Rating: 
Summary: A Wonderful & Witty Story....
Review: Sheila Williams's sophomore effort, The Shade of My Own Tree is a wonderful, witty story of Opal Sullivan's journey to self-rediscovery after years of physical and mental abuse at the hands of her husband, Ted. After nearly twenty years, she finally reaches a point when she does not recognize herself in the mirror and decides to leave and begin a new life. For her new dwelling, she chooses a dilapidated old home in a picturesque river town in need of a lot of work, much like herself. Renovating the home becomes a therapeutic release and symbolic of healing and reconstruction of her self-identity and esteem. Along the way, she meets many eccentric characters, some in the form of a "divafied" realtor, a confederate flag waving geriatric neighbor, a vampire-like boarder, and a bear of a dog that is afraid of his own shadow. She opens her heart and offers her home as a safe haven to other abused women and finds herself giving advice that she herself only months before could not have thought, much less uttered or taken. Through these acts, she discovers romance, healing, and herself. Although one of the themes of the story surrounds physical abuse, Williams's novel is sprinkled with the down-home humor and common sense expressions reminiscent of J. California Cooper's wisdom. The Shade of My Own Tree is a splendid story with a delightful sub-plot that is perfectly paced, very well written, and very easy to read. Bravo, Ms.Williams....keep 'em coming. Reviewed by Phyllis
APOOO BookClub, The Nubian Circle Book Club
Rating: 
Summary: Can't keep her down
Review: This is a touching story about a woman who finally finds strength to walk away from an unhealthy marriage. Women from all walks of life are sure to enjoy this one because if you haven't been there, you at least know of someone who has.
Rating:
Summary: Can't keep her down
Review: This is a touching story about a woman who finally finds strength to walk away from an unhealthy marriage. Women from all walks of life are sure to enjoy this one because if you haven't been there, you at least know of someone who has.
Rating:
Summary: Liberation
Review: When Opal suddenly becomes the object of desire of Ted, the most popular boy in high school, she is immensely flattered and taken aback. She takes on the challenge however, and the two start dating. They eventually marry and have a child, but there is no happily ever after for Opal. A little over Two years into their marriage Ted becomes physically abusive, leaving a bewildered Opal feeling trapped with no hope of escape. Eventually she finds the courage to flee her abusive relationship and attempts to reclaim her independence.
The illustrious cast of characters she encounters in her day to day life as she attempts to carve out a new existence for herself is the highlight of this unforgettable story. Created from the point of view of the victim, Sheila Williams does a superb job in presenting a provocative and profoundly insightful story of one woman's courage, strength and perseverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Though a work of fiction, this eloquently written novel offers a fascinating yet credible glimpse into the lives of victims of domestic abuse. Reviewed by Autumn
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
Rating:
Summary: Liberation
Review: When Opal suddenly becomes the object of desire of Ted, the most popular boy in high school, she is immensely flattered and taken aback. She takes on the challenge however, and the two start dating. They eventually marry and have a child, but there is no happily ever after for Opal. A little over Two years into their marriage Ted becomes physically abusive, leaving a bewildered Opal feeling trapped with no hope of escape. Eventually she finds the courage to flee her abusive relationship and attempts to reclaim her independence.
The illustrious cast of characters she encounters in her day to day life as she attempts to carve out a new existence for herself is the highlight of this unforgettable story. Created from the point of view of the victim, Sheila Williams does a superb job in presenting a provocative and profoundly insightful story of one woman's courage, strength and perseverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Though a work of fiction, this eloquently written novel offers a fascinating yet credible glimpse into the lives of victims of domestic abuse. Reviewed by Autumn
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
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