The Counting Tree

by Jennifer Arrington

Heidi isn’t ready to start her prescribed life. So, she leaves her family, fiancé, and everything familiar to work at a youth camp in South Africa. But the culture of 1987 South Africa isn’t what she expected, and she finds herself struggling to adapt wondering if she’s made a colossal mistake. It doesn’t help that the camp’s engaging director, Johann, is antagonistic only towards her. Desperate for success, Heidi digs in and starts to make headway until heartbreaking news from home changes everything.

Fifteen years later, Heidi finds herself at another camp, this time in the United States. Yet somehow everything is familiar and she’s about to find out why.

A charming novel that takes readers from South Africa to the United States over a span of nearly two decades, The Counting Tree is a story of a love that overcomes insurmountable obstacles.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian

389 pages, Paperback

Published November 23, 2022

About the author

Jennifer Arrington loves books of all genres. An outdoor enthusiast who has lived on four continents, Jennifer finds inspiration in nature and uses it as a backdrop for her stories. She has authored two women’s contemporary novels and a biography and co-writes the Apex Adventures children’s series with her husband. Her books reflect her heart’s goal: sharing God’s love through the art of story.

Reviews

[Jeanette Durkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a tremendous book! This book delves into the subjects of apartheid and breast cancer. But that's not all! It also has a sweet love story. The counting tree has so much significance but you have to read the book to find out why! It also has fantastic characters that you will immediately become involved with. A definite must read!

[Becky Fleming · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart-wrenching beautiful story!!
This story is one I will never forget! Nothing typical about it….very special. If you appreciate and treasure stories that honor God and His Word, that depict what it means to be a true follower of Christ in far from perfect circumstances and with far from perfect people - this is the book you cannot pass up!

[Ginger Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not my usual genre, and yet I absolutely loved it! This is a two-part Christian-themed sweet romance that tackles very real issues including racism, parental loss, and breast cancer. And of course, love ripped apart by circumstance.

The first half of the book is set in 1987 South Africa during the apartheid. Heidi arrives at a church camp for children, ready to spend her mission volunteering and making a difference in the lives of children. Her arrival starts off very rocky- her fiancée broke up with her just before she left because he was unwilling to wait a year for her to return. The airline looses one of her two bags with all of her clothes, and the camp director Johann is a total jerk to her!

I spent so much time belly laughing during the first half of this book because of the dynamic between Heidi and Johann. They are in their early twenties, so they act accordingly. Johann is mad that Heidi was hired instead of his girlfriend, and he spends Heidi's first weeks playing rude pranks on her and just generally making her life miserable. The thing I loved most about Heidi is she was determined not to let him feel like he won, so she always went with whatever stunt he was trying to pull and usually found a way to outsmart him. Johann realizes Heidi isn't like most of the Americans that come for a few weeks for a vanity mission so they could say they served in Africa, that she's actually there to work and serve, and can't be fooled by his shenanigans. Every time Heidi outwits him, his feelings for her grow.

Eventually Heidi and Johann quit with their silliness and start to form a real connection. Everything seems like they are destined for a happily ever after, until Heidi gets a devastating phone call from home that forces her to leave South Africa and return home to Florida for good.

The second half of the book is set fifteen year later in the United States. Heidi finds herself at another youth camp standing under another counting tree, a weeping willow covered in blessings from the children in the camp. There she finds Johann again, but their reunion is blanketed in tragedy and and the sins of someone Johann thought he could trust. As Heidi and Johann slowly get to know each other again, their lives are once again struck with devastating news. Thankfully, with the help of their loved ones and their faith, they are able to overcome everything together.

I loved that the author wasn't afraid to address the real racial issues Heidi encountered while in South Africa and back home in the United States. Heidi questions why, if this is a Christian camp, can't black children be included? Once she returns home she has fresh eyes and sees for the first time the racism that still exists in the United States.

I just loved everything about this book! I laughed, I cried, I was rooting for Heidi and Johann the whole way. I'm so happy I read this book!

[ScriptLit-You Are What You Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

#BookReviewFriday
#2025readingchallenge
#42missionaries

Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️

# 42 Missionaries

Book: The Counting Tree
Author: Jennifer Arrington

This year is off to a great start. Another five star read for me. I've owned this book since it was released and I'm sorry I waited so long to pick it up.

This book was a sweeping love story, full of love and loss that spanned time and continents. The depth of the story and how well it was written really made me feel like I was watching a movie. I got to the 40% mark on my Kindle in just one night.

I really respect and love books where people react like real people. You know how in some books drama is just drawn out and things are contrived to draw a story out, you won't get any of that here. Everything pushed the story along. Everyone acted and reacted the way real humans would. Heidi was so relatable. Just a Christian mom doing the best she can to take care of everyone around her, oh how I could relate!!!!

Long story short I’ll be reading anything Mrs. Arrington writes. I loved this book so much. I loved Heidi and Johan and their love story really was epic. Highly recommend this one!!!

Join my reading challenge! Scripture Literature - You are what you Read on Facebook.

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[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story!

I saw this book because the author asked about cover design for book 2 on a FB page I am on. The cover was so beautiful I decided to check the book out. I first read the sample and immediatly downloaded the story. I was caught up in Johann and Heidi's story. I fell in love with them and the beauty of South Africa through their eyes. Then the story took a turn and I cried with them. Holy Moly the story had a part 2 that caught me unaware. I loved this story about God's redeeming work. Being how God orchestrated what Darren would need years before. The struggle through cancer and heart break, choosing to forgive and move forward. Wow, the whole package was amazing and left me looking forward to the second book! I cannot wait to read more about John, Heidi and Jacob.
Amazing clean CF story.

[Kuhl_ Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the cover so I decided to check the book out. I was captivated by this story. We are introduced to Heidi, who moves from the US to South Africa to work at a Christian camp. I found myself relating to her struggle to adapt to a different culture and the discrepancies she found. I moved to a foreign country as a teen, and Heidi's story brought back many memories.
   This book covers many different topics from the apartheid, betrayal, cancer diagnosis, and forgiveness. Woven throughout the story is reminders that God is at work in the lives of his children. Johann and Heidi's story is not a sweet cut and dried romance. It has twists and turns, ups and downs. Yet, at the end, the reader is left with a joy at having been on the adventure with them.

I am so glad the author is writing the 2nd book in their story. I cannot wait to read it. Great womens Christian fiction.

[Alesha Richmond · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have given this 5 stars if the first half were different. The beginning and some of the middle felt directed to high school readers. The idea of the book was good. So many twists and turns. Overall I would recommend this book to those who enjoy a clean book with some bend toward spiritual things.

[Jewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful wholesome book. It was very sweet and romantic, very much giving hallmark in the best way! I had put this book down for a while but I’m very glad I picked it back up and finished it because the ending was so satisfying!

[Stephanie Mathews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a touching story! Lots of sweet moments that remind what is really important in life.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Counting Tree" by Jennifer Arrington is a faith filled story of Heidi, an American woman who travels to 1980's South Africa and Johannes, a man who works at the Christian Camp she is going to serve at. The book touches on issues of the Apartheid there and attitudes of various people. It talks about good ways to reach youth that are struggling with various issues in their lives.
The book later goes to the United States and through interactions with her niece and nephew who are half black, the book touches on some of the issues of race in the United States around the year 2001.
It is a very well written book and is definitely a Christian fiction read. For people looking for a Christian fiction book set in another time and country, this is one to pick up.

[E.V. Sparrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the premise of this book and South African customs because missionary stories resonate with me. Having gone on short-term trips, I can relive the memories of similarities and disparities between cultural groups.
As a reader, the characters frustrated me, Heidi and Johann—but that isn’t always a problem. Conflict and tension build the foundation of a story. We also understood why these two struggled to create a plan to be together, and I wasn’t patient. Without giving spoilers, others with their own selfish motives sabotaged aspects.
If you enjoy these types of stories, then you’d like this book.

[Jennifer Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Counting Tree is such a good read. The faith of the main characters is tested many times but God’s plan and His goodness prevails.

[Linda Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heidi, a young woman who defies her destiny and embarks on a life-changing adventure as a camp counselor in 1987 South Africa. But what she finds there isn't what she expected, and she must navigate cultural differences and the camp's enigmatic director, Johann, who challenges her at every turn. Desperate for success, Heidi works tirelessly to provide hope amidst the dark shadow of apartheid, betrayal, and hostility. But just as she finds a sense of belonging, her world is rocked by the devastating news of her mother's breast cancer diagnosis.

Fast forward fifteen years, and Heidi unexpectedly finds herself at another camp – this time in the United States. Surrounded by an eerie sense of familiarity, she's about to unravel why.

[Judith Cowley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning of this book is set in apartheid-era South Africa. It was interesting to read about that culture and that time. The second part is set in the US, about 16 years later. It doesn't gloss over problems that the characters encounter, which I appreciate, but describes them realistically. A story about a love that spans time, distance, and different cultures.

[Rachael Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly one of the best books I've ever read. I was captivated by the characters and plot line and couldn't put the book down. It was such a touching story of faith, heartbreak, and overcoming. I'd recommend The Counting Tree to anyone.

[Caroline Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great story with amazing writing!

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

So excited to dig into this! The story and author are both truly amazing!

[Linda Aldridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Couldn’t put this book down. Loved reading a book set close to home. Some hard topics handled well but not glossed over.

[Jennifer Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story

Wonderful story with engaging characters. If you are looking to explore new places and care about the characters, then this is the book for you!

[Sharmyn McGraw · Rating 5 out of 5]

heartfelt-well written

This is a very sweet story. It’s well written and takes you right to the scene. I really enjoyed it.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

This was deeper than I expected and had me stopping to think about the characters actions a few times. Very good book, and I'm going to read more by this author asap.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Highly recomme d!

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotionally charged book I read it all in two sittings and only because it got too late to finish it all at once. Such a beautiful story of love, loss and forgiveness. Highly recommend!

[Aly Carver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always been very interested in what happened over in South Africa during apartheid. That is one of the things that interested me about this book. Some of the books I have read about apartheid I had a hard time following, but this book is more of a novel that reads like a Hallmark movie and it draws you into the story while also giving you an understanding of what was going on there at that time. I love history and I love historical novels because I find it much easier to learn from them than just reading a history book. I see that the author grew up in South Africa so it was interesting to get the perspective of somebody who was there there during that time. The first half of this novel gives a lot of information about the apartheid era in South Africa. When reading it pay attention to some of the small details because it’s very interesting how things happen later in the book and you remember some of the clues that were given earlier in the book. The author is very good at tying things together from the
past and the present.

The second part of my review might have some spoilers, so if you’re planning on purchasing it, maybe stop reading now.

The second part of the novel takes place in the US. It’s almost like reading the sequel to the first half of the book. The second part of the book talks a lot about the main character’s struggles with breast cancer. I have a friend who recently went through breast cancer, and I could see some of what she went through accurately portrayed in this book. Somebody who has a loved one or who has gone through breast cancer, would appreciate this aspect of the story.

I was a little worried, because I really don’t like a story with a sad ending because once I’m invested in a book, if the ending is sad, I will think about it and be sad for days even if it’s just fiction. Thankfully this book does not disappoint. I was a happy camper at the end.

[Leslie Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

Oh!!! What an amazingly beautiful & touching tale! Likely one of the best I have read in a long time, or ever! If you’re a fan of “The Swan House” by Elizabeth Musser, you will surely adore this novel as well!

When Heidi volunteers at a Christian Children’s Camp in South Africa her life is forever changed. And furthermore on her return home, after she learns her mother is dying from cancer and she must takeover an important role in the family. Jump forward 15 years when the same fate threatens her, and a chance encounter forces her to face the connections between her past and her future.

This story is so wonderfully told and beautifully written, touching on important topics as loss and grief, racism, miscommunication, responsibility, ministry, maturity, and faith. Each chapter is woven with romance, wit and humor, strength and determination.

I most enjoyed the one-up-ness of Heidi and Johann in their silly pranks! And the absolute love and support of Heidi’s loved ones during a difficult time was incredibly touching. I found myself laughing and crying all throughout my reading.

Absolutely fabulous! And in my opinion, a masterpiece of Christian literature.

[Phyllis (Avid Reader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

If, like me, you enjoy learning about other countries and their cultures, you'll appreciate that aspect of The Counting Tree! Of course I knew about apartheid, but this book made it more real to me. And I had no idea that parts of South Africa are as beautiful as described!

First, the positives:

*As I said above, learning about South Africa was so interesting and eye-opening to me.
*I really liked Heidi and even identified with her to some extent. The character was well developed and I enjoyed getting to know her.
*I believe (and pray) that the author's inclusion of the medical topic might help others.

Personally, I had three problems with this book (but two of the three may well be due to my idiosyncrasies):

*The first was the length. I prefer books a little shorter in length, and believe the first section (there was a first section one, an "interlude," and then a second section) would have profited from being quite a bit shorter.
*The second problem (and it was a biggie) was that I disliked the male main character. His actions at the beginning of the story were, to me, incredibly rude and obnoxious. Granted, he didn't continue that behavior, but some of his other actions later made me feel that he was immature, and I never warmed up to him.
****SPOILER ALERT if you (like me) didn't read the blurb****
*The third problem is a personal one, so probably wouldn't bother most people.
The main character deals with a medical issue that mirrored one in my life and was emotionally upsetting to read. The descriptions in the book, however, were honest and realistic, and I commend the author for that.

[Dienece Darling · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book!

This is such a great book! I learned a lot about South Africa, and how different it is/was to what I expected. There is so much to love about this book. It's funny, sweet, eye opening and challenging. I especially liked how it talks about influencing your sphere of influence. We can't change the world or a country by ourself, but we can those around us. And if in turn, they influence their sphere, we can make a difference in the end.
This is both a good read and an important read to understand the prejudices faced and what we can do about it.

[Kristy Hetzel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It probably could have even made it to 5 stars but it was a very long book! For the first half, I kept wondering how long it was going to take to get to the "fifteen years later" section and was a bit worn out by the length, but by the "Interlude" there was no way I was going to stop without seeing the story out! 🙂

[Lesli · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a sweet story with lots of twists and turns. It was a bit too long, so it took me awhile to read, but I had to know how the story would finish. I enjoyed learning some of the South African culture as well.

[Heidi Garguilo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Counting Tree is a refreshing change to my normal book choices. If you like clean romance novels that provide encouragement and remind us of our Creator and divine purpose, then this book is for you. It is an easy read and great for a flight or while relaxing at the pool or in the beach.