Grace Marshall encompassed the virtues of a hard-working, quick-thinking, compassionate, and loyal woman—everything that you would associate with the term grace, except for one thing. She was clumsy. Regarding herself as nothing extraordinary to the point that she believed she was plain—and only passable at that—she longed for the freedom that came from escaping her home, her parents, and six siblings. Given the opportunity to do so, had she jumped from the frying pan into the fire?

Jake Tanner was the wealthy, rich widowed father of an endearing little boy. He met Grace on his way to collect a debt from her impoverished father, only to find him walking away with a new wife. He kidded himself into believing that he was getting a good deal: a mother to his own son and his widowed brother’s children, as well as a housekeeper. Little did he realize what a treasure he had stumbled upon.

The interaction between Grace and Jake is comical at times, with stubbornness and anger thrown into the mix. Just as they come to terms with their burgeoning feelings for one another, someone always enters the fray which sends their perceptions into haywire. Her innocence and his jaded outlook have them locking horns on numerous occasions as they seek a happy medium on which to base their marriage.. Throw in a wife returned from the dead and . . .well, you just have to read it to believe it.

THE WISHING TREE is a delightful read mixed with romance, comedy, intrigue, and suspense. Catherine Snodgrass has you right in the middle of it all, picturing the events as they unfold within the mind’s eye. Her brand of humor is woven into the fabric of an ordinary tale, dealing with ordinary people, coping with extraordinary circumstances. THE WISHING TREE has you believing that wishing on a star (or something just as symbolic) will make your wishes come true. It also makes the adage "be careful what you wish for" all the more meaningful. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Snodgrass.

Reviewed by Emilie Spargo
© September 2004