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Linden Corners #5
The Memory Tree
Can they look to the future—and still celebrate the past...?
As the holidays descend upon Linden Corners, life becomes a flurry of cooking, shopping, and visiting friends and family—and young Janey Sullivan is worried her Christmas traditions may get lost in the mix. Though she loves her adoptive father, Brian Duncan, she longs for her birth parents and questions her past. But an unexpected yuletide visitor may have just the answers she needs.
Haunted by the loss of his soul mate, Brian is reluctant to test the waters of the dating pool. With his family all coming to visit for Christmas, he hardly has time to think about it anyway—until newcomer Trina Winter arrives in town. Now, as life moves on for everyone around him, Brian begins to wonder if he can do the same.
As they grapple with the pain of the past, Janey, Brian, and Trina will each learn to make the changes that could lead to a bright new future—and perhaps the family they’ve always dreamed of…
As the holidays descend upon Linden Corners, life becomes a flurry of cooking, shopping, and visiting friends and family—and young Janey Sullivan is worried her Christmas traditions may get lost in the mix. Though she loves her adoptive father, Brian Duncan, she longs for her birth parents and questions her past. But an unexpected yuletide visitor may have just the answers she needs.
Haunted by the loss of his soul mate, Brian is reluctant to test the waters of the dating pool. With his family all coming to visit for Christmas, he hardly has time to think about it anyway—until newcomer Trina Winter arrives in town. Now, as life moves on for everyone around him, Brian begins to wonder if he can do the same.
As they grapple with the pain of the past, Janey, Brian, and Trina will each learn to make the changes that could lead to a bright new future—and perhaps the family they’ve always dreamed of…
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
12 people are currently reading
338 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Pittman
29 books34 followersJOSEPH PITTMAN is the author of the Todd Gleason Crime Novels, including the novels LONDON FROG, CALIFORNIA SCHEMING, and THE CANNES CON. Two collections of novellas are TWO TODD TALES, and TWO MORE TODD TALES, which are available in eBook and audio.
He has also written the beloved Linden Corners novels, which include TILTING AT WINDMILLS, A CHRISTMAS WISH, A CHRISTMAS HOPE, A CHRISTMAS DREAM (formerly The Memory Tree) and CHASING WINDMILLS. The first three titles are available on audio.
His nonfiction works include THE SHADOW DIARIES: A Year in the Life of a Rescue Dog, and THE BROADWAY DIARIES: 30 Years from Aisle to Stage.
His other novels include WHEN THE WORLD WAS SMALL, LEGEND'S END, BEYOND THE STORM, all available in eBook and audio.
He has also published the serialized suspense novel, THE ORIGINAL CRIME, which was released as a three-part eBook special under the part titles REMEMBRANCE, RETRIBUTION, REDEMPTION. All three volumes are available in eBook and audio.
Under the pseudonym Adam Carpenter, he is best-known as the author of acclaimed Jimmy McSwain Files, a detective series set in New York City. Titles include: HIDDEN IDENTITY, CRIME WAVE, STAGE FRIGHT, GUARDIAN ANGEL, FOREVER HAUNT, FRESH KILL, SECOND SHOT, and FALSE JUSTICE*. All are available in print, eBook, and audio,
Two novellas featuring Jimmy McSwain will be published Fall of 24: SILVER SHIELD and HEART BEAT.
*no audio yet
He has also written the beloved Linden Corners novels, which include TILTING AT WINDMILLS, A CHRISTMAS WISH, A CHRISTMAS HOPE, A CHRISTMAS DREAM (formerly The Memory Tree) and CHASING WINDMILLS. The first three titles are available on audio.
His nonfiction works include THE SHADOW DIARIES: A Year in the Life of a Rescue Dog, and THE BROADWAY DIARIES: 30 Years from Aisle to Stage.
His other novels include WHEN THE WORLD WAS SMALL, LEGEND'S END, BEYOND THE STORM, all available in eBook and audio.
He has also published the serialized suspense novel, THE ORIGINAL CRIME, which was released as a three-part eBook special under the part titles REMEMBRANCE, RETRIBUTION, REDEMPTION. All three volumes are available in eBook and audio.
Under the pseudonym Adam Carpenter, he is best-known as the author of acclaimed Jimmy McSwain Files, a detective series set in New York City. Titles include: HIDDEN IDENTITY, CRIME WAVE, STAGE FRIGHT, GUARDIAN ANGEL, FOREVER HAUNT, FRESH KILL, SECOND SHOT, and FALSE JUSTICE*. All are available in print, eBook, and audio,
Two novellas featuring Jimmy McSwain will be published Fall of 24: SILVER SHIELD and HEART BEAT.
*no audio yet
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 17, 2021
The last book in the Linden Corners series. The author did a wonderful job ending the series.
Brian Duncan is the adopted father of Janey Sullivan after her mother, Annie, died in Tilting at Windmills. Brian's parents, Kevin and Didi, call and talk during Thanksgiving that they will be spending Christmas with them. Since Brian doesn't have a close relationship with his parents he is very stressed with their upcoming visit. Meanwhile, Brian and Janey's close friends, Bradley, Cynthia and Jake, are moving to Texas. In addition, Ritchie Raven, owner of the Solemn hotel, has broken his leg and his daughter Trina Winters is in town taking care of him. Trina and Brian have a budding romance while Brian has a secret Santa that is leaving him presents. Cynthia decides to organize the first annual secret Santa exchange among the residents of Linden Corners. Finally, Janey is having visions of Christmas past, present and future where her mother, Annie, is playing the Christmas ghost.
Brian Duncan is the adopted father of Janey Sullivan after her mother, Annie, died in Tilting at Windmills. Brian's parents, Kevin and Didi, call and talk during Thanksgiving that they will be spending Christmas with them. Since Brian doesn't have a close relationship with his parents he is very stressed with their upcoming visit. Meanwhile, Brian and Janey's close friends, Bradley, Cynthia and Jake, are moving to Texas. In addition, Ritchie Raven, owner of the Solemn hotel, has broken his leg and his daughter Trina Winters is in town taking care of him. Trina and Brian have a budding romance while Brian has a secret Santa that is leaving him presents. Cynthia decides to organize the first annual secret Santa exchange among the residents of Linden Corners. Finally, Janey is having visions of Christmas past, present and future where her mother, Annie, is playing the Christmas ghost.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2018
Good story....could have been condensed as there was a lot of repetition
April 8, 2020
Such a wonderful story.
November 26, 2016
An enjoyable read at the beginning of the holiday season.
August 16, 2013
The Memory Tree by Joseph Pittman
I had read and really liked a previous book by the author and when one came up for review I requested it. Love the scene on the front cover.
Love Christmas stories..This is another book in the Linden Corners series. This one is about Janey Sullivan, just 10 years old and she treasures her dreams..
The magic of the windmill allows Janey to look back in time to when she was first born and her mother Annie and father Danny were still alive.
People in this town lived for Christmas every year and it was just Thanksgiving.
Alternating chapters of Brian- bar keeper, Cynthia- vegetable stand grower and Trinia - caretaker of her elderly father and managing the local motel.
Love the detailed descriptions of the atmosphere around the Thanksgiving table, the food, and warmth.
Love how the book got its title and what it means to them.. Brian's parents come to visit for several weeks and hopefully to bond with Janey as others are leaving town for better work.
The local traditions are done to the amazement of the newcomers who had never experienced them...The color of magic is seen by all.
Tragedy strikes and the town rallies together..New beginnings for many and secrets are told that might make wishes come true...Has excerpts from A Christmas Wish..
I received this book from Net Galley via The Kennsington Books in exchange for my honest review
I had read and really liked a previous book by the author and when one came up for review I requested it. Love the scene on the front cover.
Love Christmas stories..This is another book in the Linden Corners series. This one is about Janey Sullivan, just 10 years old and she treasures her dreams..
The magic of the windmill allows Janey to look back in time to when she was first born and her mother Annie and father Danny were still alive.
People in this town lived for Christmas every year and it was just Thanksgiving.
Alternating chapters of Brian- bar keeper, Cynthia- vegetable stand grower and Trinia - caretaker of her elderly father and managing the local motel.
Love the detailed descriptions of the atmosphere around the Thanksgiving table, the food, and warmth.
Love how the book got its title and what it means to them.. Brian's parents come to visit for several weeks and hopefully to bond with Janey as others are leaving town for better work.
The local traditions are done to the amazement of the newcomers who had never experienced them...The color of magic is seen by all.
Tragedy strikes and the town rallies together..New beginnings for many and secrets are told that might make wishes come true...Has excerpts from A Christmas Wish..
I received this book from Net Galley via The Kennsington Books in exchange for my honest review
August 22, 2013
Review featured on www.books-n-kisses.com
This is a very sweet holiday story. Having read only the third in the series and now the fourth some of the history of this series is lost but it still makes for a wonderful tale. The third in the series (A Christmas Hope) had me bawling my eyes out (honestly) but while this one is sweet with a touch of sad it did not have the impact that the last one did. But that does not mean it is not good because it is. The other was just incredible.
The author is very...um…wordy. He likes to ramble a bit but his ramblings bring you into the picture of this quaint little town. I am sad at some of the turns this story took because the characters have already been through so much especially Janey but it did open up a new direction for the next story.
Someday I hope to read the first and second one in the series because I think the reader misses out on a big dynamic if the series is not read from the beginning.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a very sweet holiday story. Having read only the third in the series and now the fourth some of the history of this series is lost but it still makes for a wonderful tale. The third in the series (A Christmas Hope) had me bawling my eyes out (honestly) but while this one is sweet with a touch of sad it did not have the impact that the last one did. But that does not mean it is not good because it is. The other was just incredible.
The author is very...um…wordy. He likes to ramble a bit but his ramblings bring you into the picture of this quaint little town. I am sad at some of the turns this story took because the characters have already been through so much especially Janey but it did open up a new direction for the next story.
Someday I hope to read the first and second one in the series because I think the reader misses out on a big dynamic if the series is not read from the beginning.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
December 27, 2013
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of The Memory Tree through Goodreads, and I am so very glad that I did. The Memory Tree is the second Linden Corners novel that I have read, and I enjoyed it just as much as I did the first book. Pittman has done an amazing job at creating his wonderful little town of Linden Corners, and I was so thrilled to have another chance to visit with these characters who I have grown to love. Brian, Janey, and the rest of these characters are back for another Christmas that brings new faces to the Corners and gives these characters a chance to say goodbye to some old friends who are moving away. I really enjoyed how Pittman allowed the reader to get multiple points of view of three characters who were especially in need of some Christmas spirit. Overall The Memory Tree proved to be an amazing read that I would recommend for anyone who wants to enjoy a true holiday tale of Christmas hope and joy.
February 10, 2015
The Memory Tree is a poignant story filled with characters who come to life. This book is part of a series but it can also stand alone. I would recommend putting it at the top of your Christmas reading list. If you are like me, who reads Christmas books any time I like, pick it up and immerse yourself in Linden Corners, New York. Young Janey Sullivan has made her home with Brian Duncan, her adoptive father. She mourns the loss of her parents and he mourns the loss of his soul mate. Both take comfort in a windmill sitting at the boundary of his land. This book would make a beautiful movie. . .
November 7, 2013
I won this book from Goodreads First Reads program. The cover alone enticed me to enter the drawing for this book and I enjoyed reading it. Its a Christmas story involving a young girl of ten who has lost a lot and with her dreams that she holds dear, she is able to share Christmas and her memories with family and friends. Although some of the story line is sad, its an enjoyable read with lots of holiday spirit. The closeness of a small town where everyone comes together as one big family is very touching. Recommend to get you in the holiday mood!
August 16, 2013
A familiar feeling comes from reading this story complete with the warm fuzzy's as an endearing tale is told in a gentle way. The writing is clean and simple to read. Parts are predictable but in a way that lends to the writing style and enjoyment of the book. Perfect for those who love to curl up with a book that holds their hand and takes them on a gentle journey. It wasn't quite what I'd consider four stars but it was worth more than just three stars.
September 22, 2013
This book is the third in a series, and I think I missed out by not having read the first two, because a lot of previous characters move throughout the story and I wanted to know more. Though the setting of the town was well drawn and the characters quirky, the story was sweet as well. It was a heart-warming story, if a little long. A very nice Holiday story, with a sweet message.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2014
Welcome to a the tiny, charming town of Linden Corners, nestled in the Hudson River Valley in upstate New York. This is a sweet story of life, love, hope and belief that dreams come true. The ending leaves an important question unanswered, making it obvious that the author is planning another tale in the series about the town's inhabitants.
November 6, 2013
I loved this book. Joe Pittman has a way of bringing the characters together. I hope he has another one coming out, I did not like the ending.
December 9, 2013
This was a sweet book but I was disappointed that Trina left so suddenly. I thought that Brian would get his forever after.
February 11, 2014
it was ok
December 1, 2014
Enjoyed it. Good characters.Sweet story.
November 21, 2015
What a fantastic Christmas story
It was interesting how they did the "past, present and future" Christmas for Janey.
I enjoyed how the whole town was like a big family.
Would recommend this book
It was interesting how they did the "past, present and future" Christmas for Janey.
I enjoyed how the whole town was like a big family.
Would recommend this book
June 19, 2016
The fourth in series about a town called Linden Corners and the residents and traditions that live there. New people, big changes, all surrounded by memories and love.
August 4, 2013
I enjoyed it. Sort of a modern day Christmas Carol.
November 22, 2018
A simple story, written in a heartwarming way.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews