A Firm Tree Does Not Fear the Storm by Jennifer Morris

Life is a series of chapters in A Firm Tree Does Not Fear the Storm, a poignant and entertaining work of women’s fiction by debut author, Jennifer Morris.

On the heels of her beloved Grammy’s death, Beth feels as though her life has lost its purpose, with her daughters both away at college and her husband constantly traveling for work. However, thanks to the unexpected gift of her Grammy’s house and after going to Florida to see her childhood friend, Amber, the seed for a potential new chapter to her life quickly takes root…

Evocatively titled, A Firm Tree Does Not Fear the Storm tackles several important issues: the empty nest syndrome, as well as domestic abuse. Sometimes, the answers aren’t obvious yet the author’s message is clear: purpose manifests itself in many ways, we just have to be brave enough to embrace it.

All the main characters are fully fleshed out, but the character of Grammy Dorothy is especially well-conceived – a no-nonsense woman with a huge heart and the instincts of a fierce mother bear. The changes in demeanor in little Amber, as her abuse becomes evident to Grammy Dorothy, are masterfully subtle.

Technically, the book has a few issues, such as typos throughout, and a cover that does not do the story justice. However, the story does make these issues more forgivable. A Firm Tree Does Not Fear the Storm is an immensely enjoyable read with humor, pathos, and recognizable human moments that lets a reader become easily immersed in Morris’s story and characters.