The Light Through the Leaves

What an absolutely wonderful book!

A mistake that changes everything.

After a shocking revelation, Ellis Abbey, takes her children into the woods to a river near where she grew up. After catching tadpoles, Ellis takes her children back to the car and after getting her twin sons settles, she drives off. She unfortunately leaves her newborn daughter, Viola behind in her car seat on the ground. Devastated and freaking out, Ellis returns immediately but her daughter is no longer there. Heartbroken and quilt ridden, Ellis turns to alcohol and prescription medications to cope with her loss, heartbreak and guilt. Her already troubled marriage is crumbling and Ellis packs up and says goodbye to her soon to be ex-husband and twin sons.

Raven lives with her mother, in Washington. She must keep secrets. Her mother doesn’t like people knowing their business. No one is permitted at their home and her mother teaches her the beauty of nature, how to identify plants and animals. But Raven longs for more. She is homeschooled and has never had friends. After a chance meeting with some boys in the woods, she learns what it means to have and be a friend.

Both Ellis and Raven love nature and being in nature. The book is told through both of their POV’s. Each of their stories is mesmerizing and captivating. I found myself feeling for both and rooting for both.

This book was wonderful in so many ways. The writing was beautiful, and the vivid descriptions had me feeling as if I was right there as a silent observer with the characters. The author did a brilliant job at showing heartbreak, guilt, addiction, sorrow, friendship, love and hope. I loved how everything came together in the end. I also loved Keith the game warden and how lovely he was. Everyone needs someone in their corner and what a great guy to be there for Ellis and ultimately everyone.

I thought this book was fantastic and so moving and beautiful.

Highly recommend.