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Lightning Tree
Magdalena (Maggie) is a poor girl with a rich inner life who spends an awful lot of time mucking out chicken coops and trying to explain things in broken English. With a cold stepmother, an ineffectual father figure, and step-sisters who are by turns loving and awful, all this story needs is a glass slipper-toting fairy godmother for Maggie to get her ticket to the corn husking party for some "sparking" of her own. But Maggie has no glass slipper. Only dead parents, an uncared for younger sister, a lost brother, and violent nightmares about the suspicious death of her baby sister. Set against the backdrop of "The Cedar Incident" and the prejudices of small town pioneer Utah Lightning Tree is a dramatic story that will keep readers turning pages until every nightmare is brought to light. --Laura Craner, blogged on A Motley Vision
384 pages, Paperback
First published April 10, 2012
5 people are currently reading
762 people want to read
About the author
Sarah G. Dunster
5 books39 followersSarah Dunster is an award-winning poet and fiction writer. Her poems have been published in Dialogue: a Journal of Mormon Thought, Segullah Magazine, Sunstone Magazine, Psaltery and Lyre, Irreantum Magazine and Victorian Violet Press. Her short fiction piece, Back North, is featured in Segullah’s Fall 2011 issue. She is a contributing poet to the anthologies Fire in the Pasture: 21st Century Mormon Poets, and Moth and Rust: Mormon Encounters with Death. Her novel Lightning Tree was released April 10, 2012 by Cedar Fort. Her novel Mile 21 was released in 2014 by Cedar Fort, and won the General Fiction category in the 2014 Whitney Awards. Sarah has nine children, an indoor garden, lots and lots of cats, a love of singing, skiing, sushi and stilettoes, and has never been able to step away from writing even during the busiest times of life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 16, 2012
Young Magdalena (Maggie) Chabert has come across the plains to live in Provo. During the trip, she lost her parents and baby sister, so she and her younger sister Giovanna have been taken in by the Alden family, where they have been cared for during the past 4 years.
Then, Maggie starts to have startling dreams. She's seeing visions which, from what she hears, may actually be true. When she has her most disturbing dream yet, she knows she must find out the truth. But will it destroy her, or set her free?
Although this book is quite different from anything I have ever read, I still found it enjoyable. Maggie is a nice protagonist. She is a bit headstrong and proud, but I feel like most everyone who lived during the pioneer days was--or, they had to be. She is also fiercely protective of her little sister, which I can relate to, being the oldest of 3 siblings.
Since this book is set back in the 1800's, the language and style did take some getting used to for me. But once I did, I found it refreshingly different. Not too many books I read regularly use the words "reckon" and "confound it." (There were also several typos and grammatical errors that made reading stilted sometimes--but as the copy I read was a NetGalley ARC, I'm not sure if the book will be edited before distribution.)
What I really liked the most about this book was the sense of community. Back in those days, everyone relied on everyone else just to get by. If you had anything extra, you shared with those who had none and you didn't think anything of it. I know our modern world would be a much better place if this was still the attitude mankind adopted towards our neighbors.
There wasn't much action in this book, but there was a bit of suspense. I also was rather taken aback by the twist at the end--I definitely didn't see it coming, and I enjoy that in a book.
This book would be a great read for anyone who wants to escape into the past for a while--I'm not even really sure if it could strictly be classified as a Young Adult book. I think readers of all ages could take something from this book.
Then, Maggie starts to have startling dreams. She's seeing visions which, from what she hears, may actually be true. When she has her most disturbing dream yet, she knows she must find out the truth. But will it destroy her, or set her free?
Although this book is quite different from anything I have ever read, I still found it enjoyable. Maggie is a nice protagonist. She is a bit headstrong and proud, but I feel like most everyone who lived during the pioneer days was--or, they had to be. She is also fiercely protective of her little sister, which I can relate to, being the oldest of 3 siblings.
Since this book is set back in the 1800's, the language and style did take some getting used to for me. But once I did, I found it refreshingly different. Not too many books I read regularly use the words "reckon" and "confound it." (There were also several typos and grammatical errors that made reading stilted sometimes--but as the copy I read was a NetGalley ARC, I'm not sure if the book will be edited before distribution.)
What I really liked the most about this book was the sense of community. Back in those days, everyone relied on everyone else just to get by. If you had anything extra, you shared with those who had none and you didn't think anything of it. I know our modern world would be a much better place if this was still the attitude mankind adopted towards our neighbors.
There wasn't much action in this book, but there was a bit of suspense. I also was rather taken aback by the twist at the end--I definitely didn't see it coming, and I enjoy that in a book.
This book would be a great read for anyone who wants to escape into the past for a while--I'm not even really sure if it could strictly be classified as a Young Adult book. I think readers of all ages could take something from this book.
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March 14, 2012This book is unique blend of history, coming-of-age, and mystery all wrapped into one. It is different than any book I have ever read, especially in the LDS genre. However, that is not necessarily a bad thing and was actually a refreshing change.
One of my favorite things about this book was the development of Maggie, the main character. Even though Maggie lived during the 1800s, it was amazing how similar she was to a modern day teenager. She is a stubborn and headstrong 16-year-old (weren't we all?!) who is struggling to figure out who she is. She also questions her self-worth which is a common issue during adolescence. It reminded me that even though we each grow up in different environments, we all still struggle through the same growing pains.
I also loved the romantic development that plays a subtle role in the book. First-time love is so innocent and it catches Maggie completely by surprise. Even though romance is not a priority in a town where daily life is a constant struggle just to survive, Maggie's love interest is very tender with her, showing his affection through sweet gestures and simple expressions.
The other part of the book that I enjoyed the most was the underlying theme of familial love. During my interview with the author, I discovered just how important family is to her so it didn't surprise me to see that this was the foundation of her book. Not only does Maggie adore her sister and the memory of her parents, but, over the course of the novel, realizes her reluctant affection for her foster family. She also realizes that this love is reciprocated by those she thought viewed her only as a nuisance and an extra mouth to feed.
Lightning Tree is starkly realistic, subtly tender, and tantalizingly mysterious. It will appeal not only to young adults, but to readers of all ages.
One of my favorite things about this book was the development of Maggie, the main character. Even though Maggie lived during the 1800s, it was amazing how similar she was to a modern day teenager. She is a stubborn and headstrong 16-year-old (weren't we all?!) who is struggling to figure out who she is. She also questions her self-worth which is a common issue during adolescence. It reminded me that even though we each grow up in different environments, we all still struggle through the same growing pains.
I also loved the romantic development that plays a subtle role in the book. First-time love is so innocent and it catches Maggie completely by surprise. Even though romance is not a priority in a town where daily life is a constant struggle just to survive, Maggie's love interest is very tender with her, showing his affection through sweet gestures and simple expressions.
The other part of the book that I enjoyed the most was the underlying theme of familial love. During my interview with the author, I discovered just how important family is to her so it didn't surprise me to see that this was the foundation of her book. Not only does Maggie adore her sister and the memory of her parents, but, over the course of the novel, realizes her reluctant affection for her foster family. She also realizes that this love is reciprocated by those she thought viewed her only as a nuisance and an extra mouth to feed.
Lightning Tree is starkly realistic, subtly tender, and tantalizingly mysterious. It will appeal not only to young adults, but to readers of all ages.
March 15, 2012
What a epic story to read. I love reading fictions that are also based on history. This young lady Maggie truly has had a hard life. First with losing her parents on the trek to Utah, then losing her baby sister after the family who took them in settled in the valley. So many different emotions plague this book and you cant help feel what Maggie is feeling in the many situations that make themselves known throughout the book. The truth whether you want to hear it or not can change the course of your future.
Sarah Dunster wrote a gripping story with tragedy, family, love, friendship, sorrow, and strength to endure. It shows how much a family, whether biological or adopted needs to have the love and acceptance of one another or things can get misinterpreted and people end up getting hurt.
Pick up this book and get to know Maggie through the Author's eyes. Here are some links to check out if you want to know more about this book.
Sarah Dunster wrote a gripping story with tragedy, family, love, friendship, sorrow, and strength to endure. It shows how much a family, whether biological or adopted needs to have the love and acceptance of one another or things can get misinterpreted and people end up getting hurt.
Pick up this book and get to know Maggie through the Author's eyes. Here are some links to check out if you want to know more about this book.
October 27, 2019
This is not one of those “I was whisked away” clichéd historical novels a summer reader can pick up at any drug store next to a bodice-ripper. Whisking implies a person comes in and out of consciousness within the text. No. From the get-go, the reader is planted in the 1850s to experience life through the eyes of an orphan taken in by Mormon pioneers around the time of the Mountain Meadows Massacre. Dunster’s realistic dialogue and careful prose colors in what to some may sound like a mundane existence at first, but like the patterns on calico dresses, the closer she draws in the reader, the more vivid the life becomes. From fully formed and sympathetic characters such as Maggie and the Aldens to the intricacies of their daily lives in their homestead, it is apparent that the author took great care in her research of this era in American history. Even though this novel thematically embraces the early LDS religious notions throughout, the author did not overburden the reader with preachiness but elucidated the innate meaning of what it means to belong to that community to an outsider and by extension what it means to be a part of a family no matter to whom one is born. Though there were some plot twists, they did not feel randomly inserted or feel like a displaced shock and awe; rather, these plot twists felt akin to a universal call to morality strewn in the path of life which call a person to question their faith and re-evaluate their community. Such a stance allows a reader of any denomination (or none at all) to feel unbiased while delving into the novel. Not many books exist which can entertain the life of the pioneer quite like those of Laura Ingalls Wilder or the world of a young woman like those by L. M. Montgomery, but in my opinion, Sarah Dunster with The Lightning Tree has earned a place on the shelf beside them, and deservedly so with her unique glimpse into the life of the early Mormon settlers of Utah.
November 13, 2020
I've read a lot of LDS fiction and LIGHTNING TREE stands out from its fellows in one interesting way—it shows that Latter-Day Saints are not always, well, saints. Maggie's foster mother, uncle, and cousin are all excellent examples. Those involved with the Mountain Meadows Massacre, which is mentioned often in the book, are another. I liked this authenticity, which is often lacking in LDS literature. I also liked Maggie, who is spunky, brave, hard-working, and kind. She's the kind of plucky heroine I enjoy rooting for.
As far as plot goes, LIGHTNING TREE doesn't really have one, which makes the book feel unfocused and overly long. At 367 pages, it definitely could have done with a 150 page chop to whittle it down to its essence. The story's two focuses—Maggie's life and the Mountain Meadows Massacre—feel like chunks of the same puzzle that just won't quite connect up to create a cohesive whole. Presuming the reader already understands early Mormon theology/culture, the tale is a little confusing even for me and I've been a member of the Church for my entire life! Another of my beefs with the story is that while Maggie is a likable character, she doesn't actually do much. She reacts instead of acts. This has to do with the plotlessness of the book and Maggie's lack of a concrete story goal.
There's no doubt that LIGHTNING TREE has good bones. It just needs some sculpting to make it a more focused, compelling tale. As is, it was just an average read for me.
As far as plot goes, LIGHTNING TREE doesn't really have one, which makes the book feel unfocused and overly long. At 367 pages, it definitely could have done with a 150 page chop to whittle it down to its essence. The story's two focuses—Maggie's life and the Mountain Meadows Massacre—feel like chunks of the same puzzle that just won't quite connect up to create a cohesive whole. Presuming the reader already understands early Mormon theology/culture, the tale is a little confusing even for me and I've been a member of the Church for my entire life! Another of my beefs with the story is that while Maggie is a likable character, she doesn't actually do much. She reacts instead of acts. This has to do with the plotlessness of the book and Maggie's lack of a concrete story goal.
There's no doubt that LIGHTNING TREE has good bones. It just needs some sculpting to make it a more focused, compelling tale. As is, it was just an average read for me.
March 21, 2012
I must admit I was initially drawn to this book because of the cover, but once I started reading the story I quickly realized that this book was a true gem.
Magdalena (Maggie) Chabert has been plagued with dreams that she just can't figure out. It is understandable though, because her parents and baby sister died while traveling across the praire to Provo. She and her sister Giovanna were taken in by the Alden's after her parents died, and Ma Alden had always told her there was nothing left of her families belongings and Maggie had believed this for four years. When she discovers a secret though she wonders if perhaps Ma Alden has lied to her, and if so what really happened. As her dreams seem to jar loose long buried memories, she knows she should feel gratitude toward the Alden's for taking in her and her sister, but she can't help but want answers, and becomes determined to find out the truth.
This book was set during the 1800's and the author easily pulled me into that time. While I had to try and figure out some of Maggie's writing,as the story unfolds I began to understand why. The author also uses a certain dialect that further drew me into the time period.While times were hard, there was a sense of community and sharing, although I did think it was a bit harsh that Ma Alden often reminded Maggie of the fact that she had taken them in. It was easy to feel the turmoil that Maggie was experiencing. I could easily understand how Maggie's dreams would make her want to know the truth. She was also dealing with the fact that her friend Mariah moved away, and her relationship with her friend Henry was changing.Overall an interesting coming of age story that would appeal to anyone who enjoys good historical fiction.
Magdalena (Maggie) Chabert has been plagued with dreams that she just can't figure out. It is understandable though, because her parents and baby sister died while traveling across the praire to Provo. She and her sister Giovanna were taken in by the Alden's after her parents died, and Ma Alden had always told her there was nothing left of her families belongings and Maggie had believed this for four years. When she discovers a secret though she wonders if perhaps Ma Alden has lied to her, and if so what really happened. As her dreams seem to jar loose long buried memories, she knows she should feel gratitude toward the Alden's for taking in her and her sister, but she can't help but want answers, and becomes determined to find out the truth.
This book was set during the 1800's and the author easily pulled me into that time. While I had to try and figure out some of Maggie's writing,as the story unfolds I began to understand why. The author also uses a certain dialect that further drew me into the time period.While times were hard, there was a sense of community and sharing, although I did think it was a bit harsh that Ma Alden often reminded Maggie of the fact that she had taken them in. It was easy to feel the turmoil that Maggie was experiencing. I could easily understand how Maggie's dreams would make her want to know the truth. She was also dealing with the fact that her friend Mariah moved away, and her relationship with her friend Henry was changing.Overall an interesting coming of age story that would appeal to anyone who enjoys good historical fiction.
June 27, 2012
It is the early 1800's in Provo Utah and Maggie and sister Giovanna have been fostered by the Aldens for over 4 years, since their parents were killed. Maggie never quite feels like she belongs with the Aldens and that she is treated as a 2nd class person because of her French/Italian background. Dressing in worn clothes she feels she is a charity case to those around her.
Maggie starts having dreams of guns and indians. She dreams of wars and the death of her parents. She dreams of a baby and it's death. Believing there must be truth to these dreams from her past, she begins to search for answers. Untrusting to those around her, she becomes cold toward her foster parents and takes her sister on the run.
What I loved about this story is the focus on the dreams. They were so real to Maggie, so detailed and set in how she believes the truth happened. Though parts of her dreams were true, there were others that were not. I liked this because so many people put too much into dreams at times, taking them as facts and like Maggie did, reacting to people based on these dreams. The thoughts she had toward people were displaced and caused her more heartache because she held them within.
This is a LDS novel, and I am not of the LDS denomination. It did have some Brighham Young references, and some of the elder men had several wifes. Weird, but that is the history of that religion. It wasn't overly preachy or anything that someone not in LDS would be put off.
It was a great story about a family being created out of hardship and the love that they did in fact share for each other.
Maggie starts having dreams of guns and indians. She dreams of wars and the death of her parents. She dreams of a baby and it's death. Believing there must be truth to these dreams from her past, she begins to search for answers. Untrusting to those around her, she becomes cold toward her foster parents and takes her sister on the run.
What I loved about this story is the focus on the dreams. They were so real to Maggie, so detailed and set in how she believes the truth happened. Though parts of her dreams were true, there were others that were not. I liked this because so many people put too much into dreams at times, taking them as facts and like Maggie did, reacting to people based on these dreams. The thoughts she had toward people were displaced and caused her more heartache because she held them within.
This is a LDS novel, and I am not of the LDS denomination. It did have some Brighham Young references, and some of the elder men had several wifes. Weird, but that is the history of that religion. It wasn't overly preachy or anything that someone not in LDS would be put off.
It was a great story about a family being created out of hardship and the love that they did in fact share for each other.
May 4, 2012
This was a great read that had everything I would want in a novel. First off I loved the main character Maggie and felt the author painted a very 3 dimensional view of who she was. Her internal dialog was very realistic and she was likable. Second, I loved the setting. Despite the fact that I am LDS and have lived in the areas depicted in the story, I know little to nothing of the controversy in that particular era. The author addressed it well and it provided a unique backdrop without overshadowing the drama provided by Maggie's internal struggles with herself, her past, and her feelings. I feel that too often books that have anything to do with pioneers become very religious or just boring retellings of common events in LDS church history with fictitious characters pasted in as a mere after-thought. This was very much opposite- very character-driven. The only characters I wanted more on would be the Forths and possibly Ma Alden. The relationship with Henry was written beautifully. Last, I loved the metaphors and other literary devices the author used in her writing. They were very appropriate to the time period and mostly felt natural. Any of the ones that felt contrived or forced at all were so clever that it still didn't bother me. I would recommend this as a great read for a book club.
August 11, 2012
I found this to be a very interesting book. Maggie is such a likeable heroine. She tries hard to do what is right; has realistic faults; makes mistakes and tries to learn from them. I felt connected with Maggie and ached for her as she made painful discoveries about her past. The story progressed well and while it did not have the ending I expected, it ended well. There were many interesting twists to this story; events did not always progress as you would have expected, so it keeps the reader on their toes a bit. I really liked this aspect of the book and felt it helped to draw me into the story further.
Another interesting aspect of this story was its historical setting. We often find stories written of pioneers crossing the plains, but this story takes place in the early days of the Utah settlement, during the furor and backlash from the Mountain Meadows Massacre. Tension definitely runs deep throughout this tale, with fingers pointing in many directions and everybody talking, and yet not really talking about what truly happened.
Another interesting aspect of this story was its historical setting. We often find stories written of pioneers crossing the plains, but this story takes place in the early days of the Utah settlement, during the furor and backlash from the Mountain Meadows Massacre. Tension definitely runs deep throughout this tale, with fingers pointing in many directions and everybody talking, and yet not really talking about what truly happened.
May 29, 2012
Be prepared to cry and hurt, but then hope as you read Lightning Tree.
Maggie is such a strong character who is completely unaware of her own inner strength. She is also flawed, but who isn't.
Things I thought about: How accurate are dreams? How accurate is our perception of family members? Can we have a flawed recollection of events in the past? How does that recollection color our views of family members? Can siblings have different recollections of past events than us? The strength it takes to admit you're wrong and seeking forgiveness, and finally the peace we receive when we have made it right. The dangers of pride. There are people who love us as much as family and how pride can color our views of them as well.
Well written!
Maggie is such a strong character who is completely unaware of her own inner strength. She is also flawed, but who isn't.
Things I thought about: How accurate are dreams? How accurate is our perception of family members? Can we have a flawed recollection of events in the past? How does that recollection color our views of family members? Can siblings have different recollections of past events than us? The strength it takes to admit you're wrong and seeking forgiveness, and finally the peace we receive when we have made it right. The dangers of pride. There are people who love us as much as family and how pride can color our views of them as well.
Well written!
July 4, 2012
This story is a good example of how we can get caught up in our own heads and can let nighttime dreams and half-forgotten memories taint our reality. As we go through life and deal with difficulties and poor treatment from others it is easy to let resentment make things worse than they would have been otherwise. I found myself wondering right along with Maggie if her dreams were accurate or not and feeling her pain as she tried to sort through things as she slowly starts to discover what really happened.
This book is set in a Mormon settlement in the days before Utah became a state but there is very little talk of any religious concepts. I think this would allow any who enjoy historical fiction to enjoy this book regardless of religious affiliation.
This book is set in a Mormon settlement in the days before Utah became a state but there is very little talk of any religious concepts. I think this would allow any who enjoy historical fiction to enjoy this book regardless of religious affiliation.
April 26, 2012
This is a lovely book, a wonderful tale of coming of age, a family “mystery” of sorts and characters that are fully fleshed and tightly drawn. Some readers may struggle with the dialect but I think they will still easily drop into the story without much difficulty. Although this probably isn’t a good title for reluctant readers, fans of the Little House series and American Girl books will relish this title. I found the description hauntingly realistic and the writing lyrical enough to draw me into the daily hardships of the time period. I look forward to reading more from this author.
ARC Galley Proof
ARC Galley Proof
July 18, 2012
Struggling to find her place among her foster family and in a Mormon pioneer town on the edge of religious and civil conflict, Maggie Chabert must find the truth about her past. At the tender age of 15 she has left behind her country, her parents, and her brother with only her young sister and herself to care for. What Maggie comes to realize is that "family" exists all around her in the form of caring people who are all willing to help her grow into the person God would have her be, if only she will let them.
Emotionally charged and historically interesting, Lightning Tree will make you cry and leave you thinking.
Emotionally charged and historically interesting, Lightning Tree will make you cry and leave you thinking.
April 11, 2012
Historical fictional account of Maggie Chabert. A young woman who doesn't know who she can trust. She faces many of the uphill battles of most young girls today. Amazingly, this book is set in the 1800's.
Maggie is a true pioneer, a strong young woman who must take control of her own destiny.
This book is vastly different from anything I've recently read. Not much action, no vampires, no mythological creatures...but it was still an enjoyable read. The ending is a great twist, unexpected.
I look forward to more by Ms. Dunster
Maggie is a true pioneer, a strong young woman who must take control of her own destiny.
This book is vastly different from anything I've recently read. Not much action, no vampires, no mythological creatures...but it was still an enjoyable read. The ending is a great twist, unexpected.
I look forward to more by Ms. Dunster
July 18, 2014
I would actually give this book 4.5...I was swept up in this story. Although the plot was very original, the writing style is what embraced me. I was enraptured with the dialogue and setting description. The narration propelled the story with subtlety and attention to details making this story and the characters very believable. The ending felt abrupt and a bit unresolved, but I was satisfied. I did like the idea presented on the last couple of pages, causing me to evaluate how I define the word family.
September 19, 2012
Interesting book set abt 1857 I think. Honestly, what I liked most was the information about the Saints referred to as Waldenians. I have ancestors on both sides of my family who immigrated from the Peidmont valley in Italy.
July 22, 2012
I didn't want this book to end. I wanted to continue with Maggie & Henry's courtship and lives. I learned a lot about the early history of Provo and the concerns of the time. Having been born in Provo, it made it more personal. I'd love to ready more books by Sarah Dunster.
April 17, 2012
Check out my review at A Motley Vision
May 22, 2012
Really enjoyed this book - great characters, backdrop, and story.
April 4, 2014
I enjoyed this book, and I learned some Mormon history along the way...
April 11, 2022
This young lady Maggie truly has had a hard life. First with losing her parents on the trek to Utah, then losing her baby sister after the family who took them in settled in the valley. So many different emotions plague this book and you can't help but feel what Maggie is feeling in the many situations that make themselves known throughout the book. The truth whether you want to hear it or not can change the course of your future.
Sarah Dunster wrote a gripping story with tragedy, family, love, friendship, sorrow, and strength to endure. It shows how much a family, whether biological or adopted needs to have the love and acceptance of one another, or things can get misinterpreted and people end up getting hurt.
Sarah Dunster wrote a gripping story with tragedy, family, love, friendship, sorrow, and strength to endure. It shows how much a family, whether biological or adopted needs to have the love and acceptance of one another, or things can get misinterpreted and people end up getting hurt.
July 26, 2019
All I can say is that this was a really good book I loved it all. It is a must read I highly recommend it to everyone😊
April 16, 2021
I enjoy reading historical novels about the early history of the pioneers and members of the restoration.
September 6, 2021
I enjoyed it. It wasn’t amazing, but enjoyable. Loved the mystery part of it, even though it was sad.
July 29, 2021
An interesting historical novel set in Provo in the late 1850s. I really enjoyed the recreation of the time and place.
April 16, 2012
Lightening Tree by Sarah Dunster was a very interesting book.
I was initially drawn to this book because of the cover—beautiful, no?—, but once I started reading the story, I quickly realized that this book was a truly a diamond in the rough. A real gem to behold.
This book was set during the 1800's and the author easily pulled me into that time.
Magdalena Chabert has been plagued with dreams that she just can't figure out, no matter how hard she tries. One might think that it is due to the fact that her parents and youngest sister passed away while traveling across the plains to Provo, but more seems to be behind it then just that.
Maggie and her other sister Giovanna were taken in by the Alden's after her parents died, and Ma Alden had always told her there was nothing left of her family’s belongings and Maggie had believed this for four years. When she discovers a secret though, she wonders if perhaps Ma Alden has lied to her all these years.
As her dreams seem to jar loose long buried memories, she knows she should feel gratitude toward the Alden's for taking in her and her sister, but she can't help but want answers, and Maggie soon becomes unwavering her decision to find out the truth.
Maggie is such a likeable heroine. She tries hard to do what is right, has realistic faults, makes mistakes and tries to learn from them. She is also fiercely protective of her little sister. I felt connected with Maggie and ached for her as she made painful discoveries about her past.
It was easy to feel the turmoil that Maggie was experiencing. I could easily understand how Maggie's dreams would make her want to know the truth. She was also dealing with the fact that her friend Mariah moved away, and the relationship between her and her friend Henry were changing.
There wasn’t much action in this book, but there was a bit of suspense. I also was rather taken aback by the twist at the end–I definitely didn’t see it coming.
The story progressed at a good pace and, while it did not have the ending I expected, it ended on a fine point. There were a few thought-provoking twists to this story; events did not always progress as you would have expected, so it keeps the reader on their toes. I really liked this aspect of the book and felt it helped to draw me into the story further.
Another interesting aspect of this story was its historical setting. We often find stories written of pioneers crossing the plains, but this story takes place in the early days of the Utah settlement, during the uproar and recoil from the Mountain Meadows Massacre. Tension definitely runs deep throughout this tale, with fingers pointing in many directions and everybody talking, and yet not really talking about what truly happened.
Due to the fact that this book is set back in the 1800s, the language and style is different than what most readers in the YA genre may be used to. I read quite a bit of historical fiction so I had no problem with the dialect and literacy within the book but for most, it might take some time getting used to it.
Sarah Dunster truly wrote a gripping story with tragedy, family, love, friendship, grief, and strength to undergo. Lighting Tree displays how much a family, whether biological or adopted needs to have the love and acceptance of one another, else things may, often than not, get misinterpreted and people end up getting hurt.
This is a great read for anyone who wants to escape into the past for a while. If you’re a fan of historical fiction then this is definitely for you, regardless of age. Readers of all ages may take something from this book.
A Copy of this book was provided by the Publisher through NetGalley for an honest review.
I was initially drawn to this book because of the cover—beautiful, no?—, but once I started reading the story, I quickly realized that this book was a truly a diamond in the rough. A real gem to behold.
This book was set during the 1800's and the author easily pulled me into that time.
Magdalena Chabert has been plagued with dreams that she just can't figure out, no matter how hard she tries. One might think that it is due to the fact that her parents and youngest sister passed away while traveling across the plains to Provo, but more seems to be behind it then just that.
Maggie and her other sister Giovanna were taken in by the Alden's after her parents died, and Ma Alden had always told her there was nothing left of her family’s belongings and Maggie had believed this for four years. When she discovers a secret though, she wonders if perhaps Ma Alden has lied to her all these years.
As her dreams seem to jar loose long buried memories, she knows she should feel gratitude toward the Alden's for taking in her and her sister, but she can't help but want answers, and Maggie soon becomes unwavering her decision to find out the truth.
Maggie is such a likeable heroine. She tries hard to do what is right, has realistic faults, makes mistakes and tries to learn from them. She is also fiercely protective of her little sister. I felt connected with Maggie and ached for her as she made painful discoveries about her past.
It was easy to feel the turmoil that Maggie was experiencing. I could easily understand how Maggie's dreams would make her want to know the truth. She was also dealing with the fact that her friend Mariah moved away, and the relationship between her and her friend Henry were changing.
There wasn’t much action in this book, but there was a bit of suspense. I also was rather taken aback by the twist at the end–I definitely didn’t see it coming.
The story progressed at a good pace and, while it did not have the ending I expected, it ended on a fine point. There were a few thought-provoking twists to this story; events did not always progress as you would have expected, so it keeps the reader on their toes. I really liked this aspect of the book and felt it helped to draw me into the story further.
Another interesting aspect of this story was its historical setting. We often find stories written of pioneers crossing the plains, but this story takes place in the early days of the Utah settlement, during the uproar and recoil from the Mountain Meadows Massacre. Tension definitely runs deep throughout this tale, with fingers pointing in many directions and everybody talking, and yet not really talking about what truly happened.
Due to the fact that this book is set back in the 1800s, the language and style is different than what most readers in the YA genre may be used to. I read quite a bit of historical fiction so I had no problem with the dialect and literacy within the book but for most, it might take some time getting used to it.
Sarah Dunster truly wrote a gripping story with tragedy, family, love, friendship, grief, and strength to undergo. Lighting Tree displays how much a family, whether biological or adopted needs to have the love and acceptance of one another, else things may, often than not, get misinterpreted and people end up getting hurt.
This is a great read for anyone who wants to escape into the past for a while. If you’re a fan of historical fiction then this is definitely for you, regardless of age. Readers of all ages may take something from this book.
A Copy of this book was provided by the Publisher through NetGalley for an honest review.
April 3, 2012
SUMMARY
I enjoyed reading the novel Lightning Tree by Sarah Dunster!! It's 1858, and Magdalena Chabert has been living at the Aldens' home for about 4 years, but never before has she had dreams--nightmares, actually--as horrifying and mysterious as these!...But even though they are scary, she senses a bit of truth in them...has Ma Alden done something unspeakably terrible? Maggie wants to know the truth--but will trouble arise from her suspicion and curiosity?
AUTHOR BIO
Miss Sarah Dunster is the mother of six young children. Her childhood journals are littered with poems, stories, and drawings of maps, characters, and places she imagined for her stories. She wrote her first novel at age nine - a rambling combination of Little Women and Anne of Green Gables, scribbled on binder paper - and tortured her friends by making them listen to the whole thing. Miss Sarah is an award-winning poet; her pieces have been published in Segullah Magazine and Dialogue: a Journal of Mormon Thought. In addition to writing she loves reading, singing, skiing, and educating her children at home. Ms. Sarah Dunster lived for ten years in Provo, and grew to love the places, people, and history of Utah Valley. (That's why Lightning Tree takes place there!) [from http://lightningtreebook.com/ with a few modifications]
MY OPINION
This is a suspenseful book with a great and original plot; it really captured my attention! The ending was another very unexpected twist!...But what did Maggie do after Sister Clegg finished telling the story? Did Maggie continue to torture herself, or did she accept that she had done it, move on, and go back to live at the Aldens'?
When I read the book on my iPhone, there were no periods in the story--at all--and it was very confusing. The special fonts that were at the beginning of each chapter (That said "Chapter 1," "Chapter 2," "Chapter 3," etc.) weren't showing up either--it was just the regular font that was used for most of the entire book. When I read it on our family iPad, though, everything showed up perfectly fine. I'm not exactly sure why this glitch occurred, but it's alright because the book will be released as a paperback.
I just can NOT wait for another book by Miss Dunster!! :D
**I received a copy of this eBook for free from Cedar Fort Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I received no other compensation.**
If you like my reviews, please click "Follow" on the bar at the top of my blog or click "Join this site" to follow me when you get there. Don't forget to leave a comment! Thank you!! :)
Lightning Tree by Sarah Dunster Book Review
Kristina Cardoza
I enjoyed reading the novel Lightning Tree by Sarah Dunster!! It's 1858, and Magdalena Chabert has been living at the Aldens' home for about 4 years, but never before has she had dreams--nightmares, actually--as horrifying and mysterious as these!...But even though they are scary, she senses a bit of truth in them...has Ma Alden done something unspeakably terrible? Maggie wants to know the truth--but will trouble arise from her suspicion and curiosity?
AUTHOR BIO
Miss Sarah Dunster is the mother of six young children. Her childhood journals are littered with poems, stories, and drawings of maps, characters, and places she imagined for her stories. She wrote her first novel at age nine - a rambling combination of Little Women and Anne of Green Gables, scribbled on binder paper - and tortured her friends by making them listen to the whole thing. Miss Sarah is an award-winning poet; her pieces have been published in Segullah Magazine and Dialogue: a Journal of Mormon Thought. In addition to writing she loves reading, singing, skiing, and educating her children at home. Ms. Sarah Dunster lived for ten years in Provo, and grew to love the places, people, and history of Utah Valley. (That's why Lightning Tree takes place there!) [from http://lightningtreebook.com/ with a few modifications]
MY OPINION
This is a suspenseful book with a great and original plot; it really captured my attention! The ending was another very unexpected twist!...But what did Maggie do after Sister Clegg finished telling the story? Did Maggie continue to torture herself, or did she accept that she had done it, move on, and go back to live at the Aldens'?
When I read the book on my iPhone, there were no periods in the story--at all--and it was very confusing. The special fonts that were at the beginning of each chapter (That said "Chapter 1," "Chapter 2," "Chapter 3," etc.) weren't showing up either--it was just the regular font that was used for most of the entire book. When I read it on our family iPad, though, everything showed up perfectly fine. I'm not exactly sure why this glitch occurred, but it's alright because the book will be released as a paperback.
I just can NOT wait for another book by Miss Dunster!! :D
**I received a copy of this eBook for free from Cedar Fort Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I received no other compensation.**
If you like my reviews, please click "Follow" on the bar at the top of my blog or click "Join this site" to follow me when you get there. Don't forget to leave a comment! Thank you!! :)
Lightning Tree by Sarah Dunster Book Review
Kristina Cardoza
June 10, 2012
middle school & up
Maggie & her sister Giovanna have lived with the Aldens even since their parents died after crossing the prairie and there was no one else to take them in. Maggie is mostly content to accept the benign neglect of Ma Alden as normal. This begins to change when Maggie starts to have dreams of Ma Alden smothering a baby. Maggie soon is convinced that the baby is the baby sister she'd forgotten. She is desperate to know (and afraid to find out) what really happened to her baby sister Noemie.
My first thought on starting this book: Where the hell is the punctuation? There were no periods, no question marks, no exclamation points and not nearly as many commas as there should have been. There were also some random capital thrown in for good measure. All of which made it a bit confusing at times to correctly read sentences. This was probably just because I was reading an ARC. Hopefully, they punctuated before publishing.
My first thought on finishing this book: "That's it?" I have no quibbles with the story. I enjoyed it. But the story didn't end. It just stopped. Not stopped like it was setting up a sequel either. Although, it made me want one anyway.
Maggie is a good character. She's hard-working but still got some spunk to her. We meet Maggie just at the point in her life when it is becoming clear that she and her sister are treated differently than Ma Alden's "real" daughters. They are fed and clothed but not taught or educated even as much as the other girls. (Which wasn't all that much to begin with; we're talking about 1857-ish here.)
As Maggie's suspicions grow, I really admired the way she was determined to protect her little sister (she originally had two little sisters- the living one, Giovanna and the dead one, Noemie.) You definitely can't accuse Maggie of sitting around and waiting to be rescued.
As I think about the story, it seems almost like a morality tale to me. Which could explain, or at least justify, the ending. Well, the stopping point anyhow. There isn't really much resolution but if you learn from the moral of the story you may be able to discern what should happen next.
The stopping is actually what would make this great for a writing class. The assignment? Finish Maggie's story. What happened next? And I can't ask any more leading questions because of my vow to remain spoiler free.
Verdict: get it. Give a copy to every writing teacher in your school.
Warning: it is about Mormons so it is probably going to piss off somebody. Either the Mormons because it alludes to some historical events they'd probably rather forget or others because it mentions Mormons. There is one tiny mention of multiple wives although really it is barely noticeable.
**oh-- the book isn't available for Kindle on Amazon. Which is really funny considering the ARC I read was on my Kindle. I wonder why publishers make eARCs available to reviewers but don't make it available for purchase? Plainly, they had the ebook or they couldn't have sent it to me for review. **
http://www.lifeisbetterwithbooks.com/...
Maggie & her sister Giovanna have lived with the Aldens even since their parents died after crossing the prairie and there was no one else to take them in. Maggie is mostly content to accept the benign neglect of Ma Alden as normal. This begins to change when Maggie starts to have dreams of Ma Alden smothering a baby. Maggie soon is convinced that the baby is the baby sister she'd forgotten. She is desperate to know (and afraid to find out) what really happened to her baby sister Noemie.
My first thought on starting this book: Where the hell is the punctuation? There were no periods, no question marks, no exclamation points and not nearly as many commas as there should have been. There were also some random capital thrown in for good measure. All of which made it a bit confusing at times to correctly read sentences. This was probably just because I was reading an ARC. Hopefully, they punctuated before publishing.
My first thought on finishing this book: "That's it?" I have no quibbles with the story. I enjoyed it. But the story didn't end. It just stopped. Not stopped like it was setting up a sequel either. Although, it made me want one anyway.
Maggie is a good character. She's hard-working but still got some spunk to her. We meet Maggie just at the point in her life when it is becoming clear that she and her sister are treated differently than Ma Alden's "real" daughters. They are fed and clothed but not taught or educated even as much as the other girls. (Which wasn't all that much to begin with; we're talking about 1857-ish here.)
As Maggie's suspicions grow, I really admired the way she was determined to protect her little sister (she originally had two little sisters- the living one, Giovanna and the dead one, Noemie.) You definitely can't accuse Maggie of sitting around and waiting to be rescued.
As I think about the story, it seems almost like a morality tale to me. Which could explain, or at least justify, the ending. Well, the stopping point anyhow. There isn't really much resolution but if you learn from the moral of the story you may be able to discern what should happen next.
The stopping is actually what would make this great for a writing class. The assignment? Finish Maggie's story. What happened next? And I can't ask any more leading questions because of my vow to remain spoiler free.
Verdict: get it. Give a copy to every writing teacher in your school.
Warning: it is about Mormons so it is probably going to piss off somebody. Either the Mormons because it alludes to some historical events they'd probably rather forget or others because it mentions Mormons. There is one tiny mention of multiple wives although really it is barely noticeable.
**oh-- the book isn't available for Kindle on Amazon. Which is really funny considering the ARC I read was on my Kindle. I wonder why publishers make eARCs available to reviewers but don't make it available for purchase? Plainly, they had the ebook or they couldn't have sent it to me for review. **
http://www.lifeisbetterwithbooks.com/...
February 24, 2015
When I began "Lightning Tree" I immediately wanted to categorize it as a "Cinderella" story. However, this story transcended so much deeper than the typical "happily ever after" fairy tales that so often appear in fiction.
Here are some of the reasons I felt this way:
Where Cinderella is mistreated by her step family, Maggie was genuinely frightened of her step family. This enabled the story to go beyond the basic emotions of injustice, and explore issues in trust, fear, honesty, self worth, and blowing things out of proportion. Through this segment I grew to have compassion for Maggie.
Where Cinderella finds an escape by leaving everything behind and dancing through Prince Charmings dream world, Maggie doesn't take to receiving charity and tries her best to work through her problems. This enabled the story to go to issues dealing with community, the reality and roughness of survival, friendship, stubbornness, and gave Maggie real strength of character. Through this segment, I grew to respect her.
Where Cinderella helplessly returns to the abuse with no resolve to fix her problems, Maggie leaves, protecting herself and her sister from a very abusive situation. This delved into aspects of true strength, courage, self reliance and tested Maggie's character. This is when I grew to admire Maggie.
So far... A really great start for a protagonist. I was on her team wholeheartedly.
However, this is when the story took some twists that really affected me. I think because I so deeply trusted Maggie's character by this point.
A dark secret was revealed about Maggie that completely tested her self worth. Cinderella never had to deal with deep self worth issues. She was just locked in a tower, unable to try on shoes so she could marry the prince. Fluffy problems compared to what Maggie goes through. Maggie's world literally comes crumbling down and she realizes that as much as she feared and disliked her foster family, she now dislikes herself even more.
Where Cinderella eventually abandons her wicked family with no attempt at restitution (her friendly birds peck out her step sisters eyes for heavens sake!) Maggie learns that happily ever after can seem impossible without forgiveness. This part was by far the most powerful for me. Maggie's problems don't go away, in fact many aspects are the same, but once she learns to forgive those around her, and more importantly herself, she finally begins to find peace. She finally begins to open up. The sorrow and tone of the book almost immediately began to change. There were still fears and dangers, but Maggie was finally able to overcome all of her greatest roadblocks and find happiness.
I was so impressed by this book. By the quality of the storytelling, and the emotions it drew out of me. Sometimes I was shocked by how deeply into the emotions it went, but I'd definitely recommend the experience!
Here are some of the reasons I felt this way:
Where Cinderella is mistreated by her step family, Maggie was genuinely frightened of her step family. This enabled the story to go beyond the basic emotions of injustice, and explore issues in trust, fear, honesty, self worth, and blowing things out of proportion. Through this segment I grew to have compassion for Maggie.
Where Cinderella finds an escape by leaving everything behind and dancing through Prince Charmings dream world, Maggie doesn't take to receiving charity and tries her best to work through her problems. This enabled the story to go to issues dealing with community, the reality and roughness of survival, friendship, stubbornness, and gave Maggie real strength of character. Through this segment, I grew to respect her.
Where Cinderella helplessly returns to the abuse with no resolve to fix her problems, Maggie leaves, protecting herself and her sister from a very abusive situation. This delved into aspects of true strength, courage, self reliance and tested Maggie's character. This is when I grew to admire Maggie.
So far... A really great start for a protagonist. I was on her team wholeheartedly.
However, this is when the story took some twists that really affected me. I think because I so deeply trusted Maggie's character by this point.
A dark secret was revealed about Maggie that completely tested her self worth. Cinderella never had to deal with deep self worth issues. She was just locked in a tower, unable to try on shoes so she could marry the prince. Fluffy problems compared to what Maggie goes through. Maggie's world literally comes crumbling down and she realizes that as much as she feared and disliked her foster family, she now dislikes herself even more.
Where Cinderella eventually abandons her wicked family with no attempt at restitution (her friendly birds peck out her step sisters eyes for heavens sake!) Maggie learns that happily ever after can seem impossible without forgiveness. This part was by far the most powerful for me. Maggie's problems don't go away, in fact many aspects are the same, but once she learns to forgive those around her, and more importantly herself, she finally begins to find peace. She finally begins to open up. The sorrow and tone of the book almost immediately began to change. There were still fears and dangers, but Maggie was finally able to overcome all of her greatest roadblocks and find happiness.
I was so impressed by this book. By the quality of the storytelling, and the emotions it drew out of me. Sometimes I was shocked by how deeply into the emotions it went, but I'd definitely recommend the experience!
April 30, 2012
Maggie has had a hard life. While crossing the plains traveling to Utah, she lost her parents. Soon, she was also separated from her brother. Now she lives with the Aldens, and life isn't that grand. Maggie feels like she is treated as second-class when compared to her adopted sisters. After happening upon an old possession of her mother's, Maggie begins having dreams about a strange baby. She also has dreams about what happened to her adopted father while he was a away for a while. Strange rumors abound, but Maggie's dreams are stranger. If that's not enough, Maggie is getting older and everything is changing between her and some of her best friends (who happen to be boys). Secrets will be spilled and truths will come out, but Maggie may not be ready for it all.
This book was so interesting! I felt drawn into it immediately. I found Maggie to be a particularly interesting character. She wanted so badly to feel grateful to the Aldens for taking her in, but she couldn't help but feel that things just weren't right. The author did a fantastic job of creating a sense of suspense. There were times I think I was really worried for Maggie's well-being. Discovering the secrets people had been hiding was very surprising. I felt so badly for Maggie, and I couldn't help but be very happy that she was able to find so many people willing to help her. The dynamics between Maggie and her adopted family were fascinating. I also really enjoyed the Hosters. They were definitely a great example of doing the best they could with what they had.
I also really liked the historical aspects of the story. There were a lot of things going on in that time, and this book made me want to grab a history book to read more about those things. I sped through this book. It really keeps you wanting to read it to find out what happens. You may even stay on the edge of your seat for some parts. I highly recommend this book for people who enjoy mysteries and history. It will keep you guessing and entertained until the end.
Galley provided for review.
This book was so interesting! I felt drawn into it immediately. I found Maggie to be a particularly interesting character. She wanted so badly to feel grateful to the Aldens for taking her in, but she couldn't help but feel that things just weren't right. The author did a fantastic job of creating a sense of suspense. There were times I think I was really worried for Maggie's well-being. Discovering the secrets people had been hiding was very surprising. I felt so badly for Maggie, and I couldn't help but be very happy that she was able to find so many people willing to help her. The dynamics between Maggie and her adopted family were fascinating. I also really enjoyed the Hosters. They were definitely a great example of doing the best they could with what they had.
I also really liked the historical aspects of the story. There were a lot of things going on in that time, and this book made me want to grab a history book to read more about those things. I sped through this book. It really keeps you wanting to read it to find out what happens. You may even stay on the edge of your seat for some parts. I highly recommend this book for people who enjoy mysteries and history. It will keep you guessing and entertained until the end.
Galley provided for review.
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