“A gorgeous storyteller, Knipfer has the gift of blending strong imagery with vivid emotions to capture readers’ hearts in this spellbinding story.”
Christian Sia for Readers’ Favorite
A HISTORICAL NOVEL ABOUT A MOTHER AND DAUGHTER AND THE SECRET SHAPING THEIR ROCKY RELATIONSHIP
1918:
Just as Robin Holcomb settles into married life with her husband, Willis, on his aunt and uncle’s farm in Wisconsin, WWI calls Willis away. With an unknown future and a child on the way, Robin makes the best of life among people she barely knows.
After the birth of her child, Robin struggles with depression and battles to overcome her inner demons before despair and hopelessness drive her to attempt to take her own life. Will Robin survive her dive into postpartum depression, let alone see Willis again?
1983:
Enid Fenton clears out her Mother’s house and puts the family farm up for sale, trying to not be consumed by guilt for installing her mother into the county nursing home.
Reading through some of her mother’s diary entries, Enid uncovers a secret that helps her make sense of the unnamed point of division that has always soured their relationship.
Can Enid reconcile with her mother before the ravages of Alzheimer’s claim her?
Readers of historical fiction, Christian historical fiction, literary fiction, and women’s fiction will be moved as this novel takes them from the depths of a person’s psyche and grief to the pinnacle of long-hoped-for peace.
“This time-split novel captured my heart and didn’t release it until the final page. Beautiful and haunting, Robin and Enid’s story swept me to another era. These characters lived, and I loved watching them find their way to each other. Keep the tissues handy. You don’t want to miss this story!“ ~Candace West, Selah award finalist and author of the Valley Creek Redemption series
“A sensitive and well-crafted drama unpacking issues of mental health, layers of grief, societal expectations, and the instability of memory, this novel is touching on the surface, but subtly and profoundly layered with meaning.” Self-Publishing Review ★★★★★
“Knipfer has created a story that crosses many genres and will appeal to those who love poignant epics about complex characters, engrossing plots, relatable situations, and a satisfying ending.”
Tammy Ruggles for Readers’ Favorite, five-star review
Reviews
Readers’ Favorite:
“Fans of Christian literature and women’s fiction will adore Jenny Knipfer’s work. It is passionate, steadily paced, and filled with intense, emotional moments. The prose is exquisite; the descriptions are terrific; the setting well-written to feel like part of the reader’s world.” Divine Zape
“The author is deft in exploring the emotional and the psychological conflicts, allowing readers a strong feel of the characters’ psyches. As the reader follows the characters, they are anxious as they look forward to the moment of peace between daughter and mother. The suspense is intense, the drama persistent, and the conflict moves the story in unexpected directions. It will keep any fan of Christian fiction and women’s novels reading to the end.” Christian Sia
Self-Publishing Review:
“An emotional tapestry of a novel, Under the Weeping Willow by Jenny Knipfer, Book Two in the Sheltering Trees series, is a tender exploration of loss and forgiveness, and how those powerful concepts evolve over the course of a life. Robin and Enid are a mother and daughter whose stories are separated by nearly seven decades, and divided by a deep wound that has never healed, but the discovery of her mother’s journals leads to secrets and revelations Enid never could have expected. A sensitive and well-crafted drama unpacking issues of mental health, layers of grief, societal expectations, and the instability of memory, this novel is touching on the surface, but subtly and profoundly layered with meaning.”
Donovan’s Literary Services:
“To call Knipfer’s story historical fiction would be to assign it the impartial world of facts and a backdrop that, in truth, comes to life in a very personal manner in her story. Her characters tackle a difficult relationship made all the more challenging by the intersection of Alzheimer’s and history.
“Driven by emotional interactions between all family members, the tale excels in capturing both daily challenges and the impact of a family secret in peril due to dementia’s relentless progression.
“Part of the charm of Knipfer’s writings lie in their spiritual inspection as the evolution of relationships moves through health crises and the passage of time. Her first-person character’s observations, emotions, and insights carry readers into this world, cementing these new discoveries with reflections on past and present. These are presented in an evocative manner that brings readers into the experience of grief and recovery alike.
“More than a historical fiction piece, Knipfer provides a compelling family saga that moves from 1918 to 1988 choices and their contrasting impacts. Under the Weeping Willows creates a candid story of Wisconsin family legacies of depression, dementia, and the process of uncovering treasures and wealth against all odds.”
The author did a stellar job of sharing the heartbreak, guilt, agony, and frustration that can accompany postpartum depression, suicidal thoughts, and the aging process. The story often tugged on my heart, and I felt the weight of these two women’s struggles. But that’s the job of a writer—to draw us in and elicit emotion—and Knipfer didn’t hold back.
Dawn Kinzer, freelance writer and editor and author of the Christian fiction series, The Daughters of Riverton
BookBub:
“It was a very touching ending that also had me rethinking my own relationship with my mom. I feel like the author did a good job showing both women’s side/ feelings in this loving but complex relationship. I can’t wait to read the follow up story regarding Molly. Thank you Jenny for a remarkable book.” Kobi Scrivner
“From the format, to the reality of life, to the inspirational and hope giving Biblical quotes, I was spellbound! It was so easy to relate to each character and situation, whether personally experienced or just being aware of life itself. I was so encouraged and lifted up, eagerly awaiting the next book in the series by this amazing author!” Mimisboys3
“Heartbreaking, but heartwarming, losing love, but gaining love. I very realistic story of love separated by war, and love speared by mental illness. I highly recommend it. You will not regret reading it.” Reneeandmikesimmons
“The author dealt with some hard issues: attempted suicide, living in an asylum and coping with a loved one with Alzheimers. Some heavy subjects that had me in tears at times but the author handled them with sensitivity.So much resonated with me through the ups and downs of this poignant story. I look forward to book three in this series.” Paula S.
“Under the Weeping Willow tugged so hard at my heart from beginning to end. Knipfer creates empathy for those suffering from depression or Alzheimer’s by writing in a way that makes the reader feel as if it is their own story. This is a deeply emotional story that confronts the crushing moments of reality and infuses them with hope. It seems strange to call this a feel good story, and yet, it is.” Stacey Ulferts
“You don’t need to have aging parents or to have experienced mental health issues in order to relate to this story. Under the Weeping Willow challenges readers to consider their relationships. What might we learn about ourselves and our loved ones if we took the time to find out? And where does faith come in when we’re faced with life-changing situations?” Dawn Kinzer
“The author tackles some tough subjects, and the characters are relatable, and what they face is real. This story kept me wanting to turn the page.” Rudysfirst
“I loved how Jenny was able to bring those things into light with in a Christian point of view. She did a wonderful job with focusing the importance of love, understanding in a family, and forgiveness.” Woodkeyja1
“Under the Weeping Willow will appeal to lovers like myself of historical fiction and inspirational fiction with themes of faith, farm life, family, determination, and strength. Prepare to be drawn in for an emotional journey through atmosphere, locale, and powerful storytelling.” Jennifer S. Page Journeys
“The author has done a fantastic job of writing a story that deals with depression and the treatment that was used in the early 1900’s. I enjoyed how the author was able to tell an honest story of a subject that is not easily talked about.” Lakeside Reading
