Shade of My Own Tree

By: Sheila Williams

Narrated by: Patricia R. Floyd

Beloved author Sheila Williams beautifully captures the bittersweet humor and vivid adventures of women who survive the worst life can toss at them and fight back to claim their right to be free, to be themselves, and to live on.

The courage to change doesn't come easy. When Opal Sullivan walks out on an abusive husband after 15 years, she has only her dreams in her pocket. Her new beginning starts in Appalachian River country, where she sees a bit of herself in a graceful but dilapidated house. Like Opal, the house is worn-out and somewhat beaten up, but it still stands proudly and deserves a second chance.

So Opal opens her doors - and her heart - to a parade of unforgettable characters. There's sassy Bette Smith with her cantaloupe-colored hair and four-inch heels; short-tempered Gloria and her devilish son, Troy; the mysterious Dana, who dresses in black and keeps exclusively nocturnal hours; a dog named "Bear" who is afraid of his own shadow; and Jack, who doesn't mind hanging out with an OBBWA (old black broad with an attitude). It is Jack who helps Opal understand a funny thing about life: You can't move forward if you keep looking back.

©2003 Sheila Williams (P)2006 Recorded Books, LLC

Loved the book

l loved this book. The characters were interesting with twists and there were serious characters and whimsical ones just like in life. It was a phenomenal way to get the message about DV

Im not sure if I wanted this book to end

This book was full of the hard truths about so many women and the effects of domestic violence. It was a book that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I evaluated my own life and questioned if I am pushing hard enough to reach my destiny.

Insightful!

Very engaging and definitely pulls at the heartstrings! It’s not only about letting go, renewing your commitment to self-preservation, but also an understanding of what it means to forgive…yourself!

Opals ability to find hope after being in such a toxic situation That caused her so much harm

I love this book I honestly thought that the story was well written, I liked how Opal was able to find herself again, and even after everything she went through, she still opened her home to help others in similar situations .

Excellent story

I enjoyed all the characters especially Troy , and Danna. I also enjoyed the journey and strength of the main character.