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Beneath The Willow
When Dr. Paris DeMont lost her beloved Gabriella to the mindless tragedy of Nine Eleven, she lost more than her partner of eight years. She lost her will to love. A successful cardiologist to New York City's elite, Paris now lives a sterile emotionless existence on Manhattan's Upper East Side. But Paris finds out that even when one tries to give up on life, life has a way of interfering and forcing you to live it. When Paris returns to Banyon, Missouri, to oversee the repairs to the aging Victorian farmhouse she inherited from her grandmother, the protective barrier she has wrapped around her heart is tested to the limit. Childhood friend Sloan McKinley still carries a torch for Paris . . . A torch that even after twenty-five years still burns brightly and threatens to consume them both if only Paris will let it. Contains mature themes.
244 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 2006
9 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Kenna White
22 books91 followersAward winner, Kenna White, has been a best-selling romance author with Bella Books since 2004. She was born in a small town in Southwest Missouri, but has lived from the Colorado Rocky Mountains to New England. Splitting time between Puget Sound and the Ozarks where bare feet, faded jeans and lazy streams fill her life, she enjoys her writing, traveling, substitute teaching, making dollhouse miniatures and life's simpler pleasures.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 12, 2022
4.5 stars
This book was originally published in 2006 - five years after 9/11. Kenna White's work wasn't on my radar back then and after listening to my first audiobook by her, I'm sad she wasn't. I really enjoyed it.
While it's slightly dated now because of how main character Paris DeMont is still reeling from the loss several years later of her spouse Gabriella when the Twin Towers went down, it's still a very well told story. And while this tragedy was unique in that it changed the world the way we knew it, it's still relatable because of what has become of American society since. Losing people we love to senseless violence has almost become a way of life in this country.
The story isn't about that, but about how Paris is still struggling to move on from the woman she considered the great love of her life. Now a cardiologist in New York City, Paris has to travel to small town Missouri to oversee necessary repairs to her grandmother's home, which was willed to her after her death. The home has sentimental value to Paris because she spent many summers there as a child in a very loving environment. She also made a very close friend in neighbor Sloan McKinley, who she was virtually inseparable with during those visits. When Paris sees Sloan after arriving home, she almost doesn't recognize her. It's been 25 years. But Sloan has never forgotten the girl that got away.
I really love this returning-to-your-small town-and-reconnecting-with-your-childhood-crush-trope. Maybe it's because I can't imagine what it might be like to fall in love with someone at such a young age and never quite get over them.
This isn't cut and dry and there are surprises along the way. And other than a bit of insanity at one point by Paris, it's a really sweet and beautiful read. Abby Craden performed it perfectly. I'm thrilled because more of White's books are being released on audiobook, so I will get to experience even more of them.
I certainly recommend this one.
This book was originally published in 2006 - five years after 9/11. Kenna White's work wasn't on my radar back then and after listening to my first audiobook by her, I'm sad she wasn't. I really enjoyed it.
While it's slightly dated now because of how main character Paris DeMont is still reeling from the loss several years later of her spouse Gabriella when the Twin Towers went down, it's still a very well told story. And while this tragedy was unique in that it changed the world the way we knew it, it's still relatable because of what has become of American society since. Losing people we love to senseless violence has almost become a way of life in this country.
The story isn't about that, but about how Paris is still struggling to move on from the woman she considered the great love of her life. Now a cardiologist in New York City, Paris has to travel to small town Missouri to oversee necessary repairs to her grandmother's home, which was willed to her after her death. The home has sentimental value to Paris because she spent many summers there as a child in a very loving environment. She also made a very close friend in neighbor Sloan McKinley, who she was virtually inseparable with during those visits. When Paris sees Sloan after arriving home, she almost doesn't recognize her. It's been 25 years. But Sloan has never forgotten the girl that got away.
I really love this returning-to-your-small town-and-reconnecting-with-your-childhood-crush-trope. Maybe it's because I can't imagine what it might be like to fall in love with someone at such a young age and never quite get over them.
This isn't cut and dry and there are surprises along the way. And other than a bit of insanity at one point by Paris, it's a really sweet and beautiful read. Abby Craden performed it perfectly. I'm thrilled because more of White's books are being released on audiobook, so I will get to experience even more of them.
I certainly recommend this one.
April 6, 2016
This feels like a book that's only partly finished. Yes, it's a "romance" novel, but should still be some sort of setting and storyline. Instead, the author quickly forces her two leads together under the premise of their knowing each other as children. We're treated to overly long and not well-integrated random flashbacks to said childhood, but it's not enough to "sell" their supposedly close former relationship. It just never worked for me. Subplots are introduced and are either uncomfortably obvious (a crooked property manager), or go absolutely no where (random ex girlfriend). Dialogue sounded weird and off to me, not particularly like two intelligent adults speaking. Suffice to say I wasn't a huge fan of either character, nor the way they expressed "love" through extreme neediness/obsession. How is this mess of a story finally resolved? In the final couple of paragraphs--all neat and tidy naturally. This one is an absolute stinker.
August 29, 2022
Kenna White is a new to me author, and I found Beneath the Willow in audio format with Abby Craden as the narrator. That grabbed my attention, and Abby did her usual brilliant job adding to the overall enjoyment of the story.
Beneath the Willow is a running from heartache, return-to-hometown, first-love reunited story which has Paris back in her grandmother’s home, renovating it while deciding whether she can sell. With her heart still broken following the death of her long-term partner, Paris who has up until now been content with focusing on her work is forced to open her eyes and make some decisions about what she needs to be happy. Sloan makes an appearance and doesn’t hide the fact that she has had a crush on Paris since they played together as kids and wants nothing more than for Paris to stay and be with her, the two women begin to rebuild a bond that was broken when they stopped spending their summers together.
As the story goes, this one is not overly original, but the two MCs share some intense and sweet chemistry. Kenna White has written them both well, with several subplots that keep the story going at a fast pace. I’d recommend checking out the audio version if you’re after an easy romance to get lost in.
Beneath the Willow is a running from heartache, return-to-hometown, first-love reunited story which has Paris back in her grandmother’s home, renovating it while deciding whether she can sell. With her heart still broken following the death of her long-term partner, Paris who has up until now been content with focusing on her work is forced to open her eyes and make some decisions about what she needs to be happy. Sloan makes an appearance and doesn’t hide the fact that she has had a crush on Paris since they played together as kids and wants nothing more than for Paris to stay and be with her, the two women begin to rebuild a bond that was broken when they stopped spending their summers together.
As the story goes, this one is not overly original, but the two MCs share some intense and sweet chemistry. Kenna White has written them both well, with several subplots that keep the story going at a fast pace. I’d recommend checking out the audio version if you’re after an easy romance to get lost in.
October 24, 2024
I’ve listened to 3 of Kenna White’s books and they all ended abruptly. To be honest, I only picked them up because Abby Craden is the narrator.
I tolerated the other two books more. This book was just not it. There were plot holes, subplots that went nowhere, sudden change in dynamic that I had to question if I was missing a chunk of the book, and that horrible ending. I liked Sloan’s playfulness and I liked her with Paris. Sloan made me so uncomfortable at the end. But it’s okay because the whole thing got resolved immediately within a few sentences and the book ended? No it’s not okay. This was an okay read for the first 80%, the last 20% was just … no.
I’ll probably give White another try if the book was written after 2020 and narrated by Abby Craden, otherwise I can’t see myself subjected myself to another work of White.
I tolerated the other two books more. This book was just not it. There were plot holes, subplots that went nowhere, sudden change in dynamic that I had to question if I was missing a chunk of the book, and that horrible ending. I liked Sloan’s playfulness and I liked her with Paris. Sloan made me so uncomfortable at the end. But it’s okay because the whole thing got resolved immediately within a few sentences and the book ended? No it’s not okay. This was an okay read for the first 80%, the last 20% was just … no.
I’ll probably give White another try if the book was written after 2020 and narrated by Abby Craden, otherwise I can’t see myself subjected myself to another work of White.
March 11, 2021
Dr. Paris DeMont returns to Banyon, Missouri to check on the house she inherited from her grandmother. She spent happy summers there until she was 14. The house needs refurbishing if it is to continue as a rental property. She meets up with her best childhood friend Sloan McKinley and there is reminiscing and attraction. Paris hasn't gotten over the lost of her partner Gabriella who died as a paramedic on 9/11. (This book was written in 2006). Does she want to stay in Banyon, can she move on to new love?
This should have been more moving than it was. The flashbacks were random and ending was quick. Also some major plot points seemed to go nowhere e.g. the property manager. I've seen other authors like Gerri Hill and Melissa Braydon do a similar storyline of reconnecting with first loves a little better. (2.5 stars rounding up.)
This should have been more moving than it was. The flashbacks were random and ending was quick. Also some major plot points seemed to go nowhere e.g. the property manager. I've seen other authors like Gerri Hill and Melissa Braydon do a similar storyline of reconnecting with first loves a little better. (2.5 stars rounding up.)
December 27, 2015
This is a sweet love story, handled lightly. Two childhood lovers (Paris and her Banyon, Missouri, neighbor Sloan) meet again as adults when Paris visits Banyon again. Their childhood attraction is rekindled into an adult love affair. All seems well until nearly the ending when Paris's world comes unglued (subtly foreshadowed but surprising anyway). In the last 40 pages, there is a rocky road as Paris tries to come to grip with a tragic loss and its impact on her current and future life--and whether she can risk loving Sloan. Detailed sexual scenes, charming dialogue. Enjoyable read.
October 13, 2024
Not a fan.
From the firefly-killing senselessness to taking someone who lost a loved one at 9/11 to Ground Zero and telling them to get over it to the charred remains of a horse, this book had almost no redeeming features.
Sloane repeatedly lies to and forces Paris' boundaries. Paris is... fine, I guess. The flashbacks don't add much and are awkward. The loving friendship from the past isn't enough to carry the story, and as you can tell, I have a lot of problems with Sloane.
The worst part was the last twenty pages or so where Sloane follows Paris home to NYC to tell her why her dead ex wants Paris to date her. It's gross in a lot of ways, especially the way Sloane treats Paris' PTSD and former lover.
It took three weeks to finish because the firefly scene turned me right off.
They're swimming. Naked. Okay, fine. Sloane isn't really trespassing since she has documents from the real estate. She didn't have to get naked but sure, whatever.
But then she catches a firefly, waits for it to light up... And then rips it apart to make a glowing ring for Paris.
That's awful in so many ways. The lack of empathy for one, and the gross factor, and the fact that she killed something for maybe a few seconds of bugbutt light.
This was written long enough ago that romcoms were still pushing 'if she says no just try harder' narratives but this one really left a bad taste.
From the firefly-killing senselessness to taking someone who lost a loved one at 9/11 to Ground Zero and telling them to get over it to the charred remains of a horse, this book had almost no redeeming features.
Sloane repeatedly lies to and forces Paris' boundaries. Paris is... fine, I guess. The flashbacks don't add much and are awkward. The loving friendship from the past isn't enough to carry the story, and as you can tell, I have a lot of problems with Sloane.
The worst part was the last twenty pages or so where Sloane follows Paris home to NYC to tell her why her dead ex wants Paris to date her. It's gross in a lot of ways, especially the way Sloane treats Paris' PTSD and former lover.
It took three weeks to finish because the firefly scene turned me right off.
They're swimming. Naked. Okay, fine. Sloane isn't really trespassing since she has documents from the real estate. She didn't have to get naked but sure, whatever.
But then she catches a firefly, waits for it to light up... And then rips it apart to make a glowing ring for Paris.
That's awful in so many ways. The lack of empathy for one, and the gross factor, and the fact that she killed something for maybe a few seconds of bugbutt light.
This was written long enough ago that romcoms were still pushing 'if she says no just try harder' narratives but this one really left a bad taste.
October 4, 2022
This book is just okay. I don’t like to give bad reviews, but, honestly this one is not a favorite. It seemed pretty rushed and a little all over the place. The premise was good, but, also sad and I could understand why the MC was still heartbroken. This is also why I didn’t understand falling into a “relationship” with her childhood crush so quickly. The Shetland pony who thought he was a house pet was a cute addition to the story until it wasn’t & I found Slone’s occupation kind of unbelievable, but, okay maybe it just wasn’t described well enough. Abby Craden’s narration was terrific, as usual, and was why I decided to listen and also try an author I didn’t know. I thought the HEA was very rushed and remember looking at the time left to wrap things up and thinking “How will this end so soon at this point in the story?” I gave it 3 stars for thee narration and the fact that it had some nice things in it, but I’m sorry. I think this author has talent, but it didn’t come through for me in this one. I’m sorry.
June 20, 2021
The romance in this book is quite lovely with a tasty dose of angst which I always enjoy.
A series of flashbacks and side narrative concerns itself with a tragedy involving the partner of one of the leads and her attempts to reconcile with this awful truth.
I found the secondary story distracting and a little too heart breaking where it detracted from my enjoyment of the romance.
That said, the story of Sloan and Paris was lovely. They spent their childhood summers together and shared a first kiss. Very sweet. This aspect of their romance served the entire story very well as it anchored Paris after such devastation.
A series of flashbacks and side narrative concerns itself with a tragedy involving the partner of one of the leads and her attempts to reconcile with this awful truth.
I found the secondary story distracting and a little too heart breaking where it detracted from my enjoyment of the romance.
That said, the story of Sloan and Paris was lovely. They spent their childhood summers together and shared a first kiss. Very sweet. This aspect of their romance served the entire story very well as it anchored Paris after such devastation.
August 29, 2024
I loved this book.
It’s not just a romance, there’s mystery & drama too. The snippets back to the main characters childhood were great, so you really get to see how they met & got close to each other as children. Grief is a big part of the book & I felt it is dealt with really well.
My only negative was that it ended so suddenly, an epilogue would have been great!
It’s not just a romance, there’s mystery & drama too. The snippets back to the main characters childhood were great, so you really get to see how they met & got close to each other as children. Grief is a big part of the book & I felt it is dealt with really well.
My only negative was that it ended so suddenly, an epilogue would have been great!
May 11, 2025
There were things about this book I liked and things I did not. I was fine with the flashbacks etc. The childhood love suddenly transferring to adulthood thing didn’t really land with me. How Paris conveniently didn’t remember things (also conveniently didn’t see how she was being manipulated with her house) also didn’t land. The ending where Paris purposely went silent was strange.
2.35 stars
2.35 stars
September 22, 2024
Its very coincidental to read this in September. Its a great title for a 9/11 story. Kenna White writes with care and compassion. Abby Craden's narration takes us through some tender emotions. Well done
March 2, 2019
3.5 star rating
Nice romantic read with a lovely ending. I had to jump a number of paragraphs though, the writing sometimes lacked flow and became boring. But in all a nice story
Nice romantic read with a lovely ending. I had to jump a number of paragraphs though, the writing sometimes lacked flow and became boring. But in all a nice story
July 30, 2022
Very good story, and narration by Abby Craden.
August 20, 2022
Paris needs therapy and Sloan should get a dog.
November 12, 2022
Listened to this book and keep me entertained until the end
October 4, 2022
Beneath the Willow
Kenna White
Narrator: Abby Craden
This book is about Paris. She is still hurting after the death of her partner. She is a brilliant doctor. She has a successful business and her work is her world, but, there is something missing. She is closed off
Paris loved her grandmother. They were really close and she felt like her grandmother was more than a friend, but the one person she felt safe with. . Her grandmother had a fall and stroke. She did not want her to spend the last years in a nursing home.
Paris was taken instantly by Sloan. She felt a burning between them that had been out for the past five years.Sloan was up front with Paris that she wanted her to stay.
What the author shows is that Paris' girlfriend Gabby gave up her life because she wanted to help people. The people that are firefighters put their lives on the line.
This is a beautiful story, a love story about two kids who love each other from the beginning. I felt like Paris did not want to let go of her partner due to the pain her death caused. My heart hurt for Sloan. She loved Paris and just wanted to make her happy and keep her safe.
The story is a unique telling of making peace with your past , holding on to the memories that make it who we are and finding a love and home you did not realize you needed.
I love the audio book. Abby Craden did a fantastic job. 5 stars
Kenna White
Narrator: Abby Craden
This book is about Paris. She is still hurting after the death of her partner. She is a brilliant doctor. She has a successful business and her work is her world, but, there is something missing. She is closed off
Paris loved her grandmother. They were really close and she felt like her grandmother was more than a friend, but the one person she felt safe with. . Her grandmother had a fall and stroke. She did not want her to spend the last years in a nursing home.
Paris was taken instantly by Sloan. She felt a burning between them that had been out for the past five years.Sloan was up front with Paris that she wanted her to stay.
What the author shows is that Paris' girlfriend Gabby gave up her life because she wanted to help people. The people that are firefighters put their lives on the line.
This is a beautiful story, a love story about two kids who love each other from the beginning. I felt like Paris did not want to let go of her partner due to the pain her death caused. My heart hurt for Sloan. She loved Paris and just wanted to make her happy and keep her safe.
The story is a unique telling of making peace with your past , holding on to the memories that make it who we are and finding a love and home you did not realize you needed.
I love the audio book. Abby Craden did a fantastic job. 5 stars
September 26, 2014
I want to like this a lot more than I do. The characters and setting of Beneath the Willow are very appealing, and the romance aspects are quite satisfying. It's just that there are too many things that just get resolved far too easily, like Sloan's ex-girlfriend who appears, is established as not the right girl and is never heard from again. Or the crooked real estate agent, who you suspect is dirty for half the book, and then the whole thing is resolved in a couple of pages. The ending isn't much better for those of you who like a big finish and denouement. There isn't any of course, everything just gets wrapped up literally in the last paragraph. Almost as an afterthought than a conclusion.
Altogether there's a lot unsatisfying here, which is a real pity since so many of the individual elements are so good.
Altogether there's a lot unsatisfying here, which is a real pity since so many of the individual elements are so good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2012
wonderfully written. great read and romance
October 29, 2013
Solid story with likeable characters, trademark sudden ending. Some descriptive passages could have been edited out, but it was ok for what it wants to be. Good for a couple of train rides.
April 27, 2016
Sweet story
This was indeed a bittersweet story of getting a second chance to love and be loved again. Very well done!
This was indeed a bittersweet story of getting a second chance to love and be loved again. Very well done!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews