bookreviewsbyalake 's review for:

The Apple Tree by Jewel E. Ann

5.0

emotional hopeful reflective tense slow-paced

---

When Kyle and his son move next door to Eve, there are a few things between them, including an apple tree. She also happens to be 10 years younger than him and his brother’s best friend’s (and preacher’s) daughter, but that does not stop the instant attraction between the two. When he asks Eve to watch his son, they grow even closer, yet he cannot help but try to teach her. Eve is struggling with living at home and wanting to make decisions for herself, outside of her overbearing parents. She wants to be seen as the adult she is, which also comes with its own problems. I loved that Eve stepped into a caregiver role with Kyle’s son easily: his costume was my favorite, but he also really helped her by giving her the strength to face her actions and become the adult she longed to be. Reading this book felt like we were maturing with Eve, especially when she was healing. The apple tree became a symbol for Eve and Kyle. She first tempted him with it at the beginning, but can he walk away from their situation and her?