Jed doesn’t think so. Forced to live with his grandmother after the death of his parents, he’s mad at the world. He doesn’t believe in God, much less the folk magic his grandmother practices in the isolated mountains of Appalachia. He doesn’t fit in, and anger simmers within him, ready to explode.
Then Skylar arrives—a girl who’s experienced evil firsthand. Though lost in silence, she forges a connection with Jed, his grandmother, and the neighbors who come for potions and spells. Even without a voice, she embraces her new life.
Eventually Jed flees, but not for the right reasons. And his insides still burn with rage, leaving him hollow and even more unhappy—until the day he feels compelled to return home.
Skylar understands why Jed has returned. It has nothing to do with her summoning spell. He’s come home to heal. She’s known for being a healer and can consume his sins so he can find peace. But the only way she knows how requires death…
Nancee is a retired addiction counselor & nurse who worked to support her coffee and reading habit. A terrible insomniac, her nights are spent writing magical realism, paranormal and contemporary romances with a serrated edge. She puts the fun in dysfunctional and is a known book hoarder. You can find all of her books here: https://books2read.com/ap/xXAODR/Nanc...
Nancee Cain sure knows how to write stories with Southern charm. Instead of an Alabama setting, this book takes place in the Appalachian mountains of North Carolina -- lush and enchanting with herbal remedies and magical spells.
The story begins when Queenie, a kind, eccentric woman, takes in Skylar, a homeless young girl who just survived a trauma. Queenie is already caring for another child (Jed, her grandson) whose parents died. Skylar and Jed forge a tight bond, growing up playing and exploring with a neighbor boy, Caleb.
Fast forward years later and Skylar is caring for the aging Queenie. Though Caleb is a good friend to Skylar, she has missed Jed since he absconded to the Army. Skylar summons Jed back to their home to find that their childhood friendship has morphed into adult romance, much to the dismay of Caleb. Too bad Skylar feels unworthy, and Jed is mired in PTSD.
To help them through their turmoil, Skylar and Jed will need Queenie's bedtime saying:
"Day is over; night has come. Today is gone; what's done is done. Embrace your dreams, through the night; tomorrow comes with a whole new night."
The narrative builds to an exciting climax including fire, poison, and sacrifice. Someone will need to tell the bees that one life ends and another begins.
An extraordinary and magical story about love, loss, and finding a family where you least expect it. A little sprinkle of magic never hurt anyone, and it added an extra sparkle to this coming-of-age gem. It’s bewitching, atmospheric and compelling and one of those tales that wraps itself around your heart and lingers in the mind afterward.
In a story spanning twenty years, it begins when a traumatic and devastating event leaves a little girl speechless, homeless and in need of care and love. So, in steps a non-conformist and eccentric grandmother who, while already raising her grandson, offers it all to the young girl. A different kind of love story that is extraordinary and deeply moving as it celebrates love in its many different forms. You’ll cry, laugh and fall in love – sometimes all at one time.
Didn’t Shakespeare say, “The course of true love never did run smooth”? Well, it’s certainly true in the case of Jeb, Skylar and Caleb. All are meticulously drawn characters who are faced with both external and internal obstacles challenging them as children and following them into adulthood. It also proves the depth of love they have for each other while unearthing long-buried secrets, lies and devastating truths. What may appear as a love triangle won’t prove to be a problem for readers.
A mystical story that takes place in the Appalachian Mountain region of North Carolina. With a mixture of mystery, suspense and love, along with touches of humor as well, readers will find a different type of love story that mesmerizes while creating a magical reality of its own.
If you enjoy a touch of escapism, then What The Trees Know will hit its mark. This new-to-me-author has managed to create a world that is very real and yet entirely out of the ordinary. A beguiling story – start to finish. Casting magic on me, I was spellbound reading this unforgettable story. For me, it was impossible to put aside.
This book is freaking amazing! All of my friends that love a different type of romance should read this one. I'm not just saying that because Nancee is one of my clients...it's just that good of a book.
You'll find some suspense, some romance, and a bit of magic. Even if you think it might not be for you ... I'd have to say try it anyway!
Absolutely loved What the Trees Know! It is different than the other books Nancee has written, but there’s still the love and togetherness of family. Is magic real? That may be an answer for the reader to decide but for Skylar, Jed, and Caleb, magic plays a different role in each of their lives, from the moment they all meet. No spoilers here, but there’s love, a bit of danger, sacrifice, and lots of feels. Highly recommend that you read this book. The magic is real within the pages and surrounding this group of special people.
What The Trees Know by Nancee Cain is a 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars must read. It has all the right ingredients: suspense ~ romance ~ magic
This is the first book I decided to read slowly, savoring every moment. I am happy I did so. Nancee Cain newest novel takes you on an spiritual and also remarkable journey embodied with tragedy, wisdom, love, forgiveness, magic and humor.
I was fascinated with the setting of this book, the Appalachian mountains with its lush, gloomy and intricate forests, a place enchanted and home for magical spells and herbal remedies. You meet Queenie an old peculiar and kind soul who takes care of his orphaned grandson Jed. She takes in Skylar a little girl who survived a trauma and doesn't speak. During their childhood Skylar and Jed are forming a deep bond. They are often playing with an other child, Caleb the son of the pastor.
The story is fast forwarded with several years. Skylar now a beautiful young woman taking care of an aging Queenie. She and Caleb reconnected and are good friends, but she is longing after, missing Jed who left them and joined the army. She realizes that she needs Jed, and summons him home with a spell. The reunion of Skylar and Jed results in an explosion of feelings and the childhood friendship evolves to something deeper to Calebs disappointment. Skylar feels unworthy Jeds love and Jed thinks he is not enough for Skylar, being tainted with PTSD. Both are fighting these change of feelings, realizing though soon that they need each other in their healing process. Love how Nancee Cain leads the characters trough their turmoil and development, and how the secrets are revealed.
The writing stile is flawless, it engages the reader to wanting to be there in the middle of the happenings. It was easy to follow Skylar and Jed's thoughts in the double point of view. All the characters are realistic and I really love the touch of the mystic or magic. I also enjoyed the humorous banter between grandmother and grandson.
I highly recommend this book!
The Trees Know ... but you need to tell the Bees...
*I received this book as a gift in exchange for my honest opinion.
I'm not even sure where to begin. I guess the beginning is the best place...
I was told about this book ions ago. I was given this book ions ago. It wasn't until I was asked if I liked that I remembered that I hadn't even started reading it. What a dumb ass mistake that was on my part. Because once I picked this book up, I couldn't put it down. It was absolutely NOTHING I thought it would be...it was so much more!!!
Skylar becomes orphaned at a young age and finds herself living with an old woman who isn't like other people. In fact, she believes and practices the ways of magic. She's also the grandmother of the other child living in the house, Jed, so at least she had someone around her age to relate to, right?
Jed is sick and tired of watching his grandmother practice her magic and acting like a witch. And now she's brought home a little girl that he's supposed to treat as a sister and welcome into the family? Seriously? Man, he can't wait to grow up and leave this place.
After years of growing up together and moving on with their lives, Jed left the house, leaving Skylar with the old witch, learning her ways and actually taking to them. But when the old woman's body and mind start to slip, Skylar realizes that it's time for Jed to come home. And that's when everything changes...for everyone.
Is magic real? Does it have to be to believe in it? If you think something is real, does it make it so? All good questions, right? You'll ask yourself those same questions often while reading this. Heck, I'm still asking myself those questions because after reading this, I'm seriously wondering about a lot of things that have happened in my life. Just saying....
I really don't think I should delve in to the story too much because it really would give a lot away. But I will say this. You know that phrase, "everything happens for a reason"? I didn't used to believe in that phrase...until now.
I am a big Nancee Cain fan, and admit that I measure all her books by the first one I read - The Resurrection of Dylan McAthie. What the Trees Know is her best yet. I can't believe it.
The story of Skylar, Jed, and Caleb drew me in slowly. It's funny in places (the banter is laugh-out-loud funny), ordinary in others, and then extraordinary. The magic is believable, and I remember a lot of it from growing up in a family that routinely sprinkled salt on window sills. The author hit so many perfect notes about what it's like to live in a rural area. I really dislike it when an author who obviously has only gone on vacation in the country tries to write a book like this.
The book moves quickly. You meet Jed as a boy, and immediately sense his connection to a young Skylar, aka Princess. I love that Skylar is a selective mute, which made her interactions with the other characters so much richer (after all, she can only show, not tell). She's seen so much evil yet has special healing powers, which the author portrays powerfully. She has gifts that rural people in Appalachia know and accept. You almost feel like you're in the mountains with her, and feel her connection to the forest.
The story jumps forward several years to when they are grown and their lives are challenging. Jed's PTSD is dealt with honestly and with dignity, and the chemistry between he and Skylar is deep and sensual. The plot boils around them until they're almost consumed by it.
I will admit that the first time I read this book I did not like the ending. I was in tears, and angry at the climax. But after I re-read the book it made sense, and I realized that Queenie was my favorite character of all (and there was another character I wanted to punch).
This story is a tightly written, and very well-edited, roller-coaster. It's the perfect book to read on a cold autumn night with the fireplace roaring. But be prepared; it will take all your attention.
Nancee Cain wrote southern charm and sprinkled wisdom, tragedy, love, and magic across the pages. It’s a great way to kick off your fall reading. It’s whimsical and secretive, with a touch of spookiness and an adorable black cat.
You get to meet characters as kids growing up with Queenie. Jed is Queenie’s grandson. As a young kid he is mischievous and full of life. He says inappropriate things, but he is protective over Skylar who they take in. She is non verbal due to her past, a young girl who was showed reality, and that reality was enough for a lifetime. Queenie recognizes magic when she is around her, and them two together are a joy. Skylar and Queenie are free, wise, they have such love and empathy for others. Caleb, is the sweet and very smart boy next door, who is the best friend anyone in the world would be so lucky to have!
I fell for the storytelling. It made me want to watch Practical Magic. I wanted to wrap myself up in a cozy blanket, light a candle, and just put the pieces together of this enchanting book
It’s brilliantly told and wrapped around my heart, it pulled me to keep going, while trying to figure out the secrets that are always circulating around Skylar. The way she can see someone’s aura. There was always this touch of spookiness in this book. Throw in some action and sensual moments and I was addicted!
All grown up, Skylar needs Jed, and Jed needs Skylar just as much if not more. She knew early on as a kid, if given a chance she could help him live a life. The secrets!!! The way it was all revealed!!! Was surprising! (Well done) Skylar and Jed are truly destiny. I think by the end Jed believed in magic most of all in Skylar.
Cain's latest novel "What the Trees Know" kept me spellbound and intrigued from alpha to omega.
This magical story takes place in the Appalachian Mountains. Queenie Jackson is the very eccentric grandmother to Jedidiah and also the mother-figure to Skylar. Queenie never fails to disappoint with her gentle but firm approach with the kids. Some of the townfolk rely on Queenie to mix up potions, cast spells or give them guidance by reading tarot cards.
Jedidiah lost his parents in a car accident. He is skeptical about Skylar but soon decides to protect her. Skylar has experienced a trauma which left her unable to speak. Pastor Buzbee the town peacemaker and dear friend. His wife, Eleanor is the town busybody who is very overprotective of their son, Caleb. She is also locally famous for her prize winning carrot cake. Caleb has many allergies and requires an inhaler to go out and play with Jed and Skylar. As the story unfolds, and fast forwards it is fun to imagine Jed, Skylar and Caleb growing up. The twists and turns of their growing pains made me laugh and cry.
Cain portrays the non-verbal aspect of Skylar flawlessly. She is spot on as she describes the frustration of trying to communicate through sign language, facial expression, gestures and pen and paper. She emphasizes that family and close friends can communicate with Skylar almost effortlessly. While others often speak loudly to her, as if she were deaf. Dementia and PTSD are also accurately portrayed. The humor woven in throughout the book is refreshing and nothing short of pure genius. I highly recommend this five-star read!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you are only going to read one book this fall, make sure it's this one! Jen feels threatened his grandmother comes home with this seemingly strange young girl. He is trapped in his grief, losing his parents on 9/11 and isn't thrilled to have his grandmother share her affection with someone else. After all, he's in pain and really needs her, besides she's nothing but a stinky girl!
Skyler is stuck mute by her own tragedies. She has secrets to keep and is filled with pain and fear. She's not sure if she can trust these new people in her life.
We then flash forward through different times in their lives and the events that will shape their futures. Jed still has resentment, but Skylar is blossoming.
When Skylar can no longer seem to take care of grandmother, she "calls" to Jed to return and help her. They both have changed so much. Can they get past their differences for a common goal?
This book takes you through a series of emotions. You sometimes want to throat punch some of the characters, you sometimes want to hug and comfort others. You will find yourself laughing, crying and overwhelmed at the end from the amazing story you just read.
From the first book I read by Nancee Cain, I've been a fan, and every time I read another one, I'm convinced it's the best one. Well, she's gone and done it again, and I was hooked from the very first page. That's nothing less than I expected, but what I didn't expect (and I should have) was just how real everything felt. Even the magic and superstition - it's all so well done that every part of the story just comes to life. This one certainly comes with its share of secrets, which is why I've been deliberately vague, but I will say that I was hanging on every word, waiting to learn all those secrets. It's a story of magic and superstition, fear of things we don't understand, acceptance of who we are, love, loss, and family. The story is equal parts gripping and engaging, and the characters feel so real they practically leap off the page. What the Trees Know is romance, paranormal, and suspense. It has just the right atmosphere for fall and with just a touch of creepy, it's perfect for the season. If you don't read another seasonal book for Fall/Halloween, read this one. You won't regret it.
You will be captured in this book as you read it. Nancy Cain is so good that you will wonder what happens next . Grandmother takes in her grandson to raise when his parents gets killed . Then she takes in a very young girl that has no family it seems . Grandma Queenie believes in magic and telling of the cards along with herbs etc. Jed, her grandson thinks she is just crazy. The little girl is five years old and doesn't speak . They call her Skyler. Queenie teaches Skyler about herbs, cards and all of it. Then there's the preacher and his wife. The preacher's wife doesn't like Queenie and calls her a witch. This is a book that's funny,very caring people and will have you trying to figure out what in the world will happen next. I really enjoyed reading this book. A book that will have you keeping it so that you can read it again or pass it along. Nancy ain is a wonderful person and a great author.
Skylar has been taken in by Queenie and her grandson Jed after a traumatic event occurred leaving her voiceless. Jed isn't keen on the idea of having a girl in the house, but what 10 year old boy would? But Skylar is different and it will take him years to realize why his grandmother took her in.
This book was an emotional rollercoaster from beginning to end. The author did an incredible job holding Skylar's past back until the very end so that we were fully surprised when everything was revealed. The characters feel real, and each one pulls you in, making you care for them and root for them in the end (or root for their demise).
I AM NOT HAPPY WITH THE ENDING! I hated the way everything played out between Caleb, Skylar and his mother. That tore my heart to pieces that it had to end that way, but kudos to the author for giving us something that was gut wrenching and heartbreaking.
What The Trees Know will become one of your favorite fall read of 2021. I don’t want to spoil this quirky beautiful melancholy read with giving to much away. Two broken children’s paths are brought together through tragic circumstances. Jed doesn’t believe or embrace his Grand mother’s practice of folk magic, and becomes even more unhappy when queening shows up with an 8 yr old little girl & she can’t talk & then she takes in a stranger the same day. The story is filled with twist & turns, moments that will have you laughing out loud. Everyone has a secret but the trees know.
Once again Nancee Cain has magically wrapped us around her little finger. Is this story about trees? What kind of creatures live in Nancee's fantasy? Wait, is it a fantasy? Is it a romance? I asked myself these questions as I turned the pages as quickly as a Kindle lets you. Each page answered a question but created something new I had to know. I will be adding this as a paperback to my Queen Cain collection. This standalone will be a great addition to all her other 5 star books on my shelf. This is a must-read. It will be out on the 23rd. Get that preorder in now!!
Quite an interesting tale. Queenie rescued Skylar and they lived with Jed. Caleb became Skylar's friend. I loved the bits of magic and such weaved throughout the story, surrounding Queenie and Skylar. As they grow up, different things come up to be dealt with, fear from Skylar's past, Jed's anger and irresponsibility, Queenie's senility, and Caleb's love for his mother. The story started a bit slow but picked up speed so I kept turning pages. I recommend this story.
I received a copy through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
I thoroughly enjoyed Jeb, Caleb, Darrell and Sky's adventures. The story kept me wanting more through it. The ending was so so wonderful and a little sad. Would Love to read more adventures of What The Trees Know!
I loved this book. Since Skylar was five, it has always been her, Caleb and Jed. Even when they leave her to go and live their lives, they always come back to her. There are secrets that must be uncovered. How will these secrets affect their overall relationship? Only time will tell.
Lots of suspense, drama and romance. I fell in love with Sky and Jed right from the beginning, and the twists and turns of their story made this an excellent book by Nancee Cain! If you love paranormal and romantic suspense, this is worth the read.
What can I say without giving anything away? I absolutely loved this book filled with mystery, suspense, and romance. My heart soared and crashed along with these incredible characters. And tears ... So many tears.
I don't remember who recommended this book to me, but I am grateful. I think I've found another author.
A traumatic yet magical read. Trauma brings them all together, an unseen force ties them together. A sacrifice unexpected reveals past secrets and frees guilt.
The magic in this book drew me to read it. The human interactions and suspense made me not put it down. Nancee Cain took me a journey back to my own childhood in the mountains.
Wow, what a book! Nancee Cain gives her readers a hometown, feel good romance and more with What the Trees Know. It reminded me of Fried Green Tomatoes or Steel Magnolias for some reason. It had that small town everybody knows you vibe and I really liked it.
I was in from the first chapter and this book twists and turns with the lives of Skylar, Queenie and Jed. Throw in the guy that lives on thier property and the nosey religious neighbors and a story is made. We meet Skylar and Jed when they are five and ten or so respectively. Queenie is Jed's grandmother and a very special lady. One of those that believes in signs and herbal remedies, good luck, bad luck spells and whatnot. She was eccentric to say the least and a great character. Queenie takes little Skylar in along with her grandson and they grow up together. Both kids have a terrible background and deal with it in polar opposite ways.
As the kids grow and change, the story around them develops and starts to take hold. You never really know which way it is going to go and I absolutely loved that about this book. It flowed smoothly and you went along with it, happy with what ever happens in the end.
What the Trees Know is beautifully detailed and a different read than my most recent ones, which was refreshing. While it's a heavy read, it's soulful and really makes you stop and pay attention to these main and supporting characters. They each have a story to tell which come together in the end with a nice epilogue to boot.
An amazing read that with take you on a whirlwind ride. Love Jed and Skylar’s story and all the twist and turns that happen. Loved this story even though it made me cry.
This isn't my normal kind of reading. But I have to say I absolutely loved it. I highly recommend this book about Jed and Skylar .If you are looking for something different and original to read please read this.
Whether you’ve read all of Nancee Cain’s books or none, What the Trees Know must be added to your reading list.
As an author, Nancee’s collective works have demonstrated a wide variety of admirable storytelling skills. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed her ability to develop strong and complex characters and to create supernatural worlds with her enviable imagination. She’s made me laugh out loud with her wicked sense of humor and brought me to actual tears with raw and vulnerable emotion. Most importantly Nancee’s novels remind us all to seek out and embrace hope, even within the midst of deep suffering.
If paranormal isn’t your go-to romance genre, please don’t let that keep you from this book. While the magical aspects of the plot add both suspense and intrigue to the story, it is the relationship triangle between Skylar, Jed and Caleb that demands your attention and will compel you to turn the pages until the very end.
By writing What the Trees Know, Nancee has taken everything she’s learned as a writer and seamlessly weaved all of her admirable strengths into one superb tale. Without a doubt, this is my favorite book of hers, and the beautiful cover art is a perfect representation of the story held within.
Three lonely children find friendship in rural Appalachia. But when they are teenagers, a tragic misunderstanding separates them. Now they’re adults facing new trials and tribulations. And they’re about to learn when magic interferes with free will, there can be dire consequences…. The trees know. They always do.
An Amazing Story This Author has woven a story of tragedy and healing, friendships and love , secrets and magic. Excellent Characters and Setting. I highly recommend this book to everyone. 5 stars
What a refreshing read, something unsuspecting, different, and totally captivating! Nothings more intriguing than going into a story totally blind and ending with happy tears that I read it. Right from the start Nancee leered me in with the suspense of not knowing where the story was headed. The only clue to what to expect was the two main characters Skyler and Jed, but what we get are a school of second characters that are just alluring as the main characters.
Jed's grandmother who is a little more than eccentric brings Skyler home as a young child to live with them, where she and Jed grow up together. As Skyler grows she too becomes eccentric like the grandmother Queenie or as many call her a witch. One day something happens that makes Jed go away, but years later Skyler needs Jed home and summons him back to help. A lot more goes on and becomes more revealing after Jed returns, but in Jeds case a lot changed while he was away and he must now face reality that he can either stay and deal with the secrets and ongoings that become more alarming then the reality of what he endure while he was away or he can do what he's good at and just walk away.
Just like Nancee's other books, I get a kick out of the banter. I absolutely love the wise comebacks, and digs. Every now and again you can see me laughing at the characters remarks. This was an unusual tale and I really enjoyed it. It was fast pace, intriguing, and it kept me wanting to see where the next chapter would lead me. This story starts off the characters at a young age, but then it fast forward as adults so you get there back story of the years gone by and the suspense of what's to come. I really enjoyed it!
This book was just ... Wow!! I was completely enthralled from beginning to end. This book was so different from other books. What I really liked about it is that it was magic without being completely impossible magic.
After a traumatic experience when she was 5 years old, Skyler goes to live with Queenie and Jed in the Appalachian mountains. With her traumatic experience, she no longer speaks because she promised she wouldn't, but she also doesn't remember everything that happened. Jed is a couple of years older than her and after a while they become fast friends. Caleb is the preacher's son and also a couple of years older than she is and they also become fast friends. The story spans over 20 years. 20 years after it all began, Jed is finally coming home from being in the army and working elsewhere because Skyler has called him home due to queenie's failing health.
He returns and discovers that Skylar is no longer the little girl he left behind but instead a very attractive woman. There is a lot of mystery, intrigue, drama, tears, and romance that happens in this book. I wholeheartedly recommend it.