Painting the Maple Tree

by Lisi Lopez

V-J Day, 1945

Veteran nurse Evelyn Johnson finds herself caught up in the joyous chaos of Times Square as New Yorkers celebrate the end of World War II. Amid the excitement, a mysterious soldier catches her off guard, sweeping her into a fleeting, yet passionate kiss before vanishing into the crowd. His blue eyes are hauntingly familiar, leaving Evelyn to Could her lost love have survived the war?

With her only clue, a discarded ashtray, Evelyn embarks on a quest to find the soldier she fell in love with overseas, while struggling to adjust to a world no longer shadowed by war. Along the way, she encounters two captivating men, each bearing their own wartime scars, forcing her to confront painful memories and consider the possibility of new love.

Will Evelyn choose to move on from the past, or will the love that ignited during her darkest days find its way back to her?

278 pages, Paperback

Published April 28, 2025

About the author

Lisi is an engineer-turned-writer and a second-generation immigrant, born to a Cuban mother and a Puerto Rican father. She lives with her college sweetheart and their three amazing kids.

In 2017, Lisi and her husband welcomed their middle son, who has Down Syndrome. Channeling her passion for writing, she began publishing advocacy articles to help create a world where her son's extra chromosome is celebrated rather than seen as a disability. Through that journey, she rediscovered her love for storytelling and hasn't looked back since.

She's beyond grateful for all your encouragement and support! Follow her on Instagram @lisiwrites.

Lisi's books include:

PAINTING THE MAPLE TREE - WWII ROMANTIC FICTION
STRANDED SERENADE - WWII FICTION
BEYOND HER SHORES - CUBAN HISTORICAL FICTION
THE CODES SHE CARRIED - WWII ROMANTIC FICTION (Coming early 2027)

Reviews

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story truly pulled at my heart. Set against the backdrop of war, loss, heartbreak, and eventual healing, it takes you on an emotional journey. From the devastation of conflict to the hope that comes with peace and rebuilding, I was drawn into Evelyn’s world.

A year earlier, Evelyn had nursed a wounded soldier back to health. Though his face was mostly covered in bandages, a quiet connection blossomed between them...until danger forced them apart. At a a celebration a year later, a stranger kisses her, and his eyes stir a haunting familiarity. She searches for him but is left with only questions.

Then she meets Richard, who also shares those same eyes. Could he be her soldier? As feelings grow, she begins to wonder if it even matters... But Richard has a secret that could change everything. Can Evelyn move forward without ever knowing the truth about the kiss, and the man she once loved?

This was a powerful and emotional read. The romance, the tension, and the love triangle all tugged at my heartstrings. I’m so thankful I read it. It took a little time to fully pull me in, but once it did, I was a goner, lol.

Just a heads-up for readers: the romance leans more "fade to black" with a "cracked door" vibe... one scene, not graphic, and written respectfully. There's also some mild language. So if you are closed door/Clean Reader, this book may not fit for you.

For me... I gave this one a 4.5 started rating, rounded up to a 5!

I received a complimentary copy, and this review reflects my honest opinion.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Turmoil in the world had become a constant, testing everyone's vigor and leading some to believe that the only pillar that could be preserved was love. They believed they could survive as long as they held on to love, unaware that love can't survive without faith and hope.

What a lovely little story. It was a very easy read that took me way longer than necessary to finish but such is life. It was like taking a longgg, tranquil stroll down the park with how slow-paced it became while still being entertaining. It’s pretty obvious who the mystery soldier is from the very beginning. There are some moments that you’re like…"wait…" but then you’re just like “oh no, it can’t be *** because it’s so painfully obvious ***.” I was just hoping for a MAJOR plost twist or a "no way that happened" moment. But it never came. FYI, you know who she is going to end up with off the bat. AND I BELIEVE SHE ENDED UP WITH THE WRONG GUY!

Now, let me rant.
I AM A RICHARD STAN. IF RICHARD HAS ZERO FANS, THEN I"M DEAD. IF HE HAS ONE FAN, THEN ITS ME. ED DID NOTTTT DESERVE EVELYN IN THE SLIGHTEST. THE LOVE WAS SO FORCED BETWEEN THEM AND IT WAS THANKS TO RICHARD THAT THEY EVEN GOT TOGETHER IN THE FIRST PLACE. LIKE WHY DIDNT ED MAKE A MOVE DURING VJDAY?? HIS EXCUSE WAS RIDICULOUS. AND WHY TF IS EVELYN THE ONLY ONE OUT OF THE LOOP??

P.S. What of Doris and Michael?

[Anne Curry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This flip flops between years at first it threw me off but after a while it shifted seamlessly. Make sure to read years when you see one.

Kept me engaged characters seemed real with real issues, good plot. Decent historical perspective and what it may have been like. Touched on emotional scars from war. Clean with innuendos of things happening, (closed door). Mentions death. Mentions how people change in war and sometimes life is not the same. (My grandma experienced this. Before WW2 my grandfather and her got along well after the war by he was not nice to her. It led to a divorce back when they were still very much frowned upon).

I won't say it's my favorite WW2 historical fiction but this is a good one and worth the read.

Lost love, second chances, war, promises, realizing things change, friendship, hurt, lost family, moving on after hardship, what war does to people. Soldiers, nurses. Injuries, will to live.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical fiction. Especially romantic books. This was no exception. Richard and Evelyn are everything. They really went through it to be together again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fernanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books this year 🥰 This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys reading books set during WW2. It was such a sweet story that kept me turning pages to see what would happen next! I really enjoyed the different POV's. Please do yourself a favor and pick up this wonderful WW2 novel!

[Mari Iglesia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back to my genre! Great book. Written by a friend’s best friend, predictable but awesome historical novel and love story set right after WWII

[Amalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Painting the Maple Tree is written so descriptively that it will take you on a journey of historical events through a roller coaster of feelings. I felt like I was vividly walking through NYC during beautiful seasons and yet I felt the uncertainty and turmoil of the war era and then the celebration post war. Evelyn’s story gives light to stories beyond the battlefield. A story of fate, love and loss gave the feel of human internal conflicts beyond physical battles and wounds. The author does a remarkable job drawing parallels of living at war, fighting for freedom in an army and in one’s heart. Outstanding description within the story of American patriotism and yet highlighting the high cost of post traumatic effects of war on those who lived through it. Overall a wonderful story of fighting against all odds.