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Elderberry Croft #1
January Breeze, February Embers, March Whispers
For most of the residents, The Coach House Trailer Park is the last lonely stop on the road of life. But on a crisp January breeze, a new girl sweeps into the neighborhood, charming them all with her wild nature, her elderberry gifts, and her outrageous laughter. What brings the mysterious Willow Goodhope of Elderberry Croft to this dead end place? From what--or whom--is she hiding?
January Breeze
There’s a new girl in town, and she’s breathing life into The Coach House Trailer Park, starting with the tiny cottage she christens, Elderberry Croft. Kathy Kekoa isn’t so sure about this wild child living across the way, with her generous nature, and exuberance for life. What’s a vibrant, young thing like Willow Goodhope doing in a place like The Coach House? From what—or whom—is she hiding?
February Embers
Richard and Patti Davis have slipped into the shadowlands of hopelessness, where their days stretch out endlessly ahead of them. Lately, though, Richard has been sitting up and taking notice of the new girl down the way; Willow Goodhope, with her red curls and her wild laugh. Will Patti lose the only man she’s ever loved to the green-eyed earth girl? Or will Willow steal both their hearts?
March Whispers
Joe Sanderson has been around long enough to know that living simply is simply better living. He gardens, he cooks, he entertains Vivian. Everything is going just fine…then along comes Willow Goodhope, with her whispering shadows and her elderberry pie, reminding him of what it means to be a man. Will he rise to the occasion, or dig in his heels?
January Breeze
There’s a new girl in town, and she’s breathing life into The Coach House Trailer Park, starting with the tiny cottage she christens, Elderberry Croft. Kathy Kekoa isn’t so sure about this wild child living across the way, with her generous nature, and exuberance for life. What’s a vibrant, young thing like Willow Goodhope doing in a place like The Coach House? From what—or whom—is she hiding?
February Embers
Richard and Patti Davis have slipped into the shadowlands of hopelessness, where their days stretch out endlessly ahead of them. Lately, though, Richard has been sitting up and taking notice of the new girl down the way; Willow Goodhope, with her red curls and her wild laugh. Will Patti lose the only man she’s ever loved to the green-eyed earth girl? Or will Willow steal both their hearts?
March Whispers
Joe Sanderson has been around long enough to know that living simply is simply better living. He gardens, he cooks, he entertains Vivian. Everything is going just fine…then along comes Willow Goodhope, with her whispering shadows and her elderberry pie, reminding him of what it means to be a man. Will he rise to the occasion, or dig in his heels?
114 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 2, 2013
17 people are currently reading
231 people want to read
About the author
Becky Doughty
105 books215 followersBecky writes heartfelt and wholesome contemporary commercial fiction filled with friendship, romance, humor, a touch of mystery, a sprinkling of whimsy, plus a bushel of family drama. And usually a four-legged or winged companion, too. She’s also the voice behind an ever-expanding library of more than 200 audiobooks.
Becky and her Tomato Man met in the '80s (big hair, big hats, poofy sleeves, the works - see her About Page on BeckyDoughty.com). They live at the end of a lane on top of a hill in a hundred-year-old house. They share their lives with never enough pets, and they grow dueling riotous, rambling gardens. Most of the things in their gardens are edible… but some are most definitely not, due to Becky’s fascination with poisonous plants. They have three adult children living wild adventures of their own, but who also show up on demand with scrumptious grandbabies to nibble on.
Becky and her Tomato Man met in the '80s (big hair, big hats, poofy sleeves, the works - see her About Page on BeckyDoughty.com). They live at the end of a lane on top of a hill in a hundred-year-old house. They share their lives with never enough pets, and they grow dueling riotous, rambling gardens. Most of the things in their gardens are edible… but some are most definitely not, due to Becky’s fascination with poisonous plants. They have three adult children living wild adventures of their own, but who also show up on demand with scrumptious grandbabies to nibble on.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 10, 2016
Elderberry Croft tells the story of Willow Goodhope, a mysterious young woman who finds herself living in a trailer park that many of the residents seem to regard as a place to wait to die. We don’t learn much about Willow in volume 1 (January through March), but there are glimpses of a profound sadness that may be related to the events that brought her to the tiny cottage in the trailer park.
Each of the episodes focuses on one of the neighbors in the trailer park. The characters are engaging, and they remind us of people we know or maybe even our own relatives. Each month, Willow touches the lives of a neighbor in a way that then cascades out to the rest of the neighborhood. By the March episode, we can already sense that Willow’s small actions have helped to bring about changes to make the trailer park more of a true community where people really watch out for one another.
In this first volume, Willow’s abilities almost seem magical. Her name is even somewhat reminiscent of the names of the Salem witches; could Willow be a witch, or a descendant of witches, or at the very least born with the “second sight” or other supernatural abilities? But we also see that Willow quietly but consistently reaffirms her faith in God. In January Breeze, how did Willow know about Kathy’s cough and dogs so as to be able to provide a suitable gift so quickly? Willow says that God told her that an herbal tea remedy would be what Kathy would most appreciate. In February Embers, Patti thinks that Willow’s house looks like a witch’s house. How else could she get the plants to grow so well even in wintertime? But Willow explains to Kathy that her green thumb is a gift from God. In March Whispers, Joe asks if the elder is Willow’s tree spirit. Willow laughs and explains how in her childhood, her family found a practical use for products from the elder tree in every season of the year. The tree is a true giving tree, and when Willow saw it growing in a part of the country where it doesn’t ordinarily grow well, she knew that God was leading her to the little cottage she christened Elderberry Croft.
Once you have read the first volume, you will want to keep reading. What are the other neighbors like? What secrets is Willow trying to hide, and why is she so sad underneath her effervescent personality? Elderberry Croft, Volume 1, is a character-driven mystery story with a touch of magic (or something resembling magic) and a sprinkling of herbal lore. I look forward to reading the rest of the series to see how the mystery unfolds and eventually resolves.
See my full review at http://wyrtwizard.blogspot.com/2014/0...
Each of the episodes focuses on one of the neighbors in the trailer park. The characters are engaging, and they remind us of people we know or maybe even our own relatives. Each month, Willow touches the lives of a neighbor in a way that then cascades out to the rest of the neighborhood. By the March episode, we can already sense that Willow’s small actions have helped to bring about changes to make the trailer park more of a true community where people really watch out for one another.
In this first volume, Willow’s abilities almost seem magical. Her name is even somewhat reminiscent of the names of the Salem witches; could Willow be a witch, or a descendant of witches, or at the very least born with the “second sight” or other supernatural abilities? But we also see that Willow quietly but consistently reaffirms her faith in God. In January Breeze, how did Willow know about Kathy’s cough and dogs so as to be able to provide a suitable gift so quickly? Willow says that God told her that an herbal tea remedy would be what Kathy would most appreciate. In February Embers, Patti thinks that Willow’s house looks like a witch’s house. How else could she get the plants to grow so well even in wintertime? But Willow explains to Kathy that her green thumb is a gift from God. In March Whispers, Joe asks if the elder is Willow’s tree spirit. Willow laughs and explains how in her childhood, her family found a practical use for products from the elder tree in every season of the year. The tree is a true giving tree, and when Willow saw it growing in a part of the country where it doesn’t ordinarily grow well, she knew that God was leading her to the little cottage she christened Elderberry Croft.
Once you have read the first volume, you will want to keep reading. What are the other neighbors like? What secrets is Willow trying to hide, and why is she so sad underneath her effervescent personality? Elderberry Croft, Volume 1, is a character-driven mystery story with a touch of magic (or something resembling magic) and a sprinkling of herbal lore. I look forward to reading the rest of the series to see how the mystery unfolds and eventually resolves.
See my full review at http://wyrtwizard.blogspot.com/2014/0...
March 28, 2019
All three of these are lovely stories.
January Breeze
Willow is a noticeable addition to The Coach House Trailer Park. Most of the residents are living there for the end of their life journey. But Willow sweeps in, transforming her cottage, which she dubs Elderberry Croft, with flowers and brightness. Some of the other residents wonder what she’s up to, almost resenting her energy and creativeness and even question if she has some witchy aspects.
One of the neighbors, Kathy, is a grumpy woman with two dogs and a negative attitude. Willow brings her homemade biscuits for the dogs and then a basket of elderberry goodies for Kathy. Can Willow’s generous, bright sharing help Kathy find a new attitude?
February Embers
Another park unit is occupied by Patti and her invalid husband Richard. Patti has been a dedicated caretaker but the years are weighing on her. Each day she helps Richard into his chair on the front porch where he watches the vibrant Willow as she gardens in her yard or travels the street delivering gifts. Patti is frustrated by Richard’s attention on Willow and lack of appreciation for Patti. They are encouraging their son, Ivan, to show an interest in lovely Willow. Ivan and Willow bring a sweet Valentine surprise and chance for rekindled love to Patti and Richard.
March Whispers
Joe Sanderson is living his elder years apparently alone and in quiet simplicity in the park. He does have a lady friend, Vivian, who visits providing gossip fodder for others in the park. Joe likes to garden outside and watches Willow as she too gardens or as she visits others. In spite of her bright appearance, Joe has noticed sorrow in Willow’s eyes. He knows a thing or two about secrets and he suspects that Willow is hiding secrets of her own. Willow visits Joe to share scones and coffee. Perhaps they can find a way to share some of their secrets and provide comfort for each other too.
Willow is a charming, lively character who spreads life among her neighbors. Ms. Doughty presents a positive, uplifting event in each story. The writing flows smoothly and naturally providing a light, easy read. I am thinking about getting the full collection with stories continuing for other months. I recommend this to readers who enjoy community and uplifting stories.
Received as a free Kindle read.
January Breeze
Willow is a noticeable addition to The Coach House Trailer Park. Most of the residents are living there for the end of their life journey. But Willow sweeps in, transforming her cottage, which she dubs Elderberry Croft, with flowers and brightness. Some of the other residents wonder what she’s up to, almost resenting her energy and creativeness and even question if she has some witchy aspects.
One of the neighbors, Kathy, is a grumpy woman with two dogs and a negative attitude. Willow brings her homemade biscuits for the dogs and then a basket of elderberry goodies for Kathy. Can Willow’s generous, bright sharing help Kathy find a new attitude?
February Embers
Another park unit is occupied by Patti and her invalid husband Richard. Patti has been a dedicated caretaker but the years are weighing on her. Each day she helps Richard into his chair on the front porch where he watches the vibrant Willow as she gardens in her yard or travels the street delivering gifts. Patti is frustrated by Richard’s attention on Willow and lack of appreciation for Patti. They are encouraging their son, Ivan, to show an interest in lovely Willow. Ivan and Willow bring a sweet Valentine surprise and chance for rekindled love to Patti and Richard.
March Whispers
Joe Sanderson is living his elder years apparently alone and in quiet simplicity in the park. He does have a lady friend, Vivian, who visits providing gossip fodder for others in the park. Joe likes to garden outside and watches Willow as she too gardens or as she visits others. In spite of her bright appearance, Joe has noticed sorrow in Willow’s eyes. He knows a thing or two about secrets and he suspects that Willow is hiding secrets of her own. Willow visits Joe to share scones and coffee. Perhaps they can find a way to share some of their secrets and provide comfort for each other too.
Willow is a charming, lively character who spreads life among her neighbors. Ms. Doughty presents a positive, uplifting event in each story. The writing flows smoothly and naturally providing a light, easy read. I am thinking about getting the full collection with stories continuing for other months. I recommend this to readers who enjoy community and uplifting stories.
Received as a free Kindle read.
January 7, 2014
I fell in love with the cover of this book, it looked "enchanting" and I found the book itself to feel just the same as the cover. Willow is just as spellbinding to readers as she is to the people in the little community she moves into. Each character is very human, unlike other Christian books where the main character is picture perfect, each of the Christians in this story is flawed in some way, or has problems to work through, each are very much human and I absolutely LOVE that. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good little pick-me-up quick read, but beware, you might also get hooked and want to read the others too!
As a side note, kudos to the author for editing. So many ebooks lately have little to no editing, this one was edited and it helps so very much to the focus of the story when your mind does not have to focus on the errors. If you see this Ms. Doughty, thank you so much, it is very appreciated.
As a side note, kudos to the author for editing. So many ebooks lately have little to no editing, this one was edited and it helps so very much to the focus of the story when your mind does not have to focus on the errors. If you see this Ms. Doughty, thank you so much, it is very appreciated.
June 8, 2013
Willow Goodhope is a character I will never forget--equal parts wistful and pensive, open and mysterious. The residents of the Coach House Trailer Park have varied pasts and problems, and we have the privilege of getting to know each one of them and what makes them tick. Willow brings her own brand of healing to all, with the aid of her homemade elderberry recipes, as well as her willingness to listen and her compassion. A book that will stick with you.
September 9, 2014
Wonderful book! A story to make you feel good, with likeable and interesting characters and a lovely setting. Every month has a different main-character, which makes you feel connected with everyone. I already started reading part 2!
Definitely worth reading!
Thank you, Becky Doughty, for sharing this!
Definitely worth reading!
Thank you, Becky Doughty, for sharing this!
January 3, 2015
Loved this book! Fun read and there are three more! I like Becky Doughty's writing style. The story is set in a trailer park with mostly retirement age people. Our main character moves in with her funny ways, her free spirit and her faith and changes the place. Good read! I give it five stars.
May 29, 2013
I liked Willow as a character, but I felt the others were lacking depth.
November 13, 2013
3 1/2 stars for me.
June 21, 2021
Becky Doughty does a great job narrating her own serial story, giving each character their own voice and personality. When Willow Goodhope shows up at a run down trailer park, where the residents are as run down as the park, her gracious personality shakes the residents up bringing hope and positive changes to their lives. But the question that remains is, "Why is Willow here?" This is the first three parts to a 12 part serial story. I received the audio edition as a gift from the author. No review was expected or required.
August 24, 2020
Loved the audiobook, read by Becky Doughty who is also the author. All 3 novellas show how the kindness of one person can infect so many others. Love of one another is contagious! Great Christian fiction. I'm ready for more.
November 25, 2023
I bought these books separately. I’m upset because they are so short.
February 15, 2017
The sweet,gentle stories of the residents of a trailer park and its mysterious new arrival,Willow. Each episode shows how she touches the lives of those around her without revealing too much about herself. Good tea break tales.
May 26, 2014
How enjoyable! It felt like a modern day Anne-of-Green-Gables-Avonlea-type place, filled with flowers and homemade baked goods and remedies, families and neighbors and memories. Oh, yes, and older people. How does Willow Goodhope get all of those blossoms to bloom in the middle of winter? It's definitely a feel good read, made all the better by its aching moments, and, as Patti and Richard would say, the little things. I've got to read on to the next Elderberry batch to find out more about Willow's secrets and the interesting residents of The Coach House Trailer Park.
___________________
I received a free copy of this book, part of a collection, in exchange for an honest review.
___________________
I received a free copy of this book, part of a collection, in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2017
Re-read - enjoyed again !
Clever and charming stories revolving around the mystical, creative, and endearing woman named Willow. Life in the trailer park can't remain the same with her life outlook. And whilst unwanted by some, she's the breath of fresh air for which others have longed.
I love her and her free spirit ways, bringing life and light into the darkness of the status quo lives.
Looking forward to more story additions to the Elderberry Croft series Becky Doughty has so cleverly written.
First read - June 30 . 15
*Update: audio version available narrated by author
Clever and charming stories revolving around the mystical, creative, and endearing woman named Willow. Life in the trailer park can't remain the same with her life outlook. And whilst unwanted by some, she's the breath of fresh air for which others have longed.
I love her and her free spirit ways, bringing life and light into the darkness of the status quo lives.
Looking forward to more story additions to the Elderberry Croft series Becky Doughty has so cleverly written.
First read - June 30 . 15
*Update: audio version available narrated by author
January 23, 2023
The Coach House Trailer Park
Current day
Characters
Willow Goodhope
Neighbors: Kathy, Myra, Patti and Richard
Lovely story of a young woman of God who moved into a trailer park and change the lives of everyone around her.
This is my second read in 10 years. I honestly don’t remember it from 2013 but I’m glad I reread it. Actually I listen to it being read by the author herself. Wonderful experience. Absolutely worth a recommendation.
Current day
Characters
Willow Goodhope
Neighbors: Kathy, Myra, Patti and Richard
Lovely story of a young woman of God who moved into a trailer park and change the lives of everyone around her.
This is my second read in 10 years. I honestly don’t remember it from 2013 but I’m glad I reread it. Actually I listen to it being read by the author herself. Wonderful experience. Absolutely worth a recommendation.
June 14, 2016
Different and interesting
This book was very different than most I've read. It's a set of short stories, the first 3 of 12. All are set in the same place, and all center around the same mysterious woman, though each story is told from the point of view of one of her neighbors.
This book was very different than most I've read. It's a set of short stories, the first 3 of 12. All are set in the same place, and all center around the same mysterious woman, though each story is told from the point of view of one of her neighbors.
January 22, 2023
Lovely story of a young woman of God who moved into a trailer park and change the lives of everyone around her.
February 2, 2015
This is a very easy and enjoyable read. Willow is a really fun character and all of the trailer park occupants are really charming. I'm looking forward to see where things go from here.
January 12, 2015
Very good! Altho I have yet to learn what happened to willow she sure is making a great impression on those she is befriending! Can't wait to find out what happens!
January 23, 2015
Sweet and a good reminder of what Christians should be - a light to those around us. Good one
March 8, 2015
Refreshingly honest
I read a wide variety of genres, but this series of stories brings hope and reminders to look for the good around us.
I read a wide variety of genres, but this series of stories brings hope and reminders to look for the good around us.
September 4, 2016
Book 1 of 5
August 24, 2017
I loved this series!! I just finished it and now I want to read ALL of Becky Doughty's books!! I'm so glad I came across this author
August 28, 2017
SENSUALITY RATING: No profanity; No Euphemistic "code words; No sexual encounters
GENRE: Inspirational; Mysteriously Supernatural
SETTING: Coach House Trailer Park
CENTRAL FEMALE CHARACTER: WILLOW GOODHOPE – A woman that makes a garden bloom overnight. A woman that has a familiar scent to everyone she meets. A woman that seems troubled
SYNOPSIS: She moves into a trailer park. To each person she has something to give that makes their life better.
WHAT I LIKED: Her association with the elderberry tree and love she brings.
WHAT I DID NOT LIKE: The source of Willow’s troubles is not clear.
OVERALL RATING: (5) stars because a great plot about the goodness in everyone.
Please read a few quotes and a brief summary of this book on “my Main Page” of LibraryThing.com http://www.librarything.com/
GENRE: Inspirational; Mysteriously Supernatural
SETTING: Coach House Trailer Park
CENTRAL FEMALE CHARACTER: WILLOW GOODHOPE – A woman that makes a garden bloom overnight. A woman that has a familiar scent to everyone she meets. A woman that seems troubled
SYNOPSIS: She moves into a trailer park. To each person she has something to give that makes their life better.
WHAT I LIKED: Her association with the elderberry tree and love she brings.
WHAT I DID NOT LIKE: The source of Willow’s troubles is not clear.
OVERALL RATING: (5) stars because a great plot about the goodness in everyone.
Please read a few quotes and a brief summary of this book on “my Main Page” of LibraryThing.com http://www.librarything.com/
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews