SOLVED. MG or YA Fantasy - Lightning burns an image in a tree stump [s]

[Melissa]

I've been searching all morning for a book I read in the early to mid 90's (no idea if it was new then or older). I believe it was a series. It focused on a group of siblings, and there were magical elements and what may have been a parallel world.

The specifics I remember are this: There was a tree in their backyard that was special/magical. Something happened to the tree (storm?) and it had to be cut down, leaving only a stump. At one point in the book, lightning strikes the stump and an image is burned into it. I think it was supposed to be a warning or message to the children of some kind.

I have a feeling that if I could just remember what the image was, I'd remember the name of the book - but I can't. It seems to me that this was a semi-popular series and that it should be easy to find. But I haven't been able to. Can anyone help?

[Melissa]

No suggestions at all?

[Lisa]

Melissa, Give it a little time. It often takes weeks or months, or even years to find books. Books found in the first few days are probably the exception. Some members here only check in with the group weekly or even more infrequently.

[Angharad]

That sounds like The Power of the Rellard, by Carolyn Logan. The Power of the Rellard The siblings start off inventing a game of trials (climbing a tree, etc) to determine which one of them is the Rellard, a powerful being. The game becomes real as their town is threatened by evil forces. The tree in their backyard is later struck by lightning and, upon examination, the siblings find a mark on the stump that looks to be a sign that the battle is close.

[Melissa]

Oh my gosh, Angharad - THAT's the ONE! I am so excited because I've been trying to find this book for years. I had it when I was young and it was given away and I've never been able to remember it. Thank you. So much.

[Ann aka Iftcan]

Congrats on finding your book Melissa. I'll shelve the book and move this thread down to solved for you.