This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Butterfly Tree: An Extraordinary Saga of Seven Generations is a work of fiction in the interpersonal drama, historical fiction, and family saga genres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. Penned by author Woody Woodburn, this highly engaging debut novel explores the enduring power of family ties across time. The story follows multiple generations, starting from the Mayflower and traversing through significant historical events such as the Underground Railroad, the Civil War, and the Vietnam War. The novel highlights how these diverse, multiracial lineages come together to form a single, majestic family tree. Told in short, fast-paced chapters, this sweeping adventure is anchored by a kitchen table that symbolizes the interconnectedness of love and friendship among the protagonists.
Author Woody Woodburn really knows how to show personality and emotion in crafting a deeply moving and enlightening novel. The interwoven narratives across different eras offered a rich tapestry of historical and emotional depth, and the confidence and control over different elements of the storyline were impressive. The complex depiction of how disparate lineages and races come together to form a united family tree was particularly inspiring, reflecting the beauty and strength found in diversity over the years, and every generation was so clearly influenced and molded by the last. Each generation’s story of overcoming adversity and rising to help the next was given the same detailed treatment of psychology and emotion in the narrative, with brilliant speech and thought presentation that brought every individual to life in their own right. The vivid historical settings, from the Mayflower’s journey to the jungles of Vietnam, showed history in a personal and relatable way, packed with atmospheric touches and well-researched detail. Overall, The Butterfly Tree is an incredible work of heartfelt drama that I would not hesitate to recommend.
