Enjoyed this one very much, another great heartwarming read from author Heather Webber (aka Heather Blake). Never disappoints, highly recommend!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of <i>South of the Buttonwood Tree</i> in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

<h4 style="margin-top: 84px;">The Gist</h4>

Heather Webber's <i>South of the Buttonwood Tree</i> is a charming and whimsical story. It journeys into a small Southern town where magic and mystery intertwine with the lives of its inhabitants. Blending contemporary fiction with elements of magical realism, Webber crafts a story that is both enchanting and heartwarming.

<h4>The Details</h4>

Webber's writing is imbued with a sense of nostalgia, capturing the essence of small-town life - or what I think small-town life is like - and the magic hidden within everyday moments.

The characters, each with their quirks and vulnerabilities, are the true strength of the novel. The cast is diverse and endearing. The author skillfully explores themes of friendship, family, and the enduring power of community.

The incorporation of magical realism adds a delightful layer to the narrative. The subtle enchantments and the whimsical elements of the Buttonwood tree contribute to the novel's unique atmosphere, making it a standout in the genre.

The plot can be a little predictable, with certain elements following familiar patterns of small-town fiction. The resolution of certain storylines might feel a bit too neatly tied up, lacking the complexity found in other aspects of the novel.

<h4>The Verdict</h4>

Overall, <i>South of the Buttonwood Tree</i> is a delightful escape into a world where magic mingles with reality. Heather Webber's storytelling is gentle yet evocative, offering readers a captivating tale of love, redemption, and the enchanting mysteries that lie south of the Buttonwood tree.

I loved everything about this magical little novel! It’s a heart warming, feel good story that’s the perfect comfort read. Highly recommended!

This book was completely enchanting! I didn't really like magical realism before reading this book and after reading this I read everything else Heather Webber has written! I highly recommend this book to just about everyone!

This is a gorgeous little story, you will fall in love with the characters and the setting, and the ending will leave you with a very cozy and happy feeling. The cover is very bright and pulls you in and matches the story perfectly. I had a lot of fun reading this book!

Delightful story about love, family and forgiveness, with a touch of magical realism. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

While I can handle some magical realism in a book, this particular one did not appeal to me. The story is a little too syrupy sweet and was too predictable. The magic focus was too intense instead of just being a nice addition to an interesting story. There was little depth and the similarities to the author’s previous book, Midnight at the Blackbird Café, were too much. Same verse same as the first…just a different setting and a few tweaks.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forge Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for the opportunity to review this book!

I enjoyed it so much. I absolutely love Heather Webber's writing!

This book had all of the heart I imagined, but it was even better than I expected. It reminded me a bit of Como Agua Para Chocolate and books by Sarah Addison Allen with the magical realism. I love when books include that, but I don’t think it happens often enough. I loved the small town feel of the story and that it was so centered on family. Things that are ultimately revealed weren’t what I was expecting, but it was so good! If you want a book that will touch your heart, then definitely read this one! I think it will stay with me for a long time.

Heather Webber has a knack for pulling readers in and giving them this sense of belonging within the story. You feel connected to these characters and by the end you’ve honestly found friendships within each of them.

Initial Thoughts/Expectations:

I had just finished reading MIDNIGHT AT THE BLACKBIRD CAFÉ, and was having a bit of a “book hangover” when I started this one. (I loved that book!) What I really wanted was something with the same magical flow, hopefully a little bit lighter, and every bit as engaging.

What I Loved:

I love Heather Webber’s way of creating family. Close-knit, or estranged, or oops!surprise… she just knows how to put people in each other’s hearts. Sometimes it may take a while, but when it happens, it’s for good. And along the way, she puts them in our hearts, too. That’s exactly what happens when Blue Bishop finds a baby at the foot of the Buttonwood Tree, and begins her journey into a family history, and future, that she could have never imagined.

Blue’s ability to find things and deliver them to the people who need them most is a comforting character trait to magical realism lovers. It’s not necessarily unique to the genre, but it’s always a fun addition to the story. Other characters in the town have their own quirks and abilities… all lending themselves to enriching the story, without being obvious or overpowering.

The ensemble in this book is just incredible. The friends “going to bat” for Blue, and those folk who’s prejudices show… they’re all adding layers to the story of the town. I’m especially fond of Marlo, myself, and I think you’ll all love her, too. There are several characters in this book with unanswered questions or misunderstandings in their past. Things that have caused pain for years. Heather’s way of unravelling those threads, and sewing up the seams is just, well… magical. By the end, the secrets have all come out, and the healing has begun, but there’s a whole crazy rollercoaster on the way!

I did find the romances in this story so very sweet, and absolutely right in the scheme of things. When it was all said and done, the loves lost... and loves found... were really the foundation of this story. I loved how they seemed to come full circle and lay the groundwork for what's to come.

What I Didn’t Love:

Not Heather’s fault, or the story’s fault… but I was really hoping for something a little lighter. This book was AMAZING for the story it told, but it was sometimes intense and a bit weighty. I loved it, but I would have liked to laugh a little more. Unfortunately for me, that just wouldn’t have done this story justice.

Final Thoughts/Recommendations:

Another absolute triumph for Heather Webber, in my opinion. She created a place I’d love to visit, and characters I’d love to watch a movie in the park with. (It’s a thing… read the book… <3) If family drama, self-discovery, and a few helpful nudges from the local wishing tree is your thing, then you’ll absolutely love SOUTH OF THE BUTTONWOOD TREE.

Sweet, charming. The right mix of good characters and interesting story. I really enjoyed this book. When I can identify with a character that always spells a winner to me and this book had that in spades!

Heather Webber's South of the Buttonwood Tree was absolutely wonderful! I love magical realism and have greatly enjoyed not only this book of hers, but her earlier Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe.

Some interesting topics were touched on in this book and the characters and setting were very well done. There were people I wanted to meet and I'd definitely love to visit the village that this book was set in.

Another amazing book from Heather Webber. I would read anything she writes! Magical, transformative, emotional and so great!

I really liked this one! Having a little dash of fantasy mixed in with my women's fiction made this a fantastical read 😻

The twists were genuine surprises, not scenarios I already saw coming and that's something I really appreciate in a book. I loved all the characters. It's definitely going down in history as a 5 star read!

Thanks netgalley for giving me the pdf so I can share my thoughts and opinions with y'all 🧡

This book is amazing!!! I couldn't put it down. Heather Webber's writing draws the reader in and doesn't let go. The characters feel like friends that you would love to have. They feel so real and have real life problems and emotions that you can relate to. The small town of Buttonwood, Alabama sounds delightful. I felt a range of emotions while reading this book and was brought to tears a few times. There were several twists and turns that I didn't see coming and loved the magic of the story. I can't wait to read the next book by this talented author.

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I absolutely love Heather Webber and knew this book wouldn't disappoint me. If you love Sarah Addison Allen - this is the perfect book for you. It was such a wonderful read, full of magic, charm and an interesting back story. I was hooked from page one and couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this story!

Thank you to Netgalley and Heather Webber for my copy of South of the Buttonwood Tree, for an honest review. I am so happy I got to read this story. It really warmed my heart. Blue Bishop, lives in Buttonwood, Alabama. She seems to have a sense for finding most things. The Buttonwood tree, in the forest is know to all as a place to leave a question and the next day come back and find an answer. Everyone in town, seems to know the magic of the tree and passes by it. Blue’s family history is troubled at best. She seems to be the best thing to come from this family and yet she is still an optimist. She still sees the good in the world and has made a nice love for herself despite her family’s background. One day when walking past the tree, Blue finds a newborn baby, with a button attached to her blanket that said please give to Blue Bishop. Once the news gets out in town, it seems the baby’s wellbeing is going to be debated by its people. Sarah Grace comes from an upstanding family is Buttonwood. Her friendship has always made her mother angry. The baby, is the catalyst that sets the town spinning, secrets being found out and hearts being broken and mended. I fell in love with Blue, this charming southern town and the residents in it. It was such a well written story. It was a quick read but I didn’t want it to end. This was my first read by Webber and it won’t be my last. Her use of a tree as a character and her development of the town and residents was great. When the judge, the police (looking for the birth mother) and all the residents have something to say about Blue and the baby, makes for such a great read. I am so glad I was able to read this story. I have recommended to friends and family. I have also shared this on my Instagram page. I hope you put this on your TBR, you won’t be disappointed. Please see my review on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan- Forge Publishing for proving me with this eARC of South of the Buttonwood Tree! This is the second book I have read by Heather Webber and I must say that I have quickly become a fan. South of the Buttonwood is a magical southern charm book filled with history and family secrets. It was a fun and short read for me and I would highly recommend others to pick this one up!

This will be one of my favorite books of 2020. I loved the blend of magical realism, the sense of place of Buttonwood, AL, and the characters' stories. Blue Bishop has always had the gift of listening to the wind and finding lost things. And one day she finds a baby and wants desperately to keep that baby. Sarah Grace has her own gift that she has kept secret. That's not her only secret. Additionally, the town has kept secrets that will impact both of these women.

Blue finding the baby sets in motion a series of events that impacts the community and how people behave towards each other. Ultimately it causes many to question both themselves and others.

This was a lovely book. Sarah and Blue both have to learn to trust themselves and their own worth in order to figure out what they should do next as they each face challenges. I love this theme, and found it especially engaging when combined with the elements of magical realism and community.

Thanks t0 NetGalley and Forge Books for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.