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Sheltering Trees #2

Under the Weeping Willow

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A HISTORICAL NOVEL ABOUT A MOTHER AND DAUGHTER AND THE SECRET SHAPING THEIR ROCKY RELATIONSHIP




1918:

Just as Robin Holcomb settles into married life with her husband, Willis, on his aunt and uncle's farm in Wisconsin, WWI calls Willis away. With an unknown future and a child on the way, Robin makes the best of life among people she barely knows.




After the birth of her child, Robin struggles with depression and battles to overcome her inner demons before despair and hopelessness drive her to attempt to take her own life. Will Robin survive her dive into postpartum depression, let alone see Willis again?




1983:

Enid Fenton clears out her Mother's house and puts the family farm up for sale, trying to not be consumed by guilt for installing her mother into the county nursing home.




Reading through some of her mother's diary entries, Enid uncovers a secret that helps her make sense of the unnamed point of division that has always soured their relationship. Can Enid reconcile with her mother before the ravages of Alzheimer's claim her?




Readers of historical fiction, Christian historical fiction, literary fiction, and women's fiction will be moved as this novel takes them from the depths of a person's psyche and grief to the pinnacle of long-hoped-for peace.



>

364 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2021

57 people are currently reading
574 people want to read

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Jenny Knipfer

14 books426 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Paula Shreckhise.
1,533 reviews143 followers
September 27, 2021
I was interested in reading this book after having read the first in the series because I lived in the north woods of Wisconsin for 11 years.
The story was captivating for me because it dealt with depression and how it was handled in the early 1900s. It alternated between Robin, who gave birth in 1918 and her daughter Enid who was written from a 1980s perspective. My mother, who wore Chanel No. 5, was born in 1917, so this was a point of connection for me. She lived to be 101 and was in a nursing home at the end.
The author dealt with some hard issues: attempted suicide, living in an asylum and coping with a loved one with Alzheimers. Some heavy subjects that had me in tears at times but the author handled them with sensitivity. The main emphasis was the relationship between mother and daughter and how each had wished for a closer connection, finally finding forgiveness and resolution.
Daughter Enid: “One of the things Mom’s journey with dementia has taught me is this: Life is in the small things, like the word AMEN- a simple agreement, a yes to words prayed, and a statement claiming the promises of God.”
Mother Robin: “One thing that helps me: the Lord promises to be with me no matter what my journey looks like. No matter if I can’t remember where I an or who I am. He’ll know, and that will have to be enough.”
So much resonated with me through the ups and downs of this poignant story. I look forward to book three in this series.
*I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
Profile Image for Dawn Kinzer.
Author 16 books120 followers
October 21, 2021
Under the Weeping Willow (Sheltering Trees #2) by Jenny Knipfer Under the Weeping Willow is a beautiful, haunting, and powerful story about a mother-and-daughter relationship. The author takes us on a journey with eighteen-year-old Robin as she begins her marriage to Willis, only to watch him leave when he decides to serve in the army during World War I. While he’s overseas, she delivers their daughter, Enid. Sixty-some years later, Robin is struggling with Alzheimer’s, and Enid finds the journals her mother has kept most of her life.

The author did a stellar job of sharing the heartbreak, guilt, agony, and frustration that can accompany postpartum depression, suicidal thoughts, and the aging process. The story often tugged on my heart, and I felt the weight of these two women’s struggles. But that’s the job of a writer—to draw us in and elicit emotion—and Knipfer didn’t hold back.

Enid grieves the relationship she wished she could have experienced with her mother, but through the journals, she discovers secrets that have the potential to change everything for her.

You don’t need to have aging parents or to have experienced mental health issues in order to relate to this story. Under the Weeping Willow challenges readers to consider their relationships. What might we learn about ourselves and our loved ones if we took the time to find out? And where does faith come in when we’re faced with life-changing situations?

Yes, this story deals with heavy topics. But it’s also a story of forgiveness and hope for a lovely and fulfilling future. I highly recommend Under the Weeping Willow.
Profile Image for Lisa Wetzel.
565 reviews29 followers
October 21, 2021
Under the Weeping Willow by Jenny Knipfer is Book Two in the Sheltering Trees Series. This is a well written story that deals with a mother and daughters contentious relationship. It is told in dual point of views and will keep you turning the pages very quickly! This is not only a very heartwarming story but a heartbreaking one also! Knipfer deals with many sensitive issues in this one and handles it with the utmost consideration. Depression, suicide, and Alzheimer’s are brought to light in a time when diagnosis and/or treatment were not well known. She shows a young wife’s journey into motherhood but not like it’s suppose to turn out and a daughter who is to care for her mothers fast progressing Alzheimer’s before she can have important questions answered that she is just discovering! There is so much joy and sadness that it made me smile and it made me cry! In a time of grief, loss and separation they will find that faith, hope and love will help them through it! I highly recommend this book and the first one In a Grove of Maples. You will definitely not be disappointed.

Thank you Jenny Knipfer for an advanced copy of your stupendous novel in exchange for my honest review.
#undertheweepingwillow #jennyknipfer #arc
#indiewriters
Profile Image for Stacey.
288 reviews17 followers
October 22, 2021
I already know my words are not going to be able to do this story justice. Under the Weeping Willow tugged so hard at my heart from beginning to end. Jenny Knipfer creates empathy for those suffering from depression or Alzheimer's by writing in a way that makes the reader feel as if it is their own story. I loved that both timelines illustrate how family matters despite obstacles and hard choices. This is a deeply emotional story that confronts the crushing moments of reality and infuses them with hope. It seems strange to call this a feel good story, and yet, it is.

I received a complimentary copy and all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Keren Herrera-Lyles.
332 reviews18 followers
September 25, 2021
This story is the second book of the Sheltering Tree series following the daughter of Beryl, Robin and Robin's daughter Enid. Is a time slip story of past and present. The things we woman hide sometimes from the family we love and care.

Is a tough subject, depression, postpartum depression and the distance it creates with loved ones. Robin just married move into a farm where her husband which is his uncle gives him a job. There Robin finds out that she is pregnant. While at the same time her husband is sent away to war. Her feelings of missing her husband, her family hit hard when she gives birth. It is when she starts to behave in away that the family she lives with sends her to an asylum. There she under goes so treatments, and creates a friendship that helps her.

Meanwhile, her husband fights in the war. When Robin comes out of the asylum, she finds joy in being Enid's mom, something she didn't before. But her past tortures the closeness between mother and daughter. Is at that moment now in the present time, Enid finds out through her mother's writings the pain she went through and the love that her mother cherished for her.

Is in the midst of her mother's dementia and her past writings in secret that they both discovered that truly mother and daughter can find the peace and love to move forward and forgive.

I enjoy the way author Jenny, brings these characters as friends to us. Shares topics that are strong, but that sometimes they are what most go through but keep hidden. Love her stories. You don't want to miss this series, it will grab you and carry you throughout the book.

I received a complimentary ARC for my own personal thoughts. All mentioned here are my own.


1,290 reviews
October 21, 2021
Under the Weeping Willow, by Jenny Knipfer, is book two in the Sheltering Trees series. This is such a good series. While the stories stand alone very nicely, the second does reference people from the first book , so it is best to read them in order. This story takes off many years after the first in the series ends and it gives some background information. This is a multi-timeline story that tells Robin’s story as a young bride and as a senior citizen. It is well written, it feels like I was observing what was happening.

The author has done a fantastic job of writing a story that deals with depression and the treatment that was used in the early 1900’s. I enjoyed how the author was able to tell an honest story of a subject that is not easily talked about. I felt sorry for Enid for having lived a life without having the knowledge of why her mother was the way she was. I enjoyed how Robin’s extended family was there for her during her trying time. This story gives a brief look at what families of soldiers had to deal with while their men were overseas fighting. I felt sorry for Enid having to deal with her mother’s possessions and her mother’s medical needs without have siblings to help her.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review.
1,168 reviews6 followers
October 30, 2021
This is such a great read! Enid and her mother, Robin, have had a rocky relationship. Now, Enid is having to come to grips with her mom having Alzheimer's, not talking, and she's not sure she ever truly knew her mother. When she finds her mom's old journals, she reads them and discovers she was right, she really never took the time to know her mother. Is it too late to forgive her mother, and how has her relationship with her mom impacted her relationship with her son? As someone who had a wonderful relationship with my own mom, and who was fortunate and blessed to be my mom's caregiver for her last nine years of life, there are many things I can't relate to, as my experiences are vastly different. However, the book makes me very thankful that I didn't have to deal with many of the things in the book. Especially as I go through my own season of grief, there are many things I can grateful for, one of the biggest being that I did have such a wonderful relationship with my mom, as many of my friends have told me they did not. Sometimes, if we're fortunate, God grants us an opportunity of forgiveness.

This book deals with postpartum depression, and if you did, so there may be triggers!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
136 reviews1 follower
May 20, 2023
A must read!

It is rare that I find such a book! This one tapped at nearly all my emotions. I couldn't put it down, and as I got close to the end, I read much more slowly in some silly effort to keep it going. The story reflects the confusion of a stupid war and how it shattered families for years to come. It reflected gently on the mysteries of postpartum depression which affected the lives of many, unspoken in most cases, leaving scars and unexplained holes in many relationships. It described the life inside of an insane asylum, a horrible misnomer if ever there was one. The beauty of the story, the expression of faith lived out by many of the characters, and the wrapping up of loose ends in an almost satisfying way, creates a deeply convicting example of what damage can be done when secrets are held too long. I loved reading this book. I would lobe to read a companion book about some of the other characters who lived in this story, what made them who they became, especially Molly. I highly recommend this to all who harbor thoughts and wonders about secrets of the past. If my mother were still alive, there are still many unanswered questions I would like to ask her. If you are able to still communicate with folks about certain things that still niggle at you, now might be a good time to gather the nerve to begin the journey - after reading this book.
Profile Image for Theresa.
319 reviews
October 7, 2021
Under the Weeping Willow is set in Wisconsin, and since I also live in Wisconsin, I find the books in this series really interesting. I felt a lot of different feelings reading about all that Robin went through. It's sad that she had to endure the horrible treatments for her depression because they didn't know what it was. Postpartum depression wasn't a diagnosis back when Enid was born, so many women endured the treatments that Robin did. I'm sure that some women didn't survive, too, which is very sad. I'm glad that she met Molly and that they were able to develop a friendship. I believe that that's what ultimately helped her out of her depression. If Willis hadn't gotten called up to serve in the war, I think he would have been a great support to her and she may not have ended up with such severe postpartum depression, but it's hard to know for sure. Robin and Enid never were very close, but as Enid finds out, it wasn't for lack of Robin trying. This is truly a very beautiful story that has touched my heart. Thankfully, I never suffered from postpartum depression, but I can imagine how it felt by reading this story. I have a lot of empathy and compassion for what Robin and other women endured in those circumstances.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ruth.
20 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2021
In this second book in the Sheltering Trees Series by Jenny Knipfer, she continues the story of Robin, daughter of Beryl and Edward from “In a Grove of Maples,” the first book in the series. The story centers around Robin and her daughter Enid. In the 1980s, Enid moves her mother to a nursing home and has regrets that with Alzheimer’s, she’ll never fully understand their complex relationship. In emptying her mother’s house, she comes across diaries that her mother kept and begins reading them. Knipfer uses a split timeline to document Robin’s pregnancy and facing alone the birth of Enid while her husband Willis was away fighting in Europe during World War I. The author tackles some tough subjects, and the characters are relatable, and what they face is real. This story kept me wanting to turn the page.
*I received an advanced reader’s ebook from Jenny.*
Profile Image for Lori.
1,892 reviews135 followers
November 21, 2021
When I saw this book I knew I wanted to read it because I had read her other books before. I was totally smitten after the opening page and didn't put it down until I finished it.
(I read most of this by the beach so it's a great beach read!)
What a wonderful book! And a good writer to go along with it.
I love how she does her research for tough subjects such as depression, suicide, and Alzheimers and many other things.
My favorite thing about this book was that the author has offered hope, love and understanding at the end of the tunnel.
There were places in this book that absolutely broke my heart.
And in others I had to smile.
I highly recommend this book!
Great characters and you'll be totally swept into the story from page 1!
My thanks for a copy of this book.
I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Barbara.
1,610 reviews23 followers
June 25, 2022
This story covers postpartum depression, suicide, and Alzheimer’s disease. In Robin’s time in the early 1900’s, treatments for these issues were nothing like they are today. They were actually quite scary. Robin goes through postpartum depression after the birth of her daughter, Enid. Robin’s husband has been called to war and she misses him terribly. Between the two issues, Robin considers suicide and is sent away for treatment. Later in life she’s struck with Alzheimer’s disease.

Enid doesn’t understand why she and her mother have such a strained relationship and longs for answers. Then she finds her mother’s diaries and gets a better understanding of her mother’s life and the secrets she’s been hiding. With this new understanding, is there still a way she can let her mother know how much she loves her, or has Alzheimer’s stolen that opportunity from her?
Profile Image for Ksenia.
104 reviews
August 8, 2023
‘Under the Weeping Willow’ by Jenny Knipfer is a thought-provoking story. Deep. Complex. Heartbreaking. Hope-giving. Beautiful!
As if the author carefully glues together pieces of the family life puzzle, where every piece is a story on its own; and the vivid final picture of the family tree reveals what is the most important in life.

The story of Enid’s parents unfolds at the peak of WWI and culminates in the 80s when Enid tries to dig up traces of her mother’s true nature, to finally understand her, and most importantly, to find out if her mother loved her. A feeling of being unloved and a sense of guilt for something she can’t put her finger on are in need of healing. The only way to seek for answers is to read her mom’s diaries, because she herself is no longer able to give them. Will Enid find what she is hoping for as her mom’s secrets begin to come to the light?

It is a beautiful storytelling, the one that makes your heart sympathise and perhaps, seek healing for the pains of your own soul.
897 reviews11 followers
October 7, 2021
This was a good story with lots of twists and turns. This story is about Robin and about Enid. Robin is Enid's mom and suffering from the effects of Alzheimer's. Enid is cleaning out her mom's home when she comes across old diaries with a story to tell. There is sensitive topics with Alzheimer's disease and depression so be aware of that. Also this is a well done split time and the author really tells the story well with the use of split time. There is so much that goes on in the story that it really kept my attention through our. Definitely will need some Kleenex.
Profile Image for Amy Walsh.
Author 8 books324 followers
October 23, 2021
A Beautiful Story that Addresses Mental Illness and More

This is such a beautiful story about the relationship between a mother and daughter and the effects of mental illness. I loved so many things about the novel -- the diary excerpts, the setting descriptions, the adorable interactions of Enid and Clive, the realism, the awesomely written dialogue, and much more. I thought the foreshadowing leading to uncovering of the mystery of the weeping willow was lovely. I highly recommend this novel which is such a great combination of drama, romance, history, and mystery!
Profile Image for Elaine Schroller.
Author 2 books41 followers
November 26, 2021
Another great dual-timeline story from Jenny Knipfer

Author Jenny Knipfer is a master of creating heartfelt, touching stories of entwined lives – in this case, early 20th century Robin, whose emotional rollercoaster throughout her life had a huge impact on her daughter Enid, and Enid’s subsequent forays into her mother’s diaries and early life to discover why her mother Robin always felt distant and detached from her. There are several twists and tragedies, which I won’t spoil for other readers, but I can assure you there were lots of sad and happy tears throughout. 
Profile Image for Heidi Hogan.
168 reviews1 follower
October 9, 2023
Life and its challenges. One family’s journey to understanding each other and how to walk in love. I appreciate the author’s use of Biblical principles and scripture. This doesn’t mean all things are suddenly rosy but it does bring an inner peace.
With myself living in Wisconsin and my husband’s family having lived a number of years in Marionette / Menominee it was nice to learn some of the history.
Having my own struggles with my mother, I relate, her dying and there not being the closure I’d hoped for. As a Christian I tried to honor my mother up till her death.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
773 reviews15 followers
October 23, 2021
This novel alternates between the early 1900’s and 1980’s. Enid and her mother, Robin, have a complicated relationship due to emotionally keeping each other at a distance. When Robin became a mother, she never felt that she was worthy or good enough to have a daughter. She experienced a deep depression and was placed in an institution for a short period of time which she kept as a secret. This story is very touching as it revolves around family, despair, faith, hope and forgiveness.
Profile Image for Debbie McNeil.
18 reviews
March 24, 2023
A Heartfelt Read

This book has touched me so much. I cried throughout most of it. There were times I had to put it away. Why? My family and I are going through so much of this story line.

While the book helped me with dealing with my own past with my mother and family, it has opened my eyes as to the why’s and why not’s in our life.

Be prepared when reading to reevaluate your life and have Kleenex ready!
396 reviews2 followers
September 21, 2023
Very sensitive, well written story.

Very well written story of a mother's and daughter's growing understanding and love. Grief, fear, loneliness and depression all affected their lives. Living in the Wisconsin area close to Eau Claire, the places mentioned were very familiar. My spouse and I both having worked in Dixon State Mental Hospital in Dixon, Illinois in the 1960's, we were familiar with the shock treatments, and conditions often associated with such places as they were a part of the times.
546 reviews20 followers
September 7, 2021
The series continues in a new generation with new challenges for a mother and daughter.
This moving emotional story touched my heart both as a daughter and as a mother.
Jenny does such a beautiful job of painting word pictures and touching on sensitive struggles many families face.
I highly recommend this book and am alreadlooking forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Beatrice Followill.
1,623 reviews41 followers
October 22, 2021
Beautiful, Heart Enduring Journey of a mother and daughter Dealing with depression and Dementia .As A Healthcare worker who works with this daily, thus book endears me to the patients stories, how they may have lived before the disease to over their mind .The title of this book is perfect ..Weeping Willows makes me think of memories .
159 reviews4 followers
October 22, 2021
definitely more than a 5 star read. Beautiful story of the love between a mother and her daughter.it brings you on a journey of love, forgiveness and also healing.you will need many tissues for this book. Alzheimer’s depression are very scary diseases and this book will help you try to understand them. Will stay with you long after you are doing reading it.
1,233 reviews3 followers
December 5, 2021
Insightful read revolving around past and present from the perspective of a daughter who reads her mother's diary during her Alzheimer's demise, gaining much perspective of her past challenges during the WWI era and issues with depression. Good character development as to how families cope with the demise of a parent from this debilitating disease.
Profile Image for Renee Simmons.
516 reviews59 followers
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September 8, 2021
I definitely recommend Under the Weeping Willow, a continuing story from In a Grove of Maples.A story of love separated by war, and love separated by mental illness, By putting faith in God and letting go of the past , is the only chance they have. You definitely will not want to put it down.
147 reviews5 followers
October 22, 2021
Way out of my comfort zone. Cried a lot but could happen to any of us. Makes you want to either keep a journal yourself or talk to all older relatives and document everything. Highly recommend this book and this author
Profile Image for Anastasia.
11 reviews
October 21, 2021
I enjoyed the split time aspect of it between the mother and daughter. It was a heartwarming story. A delightful read.
Profile Image for Evelyn Foreman.
724 reviews30 followers
October 21, 2021
This book!!!! An amazing, heartfelt story touching on real life issues that brings it from the pages to the very soul of the reader. Totally recommend this book, this series, this author!
Profile Image for Daisey.
634 reviews
December 18, 2021
Good character development, good story, somewhat hard to read because of the the issues addressed. Still it was well written.
55 reviews
May 25, 2023
Great Book

I loved this book because they keep flipping from the mother to the daughter. It too awhile to get used to who was who.
It was a great story. I loved the ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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