The Alphabet Woods

by Jenny Poelman

The process was messier than she had anticipated, a mixture of tears and runny noses and dirt and ash, but that was perfectly appropriate. Life when lived, truly lived, was messy. After a series of life-changing events, fifty-seven-year-old Key North breaks with her usual conventional, acquiescing nature and impulsively purchases a house situated above a patch of woods in rural North Carolina. The move surprises everyone, even herself, and irritates her possessive friend Iris. Key's just getting acquainted with this change when she's visited by her cousin Guy, whom she hasn't heard from in nearly a decade. With him comes a shocking and difficult challenge, one she's not sure she's equipped to handle. As Key slowly unravels the many complexities that accompany her decision, she finds herself far from her former predictable, unfulfilled life. It's as though she's stepped into an alternate world where a little boy's backpack holds dangerous secrets, an unseen hand is guiding her, and the trees provide the answers she seeks.

310 pages, Hardcover

Published April 18, 2023

Reviews

[Ken Poelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully written and insightful story flows effortlessly from cover to cover. The characters personalities and traits are well developed and genuine. They weave an interesting and intriguing story that pulled me right in. The scenes are so vividly described you feel the atmosphere and emotion of them. Many of the characters feel like old friends or people I would like to cross paths with. There are also one or two that are very easy to dislike, but also ring true. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book as the story unfolded, twisted and turned. I hope to reunite with these characters in the sequel!

[Joy Marchone · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book! The first few chapters were distressing and I wasn't sure I would be able to read the entire book but things took a turn and the story was heartfelt and amazing! The setting and characters are convincing...what's not to like about North Carolina?? This was a very persuasive and satisfying read...highly recommend to ALL!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book. It was a fast engaging read. I’ve never thought much about North Carolina but Jenny Poelman made the place and the people very engaging. Great debut novel. I’ll read more of this author.

[Courtney Tiencken · Rating 5 out of 5]

A novel with great characters, great description, and desire to keep reading! I felt like I knew the characters at the end, most of whom I would want to know in real life! Can’t wait to read another book from this fabulous author!

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters pulled you in and the story’s twists kept you quickly turning the pages. I love a book that pushes you to stay up and get your questions answered (I can always sleep tomorrow). Hope this author is working on her next novel-I’m ready for it!

[Amanda Schweigart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! A beautifully written story, there was not a single page I turned that I anticipated where the characters would take me. I finished in just days - each night was “one more chapter”. Can’t wait to read more of the author’s work.

[Debra Valvo · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've read in a long time. I simply did not want it to end! As I read, I felt more and more connected to the characters, yearning to know more about them.
I cannot wait for the sequel! I would love to see this book made into a movie!

[Danica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a well written book with likable characters that you truly care about by the end. I always know I’ve loved a book when I’m sad that I’ve finished it. That definitely happened here!

[Samantha Crudele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written! This book was so heartwarming and I truly felt like I was right there in NC with the characters. Highly recommend & can’t wait to read more from this author!

[Melissa Frazier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written first novel by a native North Carolinian. I loved it.