Anywhere the Weeds Grow

by Danielle Stewart

There is a vast difference between having it all and being fulfilled. In the eyes of most onlookers, Carol Burgess couldn’t ask for a more gratifying life. She’d climbed the corporate ladder and taken her swipes at the glass ceiling, leaving a few cracks along the way. When she’s finally the one in charge, she discovers change is still taboo in the elite literary industry. Faced with the choice of keeping the status quo or starting a revolution of ideas, Carol seeks out a fresh and undiscovered voice in the writing world. Rather than searching the usual universities and conferences, she broadens her pursuit to a less conventional hunting ground. Sending her charming assistant, Terrance, to entice her reluctant prospect, sets in motion a journey none of them expect. Marta Leduc longs to remember her childhood more vividly. The urge to make sense of the chaos and trauma remains strong even after she accomplishes her lifelong goal of publishing her novel. Generations of her family followed the same trajectory of their New Hampshire town. They thrived on booming millwork and then, upon the downturn, crumbled just as the uninhabited brick buildings did. When success is at her fingertips, Marta is faced with the reality that her past is always nipping at her heels. Like the lingering ache of whiplash, she understands the misfortunes she’s endured will always be a part of her. Encouraged by Terrance, Marta begins to imagine a life she never thought possible. Carol and Marta must unite if they intend to change “what always has been” into “what could be.” When their fates intertwine, neither is safe from the forces that wish to hold them back. Will sheer determination be enough to keep them ahead of the next disaster?

Genres: Romance

245 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 9, 2021

About the author

Writing is a way to make a lot of different people do exactly what you want them to do. When I can’t get my toddler to listen to me, I turn to my characters. They always cooperate!

I currently live in Charlotte, North Carolina with my husband and seven year old son. I have perfected the ability to write in a noisy house and create story lines while folding laundry.

Ten Things to know about me:

1. I have a fear of whales. All whales. The noise they make. The sight of them (even on tv). I don't think this phobia has a name and I've never met anyone else who feels this way. I blame it on the 3D movie when I was 7 at the Boston Museum of Science. (Thanks Dad.)

2. When I get hungry it brings out the worst in me. My friends and family know to keep me well fed. They pack snacks now.

3. I can cook but not bake. Not even a little. Not even a box of brownies.

4. If there is a song I like it is normal to hear me listening to it a hundred times (give or take) in a row.

5. I do not, under any circumstances, read directions. Who has time for that? Making mac & cheese by the seat of my pants for the last 25 years.

6. Like a black-out drunk, I have lost hours of my life mysteriously to Pinterest. If you haven't tried it yet... don't. Save your self.

7. Before I became a mother, lots of things grossed me out. Now nothing does.

8. My favorite food is food... my least favorite food is no food. I love food. (apply the same rule to wine)

9. I do not have a green thumb. I have the kind of thumb that kills any type of plant ever given to me. Whatever kind of thumb that is... I have it.

10. Writing has changed my life. Not just the career it's created but the way I feel when I write. If you have something you love to do I hope you get the opportunity to do it.



Piper Anderson Series:
Book 1: Chasing Justice (FREE)
Book 2: Cutting Ties
Book 3: Changing Fate
Book 4: Finding Freedom
Book 5: Settling Scores
Book 6: Battling Destiny
Book 7: Chris & Sydney Collection (Choosing Christmas & Saving Love)

Betty's Journal - Bonus Material (suggested to be read after Book 4 to avoid spoilers)

The Edenville Series:
Book 1: Flowers in the Snow (FREE!)
Book 2: Kiss in the Wind
Book 3: Stars in a Bottle
Book 4: Fire in the Heart (pre-order)

The Clover Series:
(Book 1 & 2) Half My Heart & Change My Heart (FREE)
(Book 3) All My Heart
(Book 4) Facing Home

The Rough Waters Series:
Book 1: The Goodbye Storm(FREE)
Book 2: The Runaway Storm
Book 3: The Rising Storm

The Barrington Billionaire Series
Book 1: Fierce Love (Free)
Book 2: Wild Eyes
Book 3: Crazy nights
Book 4: Loyal Hearts

The Piper Anderson Legacy Mystery
Book 1: Three Seconds to Rush (Free)
Book 2: Just for a Heartbeat
Book 3: Not just an Echo

Stand Alones:
Yours for the Taking
Sweet Rendezvous
Running from Shadows

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book that I have read by Stewart and all have been incredible. Stewart is a master of characterisation. In this novel, three people deal with trauma from their childhood. The problems are different and each deals in a differing way.
This is the first in a series and I want to know what happens next.

[Sandra Humphreys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read every book written by Danielle Stewart and have loved them all for different reasons, but in every book I always think her character development is her strong point. I was not disappointed in this book. I loved Marta and aligned her with several students i have had who became successful in spite of the odds being against them. I loved Terrance because of being a young man who cared deeply for others.

This is my favorite of all her books and cannot wait to read the next one. It touched my heart in the way a young girl lived a hard life struggling with patents who had no clue how to parent and saw tragedy after tragedy occur, leaving no room for her to have confidence in herself.

This book will make you be shouting for joy at her success.

[Jilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This took me a little while to get into but once I did it was good until....... the last page....... it is as if half of the book is missing. It just stops. Dead. Seems you have to buy the next book to know how the story ends. Not impressed with that at all.

*********************************

There is a vast difference between having it all and being fulfilled. In the eyes of most onlookers, Carol Burgess couldn’t ask for a more gratifying life. She’d climbed the corporate ladder and taken her swipes at the glass ceiling, leaving a few cracks along the way. When she’s finally the one in charge, she discovers change is still taboo in the elite literary industry. Faced with the choice of keeping the status quo or starting a revolution of ideas, Carol seeks out a fresh and undiscovered voice in the writing world. Rather than searching the usual universities and conferences, she broadens her pursuit to a less conventional hunting ground. Sending her charming assistant, Terrance, to entice her reluctant prospect, sets in motion a journey none of them expect. Marta Leduc longs to remember her childhood more vividly. The urge to make sense of the chaos and trauma remains strong even after she accomplishes her lifelong goal of publishing her novel. Generations of her family followed the same trajectory of their New Hampshire town. They thrived on booming millwork and then, upon the downturn, crumbled just as the uninhabited brick buildings did. When success is at her fingertips, Marta is faced with the reality that her past is always nipping at her heels. Like the lingering ache of whiplash, she understands the misfortunes she’s endured will always be a part of her. Encouraged by Terrance, Marta begins to imagine a life she never thought possible. Carol and Marta must unite if they intend to change “what always has been” into “what could be.” When their fates intertwine, neither is safe from the forces that wish to hold them back. Will sheer determination be enough to keep them ahead of the next disaster?

[Peni]

There is a vast difference between having it all and being fulfilled. In the eyes of most onlookers, Carol Burgess couldn’t ask for a more gratifying life. She’d climbed the corporate ladder and taken her swipes at the glass ceiling, leaving a few cracks along the way. When she’s finally the one in charge, she discovers change is still taboo in the elite literary industry. Faced with the choice of keeping the status quo or starting a revolution of ideas, Carol seeks out a fresh and undiscovered voice in the writing world. Rather than searching the usual universities and conferences, she broadens her pursuit to a less conventional hunting ground. Sending her charming assistant, Terrance, to entice her reluctant prospect, sets in motion a journey none of them expect. Marta Leduc longs to remember her childhood more vividly. The urge to make sense of the chaos and trauma remains strong even after she accomplishes her lifelong goal of publishing her novel. Generations of her family followed the same trajectory of their New Hampshire town. They thrived on booming millwork and then, upon the downturn, crumbled just as the uninhabited brick buildings did. When success is at her fingertips, Marta is faced with the reality that her past is always nipping at her heels. Like the lingering ache of whiplash, she understands the misfortunes she’s endured will always be a part of her. Encouraged by Terrance, Marta begins to imagine a life she never thought possible. Carol and Marta must unite if they intend to change “what always has been” into “what could be.” When their fates intertwine, neither is safe from the forces that wish to hold them back. Will sheer determination be enough to keep them ahead of the next disaster?

[Gaylen Matlock · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I am listening to this book via the scribd app, even though there doesn't appear to be an audio format.

I just read the author's bio and other than the fact that she likes wine, we are the same. Oh and I don't write, but substitute sewing, and . . . After finishing Book Lovers, I felt like I had a book hangover and nothing I had saved on scribd was catching my attention long enough to want to listen. So, I went to the scribd suggests based on your reading history and downloaded a bunch of books. Picked this one first and so far - I'm really enjoying it.

Okay - I want to give this story 2 1/2 stars. While it started great. The book ended flat. Seriously! What happens with Marta, do they do a Pygmalian make over on her to make her more palatable to the world? Does she ultimately accept the award? Is there blowback in her town? How do they skirt the issue of her Father's death? Does Marta get her HEA?

Then there's Carol and Eli. Eli is a pig by anyone's standards. Thankfully they aren't a couple, but rather workplace enemies made more so because of Eli's outdated thinking and horribly misogynistic ways. Carol stood up to him in the board room and kindly asked him to leave. He then verbally attacked her in a restaurant and finally sent her a dead rat in the mail. So how did that end? Marta offered to do something to get at him. Eli was attempting to ruin Carol, but it's just done.

I feel, I'm not sure what. But the author spent soo much time building up those back stories of Marta's life and her fears if she accepted the award and Carol & Eli to have the book just end with NOTHING feels wrong. Like I just put the book down in the middle and walked away.

[Robin Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marta grew up with a rough childhood. She has managed to make a nice, quiet life for herself with no one knowing her past. She has even had a book published without an agent. Carol has a nice career for herself in publishing and her company gives a prestigious annual award for a new writer. She’s made many attempts to contact Marta to inform her that she has been chosen wit no success. Carol finally tracks Marta down at the bookstore where she works. To Carol’s great surprise, Marta is not interested. It seems that at the awards ceremony they show a video of the winner from childhood to the present day. This is the last thing that Marta wants as there could be many repercussions from her childhood. Both Carol and Marta are very well-developed characters and I found them both fascinating. When I started the book, I couldn’t imagine the source of the title but when I did it made things even more interesting. I couldn’t put it down and am anxiously waiting for the release of the second book in the series.

[K Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liiiiiiissssssen. I have read almost every standalone book Danielle is written (I looked. I'm missing like two...for now). I can't quite articulate why, but this is one of THE best books she's written. A compelling story about accepting who you are and the happiness and success you deserve despite what your past has thrown your way. READ IT!!!!!

[Tarsha Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stewart definition of anywhere weeds grow is beautiful the definition of women living in the world where we can't have it all or know what we want was spot on.

The unknown is a definite place we all find ourselves not letting go of our past leave us stagnant into walking in a future we believe is not for us. Believing in self and loving you is not selfish just walking in your truth.

[Faye Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading until the wee hours

I have given this rating because I rarely find a book good enough to keep me reading until past midnight. Well done. It had a few jarring issues on occasion, but not enough to take me out of the story. Hint:split infinitive. Keep writing. I'll keep reading.

[Carol Engler · Rating 4 out of 5]

ok that wasn’t fair

Great book loved the story. Marta is very relatable character . Carol is fighting to show she belongs as CEO in her company where man rule. Terrance well he just a wonderful dream boat. Sensitive to the needs of other
Only season for 4 stars… the book has no ending. So you have to by book two …

[Jeri Deyo McCue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Stewart never disappoints with her stories. Her main characters are always so real (flawed AND likable) yet humble and down to Earth. Marta’s dilema of being so close to her dreams, but unable to accept them out of fear is a story almost everyone can relate to. I never miss an opportunity to recommend one of Ms Stewart’s books as they are always are page turners and a great read.

[Sandra Niemann · Rating 2 out of 5]

No closure at end of book. Must buy next one to finish the story.

I really liked the book. I would have liked it much more if I didn't have to buy a second book in order to finish the story. I will not buy the second book.

[Patience Cruise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know what to expect when I started this book. I was in a bit of a slump. This was unique, intriguing, empowering, and seemingly just the delightfully unexpected change of pace I was needing!

[Cindy Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute love story - no foul language is why it gets three stars. No idea how the dad died and I most likely will not read anymore books in this series because I don’t really care about all the dangling stories.

[Linda Zelinsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took some getting into but once you do, it keeps you guessing as to what will happen. The ending leaves the reader slightly frustrated waiting as to what will happen in the next book.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marta wrote a book and Carol wants to give her the most prestigious award, but it will have to tell the world about her horrible past. Great book.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good reading

I liked the characters and storyline. I prefer a that ends on it's own...not making you purchase the next book in the series.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a while to get entirely hooked, but as it went along the more I liked it. Now I wand to read book 2.

[Rebecca Andersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story

This story is a one shot - meaning you don't put it down until it's done! Loved the characters and plot.

[Walter Stumpf · Rating 1 out of 5]

Warning! This is only half the story.

You have to buy the next book to get the rest of the story. I hate when authors don't warn you about that.

[Pypa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just not for me.

[Doris Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Life

Each book I have read so far is like she has found a piece of my life and put it into words in a way I never could. She is an author I will continue to follow.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting storyline with some magical moments. Enjoy

[Kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

audiobook!!!

[Grace Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't get into the story. Not my cup of tea.

[Ella Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was loving this book, couldn't wait to see what was going to happen, then BAM, it was over...buy book 2. Gee whiz! I'd recommended it to a friend, who also picked it up. I love this writer, but this ended way to abruptly.

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read

A great read from Danielle. It took a while to get into the depths of this book but it has me hooked to see what happens next.
Carol is a woman with a cause and it to wheedle out the old in the world of literature, Marta seems to her way out of the dark ages and into the new, but Marta has a past that can come back to bit them, Terrence is Carol's assistant and has her best interest but as Marta and come close will that hurt or hinder their goals.