The Ivy Tree

Well written.Want to say if you have not read"the Ladies Room" by Carolyn Brown, you are missing a jewel.First book by her that I ever read,and I have reread it more times than I can count. It had me laughing most of the time and looking for a real Billy Lee Tucker.Know there has got to be one somewhere, and also feeling the pain that Trudy went through in finding truths in her life. Both books well written and thought out.Happy endings which I like.

Dollycas’s Thoughts Allie McCleary lost her husband, Taylor, five years ago and she really lost herself as well. Her grandmother Emma, and her friend, Bert thought relocating may help ease her pain and help her move on. So Allie and her seven-year-old son Linc packed up and moved to the country, Dougherty, Oklahoma, into an old farmhouse owned by Bert. Truman James has been on the rodeo circuit for many years but was thrown off a bull, the bull rolled with him, and “a couple of tons of weight landed on his leg” and broke it. Out of commission for at least 6 weeks he decides to visit his grandmother’s farm knowing there is plenty of work to keep him busy and her meals would surely help him to heal up faster. He never expected that his grandma wouldn’t be home and that a bossy Irish woman and her kid would be living in her house. They both called their grandmothers and were basically told “suck it up buttercup”. Then both women packed their bags and left on a cruise. These characters were very engaging. Allie is a strong woman and had her guard up not wanting to get hurt again. She hopes a new man much like Taylor will come along in his three-piece suit carrying his briefcase and sweep her off her feet. Until then she will keep painting her coffee shop pictures and focus on her son Linc. Linc is a normal seven-year-old kid bursting with energy and talking a mile a minute. He loves living on the farm especially after Truman arrives with his horse. Truman is more laid back and he sure likes to push Allie’s buttons. He may settle down someday with a quiet country girl that is a “short little blonde who comes just up to his shoulder and will make a whole house full of kids just like him”. The banter between Allie and Tru was entertaining and their attraction sparks right from the start. I really liked the way Truman did things with Linc, telling him stories, taking him horseback riding, and teaching him how to care for the horse. He even gives the little boy a very special gift. The ivy tree was such a great theme throughout the story. Allie is drawn to the tree and sets aside the flower paintings that are sold in coffee shops to paint the tree and it wasn’t easy. She wants to get the squirrels that live in the ivy-covered elm just perfect and the ivy needs to be just right. Later she wants it to carry the memory of a special day. Then one day she has an epiphany realizing that the tree symbolizes her life. Truman has one as well. I am not sure exactly what year the author set this story in but the fact that the characters did not have cell phones and that Garth Brooks and Billy Ray Cyrus‘ early hits were mentioned along with some of the fashion choices I would say the late 80s or early 90s. The Ivy Tree is a heartwarming feel-good story where the characters realize what they need is right before their eyes. A quick read with a delightfully happy ending. Ms. Brown’s books are always a nice little escape.

This was so wonderfully written. I laughed out loud at times. I cried with both joy and sadness. I felt full if anticipation and at times frustration. Carolyn expressed in this book an entire gamut of emotions through life experiences, current and remembered. I could barely put it down until the end.

Allie, a true Irish lass, had her heart broken when her husband died suddenly. But, she had their small son Linc to get her through. It’s been 5 years and she has been closed off but things are about to pick up when she moves to a small town to give Linc a better life. Truman has met his match in the fiery Irish woman. As they clash, sparks fly. Definitely a feel good story about second chances. Great story. Love Carolyn Brown’s stories.

I’m not a romantic person, but I really liked this book. So good! It’s nice to read something that’s not so dark every once in a while, as I tend to do. I think each character in the story was well written, and likable, well, except the male neighbor who was a bit forward. Just shows that sometimes love comes from where we least expect it.

I loved this book it was well written, flowed wonderfully and not a lot of characters to try and keep track of. I have enjoyed the other books by this author but this one hit the right insight that the author lets us see. Life is not always what we expect or think we want. I have read it twice in a 2 month time period. I really enjoyed the interaction between Truman, Allie and Linc, Allie's 7-year-old son and Belle, the dog. The romance developed beautifully, without sex scenes.

You characters were absolutely priceless and the storyline was totally captivating. Linc added such a wonderful; powerful and loving actions of a 7 year old that made you laugh and dearly love him. The Grandmother's of Allie and Truman play matchmaker somewhat in Allie and Truman lives. Allie had to learn how to live a complete life again and let LOVE into her heart. Her painting and the old Elm tree covered ivy opened her heart; soul and Mindy totally live life . Truman fell in love with Linc the first day. Dealing with the broken leg and the circumstances of their living arrangement brought he and Allie face to face daily and love grew even though they fought against it. This was awesome love story that your storytelling mesmerized me totally, thanks!!!!

I enjoyed the book very much, and as most romance stories go the two main characters hate each other at first but then as events change their feelings change. The meaning of the the Ivy tree was very essential to the story as it had a special meaning to the painter and then later on to the cowboy. The boy, Linc, and his belief that Santa Claus had brought him the gift that he wanted, a dad, added a sweet touch to the book.

No words needed, it's Carolyn Brown 💜. Another wonderful story, well written and filled with captivating characters. Totally loved it.

I love the romance, the arguments the characters go through and then they find love like it is supposed to be. CB’s books may be similar in theme but it is more reassuring than typical. Keep writing, l’ll keep reading.

A book filled with emotions and daily struggles of the heart which we experience in our lifetime. Priorities, love, companionship and understanding that a life well lived is worth everything!

It was a simple love story well told. I just loved the Unsophisticated journey it took me on. In a world of trouble and strife, I felt a stillness and peace that is somehow missing in this troubled world of today.

A sweet reminder that life has its little ups and downs. Life can be sweet for a few hours immerse yourself in a little tale for a few hours