Wisdom Tree

Jake Samuels, pastor of a church in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains is raising his younger brother Corey, after their parents were killed in a freak automobile accident. Carin O'Malley has taken on a 7th-grade English teaching position in the local middle school, with the hope of overcoming her own insurmountable losses. Young Corey is a student in Carin's class, and has assumed the role of class troublemaker and underachieving student. Carin visited the church where she had hoped to speak with the pastor regarding his younger brother, and mistakenly believed him to be the groundskeeper. It couldn't have been worse timing for Jake, but he arranged a meeting with Carin for after church on the following Sunday with the goal of discussing ways to improve his younger brother's predicament. Jake has a strong faith in God while Carin has lost her faith as a result of her painful circumstances. Jake, Corey and Carin agree to work together to improve Corey's attitude and lack of effort in school, resulting in a budding attraction between Jack and Carin.<br /><br />Mary Manners is an artist with language, creating detailed portrayals both in character definition and settings. Her usage of descriptive details is both eloquent and authentic. In Wisdom Tree Ms. Manners portrays realistic characters who are likable and believable, and her addition of biblical references is appropriate to the circumstances, adding a beauty to this multilayered story of tragedy, loss, heartache and healing. I was disappointed to have the story end. I'd love to see a sequel to Wisdom Tree. Ms. Manners has also added a daily devotional in the back of the book, which is helpful for those whose faith may not be as well developed, as well as seasoned Christians. I highly recommend this Christian fiction romance.<br /><br />This book was provided by Mary Manners for the sole purpose of my honest review. All opinions stated are my own.

What a beautiful story of heartache and loss, of love and healing...and of the slow, steady, sweet growth of spiritual wisdom.<br /><br />WISDOM TREE is one of those books the reader doesn't want to end. I rooted for Jake and Carin--and young Corey, of course--from page one. My entire being yearned for a happy ending for these three angst-ridden souls, but as the story unfolded and I felt the approach of that very thing, I wanted to scream, "No, no! Not yet! I'm not ready to say good-bye!" I was so reluctant to part company with these characters that I kept reading all the way through the 31-days of devotions at the end (and found them as lovely as the story itself).<br /><br />Nothing is more beautiful than love when it arrives right out of the blue--no plans, no reservations, no phone call to say, "I'm on my way." It just shows up, and has to be dealt with. This is especially true when that first, delicate bloom has to push through multiple layers of pain, regret, angst and sorrow before it can finally unfold its petals. Mary Manners paints this scenario with delicate, painstaking pen strokes (green ink, of course!) that dance across the page and into the reader's heart with an unforgettable, life-altering touch.<br /><br />Read WISDOM TREE. It's time well spent. Just know that when you close that last page, you will not have reached the end. This one will be in your heart for a long time to come.

Title: The Wisdom Tree<br />Author: Mary Manners<br />Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="http://www.marymannersromance.com/">http://www.marymannersromance.com/</a><br />Pages: 228<br />Year: 2014<br />Publisher: White Rose Publishing<br />This is a tale of love and loss, tears and joy, and of sorrow slowly moved aside by hope. Mary Manners shares with readers a tale about Jake and Corey, with hearts filled with pain as well as Carin who is struggling to let the past not be her present or future. That is not all there is in the tale; there is sadness, but take heart that isn’t the point at all. The main point is how God wipes away our tears and renews our hearts when we spend time alone with Him. One aspect of the writer’s novel I really appreciated was dealing with hard topics and heart topics in a way that stirs hope and lights a path for readers.<br />There is romance in the story too; one based on friendship which blossoms to love in time and on each person’s daring to draw near to God. Carin’s character is an English teacher in an elementary school who moves lock, stock and barrel in order to leave painful reminders and start new in a town with no family members and a new job. Jake is a young man who pastors a small church. His biggest task though is taking care of his younger brother Corey since losing his parents.<br />I don’t want to spoil it for you why the novel is titled the way it is, but let’s just say I wish I had that view each morning or evening. Following the epilogue is a 31-day devotional to encourage readers to be still and know He is God, including pages to write whatever is brought to your heart or mind. As I read, I was reminded the Lord used different life experiences to teach me His wisdom and that wisdom is gained by not relying on me. The Wisdom Tree is the first novel by Mary Manners I have read and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.<br />My rating is 5+ stars.<br />Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” <br /> Other reviews can be read at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/">http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspo...</a> . Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457">https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson...</a><br />

Mary Manners always put forth a compelling read. Filled with faith, hope and prayers that is blended throughout her stories. <br /><br />Wisdom Tree is filled with Christian beliefs, romance, heartbreak, loss,friendship and faith.<br /><br />Carin, Corey and Jake have all lost loved ones. Corey - 13 years old and heartbroken is not taking the death of his parents well, and his brother Jake - pastor of the local church is now trying to be a parent and big brother and finding it very hard. He leans on his faith to get him through hoping that in time Corey will be able to believe, move on and be a happier 13 year old boy.<br /><br />Jake meets Carin - her faith is troubled - she too has lost loved ones, and is feeling very sombre and alone. With the help of love, and friendship Jake, Carin and Corey follow the path of God - to find happiness and a happily ever after they never thought possible in there time of grieving. <br /><br />Guilt lies and betrayal can have someone questioning their faith, but being around the right people, can lead you to a little ray of sunshine. <br /><br />Mary Manners always put forth a wonderfully scripted story, filled with the belief of God, and what he does and can do ... when you follow his path. Even if - he may take your loved ones from you. <br /><br />I don’t find that Mary pushes the religious points in her stories; they are heart-warming and may even have you sitting back and wandering to yourself as well. I dont read alot of this genre but always Enjoy Mary's stories. <br /><br />The characters were heartfelt and very realistic in life, the struggles in life when you lose someone close, the ups and downs that life throws at you and believing life has more to offer. <br /><br /> The dialogue flowed smoothly, and the meaning of this book well outlined and felt. Overall I really enjoyed this book ;) and would recommended to any who enjoys a sweet romantic read filled with a little Wisdom of its own. <br /><br /><br /><br />** This book was given to me via A book tour for an honest review ** Review will be posted on my blog on 20th July. **<br />

First, let me start by saying I’m not particularly fond of these feel good books. As most of you know, if there’s not a dead body, I find it hard to get interested. With that said, if more sweet romances were written like this, I’d enjoy them a lot more.<br />After the death of their parents, Jake Samuels takes his younger brother Corey into his home. Carin O’Malley, the local middle grade teacher sees something in Corey that tells her he needs help. She’d lost her brother when he was just a teen so she has an instant connection with the kid. Corey’s problems bring the two together, but Carin’s past comes back in ways to haunt the new relationship. <br />I had a hard time with the large age difference between the two brothers. Jake has to be at least mid-twenties or older since he is the lead minister of a church. Corey is in middle school. Nothing explained the huge difference in age. Even the heroine didn’t question it, which I found a bit unusual. <br />However, that was the only problem I had with this book. <br />The correlation of the hero raising his brother and the heroine losing hers made for a good story line. The interaction between the two brothers felt real, especially the concern Jake had that Corey might go in the wrong direction. Ms. Manners kept the reader interested with great dialogue, a good plot, and hooks meant to have you turning the page. <br />I would encourage anyone to read this book. It’s a quick read and keeps you interested from beginning to end. <br />

Jake Samuels is not your typical pastor ..... He had a tragedy in his life that changed his whole world. Jake becomes the guardian of his brother, Corey. He has a hard time relating to his brother. Jake has a huge heart and loves everyone.<br /><br />Corey Samuels is a typical teenager who struggles with acceptance........ but a situation in his life makes it worse. He is like his brother ..... he has a huge heart and loves everyone in his own way. He comes off as a tough guy, but deep down he is not. <br /><br />Carin O'Malley is dealing with her own issues. She is also an English teacher. Carin deals with Corey with her heart.......... She gives him gift that changes his life. To find out if Jake &amp; Corey ever meet half-way.......... and what part Carin plays -- you have to read the book! Happy Reading!

I was glad to be able to review this book for Book Trailer's Showcase Book Tour. This was a great book that dealt with loss, connecting with family and religion. When Pastor Jake meets Carin, he teases her into coming to church to meet the Pastor. Carin is new to East Ridge and wants to help out a young student in the hopes of getting him on track Corey. What she learns is that Corey's brother is the elusive Pastor that got her to go to church. The book follows the budding the relationship as it blooms, we learn about both Pastor Jake and Carin's past. The choices they made and where it put them. What a great story loved it! The characters were great and easy to relate too I loved it so much!

This book touches many familiar chords with my heartstrings as I am a former middle school teacher and was married to a pastor, so the situations that Jake and Carin are placed in bring many memories to my mind. I also felt a great deal of empathy for them. I know what difficult jobs teaching and pastoring both are! Jake and Carin have so many things going for them, and yet, they both face many challenges along the way. Romance should just come easy, huh? but no, Corey throws a monkey-wrench or two into the mix for this young couple. I loved Mary's book and appreciate the scriptural references and faith-based writing. This is a 5-star novel, for certain! <br />

An amazing book of God's grace, the power of prayer, and the manner in which lover overcomes all. Bravo, Mary Manners. Wisdom Tree will stay with me for a long, long time.

WOW, this book truly took me away, I absolutely loved the faith journey all of these characters had to go on, and it made me so grateful for where I am in my own journey with God. I love any story involving kids, and this one does not disappoint in any way! Bonus on having journal pages at the end of the book, I highly recommend!