rowanandtarot 's review for:

The Light Through the Leaves by Glendy Vanderah
4.0

This very good read captured my heart, broke it repeatedly, then healed it. I loved all the references and connections to the natural world. I loved the characters and the exploration of how the loss of a child caused by a mother's stressed out distractedness and the cruelty of an opportunistic, mentally ill kidnapper would destroy an already troubled family. I loved how the heartbroken mother searched for peace and self acceptance through camping, hiking, and solace. I loved the kind, caring park ranger and hated the criminals she met on her journey. I loved the business she eventually decided to open.

The story and life journey of the second main character was so creative and beautifully written. I loved her spirit so much. I was so thankful for the wonderful characters who befriended her and became her found family.

The author skillfully put all of the characters together and made a broken, but healing, larger family in the end. I didn't enjoy a major aspect of this although it was clearly signalled earlier in that character's story. It did bring the novel full circle so I understand why the author made the choice that made me feel bad for a couple of the characters.