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Weeping Willows Dance
In 1929, thirteen-year-old Mozelle already knew that she did not want to grow up to be like her mama---a sharecropper's wife.
Mozelle did not want to get married and, for certain, she did not want twelve children. She didn't even want one child. Mozelle dreamed of getting a good job, of buying herself a car, and of traveling across country a carefree woman---nobody and nothing hanging onto her skirt tail.
That is until tall, dark, handsome Randell Tate, twenty-two years Mozelle's senior, showed up in church that fateful Sunday morning, winked at her and threw Mozelle's world off balance. She fell under Randell's spell and her once imagined dreams for her future were no more.
Three months later they wed and Randell carried Mozelle across the threshold into The Great Depression. As one child became four Mozelle saw that Randell was not the man she thought she married. Against all odds, Mozelle set her sights on buying a piece of land and building a house to put a roof over their heads.
To realize that dream, Mozelle was going to have to squirrel away her pennies and in the end, build her house with her own two hands---husband or not. l
Abiding by her parents' teachings, Mozelle stays loyal and faithful in her marriage to Randell, although Randell holds no vow sacred. The hard bed that Mozelle's father had warned that she had made for herself by marrying Randell, became less and less comfortable to sleep in, but Mozelle found comfort in turning to the Lord to see her through the storm.
Mozelle is every woman who squares her shoulders and vows to rise above a bad marriage and the excruciating poverty that binds her. Blessed with true grit and a strong backbone, Mozelle stands her ground and sways with the breeze of disappointment and the winds of deprivation.
Mozelle's determination and her unshakeable faith in God, like the supple branches of the weeping willow tree are strong and unbreakable, thereby proving that Weeping Willows Dance.
Mozelle did not want to get married and, for certain, she did not want twelve children. She didn't even want one child. Mozelle dreamed of getting a good job, of buying herself a car, and of traveling across country a carefree woman---nobody and nothing hanging onto her skirt tail.
That is until tall, dark, handsome Randell Tate, twenty-two years Mozelle's senior, showed up in church that fateful Sunday morning, winked at her and threw Mozelle's world off balance. She fell under Randell's spell and her once imagined dreams for her future were no more.
Three months later they wed and Randell carried Mozelle across the threshold into The Great Depression. As one child became four Mozelle saw that Randell was not the man she thought she married. Against all odds, Mozelle set her sights on buying a piece of land and building a house to put a roof over their heads.
To realize that dream, Mozelle was going to have to squirrel away her pennies and in the end, build her house with her own two hands---husband or not. l
Abiding by her parents' teachings, Mozelle stays loyal and faithful in her marriage to Randell, although Randell holds no vow sacred. The hard bed that Mozelle's father had warned that she had made for herself by marrying Randell, became less and less comfortable to sleep in, but Mozelle found comfort in turning to the Lord to see her through the storm.
Mozelle is every woman who squares her shoulders and vows to rise above a bad marriage and the excruciating poverty that binds her. Blessed with true grit and a strong backbone, Mozelle stands her ground and sways with the breeze of disappointment and the winds of deprivation.
Mozelle's determination and her unshakeable faith in God, like the supple branches of the weeping willow tree are strong and unbreakable, thereby proving that Weeping Willows Dance.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2001
9 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Gloria Mallette
14 books121 followers(SEE VIDEO below)
2007 was a wonderful year for me. Although I have been published by major mainstream publishers, this year I chose to return to the self-publishing arena (Living, Breathing Lies) in order to continue to write the stories I like to write. I am so appreciative of those readers who have continued to read my books despite who my publisher is. I always say, "Never let anyone tell you that you can't; show them that you can." I am about staying on the literary path I asked God to set my feet upon. I hope you, as well, are going about fulfilling your dreams and letting no one bound your mind, soul, or hands.
Also this year, my latest book, Living, Breathing Lies placed as a WINNER in the USA Book News National Best Books Award for 2007 in African American Fiction (USABookNews.com). Do I count this as a blessing? You bet I do.
Currently, I am working on my 10th title, SASSY, due out June 2008.
Please visit me on my website, and please check out my video for Living, Breathing Lies on Goodreads or Youtube.com.
2007 was a wonderful year for me. Although I have been published by major mainstream publishers, this year I chose to return to the self-publishing arena (Living, Breathing Lies) in order to continue to write the stories I like to write. I am so appreciative of those readers who have continued to read my books despite who my publisher is. I always say, "Never let anyone tell you that you can't; show them that you can." I am about staying on the literary path I asked God to set my feet upon. I hope you, as well, are going about fulfilling your dreams and letting no one bound your mind, soul, or hands.
Also this year, my latest book, Living, Breathing Lies placed as a WINNER in the USA Book News National Best Books Award for 2007 in African American Fiction (USABookNews.com). Do I count this as a blessing? You bet I do.
Currently, I am working on my 10th title, SASSY, due out June 2008.
Please visit me on my website, and please check out my video for Living, Breathing Lies on Goodreads or Youtube.com.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 19, 2015
I really enjoyed reading this book about Ms.Mallette's grandmother. This lady went through a lot from the time she was 15 or 16 years old into her adulthood. I just don't believe meant for her to go through all that she went through. It was sad, but a good read.
August 11, 2019
I know this book is based on a true story....but I still don’t understand why , even at the end of the book, when Randell was dead, Mozelle STILL didn’t give herself permission to be happy with a good man such as Tom. Sometimes I feel as if folks choose to stay in unhappy situations for reasons that make no sense. She kept saying that she needed to keep her promise to God.....we’ll, God doesn’t want us to be foolish and not make decisions that could make the quality of our lives better.
This started as a good read , I just didn’t really like how it ended. For everything that Mozelle went thru in life, it would have been nice to see something positive happen to her at the end . Yes, she had a brief time where there was stability in her and her children’s lives, food on the table, a home to live in,etc.......seems like after the house was built and she got all new furniture (and let’s not forgot that TOM loved her enough to buy the furniture ), there was nothing left of this story. All that she fought thru just to lose it all in the end AND not give herself permission to be loved and cared for by a man who’s been loving her and waiting in the shadows for the right time to make her his ?? Eh, I wasn’t impressed.....
This started as a good read , I just didn’t really like how it ended. For everything that Mozelle went thru in life, it would have been nice to see something positive happen to her at the end . Yes, she had a brief time where there was stability in her and her children’s lives, food on the table, a home to live in,etc.......seems like after the house was built and she got all new furniture (and let’s not forgot that TOM loved her enough to buy the furniture ), there was nothing left of this story. All that she fought thru just to lose it all in the end AND not give herself permission to be loved and cared for by a man who’s been loving her and waiting in the shadows for the right time to make her his ?? Eh, I wasn’t impressed.....
May 7, 2008
I applaud Ms. Mallette on such a profound novel. An emotional story of a southern girl marrying at such a young age and the emotional and physical abuse she received from her much older husband. But through it all she preserved with determination and God's grace.
I wish I could rate this book more than a 5 on Goodreads and even though this book was published in 2001 it is my No. 1 read of 2008.
I wish I could rate this book more than a 5 on Goodreads and even though this book was published in 2001 it is my No. 1 read of 2008.
November 18, 2015
What an awesome story of strength, determination, and faith of God. My heart went out to Mozelle her struggles were felt, but she never caved.. she held strong for her family despite the I'll will of a husband that was worthless. I give this story 5 stars.
March 31, 2024
So many reviewers have provided poignant reviews and the synopsis is on point. As an avid reader,I have read thousands of books, this is one of my favorite books by one of my favorite authors. Each one of her books is different from the last. Ms. Mallette definitely does not re-tell the same stories with a different cast. I read this book years ago; and, I still remember it with reverence. I even have two copies just for me. Recently, I brought this book for a few friends (I refuse to lend either of my books). Each one has raved about it. This is a great book for a book club. This is such an inspirational tale and testimony of the human spirit without the author taking you to church. I always recommend this book to females when they have a challenge before them and I want to empower them. Not only does this book make you realize that your problems aren't that big; but, you realize the strength to overcome anything lies within you. This is one of those books that you forfeit sleep to read; a true page turner. Trust me this book is why you read. Get it if you can. This book makes an excellent gift. I think this book should be a mandatory read for all females, especially for colored girls :)
November 21, 2015
This is a riveting story of innocence/innocence lost, abuse, neglect, tragedy, and most importantly resiliency to survive and soar.
Against the wishes of her parents, 15 year old Moselle becomes smitten with hormones and falls head over heels "in lust" with Randell, who she later learns (too late) is 27 years older than her. Her parents ultimately set her up for a life of misery by admonishing Moselle to never leave her husband - to stay married no matter what. Soon enough Moselle learns that her parents were right about Randell - he is even worse than their predictions.
However, throughout the book Moselle is able to survive the most abhorrent abuse and neglect in her marriage and eventually is able o buy land and build her family a home despite Randell's efforts to thwart this.
As I'm reading I keep asking myself, "how much does Moselle have to take from the cheating no good man?" Too much is my answer from the peanut gallery. This author skillfully gives the reader an inside view to a person's life that we may not agree with but is developed enough for us to understand.
My heart weeps for the paths many of us have found ourselves on in this human experience but rejoices in their survival. Excellent results.
Against the wishes of her parents, 15 year old Moselle becomes smitten with hormones and falls head over heels "in lust" with Randell, who she later learns (too late) is 27 years older than her. Her parents ultimately set her up for a life of misery by admonishing Moselle to never leave her husband - to stay married no matter what. Soon enough Moselle learns that her parents were right about Randell - he is even worse than their predictions.
However, throughout the book Moselle is able to survive the most abhorrent abuse and neglect in her marriage and eventually is able o buy land and build her family a home despite Randell's efforts to thwart this.
As I'm reading I keep asking myself, "how much does Moselle have to take from the cheating no good man?" Too much is my answer from the peanut gallery. This author skillfully gives the reader an inside view to a person's life that we may not agree with but is developed enough for us to understand.
My heart weeps for the paths many of us have found ourselves on in this human experience but rejoices in their survival. Excellent results.
February 1, 2025
Lord have mercy this was just… I have no words. Every emotion you can feel will be felt reading this. Mozelle went from a sad life to just straight up pitiful. She prided herself on being this strong righteous woman but, all I saw was weakness. Randell broke her spirit and by choice she stayed broken.
One poor choice after another followed by one tragedy after another.
Baaaaby Mozelle was better than me because I would’ve laid Randell’s d*%k in the dirt a LONG time ago.
He legit f%c&ed over her and their kids til the day he died and even in death.
Her suffering could’ve ended YEARS ago yet, held herself captive when the lord himself was constantly trying to set her free. She just couldn’t see the forest for the trees. Mozelle was the true definition of being so heavenly minded you’re no earthly good.
Tom was the most likable character in the story and we didn’t meet him until the end.
Mozelle was dead long before she burned up in that fire. Pride is a silent killer.
Ms. Gloria can write though, I give her that. As sad and sometimes pathetic as this story was. It was well written.
One poor choice after another followed by one tragedy after another.
Baaaaby Mozelle was better than me because I would’ve laid Randell’s d*%k in the dirt a LONG time ago.
He legit f%c&ed over her and their kids til the day he died and even in death.
Her suffering could’ve ended YEARS ago yet, held herself captive when the lord himself was constantly trying to set her free. She just couldn’t see the forest for the trees. Mozelle was the true definition of being so heavenly minded you’re no earthly good.
Tom was the most likable character in the story and we didn’t meet him until the end.
Mozelle was dead long before she burned up in that fire. Pride is a silent killer.
Ms. Gloria can write though, I give her that. As sad and sometimes pathetic as this story was. It was well written.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2008
At age fifteen Mozelle married thirty-seven year old Randell Tate. Mozelle felt loved by Randell at first but that soon changed. The good life she thought she’d share with her husband turned out to be a life of heartache, misery and pain.
Randell was a selfish, immature, ignorant man who had no clue how to be a loving husband, let alone a good father. He treated Mozelle like dirt, did nothing to provide the needs of his children, committed adultery like it was something he was born to do and took no responsibility for his actions. This character bothered me so much that I had to take a break from reading for days at a time.
This was a sad story. Mozelle fought, struggled and suffered so much loss; more than one person should ever have to. Randell played a big part in the hard life Mozelle lived, but she was a strong woman who pressed on no matter how difficult the situation. I was glad that she seemed to find a bit of peace whenever she watched the WEEPING WILLOWS DANCE.
Randell was a selfish, immature, ignorant man who had no clue how to be a loving husband, let alone a good father. He treated Mozelle like dirt, did nothing to provide the needs of his children, committed adultery like it was something he was born to do and took no responsibility for his actions. This character bothered me so much that I had to take a break from reading for days at a time.
This was a sad story. Mozelle fought, struggled and suffered so much loss; more than one person should ever have to. Randell played a big part in the hard life Mozelle lived, but she was a strong woman who pressed on no matter how difficult the situation. I was glad that she seemed to find a bit of peace whenever she watched the WEEPING WILLOWS DANCE.
February 1, 2016
I love reading biographies and stories of the past about African American Women.
This book tells of the struggles of black woman during what may have been the Jim Crow era or before. When Black Woman had absolutely no rights and absolutely no protection and couldn't even own their own property. (We still barely have any protection) When all they had was their faith, strength and courage to push forward.
I'm glad that many laws have changed and now Black Woman can be “A Boss” if they choose to.
This book tells of the struggles of black woman during what may have been the Jim Crow era or before. When Black Woman had absolutely no rights and absolutely no protection and couldn't even own their own property. (We still barely have any protection) When all they had was their faith, strength and courage to push forward.
I'm glad that many laws have changed and now Black Woman can be “A Boss” if they choose to.
September 2, 2012
I can't remember how I stumbled onto this book but I'm very glad I did. I really enjoyed the message (despite its heavy religious references) and found it to be an empowering book that all women should read. The book (that's based on a true story) takes place in the deep south starting in the 1930's and centers around the struggles of an African American woman. Her strength is something we can all learn from.
June 14, 2021
11/21/2015
My most favorite book ever!
6/14/2021
Always an amazing read! The way this book takes you through the life and trials of Mozelle Tate is absolutely amazing! I was captivated from start to finish! Weeping Willows Dance is a beautiful tale of adversity, endurance and perseverance that will tug at your heart strings long after you put it down. I would give it a thousand stars if I could.
My most favorite book ever!
6/14/2021
Always an amazing read! The way this book takes you through the life and trials of Mozelle Tate is absolutely amazing! I was captivated from start to finish! Weeping Willows Dance is a beautiful tale of adversity, endurance and perseverance that will tug at your heart strings long after you put it down. I would give it a thousand stars if I could.
April 18, 2016
A very interesting read I found while browsing my local library. It's a story about a young black girl named Mozelle, the child of sharecroppers in the 1920, and it tells her life's story from the age of 13 until she's in her 50's. It also shows her constant faith in God and how he provides for her. Such a great little gem. Loved it.
April 16, 2013
This was an inspiring novel of faith, hope and undying determination. Based on a true story, I had the opportunity to meet the author, Gloria Mallette, while on vacation in the Poconos and bought this book. I look forward to reading more of her novels, as she has a wonderful writer's voice.
April 7, 2016
Loved, loved, loved this story. Loved it so much I've already read it twice. This book was raw and written with so much passion that you almost forget the hard times Mozelle went through. Definetly a book for your collection. If you don't have it, shame on you.
Read
August 9, 2011Great book! It is based on the life of a real over-comer! Horrible abusive husband. But this woman stayed focused on her dreams.
September 29, 2011
This book was so sad. It seems like there was one tragedy after another.
May 3, 2012
Great book! Every woman should read and don't just fall for a man just for his good looks and charms.
November 12, 2015
This is a true story of Ms. Mallette's grandmother Mozelle Tate.
This was an excellent book
I highly receommend this book to all readers.
This was an excellent book
I highly receommend this book to all readers.
Read
December 8, 2015Found the subject matter difficult to enjoy.....
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews