Roots of Wood and Stone

Title: Roots of Wood and Stone

Series: Sedgwick County Chronicles #1

Author: Amanda Wen

Genre: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Dual timeline, Romance

Publisher: Kregel

Source: Scribd & Library

My Review:

Roots of Wood and Stone is a fabulous debut author by Amanda Wen. It is exceptionally well-written. There is nothing about this novel that screams "debut." 

I started listening to this book on Scribd. I was not enjoying it. It sounding interesting, but I couldn't figure out the problem. I finally realized I was not enjoying the narrator. Her voice was fine, but she kept emphasizing parts, putting her emotions into the book. For example, she would sigh at stuff that I didn't think needed a sigh, and she giggled at one point and then said "she smiled." I was thinking, then why did she giggle? Once I got the print copy I compared it to the audio and realized I was right, she was emphasizing things that didn't need to be, which was ruining my experience of the book. And, trust me, this is a book that you are going to want to experience!

The characters in this book have great chemistry and you can feel the intensity oozing off the pages. It is a great romance, with epic (yet clean!) descriptions. For example:

"I feel as tongue-tied as a schoolboy, but somehow like I've know you all my life. Looking into your eyes-I'm lost. But at the same time, I'm found. Being with you feels like the cusp of a grand adventure, yet it feels like I'm coming home too."

Is that not just the sweetest?

This is a beautiful story of healing and restoration. The past and present blend together seamlessly, creating an unforgettable story. There is depth, heartache, and moments that bring out all the feels. The ending gave me chills! This is one I would like to own and read again.

★★★★★/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads): 

Abandoned at birth, her family roots a mystery, historical museum curator Sloane Kelley has dedicated her life to making sure others know theirs. When a donor drops off a dusty old satchel, she doesn't expect much from the common artifact . . .until she finds real treasure inside: a nineteenth-century diary. Now she's on the hunt to find out more.

Challenges:

 Kansas