Introducing Joshua's Tree, a powerful coming-of-age story, by Leah Martin, that follows a spunky, schoolgirl who will completely capture your heart -- and her older, valorous brother and life-long hero, Joshua.
Come along on this deliciously-written, modern-day parable that describes the daring exploits of these siblings as they are being raised on their farm in the Western US and then unexpectedly plopped into a new life in Africa.
Before long, Joshua and his sister encounter African neighbors, who embody both the most loyal of friends and the most fearsome of foes. Africa influences the children’s lives in ways that change the very essence of their souls.
As the children grow into adulthood, their childhood adventures will provide a profound backdrop for later life-and-death matters of love, sacrifice, envy, resentment, betrayal and redemption.
Joshua's Tree is also an allegory -- a hidden treasure-trove of subtle metaphoric themes await your discovery!
You are invited to be the first to take a sneak peek at CHAPTERS 1-5.
Please share this link on Facebook and let’s get a discussion going! Please leave your comments about what you’ve read right here on this blog, and let’s start a book club discussion that will take you on the most charming adventure you’ve had in ages.
Thanks for your comments on Facebook about the first 5 chapters! I'd love to hear more - please post comments at the bottom of the page after the first 5 chapters. Let me know what you think.
ReplyDeleteI'll be posting the next set of chapters soon.
NEW! Now click on the link on the right hand side of this page to DOWNLOAD the first five chapters for reading on your KINDLE!
ReplyDeleteI LOVED reading this book! The true stories from your childhood, woven into this fictional story, are enthralling. The overall message and story are well-written, developed, and told in a narrative fashion that I can only describe as welcoming and 'close to home' ... even for those who grew up in suburban America. Given that this is a 'first draft', I can only imagine how palpable and inviting the final book will be. Can't wait for it, and I would like to be the first on here to request a signed copy from the author. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat inspiring characters with great personalities that make them true to life. The first 5 chapters contained masterful storytelling. I can't wait to read the rest! This is sure to be a classic American fable enjoyed by young adults as well as the older generations! It's wonderf!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great 5 chapters. Stories are a family tradition in my family and Leah has captured lifes true pleasures of childhood, in her stories. I am glad she has shared these stories in this way. Many of these stories are in my heart as sweet moments of life that I dont think of near enough. The simple things in life can be enjoyed like poping tar bubbles.
ReplyDeleteI can NOT wait to read the rest. Please remember the little things!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love this story. Leah has been able to take some of our real life childhood experiences and mold them into an allegory of Christlike love. I have been able to read the draft of the entire story, and enjoyed every page. I am excited to hear what the rest of you think about it too.
ReplyDelete-Eric Martin
Of course, leave it to Leah Martin to not only write a book, but actually a page-turner. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the main character and just wanted to get to know her. What a great read!
ReplyDeleteAgree 100%!!
DeleteI just love your book! I have spent my entire morning reading. I read the whole 10 chapters in one setting. It is so very hard for me to get into a book, therefore I don't read very often, but I had NO such problems at all with this book!!! I love the adventures, and I can't wait to read more! I think my kids would love it. And I have been looking for a good book to read them this summer...this is the one! How can I buy a copy? Thank you for your work on this book it surely has made my imagination soar!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to get a hard copy of this book in my hands!!!
ReplyDeleteAs you know I started to read your book when you were here in March. I was riveted from the very first chapter. I put it down at page 25-ish. I kept meaning to jump in again, but I wanted a chunk of time to finish. Never happened…until yesterday. I went on a quick “there and back” trip to Michigan and read the entire thing on my flights. Leah, I loved it! You are a compelling writer. I may as well have been walking through the book with you. I have a picture on my mind of your first home in Africa. I can see the faces of the characters. I got tears in my eyes and head to toe chills at key places in the book, the kind that move through phases and actually prickle a little.
ReplyDeleteSo happy to see some preview chapters here on your blog.
This book has to be published!!
I love this book... Couldn't put it down! Great read!
ReplyDeleteI just finished the book - I'm one of the few who got a copy of the whole thing. I have no words! I'm still crying. Thank you for letting me read it. It was truly wonderful. I hope and pray it gets published. It was very hard to put down. I can honestly say that I have never read through a book this fast. I took every moment I had to sit down and read it. Your book has made me want to be more adventurous, live life more to the fullest, be unselfish in all I do, more helpful, show true love for those around me. The list can go on and on...just thank you for letting me read it. It truly touched me.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book! It isn't just because the author is my daughter, but it's because the words that she has written are so poignant and vivid. As a retired English teacher, I found myself astounded at the word imagery and the tone that she incorporated into this story. I found myself with a smile on my face so often as she recounted different incidents and situations from her childhood life in Africa. I even found out some things that I didn't know about, like her first kiss. It isn't often that one comes across a book that they can share with their young children that the adult finds fascinating at the same time. I would encourage all of you to share this book with your friends - those on Facebook, and those that you come into contact with. Let them experience this book as you have, as you read it. It is truly a book worth reading, and I hope that Leah will find the opportunity to publish it so that others across the world we live in can enjoy it as much as I have.
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