The Basics of Cottonwood Whispers
Title: Cottonwood Whispers
Author: Jennifer Erin Valent
Publisher: Tyndale, Carol Stream
Copyright: 2009
Pages: 352
ISBN: 978-1-4143-3326-7
Genre: Historical Christian fiction
Plot of Cottonwood Whispers
A feisty seventeen-year-old's summer goes awry when an accident involves a local toddler. As Jessilyn grieves the misfortune of the neighbor family, she also seeks to uncover the truth behind the accident. The men of the community demand justice of the suspect in jail, but Jessilyn believes the accused man is innocent.
Jessilyn feels she must solve the problem on her own. Her best female friend is avoiding her, and her best male friend has suddenly grown awkward around her.
Why to Read Cottonwood Whispers
Cottonwood Whispers picks up some of the subplot threads from Valent's first novel, Fireflies in December. Readers who enjoyed the first novel will want to know the status of Jessilyn and Luke's relationship, as well as the community's treatment of Gemma. Cottonwood Whispers does not disappoint us in following up on these story threads.
The novel also addresses timeless themes, such as justice and faith. These themes carry over from the first book—same themes but different scenarios. I like the continuity of themes between the books. In real life, individuals usually struggle with the same things for years at a time. Repeating the themes from Fireflies makes for believable character development.
Cautions
Cottonwood Whispers doesn't answer the question of Luke and Jessilyn's relationship, which was a major point of curiosity with me after I finished reading Fireflies. However, I expect Valent will answer that question in her third novel, set to hit markets in Fall 2010.
Valent's novels are difficult to classify. The age of the main character, Jessilyn, and the nature of her adventures almost suit the books toward a young-adult market (although I found them engaging as an adult reader, too). However, the perspective of the story is more adult than adolescent. In several parts, Jessilyn (who is also the first-person narrator) talks about the story as if it happened several years ago. Some of her comments about herself show an understanding that would only come later, perhaps even after several years of reflection. This characteristic is probably what pushes the novels into the adult market.
Rating by No-Spoilers
4 out of 5
What to Do Now
Preview or read other reviews of Cottonwood Whispers
or Fireflies in December
on Amazon.Note: Tyndale provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes.
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