism genre and her name is Heather Webber. Last year's Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe was great. South of the Buttonwood Tree is breathtaking and an experience that will leave you aching for more long after you have closed the pages.
The author's rich description of the woods, the town, and the titular tree pull you so deeply into the story that you forget you are not actually there. Main characters Blue Bishop and Sarah Grace Landreneau Fulton perceive themselves as flawed women, but have no idea of the strength within them. The strength to undo past wrongs, find happiness for themselves, and the ability to change the their small town forever. Add an orphaned baby and a tumultuous marriage and you have the start of a reckoning that will leave no character untouched.
If you love magical realism, then this book will surely become a fast favorite. A veteran pro of paranormal cozy mysteries as Heather Blake, Webber has shown her literary fiction abilities to be even more enchanting. I cannot wait to be transported to her next tale.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed are my own.
The author's rich description of the woods, the town, and the titular tree pull you so deeply into the story that you forget you are not actually there. Main characters Blue Bishop and Sarah Grace Landreneau Fulton perceive themselves as flawed women, but have no idea of the strength within them. The strength to undo past wrongs, find happiness for themselves, and the ability to change the their small town forever. Add an orphaned baby and a tumultuous marriage and you have the start of a reckoning that will leave no character untouched.
If you love magical realism, then this book will surely become a fast favorite. A veteran pro of paranormal cozy mysteries as Heather Blake, Webber has shown her literary fiction abilities to be even more enchanting. I cannot wait to be transported to her next tale.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed are my own.
December 26, 2020
A very delightful bit of magic realism; very reminiscent of Sarah Addison Allen's books.
July 13, 2022
"This is the South after all, where there’s always a touch of magic in the air.”
Heather Webber, South of the Buttonwood Tree
Heather Webber where have you been my entire life?
This author came highly recommended when I reached out to a bookish community for a Southern read. Tricky as I read lots of Southern books. I picked this up with zero expectations except....this is for fans of Sarah Addison Allen. Ummm, yes please. I LOVE SAA.
I was not at all disappointed. These characters were just enough loveable to not be too much. The idea of the ButtonWood tree was magical...simply magical. Add in a bit of drama and I am sold.
Loved it. Really loved it. Heather will be one of my (new to me) authors to recommend.
Heather Webber, South of the Buttonwood Tree
Heather Webber where have you been my entire life?
This author came highly recommended when I reached out to a bookish community for a Southern read. Tricky as I read lots of Southern books. I picked this up with zero expectations except....this is for fans of Sarah Addison Allen. Ummm, yes please. I LOVE SAA.
I was not at all disappointed. These characters were just enough loveable to not be too much. The idea of the ButtonWood tree was magical...simply magical. Add in a bit of drama and I am sold.
Loved it. Really loved it. Heather will be one of my (new to me) authors to recommend.
July 11, 2022
Wonderful story.
August 1, 2020
When Blue discovers newborn baby Flora under the magical Buttonwood Tree, her life as well as that of her friend, Sarah Grace, will never be the same. Will Blue finally find what she's been searching for?
This amusing and magical story touched my heart and kept my attention; there were SO many family secrets! I loved the idea of the Buttonwood Tree providing guidance to those searching for answers and that the main characters were also infused with a bit of magic! For instance, Blue was able to find lost items while Sarah Grace could hear houses... making her even better at renovations. If you love magical realism and stories about the power of love, then I'd recommend this one.
"Love is worth the risk. Love is life."
Midnight at the Blackbird Café (5 stars) remains my favorite by this author!
Location: Buttonwood, Alabama
I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This amusing and magical story touched my heart and kept my attention; there were SO many family secrets! I loved the idea of the Buttonwood Tree providing guidance to those searching for answers and that the main characters were also infused with a bit of magic! For instance, Blue was able to find lost items while Sarah Grace could hear houses... making her even better at renovations. If you love magical realism and stories about the power of love, then I'd recommend this one.
"Love is worth the risk. Love is life."
Midnight at the Blackbird Café (5 stars) remains my favorite by this author!
Location: Buttonwood, Alabama
I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
July 20, 2020
South of the Buttonwood Tree by Heather Webber is a magical Southern tale. I thought the story was well-written with developed characters set in a charming Southern town. I liked the Buttonwood Tree that dispenses advice when asked, but you had better follow it or be prepared to pay the price. The story follows Blue Bishop and Sarah Grace Fulton as they go on a journey. Blue finds a baby near the Buttonwood Tree with a note that the little girl is meant for her. No one is aware that this child will bring change to certain lives and hidden secrets will be brought out in the open. The story is well thought out and I liked how it all came together at the end. The magical elements are interesting and clever. The author’s vivid imagery brought the town, characters, and tree alive for me. I liked that the characters are realistic with their good traits and their foibles. I loved the descriptions of The Rabbit Hole, the children’s bookshop. Romance is in the air for two of our characters if they are willing to open their hearts. The chapters with various town residents talking to the judge were lively. It allowed readers to learn more about Blue and Judge Quimby. Forgiveness and family are the two central themes of the book. South of the Buttonwood Tree is a charming story that will delight those enjoy novels with magical elements. South of the Buttonwood Tree is a mesmerizing tale with an enchanted tree, an abandoned baby, a helpful house, whispering wind, surprising secrets, and a captivating crow.
April 25, 2022
Yeah, no. In the words of one of the characters: "Do better, be better". I think that's the first magical realism-book that I didn't fall head-over-heels in love with; even worse, the first I was rather disappointed by. The story felt a bit convoluted and over the place, and the pace of the narrative was really messy throughout the whole book. Plus, at times it was just really boring. The plot twists were there, alright, but the ideas and executions were soooo weird. And the end, oh my god. It was SO disgustingly sweet, and absolutely not in a good way! (more like "I really need to brush my teeth and hope I won't throw up into the sink after reading this") I'm all for happy endings (well, sometimes), but this was too much. Maybe I'm just over cheesy family themes and reunions, and how everyone needs to be paired up romantically with for it to be the "perfect happy ending". The author didn't even shy away from giving the town villain the absolute redemption arc. Blurgh! To quote her: "I've never much cared for such saccharine sentiments." It can be a "good" ending even without having everyone dancing kumbaya around the kitchen table. So yeah, altogether just not really my cup of tea (not enough substance, weird mixture and waaay too much sugar)
July 12, 2021
Heather Webber continues to fill the Sarah Addison Allen shaped hole in my reading life. I read this over the course of a typical summer Sunday. Curling up with it for a couple minutes here and there. I started it over morning coffee and continued in between house projects. Then out on the deck with a blackberry French 75 as the sun went down. I turned the last page with a very satisfied sigh while cozied up in bed. It hit the spot.
Full of small town Southern charm and a smidge of magically whimsy, 𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐔𝐓𝐓𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐄 is a cozy, heartwarming story about family, secrets, community, forgiveness and love. The characters were well developed and the immersive writing kept me enchanted.
“��𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘶𝘱, 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥.” 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵.”
Full of small town Southern charm and a smidge of magically whimsy, 𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐔𝐓𝐓𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐄 is a cozy, heartwarming story about family, secrets, community, forgiveness and love. The characters were well developed and the immersive writing kept me enchanted.
“��𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘶𝘱, 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥.” 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵.”
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