Shade of My Own Tree

By: Sheila Williams

Narrated by: Patricia R. Floyd

Length: 7 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

Beloved author Sheila Williams beautifully captures the bittersweet humor and vivid adventures of women who survive the worst life can toss at them and fight back to claim their right to be free, to be themselves, and to live on.

The courage to change doesn't come easy. When Opal Sullivan walks out on an abusive husband after 15 years, she has only her dreams in her pocket. Her new beginning starts in Appalachian River country, where she sees a bit of herself in a graceful but dilapidated house. Like Opal, the house is worn-out and somewhat beaten up, but it still stands proudly and deserves a second chance.

So Opal opens her doors - and her heart - to a parade of unforgettable characters. There's sassy Bette Smith with her cantaloupe-colored hair and four-inch heels; short-tempered Gloria and her devilish son, Troy; the mysterious Dana, who dresses in black and keeps exclusively nocturnal hours; a dog named "Bear" who is afraid of his own shadow; and Jack, who doesn't mind hanging out with an OBBWA (old black broad with an attitude). It is Jack who helps Opal understand a funny thing about life: You can't move forward if you keep looking back.

©2003 Sheila Williams (P)2006 Recorded Books, LLC

Loved the book

l loved this book. The characters were interesting with twists and there were serious characters and whimsical ones just like in life. It was a phenomenal way to get the message about DV

Excellent story

I enjoyed all the characters especially Troy , and Danna. I also enjoyed the journey and strength of the main character.

Im not sure if I wanted this book to end

This book was full of the hard truths about so many women and the effects of domestic violence. It was a book that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I evaluated my own life and questioned if I am pushing hard enough to reach my destiny.

Another soul touching and empowering book!

Opal Sullivan is a married to her husband Ted and they have a small daughter Imani. But sadly this isn't a happy marriage as Opal suffers from domestic abuse from her husband and finally tries to walk out of the marriage after 15 years of abuse. Opal starts her journey at a Woman's Shelter and ends up getting a home of her own that she opens up to other women who are seeking refuge from their abusive relationships or troubles and works along side the local women's shelter to bring healing and second chances to the women who come to her front door.

This book follows Opal and a whole cast of characters as they navigate their troubled past, abusive relationships, and seek second chances and fresh new beginnings in their lives. Sheila Williams always, always, has a way of touching your very spirit and moving you emotionally. I have read her books Dancing On The Edge Of The Roof and On The Right Side Of A Dream and loved those! This book, Shade Of My Own Tree, once again reminded me why I love Sheila Williams's writing. I never have anything negative to say about her books. Sheila Williams usually writes about women, their struggles, and their ability to overcome those struggles. Her books have a real and sad truth to them which can be heartbreaking, sad, triggering at times, eye opening, and stirring. But she always leaves you with hope, empowerment, wisdom, and the ability to find your inner strength to move forward as all of her characters tend to do.

I really connected to Opal and a few of the other characters in this book. I was laughing, gasping in surprise, and angry at times through the story. This book can be triggering as it does deal with domestic abuse throughout the book and even talks about how these women were abused, but it also discusses a lot more on the resilience of the human spirit through dark times, how everyone can get that second chance to be happy, and how to move forward and reclaim your life when you aren't even sure how to. Patricia R. Floyd does a fabulous job narrating this story as well. She has a very good pace in her reading and the emotion and depth she brings to the characters really brings the book to life.

Opals ability to find hope after being in such a toxic situation That caused her so much harm

I love this book I honestly thought that the story was well written, I liked how Opal was able to find herself again, and even after everything she went through, she still opened her home to help others in similar situations .

A touch of my own life

Altogether phenomenal! No okay words come to mind. Me in this book, thank you kindly.

When Is The Movie Coming Out?!!!

Excellent Excellent Excellent. Story line, Characters, the read, excellent. I watched this story play out in my head. Wonderfully written. I can't wait to see it play out as a movie or better yet...a mini series.

Great Listen…but 1 problem.

Opal could have avoided all the unnecessary harassment from Ted had she just called and reported him continuously violating the damn restraining order. Otherwise great listen!

when the leaves fall

Freedom beats bandage anyday! Opal use to walk on egg shells with high heels to avoid being abused from her husband Ted. She left him 4 times, and came back 4 times. Her daughter Imani saw it all, the police department knew her by name, she stopped going to church because she was ashamed. Like many women, they think their children don't know but oohh do they know. Whew, this book here is heavy. Opal became a shadow mother. When Imani turned 18 she left for college and never returned. I dunno why Opal stayed but she did. The insecurities.....on both sides is crippling, literally and figuratively. The possession and illusion of control is disgusting. One day she couldn't take no more beatings and tongue lashings and left. She ended up at a shelter. Which turn out to be the best decision she made. She was able to get help, made friends, bought a house and helped other women by letting them take shelter in her home. Of course Ted, came looking gor her and was mad as you know what because he lost his control, his power. He never saw his wife happy, and standing up yo him. Opal had a difficult but needed conversation with Imani about her abusive father and not falling for the same type of men. Although sad, it's a refreshing book. It shows that it doesn't rain all the time. Sheila Williams' visualizing descriptions keeps me hanging on for more, they are all truly something else. #Book8of2021 #bookworm #whatsnext