There are times when the world in all its chaos (such as freaky ice storms in Texas or a world-wide pandemic), demands a place of peace and calm. And Amanda Wen's book, Roots of Wood and Stone is a book that offers such a place.
When Sloane, curator of the Sedgwick County Museum of History, meets Garrett as he tries to drop off a box of discarded things from his grandmother's home, little did she know how her world would change. Rushing off with the promise that he would pick up the box if nothing was of interest, she reluctantly began exploring its contents. Something at the bottom of a satchel caught her eye and when she opened the cover and saw "July 29, 1861" she was immediately swept into the life of Annabelle Collins, age 9.
Sloane works alongside Garrett and his sister as they prepare their grandmother, Rosie 's home to put on the market. In that process, a few more historical treasures surface. As Sloane and Garrett learn more about Annabelle and begin to research her genealogy, they also learn more about her connection to Kansas and Rosie's home.
Readers will enjoy the dual story-line: one detailing Annabelle's life through the pages of her diaries, and the other focusing on the story of Sloane's life and her growing friendship with Garrett. As she seeks to solve the mysteries of Annabelle's life, Sloane finds the courage to explore some things in her own past. Roots of Wood and Stone perfectly blends mystery, romance, and historical treasure hunt.
The historical characters in the book were inspired by three of the author's ancestors. Make sure to read the Author's Notes to learn more about them. I highly recommend Wen's debut book!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of Roots of Wood and Stone from Kregel Publications for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received.
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