Reviews

“LOVED this book! I want to read everything Sherry Parnell writes!!!! If I’m not mistaken, this is her first book. This book is up there as one of my favorites. I think it would be a great book club book, too! Five stars, this is one I will tell my friends about.

Author Sherry Parnell has written a fabulous book that you won’t be able to stop reading. It is a book that touches on many topics, like growing up in poverty, verbal and emotional abuse, grief, racism, stereotyping, and love. It is a heartbreaking story, and while it is fiction, it may be more of a look at reality than many of us would like to know.

I felt so many emotions while reading Let the Willows Weep, and as a mom, it is hard for me to grasp the demeanor of Birddog’s mother. She was extremely harsh with the main character Birddog, always, with rarely a kind word, touch, or any love shown to Birddog from a very young age. Unfortunately, Birddog’s older brother, Caul, picked up on this and continued it. Brothers often tease sisters, but this teasing seems so calculated and beyond mean.

Thankfully, Birddog did have love in her life, in the forms of her oldest brother, Denny, and her Daddy, who worked tirelessly as a miner. They were her protectors, hero’s, her friends, and honestly, the only family that loved her.

As the reader, I felt like I knew Birddog, and I wanted to reach into the pages and help her! Birddog didn’t have an easy life. At times, she was misunderstood or not allowed to explain anything that happened. She is so likable and someone I will remember for her strength, determination, and values. Readers get to watch Birddog go from a young girl playing with bugs in the dirt to a young woman who falls in love. But, her love comes at a cost. She makes a choice, and it has many heartbreaking consequences.

And, when Birddog is going through one of the most pivotal times in her life, an unexpected person enters is there, who becomes her friend, takes care of her, and loves her unconditionally when everyone else is gone.

Book Clubs, please look at Sherry Parnell’s website to schedule your time with her!”

–Janell Madison, Green Gables Book Reviews, October 11, 2021

“This book is a heartfelt, coming of age story. On the surface it looks like a Bildungsroman novel that follows the blossoming of the main protagonist ‘Birdog’ from her rambunctious childhood into her early adulthood. But set in the Deep South this story tackles and grabbles with tough subject matter. This book addresses race inequality, racism, poverty, death, grief, loss. While the plot didn’t evolve in a way I anticipated or wanted. The direction of the plot made logistical sense. The authors strength clearly lies in character development however. Her father, her brother Denny and Samuel as well as her mother felt like larger than life characters that leapt from the page. They were extremely tangible characters that felt fully realised and we were able to see multiple sides of the key characters throughout the story, which I found fascinating. It really added to the overall reading experience. The descriptions of the landscape were also stunning. In summary this novel is hard hitting in places but extremely readable and compelling. This book has a powerful and poignant message and I felt it delivered that message wonderfully. I hope more readers will be encouraged to pick it up. If you enjoy historical fiction set in the Deep South, then I highly recommend this novel!” —Beth Chats Books, June 2, 2021

“Ms. Parnell has written a beautiful yet sorrowful story that is poetic and descriptive to the point she brings you to tears and makes the heart swell, but also lends to her reader the more intense emotions based on difficult and abusive situations that burrow into the soul. Let The Willows Weep engages the reader with its stark sense of dysfunction, loneliness and hardships of the time, but also leads you to hope and redemption with an ending that will satisfy as to its strength and courage with one particular character that will certainly surprise you.” –Denise Birt, Wild Sage Book Blog, November 24, 2020

“Let the Willows Weep” was very emotional for me and together with the main character I fell a lot of feelings from anger to empathy and from love to hurt. It always very nice that a book can give you so much strong emotion, though it was a sad story. I’m sure – from now on – I ‘ll never look the same at a willow tree! “Let the Willows Weep” was excellent written and it fell almost like I was reading poetry. So, beautiful! The author, Sherry Parnell did a great job. . . I’m looking forward to read more of this author!” –Kathleen Van Lierop, My Crazy Life Full With Books, October 17, 2020

“Y’all I am thrilled to bring this book to you tonight – part historical fiction, part literary fiction and 100 awesome storytelling.⁣ In this debut novel, we meet Birddog, a young girl growing up in rural America. Her brother named her this because she is as small as a bird and as loyal as a dog.⁣ This emotional story will invite you into her story in southern low country where her dysfunctional family and childhood has her questioning if she deserves love and other good things.⁣ Fans of Where The Crawdads Sing will love this one!” –Leslie, shobizreads, October 8, 2020

“This is a beautifully written coming-of-age story about a girl named Birddog, the daughter of miner parents. The book takes you on an emotional journey as her life isn’t easy and is full of disappointments. I found myself emotionally attached to Birddog and hoping she would find happiness.” –Suzy, SuzysBookshelf, October 7, 2020

“In the tradition of the best Southern fiction—from Bastard Out of Carolina to Where the Crawdads Sing—Sherry Parnell’s Let the Willows Weep is a heart-wrenching portrait of hardscrabble, humble lives in rural America. . . I thought Birddog was a well-written character who lived in a sad home with an overly critical mother who didn’t love her.  She managed to stay strong no matter what life threw at her until the last terrible act that determined how she was going to handle the rest of her life. . . Overall this was a beautifully written Southern novel with a strong female main character.  Her life was full of confusion and sorrow but at the end, she was able to find redemption.” –Susan Roberts, Girl Who Reads, September 25, 2020

“As someone who was born and raised in the South, I feel that I can truly appreciate when a book conjures the feelings that come from living in the South. Time moves slower, a family is a very precious thing, and stories passed down from generation to generation are what keep our history alive. So, when I had the chance to read this piece of southern fiction, I jumped at the opportunity. There’s just something about a book like this that makes my heart feel full. However, the fullness in my heart doesn’t mean that there weren’t moments throughout the book that caused my heart to crack slightly. With the beauty of the South, often comes the pain of the South. Parnell did a beautiful job writing about the joy and heart that “Birddog” endured in her lifetime. It made me sad for several reasons, but the main was how the writing style in this book made the story feel incredibly real. There are people out there who have suffered in the same ways that Birddog did. I truly loved this poetic story and relished in the fact that it transported me to that small rural town. If you’re looking for a southern novel that truly speaks to the heart and soul of this part of our country, then you will want to pick up LET THE WILLOWS WEEP. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to read and review this book.” –Chase, The Bookend Diner and @thebookend.diner, September 24, 2020

“What is a book you read in high school and it stuck with you? Doesn’t matter if it was required reading or one you read on your own. ⁣I read Bastard Out of Carolina my senior year of high school and it has stuck with me ever since. So when I read comparisons of Let The Willows Weep to Bastard Out of Carolina and Where The Crawdads Sing, another of my all-time favorites, I knew this one was for me. . .⁣ Obviously I’m biased, living in the Rural Deep South, but there is a grit and fortitude in Southern fiction that I am continually drawn to. Writers like Wiley Cash and Delia Owens have really brought this genre to the forefront of American fiction and I am so here for it.” –Julianne, @booksandbackroads, September 23, 2020 ⁣

““Sometimes we can’t cry enough for all the pain we feel. So, we let the willows weep.” An emotional coming-of-age story about how one seeks to keep going through hard times. Sad and yet hopeful—filled with prose so beautiful and delicate, it often felt like reading poetry. This book is a reminder of how much our families can shape our lives. Birddog’s father abandoned them after he couldn’t take their mother anymore. Meanwhile, her mother seems to focus her viciousness on Birddog, jealous of her relationship with her father. As Birddog grows older, things continue to be difficult in her life. Yet moments of love, however fleeting, feel like hope, giving us the strength to keep moving on. An emotional read, beautifully written, and reminding us of the importance of kindness.” –Mackenzie, PhDiva Blog and @thephdivabooks, September 21, 2020

“This novel is lyrical, gut wrenching and powerful. I can’t fathom my parents hating me as deeply as Birddog’s mother does her. She’s a tomboy while her mother is all about appearance and the finer things in life. As soon as I started this novel I was transported back in time, when your station in life isn’t always easy to move on up from. . . Go grab a gorgeous copy off Amazon and to connect with the author, check out her website. This novel is a top favorite of mine this year. If you’ve also, read this novel I would love to discuss it.” —Openly Bookish, September 19, 2020

“This is a gorgeous and thought- provoking story about growing up in the South. Parnell focuses on Birddog Harlin, the daughter of miner parents and the youngest of three. We observe Birddog’s life as she struggles to overcome the tragic events of her childhood. At just under 260 pages it’s also a quick + short read.” –Sarah, @brabsandbooks, September 18, 2020 

“Let the willows weep is a beautifully told story of life growing up in the south and an emotional coming of age story for the main character, Birddog. Birddog is the youngest of three kids born to their miner dad and mother. Let the willows weep paints a picture of what it was like growing up in a working class family during this era and displays the types of prejudices that existed. Birddog endures a lot of hardships in her life, including loosing family members, abandonment and more. This story is depressing at times but the storytelling was really well done.  I do recommend this one but definitely recommend reading it when you’re ready for a sad story. Read this if you like coming of age stories & historical fiction!” –Beth, @blissandbooks, September 17, 2020 

“Although Let the Willows Weep is set in the pre-Civil Rights era South, as I read it I was struck that it could be set during anytime. Obviously, we have seen that discrimination still abounds whether it is based on race, creed or social class. The reader never learns Birddog’s given name. Birddog is the nickname that her beloved brother Denny gives her but she also is given the better moniker of Daisy Girl by Diggs, her first love’s brother. (Of course, Caul, her younger brother and her tormentor, calls her Dog Face.) Her nameless status makes her story more tragic and heart wrenching.” –Debra, Eliot’s Eats, September 14, 2020

“This one is difficult and heartbreaking, though the redemptive quality of the ending is moving, albeit short-lived. As a southerner who has a deep fascination with weeping willows and southern fiction, I was instantly drawn to this story and beautiful, simplistic cover. Similar to #wherethecrawdadssing and #bastardoutofcarolina this story paints a portrait of loss, grief, poverty, humility, and redemption, through the childhood and later life of Birddog Harlin. Birddog’s entire life is drowned in the shadows of her abysmal relationship with her mother, a woman who carries such deep and complicated resentments towards her only daughter it is sometimes hard to read through certain depictions. A poor family growing up in the rural south and supported by their father’s work in the local mines, Birddog’s world is continually shattered by various tragedies, an interracial relationship in an era of the Ku Klux Klan and systemic racism destroyed by hatred and judgment, a broken and dismantled family, and her inability to belong. As this title says, “Let the Willows Weep.” A southern tale that is painful yet searingly deep and hopeful at its core.” –Katie McEntyre, Martinis and Memoirs, July 8, 2020

“A coming of age story about a young girl named Birddog. Her life is anything but easy and full of disappointments. The story flashes back in time. Told in true southern grit that I love. This breathes heartache and hit me to the core. I shed tears. The writing is brilliant and so poetic. So many lines just come to life and linger. A hauntingly beautiful tale. What a remarkable read.” –Dawnny Ruby, Novels N Latte Review, June 27, 2020

“Sherry Parnell’s LET THE WILLOWS WEEP is a coming-of-age story about a family bound by the restraints of a life financed by its coal miner father and overshadowed by its never satisfied mother. A story of struggle, loss, and redemption, Parnell masterfully writes vivid descriptions, a riveting plot, and a protagonist who will endear herself anyone who picks up this book.” —IndieReader, May 9, 2020

“Let the Willows Weep by Sherry Parnell is a touching, dramatic and heartbreaking novel about Birddog and her family in the rural south. Birddog is a daddy’s girl, who loves her fiercely back. That’s a good thing, as she is her mother’s “greatest disappointment.” Birddog has two brothers, Denny who is her guardian and Caul, who torments her at every turn. When tragedy strikes, the family is unable to recover and falls apart. The book is skillfully written, with the first and last chapters through the eyes of an adult Birddog. The rest is about Birddog and her coming-of-age story. Beautifully written, phrases come off as poetry, lyric and descriptive. The reader will come to love Birddog through the story, taking her side and wondering at the cruelty of a mother. Tears are shed, and Birddog’s first love story will break your heart. Let the Willows Weep is an emotional read, one that will question a mother’s love, but that reminds us that everyone can change.” —Our Good Life, #ourgoodlifebooklist, April 2020

“Family, Drama and Dreams. The years of our youth form the times of our elder years. Between those years is the experiences that Sherry Parnell explores in her book “Let The Willows Weep”. A youth learns from harshness and kindness while finding her own self awareness within the story. Family is the basis for such growth for a young girl who experiences the range of these characteristics between her Mother,Father and brothers. She grows and develops but how does all her early treatment during childhood shape her and influences her choices as an adult? Parnell writes with an emotionally strong style. She wraps her words around your heart and takes you through a tale that makes you examine your own lives’ experiences. Backdropped in the Deep South the book is an experience well worth investing ones time. I hope anyone looking for a truly stirring, soul searching story, that will keep ones attention from beginning to end, will find a copy of “Let The Willow Weep” to have as their own.” –Christine, High Society Book Reviews, April 13, 2020

“This is a sweet & sad historical, fictional, coming-of-age read about love, loss, the challenges of family life & racism. It is said that, “Sometimes we cant cry enough for all the pain we feel. So we let the willows weep.” –S. Lindgren, shelfawareness2019, March 30, 2020

“Very highly recommended, beautifully written, heartbreaking novel written in the tradition of rural Southern fiction. . . Parnell’s writing is simple gorgeous, descriptive, poetic, and sublime. Even while describing difficult, hurtful, abusive situations, the sentences are perfectly crafted and the reflections are unflinchingly told. Birddog is a memorable, very well-developed character. This novel is through her point-of-view, and her self-examination about her mother and her resulting attitude. Additionally, Let the Willows Weep is an emotional novel and I teared up, or cried during scenes throughout the novel. Yes, it explores the line between destruction and redemption, but the journey covers a myriad of emotions that exist between those two points.” –Lori L., She Treads Softly, March 25, 2020.

“Let the Willows Weep is about poverty, love, intolerance, shame, racism and family dysfunction. Rage is a circle that even the wisest who wish to escape can become trapped in. How is one to hope when life just keeps bringing you nothing but grief and loss? Love takes such strange shapes, it gives and takes indiscriminately in this sad tale. For those who love southern fiction with enough grit to make your eyes water.” –L. Dandeneau, bookstalkerblog, March 2020

“I’m not even sure what to say. I almost wanted to give the book 4 stars because it is nothing but heartache, but it deserves 5. If you like your heart being ripped out and trampled over then you should read this book. I love southern novels because I relate to a lot of it, being raised in the south. As in the book there is a lot of exception for girls, where not a lot is expected from their brothers. I really don’t know what else to say without giving anything away and I’m kind of speechless.” –Torrie Tovar, Books and Life In Review book review, February 29, 2020

“Both you and the willows will weep with Birddog Harlin as she journey’s through a world deadset against her happiness since birth. Born into a family beset by poverty and broken spirits, Birddog grows up constantly reminded that her mother finds her to be an utter disappointment, while her brother Caul branishes insult and rocks upon her daily; although she finds tenderness from her beloved father and older brother Denny, this tenderness is but shortlived. Entering into womanhood Birddog again finds tenderness, even love; but it was not meant to be a lasting love, and again, her heart and yours break. Though difficult to believe that Let the Willows Weep is a debut novel, Sherry Parnell is set to release a second in the coming year and I know that I for one, will be counting down the days. The world of southern storytelling is richer for having Sherry Parnell’s voice.” –Kate, Once Upon A Book Club, February 26, 2020

“In a word, grief is the overarching theme of this book. The recurring loss the main character endures will yank on your heartstrings. It’s a coming of age story wrapped up in family relationships and to a degree, ia about what it’s like to be poor in rural America. This story investigates how hardship, disappointment, and loss can change and mold a young girl and concludes with how she endures. . . This story kept my attention from beginning to end. The characters were believable and the events and responses to what occurred, plausible. I loved the way nature was noticed and described throughout the book. Some people don’t like it when they cry as they read. I think that is the mark of a good author to be able to evoke a physical response to a story. I was in tears more than once as I worked my way through this novel. Although that’s not the nicest feeling, it certainly got me hooked and kept me reading. . . I enjoyed reading Let the Willows Weep quite completely and recommend it. It’s not a happy “warm-fuzzy” type of story at all, but does transport you into another world for the duration and will likely touch your heart.” –C. Gallmeyer, 44 Thoughts book review, February 17, 2020

“This was very beautifully written and I very much enjoyed the story. I have found that I have a strong liking for most southern fiction. This one absolutely did not disappoint.” –D. Schalley, The Reading Corner Book Lounge book review, February 4, 2020

“This book was a whirlwind of a novel. It just plucks you up and puts you into the setting and just spins you around until you find yourself at the end of it. The poor protagonist suffers tragedy and heartache one after the other, and a reader sympathises with her up until the last few pages. A book like this, involving how sometimes your lot in life is just horrible no matter what you do, and sometimes you’re stuck no matter how you want to free yourself, is especially poignant now.” –Devon, Goodreads review, August 18, 2021

“Touching and soulful. Raw and honest, reads beautifully. Enjoyed from the beginning to the end, looking forward to more novels from this author.” –Tom, Amazon review, August 17, 2021

“This story was very compelling. At times I was so sad. It might be easy to compare it to Where the Crawdads Sing, but it felt more real. The characters felt like people you might meet in any rural setting. The tone was convincing in that there was always a glimmer of hope for the characters. The difficult relationships really spoke to the notion of a person really learning how to treat others, in the way they have been treated. This may be a novel to read and reread, as there is a lot of scenes that stay with you. I will look for other titles by this author.” –Kelly Dufort, Goodreads review, July 27, 2021

“Heartbreaking until the end. Enjoyed this book. Full of pain and hard times the characters formed by their environment and the times. Sometimes love isn’t enough.” –Linda, Amazon review, June 24, 2021

“This story, following Birddog Harlin navigating loss and loneliness, is beautifully written and heartwrenching in the best way possible. The author did a wonderful thing tracing the humanity in each character in such a delicate way. A great, sad and yet tentatively hopeful, story!” –Hannah, Goodreads review, June 24, 2021

“This work is a well-written, bittersweet story set in the south sometime during the early- to mid-20th century. I really enjoyed how well the author used children making the same mistakes as their parents to portray how people end up as broken as they are. . .Overall, I loved this book. I don’t normally read books like this, but it will be going on my favorites shelf.” –Capt_Beebles, Amazon review, May 3, 2021

“Beautiful! “Let the Willows Weep” is beautifully written coming of age story. A very sad story of loss and loneliness and lost opportunities. . . Strong characters! The characters in the story were very relatable. . . Overall this was a well written novel with a strong female main character. Her life was full of confusion and sorrow but at the end, she was able to have hope. On a personal note, I associated with these were characters. I could have recognized them and their struggles from ministry among the Appalachian mining people. My highest recommendation!” –Deacon Tom F, Amazon review, March 24, 2021

“Birddog” Harlin is a young girl growing up dirt poor in a mining town with her brothers and parents, facing devestating hardships starting as a young girl. Let the Willows Weep follows her into young adulthood, carving her a devastating path of hearbreak, grief, class struggles, racism, and sorrow.  So many points in this lovely but crushing book did I want to pull Birddog into my arms and embrace her. Blow after blow she withstands, none of which she deserved. My heart broke every time it seemed maybe things would mend between her and her mother, only be called “a disappointment” again, or worse. There is nothing quite as defeating as feeling like there is no one who loves you, no one to turn to. I did love that the cycle seemed to finally break with Birddog eventually. While of this book was terribly sad, it was still beautiful and elegant. I loved the poetic prose woven throughout and found myself easily picturing the scenes even though the setting or time period is never revealed. This author surely stole my heart, even if most of the time she broke it into pieces…This was a delight to read.” –Heather Hazelton, Goodreads review, January 28, 2021

“From the first page, I was gobsmacked by the depth of heartbreak that this story brings to its pages. The despair and desperate need for love and acceptance of her mother by the protagonist Birddog, is so palpable, it makes you cry, which I did several times…Themes of this book include poverty, love, racism, intolerance, shame, verbal and physical abuse and family dysfunction…Though the writing is often poetic and there are wonderful sayings and aphorisms about life, the words and actions are cruel. But I am grateful that there is hope and redemption, and a lesson for us all that words can hurt more deeply, sometimes more than physical hurt.” –skketch, Goodreads review, January 13, 2021

“One day there was a river that rose without rain, because the over-hanging willows had cried the tears we could no longer cry. “Sometimes we can’t cry enough for all the pain we feel…so we let the willows weep”. Heart-wrenching and beautiful. 5 stars. Still feeling everything in my heart for these beautiful characters. Dear Parnell, keep writing. Your work is art and is healing your readers souls.” –Jessica Toro, Goodreads review, January 11, 2021

“This book was so easy to get into and so hard to put down…From the beginning I really connected with the young girl. All she wanted was to belong and be loved. As the story unfolds, my heart continues to break for her. Every positive thing in her life is followed by heartache…And then just when I thought I had jumped into the story the twists started coming. The loops my mind was thrown through kept me reading the last couple hours so I could get to the end! I’m still trying to wrap my head around everything. If you’re looking for a book that will take you away and make you feel something, pick this book up! You won’t be disappointed!” –Dusty Cox-Medina, Amazon review, December 21, 2020

“This story was full of loss and sorrow. It was hard to find the pockets of happiness. It was a reminder that life is not always kind. I loved the story.” –Tresia O’Shea, Amazon review, December 16, 2020

“Fans of ‘Where the Crawdads Sing‘ will love this tale hope born of tragedy set in the south. I read this in two days. I couldn’t put it down. Poetic, inspiring, and heartbreaking. This is a novel that years from now people will be quoting the beautiful lines within it. . . In the midst of something that I found lacking the author has a way of stunning you with words that strike a personal chord. . .This author is talented and writes beautifully.” –Nicole, Goodreads review, December 14, 2020

“Wow! “Let the Willows Weep” is beautifully written. From the beginning, I felt as though I stepped back in time, right into the pages of the book. The time frame felt like the depression era in a mining town. . . I look forward to reading more from Sherry Parnell.” –Karen Reeves, Amazon review, December 10, 2020

“Let the Willows Weep is a moving tale of a family caught in the whirlwind of life. It traces the journey of ‘Birddog’ Harlin through her growing up years and adulthood. Her childhood is spent in a dysfunctional family caught in its own contrasting mind-sets and dreams. While Birddog’s mother chases the American dream, her father and elder brother, Denny are steeped in their reality. The book is so beautifully written that the poignancy of the tale leaves you craving for a bit more of it. The language is as poetic and fluid as the gushing water of a river, and often, you can hear the willows swaying or weeping with the wind. “Sometimes life is just like paper wings. Fragile, easily torn apart, and often there are too many pieces to pick up.” We all are aware of the uncertainties of life, yet nothing can prepare us when the tragedy strikes. This story weaves the intricate and intimate human emotions of love, loss, grief, affection and so much more. Through its simple yet intricate storyline, lucid narrative and vivid imagery, Sherry Parnell has woven a story that transcends colour, age, and all other barriers. It highlights the nuances of a mother-daughter relationship, love that transcends barriers, past that tumbles into the present, kindness that overrules judgement and the feeling of non-belonging amidst everything you were supposed to belong to. It’s the call of the nightingale at night, the swaying of the willows without a sound, the rustling of leaves beside a river, a lilac sky on winter evening- beautiful, significant, poignant and melancholic, and yet sprinkled with a glimmer of hope. I recommend it to one and all.” –Silpi, Goodreads review, November 19, 2020

“The writing was sparse and often poetic, especially lines like this: “Sometimes we can’t cry enough for all the pain we feel.” Pulling me to her, she wrapped her arms around me and whispered, “So, we let the willows weep.” how beautiful is that?! Birddog is a spirited and defiant young woman, I really liked her!” –Melanie, Goodreads review, November 7, 2020

“The fiction of this book is set in the past century of Southern part of America. Although I am calling it a fiction, it holds sad truths of the society at that time. . . What I liked most about the writing is, every scene was portrayed with just enough details and emotion that you can picture and sense the wind around it. Not too much, not too less. I very much liked how the writer painted a girl’s childhood insecurities. That was very relatable. Also, the writing was very soothing to me. It entwined simple truths about life with small incidents of the story.” –Anjum Haz, October 20, 2020

“A touching story about love in many forms, Parnell’s novel is a wonderful story for those who enjoy works such as Where the Crawdads Sing or Steel Magnolias. . . .The story was tender and captured my heartstrings from Birddog’s first line. As Birddog and her family are dealt blow after blow of hardship, each member chooses to deal with the struggles in different ways; their story drew me in and kept me hooked until the last page.” –Katherine, Goodreads review, October 13, 2020

“This is a beautiful written book that provokes a strong emotional response from the reader. I liked the way the author used colors for the description of feelings in the characters lives and space in time. You will cry with Bird dog, the main character of the book, but also smile with her, but most importantly cheer for her.” –Vivian, Goodreads review, October 9, 2020

“This is a moving, emotional story that is essentially about the differences that drive people apart and the pain people inflict on one another because they are hurting themselves.” –Giana Leiva, Goodreads review, October 6, 2020

“Overall this was a beautifully written Southern novel with a strong female main character. Her life was full of confusion and sorrow but at the end, she was able to find redemption.” –Susan R., Amazon review, September 16, 2020

“An intriguing story. I was captivated at the first sentence!” –J. Pinson, Amazon review, August 23, 2020

“Great read. Definitely an interesting story. At some parts my heart broke, but all in all I definitely enjoyed reading it. I’m considering reading it again because of how it enthralled me.” –KristinS0609, Amazon review, August 19, 2020

“The characters grabbed me from the start and never let go! Birddog Harlin suffers all the insecurities and pain of a dysfunctional family and yet finds love and hope in the most unlikely ways. The author’s prose gave such vivid and believable descriptions of the characters and their experiences, I almost thought they were actually sitting next to me! If you loved Where the Crawdads Sing, you will definitely love this book!” –Teri Zayas, Goodreads review, August 7, 2020

“. . .the characters you do get to know well are mostly wonderful. The writing was beautiful and made Birddog very relatable. She pulls at your heartstrings, especially when you’re seeing her life through her eyes, living with a mother who will always be impossible to please. I would definitely recommend the book to someone who loves this genre . . .” –Heather Ragan, Goodreads review, August 7, 2020

“Absolutely beautiful book. This had me in tears. Sherry Parnell did an absolute beautiful job.” –Laura Nasoulinh, Goodreads review, July 30, 2020

“I really enjoyed reading this unique emotional story of a young girl Birddog who always seeks to feel accepted or loved. Sherry Parnell shares a heartbreaking relationship between mother and daughter in such beautiful detailed writing. You can visualize every moment in this novel, and feel the emotion of Birddog. Throughout the novel I felt so hopeful in her resilience with what she endured. This book is a really great novel and reminds us as readers to keep our voice strong.” –Jordan, Goodreads review, July 26, 2020

“A coal miner daughter. This so a wonderful book you sit love the story about acoa! Minner,s daughter that had a heartbreak every way she turns , does she find happiness or just pain page turner you can’t put it down a great free read from hidden gem” –Josephine Braddy, Amazon review, July 24, 2020

“A good read. A wonderful story of a girl’s life and the many facets of growing up…struggles in a cruel world…I really loved how the author used so many descriptive words…” –DMH, Amazon review, July 19, 2020

“Loved this book! Beautiful story full of pain and redemption. Well written and engaging, this book offers wisdom and hope in the face of our brokenness.” –JC, Amazon review, July 18, 2020

“Well-written journey. The book is well-written. It is an emotion-filled portrait of hardscrabble, humble lives in rural America. if you come from a dysfunctional family, you may relate. Comparable to Bastards Out of Carolina.” –Madlou52, Amazon review, July 17, 2020

“Sad story. While I did enjoy the writing, the story itself is sad and somewhat depressing. However, it is not an unbelievable story. It is heart-wrenching and not always easy to read. I’m glad that I read it, however, and will add this author as one I want to keep track of and watch. I felt like the characters were well-drawn and I invested in the story.” –Onereader, Amazon review, July 16, 2020

“A poignant love story. This book touched my heart. Having to live her life full of sorrow must have been hard. The author pulls at your heart strings with this book. It will make you happy sad, and tearful with the life she lived. A touching love story.” –coyotecactus, Amazon, review, July 15, 2020

“Heartbreakingly beautiful. Let The Willows Weep is a story about an impoverished family in Appalachia. It is meant to be set in the past. As someone who has grew up and lived in coal country for 30 years, it honestly could have been set in present times and nothing would be different. This is a story full of pain, sadness, and hope. Birddog grew up poor, her father a coal miner and her mother always disappointed in her. No matter what she did, her mother always found fault. Her mother found fault with everyone and everything, never satisfied. Nothing was ever good enough. Most of all, she found fault in everything Birddog did and said. Her father loved and accepted her no matter what. Her father was her safety and soft place to fall. My heart broke so many times reading how this child just wanted her mother to love her. She tried to do what was expected. Even when she did exactly what her mother wanted, it still wasn’t good enough. The book opens up from the perspective of Birddogs daughter, and then quickly changed to Birddogs story beginning at the age of 10. We follow her life until the age of 18. The story flowed easily and poetically. I was drawn in from the very first page and finished the book in just a few hours. The author did an excellent job expressing the hardness of life for Birddog. I felt the pain, the hope, the longing to fit in. All the emotions Birddog felt in the story, I also felt. I wanted to grab that little girl and give her the biggest hug and tell her she is good enough, no matter what her mother said. I cried with her as she experienced loss. I felt joy with her as she found love. I felt her pain when she lost all the things she lost.” –Elizabeth Walker, Goodreads review, July 14, 2020

“I’m not crying, you’re crying!!!! What an amazing story!!!! I was reminded of the emotions that I felt when I read “The Great Alone” and “Where the Crawdads Sing”, it’s been a while since I have felt something so heart wrenching. This is the tale of Birddog Harlin, a young lady growing up in rural america in a dysfunctional family. You will fall in love with Birddog and she will rip your heart out. I’m going to be thinking about this story for months to come.” –Kourtney, Goodreads, June 30, 2020

“Strength and Courage. I did weep, indeed! Sherry Parnell’s book “Let The Willows Weep” made me sad, but she also opened my eyes to the strength an individual can find through hard times and the courage to continue the life that was handed to you. I was not only sad, but also angry and dismayed at the heartless feelings a mother could have toward her only daughter. But, on the other hand, the author gives the reader a simple reminder that kindness doesn’t judge; a simple act of kindness goes a long way. I wanted to give the main character, Birddog a great big hug. She feels her Mother doesn’t love her. “… I reached my arms to hug her. She looked at me then turned back to the sink. I let my arms drop back to my sides and went to my room.” Birddog tries to make her Mother proud of her; longing for acceptance with open arms. Life is hard and complicated for Birddog. All she wants is to find peace and happiness. Sherry Parnell is a new author to me. She has a beautiful writing-style that had me reading the pages effortlessly; her words awarding me with vivid scenes of rural America. If you’re looking to read book of hope, strength and courage, read this book with a box of tissues by your side.” –N. Timmerman, Amazon review, June 10, 2020

“Sherry Parnell`s Let the Willows Weep is the story of `Birddog` Harlin – beautifully written, prose that reads like poetry, heartbreaking yet warming in many ways, deeply emotional and goes so deep that that feeling shall stay with you for a while at least…The joy, pain, love, hurts, hope, longing, expectations, feelings – goes on On Repeat – that`s LIFE!” –Swaroop, Goodreads review, June 7, 2020

“Growing up in a small southern town. The characters are good and the scenery well described. I could picture the houses, the creek and the red barn. I loved Simon’s mom’s purple house. Everything was very well placed in the story, the language used by the characters in that setting, the troubles they had, the sorrows, all of them pulled together to create a sad but great story. I enjoyed reading the book and would recommend it.” –S. McAllister, Amazon review, June 2, 2020

“Beautiful tale! Wow, this book was heartbreaking, and I loved it. Birddog’s life was so heart stopping but The ending was good” –Amazon Customer, Amazon review, June 2, 2020

“A MUST read. This book was an emotional journey for the main character, as much as it was for me. I felt anger, incredible sadness, empathy, disappointment, love and hurt. Wow. It packed a punch throughout, with incredible writing and storytelling ability. A coming of age story of a young girl Bird Dog, and her hardscrabble life. That something so tragic and heartbreaking could be written with such tenderness is worth yelling from the tree-tops. Don’t despair, there is hope.” –Carla, Amazon review, May 25, 2020

“Let the Willows Weep by Sherry Parnell is the story of a young girl named Bird dog. It is a story of a hard life in the past in rural America. It was a life of exhausting work, disappointments, rejection, fear, and prejudice. This is a well written, if sad, tale. It tells of the hurt people can inflict on each other and the hope provided by one kind gesture. Although this book brims with sadness, there is a thread of hope and possibility woven into the story. If you enjoy well written fiction that speaks to the heart, you will like this book.” –B. DeMoss, Amazon Review, May 19, 2020

“A story about a rural southern up-bringing,. Our main character deals with her dysfunctional family while blossoming into a young woman who recognises love regardless of race, class or outside opinions. Beautifully written. This book will leave you slightly heartbroken but also hopeful. Can we break the cycles that society has determined for us? Can we become more than we are expected to be? Can we recognise our own mistakes and change the future for the next generation? I enjoyed this read immensely and will definitely read more from this author!” –E. Glaser, Goodreads review, May 17, 2020

“Heartfelt story of a family surviving tremendous loss. How a Mother treats her children and their Dad can have a major impact on how they feel about themselves for the rest of their lives . . Wonderful descriptions of the town, the characters and the immense struggles of poverty make this a great read. Although the abusive behavior and tremendous losses are difficult, it is worth finishing this story.” –J. Chepko, Amazon review, May 17, 2020

“This book was a quick read to me and I would say I enjoyed it but it also made me cry a ton” –C. French, Goodreads review, May 13, 2020

“Great coming of age story! Sherry Parnell’s debut novel is a coming of age story filled with pain woven in with a strong sense of self. The author was successful in bringing the pain experienced by the main character off of the page and felt by the reader. Nicknamed Birddog, the main character is a member of a dysfunctional family. She experiences loss in the form of death, a lack of love and abandonment. This is such a complex story and I felt it truly captured how complex familial love can be as well as relational love. I was so disappointed more than once! My favorite part of this story is how confident Birddog is in her shoes and how she doesn’t bend just to make people happy, she is so true to herself. This was an easy read and appropriate for many readers.” –Amazon Customer, Amazon review, May 13, 2020

“Getting to know”birddog”was wonderful. Reading all the tragedies that befell her family was heartbreaking. I grieved with her and for her when the mine accident happened. I worried about her relationship with her mother and what would happen to her. It was a moving experience to get to see her grow up and the evolution of her family.” –Patricia, Goodreads review, May 11, 2020

“Sherry Parnell’s debut novel is a coming of age story filled with pain woven in with a strong sense of self. The author was successful in bringing the pain experienced by the main character off of the page and felt by the reader. Nicknamed Birddog, the main character is a member of a dysfunctional family. She experiences loss in the form of death, a lack of love and abandonment. This is such a complex story and I felt it truly captured how complex familial love can be as well as relational love. I was so disappointed more than once! My favorite part of this story is how confident Birddog is in her shoes and how she doesn’t bend just to make people happy, she is so true to herself. This was an easy read and appropriate for many readers.” –E. Hein, Goodreads review, May 3, 2020 

“Let the Willows Weep is a heart-wrenching story of one girl’s journey through life. Raised in a home where she cannot seem to please her Mother and one tragedy after the next seems to occur, the reader is taken on a beautifully written and descriptive journey of Birddog’s life. I always find books like this heartbreaking and they make me question how a parent cannot love their children equally or even at times at all. The strength given to the main character is incredible and her story is one of strength. I would recommend this book” –L. Stahl, Goodreads review, May 2, 2020

“This was a very well written book. I felt the love, the disappointment, the different stages and kinds of grief that the characters felt. I felt the sadness. The characters were very well written and each had their part to play in the story. I would definitely recommend this book.” –J. Thiessen, Goodreads review, April 29, 2020

“This was such a heartbreaking novel, as the author’s writing really made the character’s emotional ability believable and relatable. The fact that the main character, known as Bird Dog was able to go on with life looking for a positive change as things kept getting worse for her was sad to read. I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be reading more from this author.” –C. Underwood, Goodreads review, April 27, 2020

“Let the Willows Weep by Sherry Parnell is a touching, dramatic and heartbreaking novel about Birddog and her family in the rural south…Beautifully written, phrases come off as poetry, lyric and descriptive. The reader will come to love Birddog through the story, taking her side and wondering at the cruelty of a mother. Tears are shed, and Birddog’s first love story will break your heart. Let the Willows Weep is an emotional read, one that will question a mother’s love, but that reminds us that everyone can change.” –T. Steffes, Goodreads review, April 20, 2020

Beautifully written book that will linger in your heart. I would highly recommend, this book will pull on your heart and it’ll linger there for a long time. This book is filled with tragedy, hope and redemption. You can’t help but fall in love with some of the characters and really cling onto hope for them as the story unfolds and brings you into it. This is a book that should be added to your bookshelf. It’s a beautiful book, to be shared with many. –Holly Marie, Amazon review, April 15, 2020

“I was sorry to see this book end! “Let the Willows Weep” by Sherry Parnell is an emotional coming-of-age story. The majority of the book focuses on “Birddog” who received this nickname from her older brother, Denny. Birddog lives in a time when there are clear delineations between class and race. Birddog goes through more heartbreak than anyone should be able to bear, including abuse, loss, grief, adversity, abandonment, and betrayal. Parnell wove such depth into Birddog’s character that I found myself wishing I could reach into the book and give that girl some love.” –S. Wilmering, Goodreads review, April 15, 2020

“I Didn’t See It Coming! Enjoyable. Touching. Emotional roller coaster. The author of this book brought the characters to life. There were some twists and turns that I never would have expected, which in turn kept my attention until the end. Speaking of the end…. I never saw it coming!!” –B. Fagel, Amazon review, April 13, 2020

“Wow!! The splendidly written story of Birddog Harlen. A girl who was never quite good enough no matter how she tried. A story of poverty, a dysfunctional family, love and how with great love there also comes hurt so heart wrenching you are immune to the daily beauty of life around you and the caring of those who love you regardless of yourself. A story of racism and hatred but also redemption and great love. A story that shows that after great sorrow we are gonna be alright. Let the Willows Weep by Sherry Parnell made me laugh and brought me to tears.but left me with the feeling of hope. You will love this book!” –Pat, Goodreads review, April 13, 2020

“This is such a heart wrenching story, a tale of a young girl desperate for her mother’s approval. Birddog, as nicknamed by her beloved older brother, has a hard life by anyone’s standards. Her father’s job as a miner ensures that their everyday existence is hardscrabble at best. That would be bearable if not for the scorn of her mother. For as long as Birddog can recall, her mother hasn’t shown her more than a smidgeon of love and affection scattered randomly and unpredictably. Still she keeps trying. Will she be able to break the pattern that she’s grown up recognizing as the norm?” –S. Briseno, Goodreads review, April 7, 2020

“I enjoyed everything about this book there was nothing I didn’t like about the book. I Like the setting,the writing style,the plot,the plot twists and the characters in the book were amazing.I would gladly reread it again.” — N. Bannister, NetGalley review, April 3, 2020

“I enjoyed the book very much, though It is always difficult for me to read about prejudice and it’s horrible effects on people. I felt sorrow for the characters and sadness for the pain they all felt in different ways. I always feel sad at the end of a book and wonder what could have been. Hopefully we learn to treat others with the kindness and dignity that everyone deserves!” –Jennefer, Goodreads review, March 23, 2020

“I look at some books and picture them as “seasonal reads” — something better suited for the heat of Summer or perhaps during the freezing winds of Winter. Let the Willows Weep would be a wonderful read in any season. For much of the time while reading, however, it was raining outside and the soft splatter of the drops against the window were a constant reminder that for some, hardships and disappointments in life are like a never ending rain cloud. This was a beautiful coming-of-age story about a girl nicknamed “Bird Dog”… The trials and tribulations she endured made my heart feel weighted. I just wanted to reach in through the pages and hug her close to my heart. The story walks through her life as a child, a young teen and a young woman. Each episode in her life almost seemed darker than the previous one and yet she kept moving forward — her eyes always seeking a change for the better. It is said that the willow trees weep for a reason. When our hearts cannot withstand the hurt inflicted upon us, one needs to just bury your burdens beneath the willow and let the tree do your weeping. What a wonderful thought and even if it is not true — one can hope. For without hope, what do we have? I shall never look at a weeping willow tree the same and will forever say a prayer of thanks for all they may be enduring so that others may live without sorrow.” –N. Baker, Goodreads review, March 21, 2020 

“Beautiful writing, sad, depressing. This book reminds me of a cross between Educated and Where the Crawdads Sing. The writing is beautiful but the subject matter is so hard (think Educated) and depressing and none of the characters were really likable except for the main character Birddog. She was a sweet child that was abused and mistreated and that is what made it so depressing and hard to accept while reading it. I though the writing was beautiful and descriptive but the subject matter was just really hard to deal with. While this is a work of fiction things like this happen in real life and that is what makes it so sad.” –G. Mazzuca, Amazon review, March 15, 2020

“So emotional! This story really takes you on an emotional roller coaster!! I love the relationships that are portrayed here, the good and the bad. I really felt bad for her and it stirred up some feelings in me the way her mother, and brothers, treated her. Man, it made me want to shake some sense into her mother. The hardships and heartbreak that Birddog goes through just tears at your heartstrings, and it goes to show that you can’t help who your heart loves. A very good, emotional book.” –amgrassi, Amazon review, March 9, 2020

“A Southern tale with a shocker ending. I will keep Sherry Parnell on my favorite author’s list. Her words ring in your mind like a gospel song. There is at least one place in every chapter that brings me near to tears with just the picture of the southland with all her trials and gifts. I could not in this novel solidify the time in years – this is an anytime picture of the deep south, a heritage we all hope has evolved, as did our mothers, our grandmothers. It is a slice out of time that bridges into our modern age but doesn’t quite reach the ground on this side. Something we all have to keep working on, that bridge.” –Bonnye Reed Frye, Amazon review, March 8, 2020

“This emotional read is officially one of my favorites. The lovely way it was written suits my book needs perfectly. The tragic characters made the book worth continuing. This book is amazing. My only issue was that the beginning was a little confusing. I eventually realized what was going on but it was still pretty confusing. I loved what the author was trying to do with the flashbacks but I don’t think it worked. The ending also seemed a bit rushed and spontaneous. The meat of the book was great though. I will definitely be recommending it to people.” –Anja’s Library, Goodreads review, March 7, 2020

“Where Can I Hide? This story here is told by the life of the girl where she lived as a daughter of a coal miner daughter,where the mother was very disappointed in her daughter and let her know every single day! We All come from dysfunctional families how much is hers? They have their struggles and her protectors are her older brother and father until things changed! You go from home life to school…Verbal abuse is worse than physical cause the scar stays inside. Everything she does is always wrong. You travel with this girl as she grows up to a adult and to see how this effects her life! The tragedies she faces will they make her strong or does she call apart? What happens when she falls I love? You feel All of the emotions that the characters have and you better have the tissues. I didn’t want to finish the book and then I did, hoping the story would change and it did,but you will have to read this for yourself to see how her life turns out! Received this from Net Gallery and the characters are so real that you really know the family. We All come from dysfunctional families It’s just some are worse than others,you tell me where you think this family is?? It’s a very much read !!” –T. Wiley, Amazon review, March 6, 2020

“Weepy. Make sure you have plenty of tissues handy while reading as this is weepy in places. Life can be paper thin and is easily torn apart. You will find this while reading this tale” –Tanyawriter, Amazon review, March 4, 2020

“Slow burn. Oh my goodness, I didn’t want to close this book. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Birddog! I completely fell in love with this sweet young girl and completely connected with the feeling of being unwanted. I want to continue knowing her story. Truth be told, I wanted to find her and rescue her from that mother and her challenging life. The story is so real, and bittersweet. It is told in a slow sweeping way with a realistic view of a life that wasn’t perfect but cruel in a silent way.” –Brett N., Amazon review, March 1, 2020

“As the weeping willow tree is my favorite tree, I felt drawn to this book and I was so drawn into this book, that I read it in a day. Make that half of a day. I simply could not stop reading the lyrical and beautifully constructed sentences that meandered through this magnificent novel. This novel could be set in any time frame and In practically any country. The novel is that relevant. It should be read in high school not only for the qualities mentioned above, but for the empathetic nature to the many conditions of life that the story provides to linger over and to ponder but mostly, to question. Excellent read and expertly penned novel.” –Gwen A., Goodreads review, February 29, 2020

“Remarkable book, hours later the messages run in my head. Oh man, one of those books that grip you and you can’t shake it off after closing it. Maybe I’m starting to cry alot, or this book is just that moving. In page one we see where a father is leaving his family. From there we get to learn who birddog was, who peacock was, and a love so profound with daisy girl. To learn childhood protectors can be full of love and hate as full grown men. I’ve tried to figure out about what years this book would be based in, even though it has gotta be around 60s or 70s do to mines, walking miles to school, all the side details this book holds strong even today. I never could figure out Mothers double standards, but I guess that happens alot , in this day in age. So much of me wants to hate this book, but I can’t, as much has I dislike that we can’t be color blind to people’s skin, I got enjoy a book where for 2 young people love was more then skin deep. We must learn we can lose alot but to never build a prison with bars that we lose ourselves in.” –Kindle Lover, Amazon review, February 24, 2020

“This is a beautifully written book. The prose just flows and is often poetic. Ms. Parnell really knows how to turn a phrase in a way that is so succinctly descriptive and sweepingly emotional. . . The reader can literally feel the desperation build to the breaking point as each change to the family structure occurs. This is a tragic story. So tragic I had to set it down for a few days before I could face the remainder of it. I knew it wasn’t going to get any better. But I was wrong. The book did end on a note of hope and for that I am relieved.” –A. Springer, Amazon review, February 22, 2020

“This author brings an emotionally raw book to life through the characters. This book is not a simple story yet the theme is tragically a common thread in many lives. Dysfunctional families, mental conditions, mental abuse, childhood emotional trauma and trying to grow up and develop a normal sense of self worth and love and belonging. This book was recommended for me as I loved “where the crawdads sing”… sometimes I had to Put the book down and at other times I couldn’t stop turning the pages. This book connects with readers on many levels.” –Dr. M. Smith, NetGalley review, February 20, 2020

“Great book. I highly recommend this book. It’s a story of heartache and perseverance. I read it in 1 day. Wonderful storyline.” –Amanda, Amazon review, February 19, 2020

“A touching novel for sensitive women. This is a very touching novel about a powerful and sensitive woman, Birddog, her daughter, and their tough life experiences. It is a wonderful novel about love and feelings, raw emotions, bond, and strength. The book’s design is fantastic, and so is the book’s front cover. I recommend this book to all romantic women.” –The Very Hungry Reader, Amazon review, February 19, 2020

“Wonderful story line. This book is a wonderful romp through the challenges of a dysfunctional upbringing and the strength to persevere. The story is compelling and the characters have depth that comes from a full backstory. I recommend the book highly.” –Laura Colette, Amazon review, February 18, 2020

“An Amazing Read. Lots of sadness and tears while reading, but I finished it a little more humble and thankful for all I have in my life.” –J. Huntley, Goodreads review, February 18, 2020

“Good read. I found it interesting and couldn’t stop reading this. I love reading and very particular in what I read but I found this book really good.” –S. Williams, Amazon review, February 16, 2020

“Stunning!!!! Beautifully written story about a dysfunctional family that will grab you in and not let go. Told in a way that will pull you in and not let go. I will be looking for more reads by this author. . .” –msluv2read, Amazon review, February 15, 2020

“Read this! You can’t help fall in love with Birddog and feel every bit of her pain. You want to hug her as a little girl and continue until she is an adult. I recommend this book!!” –B.T., Amazon review, February 15, 2020

“I loved this story. It conjured up so many emotions as I read it. . . It is compelling and will have you empathizing with birddog as she navigates her life choices. . .” –M. Jelks-Emmanuel, Amazon review, February 10, 2020

“I thought this book was very impactful. It was written beautifully and even though it was a relativity short read the author made you connect and feel with the characters, which can be difficult to achieve in a shorter text such as this one. Very nice, flowing language as well. . .” –Sarah M., Goodreads review, February 6, 2020

“Well written book about relationships, love and loss. This was a beautifully written novel about family, love and loss. . . The author creates a mesmerizing atmosphere and really pulls us into her world. . .” –M. Izquierdo, Amazon review, February 6, 2020

“I like this book even though it is hard to read at at times. . . The story is told in beautiful prose in spite of the subject matter and it certainly kept my attention. Great book. I highly recommend.” –S. Wood, NetGalley review, February 4, 2020

“Such a great novel. Sad and heartbreaking at how the words you speak can break a person’s spirit and their self-worth.” –Missy, Goodreads review, February 2, 2020

“You will fall in love with the main character “Bird dog”. I am usually an instant gratification reader. I have been known to want get to the meat of the story often skipping over the narration. I heard wonderful things about this book from family members so I gave it a try. The author of Let The Willows Weep was able to draw me in and keep me there without my typical impatience. Although we never know the exact town or location of this story I had the feeling that it was in the south “any town USA”. The characters were so beautiful depicted that I felt like I knew them personally. From the beginning of the book you will route for the main character, Bird dog. I cried with her, but also cheered for her. I highly recommend getting lost in this beautifully written story. I look forward to reading more from this author! I’m a changed reader 😊” –J. Halpin, Amazon review, January 27, 2020

“Beautiful. This was one of the most touching books I’ve read. It was so deep and the words in which this story was told brought both tears and smiles” –J. Hoffman, Goodreads review, January 27, 2020

“Great book – I highly recommend!!” –K. Webb, Goodreads review, January 22, 2020

“If you want to feel sad, mad, and compassionate, read this book. Dysfunctional family is just the tip of the iceberg. Well written, wonderful characters to hate and love and a moving story. Just know you are going to experience all kinds of emotion when you read this. Well done.” –T. Olson, Goodreads review, January 9, 2020

“Sherry Parnell’s stunning novel, Let The Willows Weep is a story of brokenness and ultimate redemption. Through the lens of a beautiful young woman nicknamed “Birddog” by her beloved brother, we come to see how grief shapes a generation, leaving untold invisible scars in its wake. We witness how those scars govern the lives of “Birddog” and her loved ones, through decades of private suffering. We celebrate the heartwarming, affectionate relationship she has with her Dad. We privately wish that her Mother were capable of demonstrating any degree of affection, love. We cheer for Birddog’s strength of character and cringe when those around her diminish it. Bring tissues. The author’s characters are so well-developed that you’ll be drawn in completely and feel as though you know these people as your own. In the end, we the reader, along with “Birddog” come to discover what shaped her Mother’s distance and inability to give of herself. That epiphany leaves the reader with hope not only for the author’s heroine and her Mother, but for ourselves as well. And isn’t that the start of everything worthwhile?” –L. Leshaw, Goodreads review, January 3, 2020

“This Book Covers So Much about Class, Culture, Gender and Love. This book is beautifully written and features the most raw, human emotions that are both tender and volatile. Let the Willows Weep explores the mining industry, an American institution, socioeconomic class, family dysfunction and race. Somehow through the sadness, heart ache and grit that surrounds Birddog Harlin’s life, she finds beauty in the small moments and human interactions with those who have shown her compassion and love. Despite all that she’s been through, she can share that love in a powerful way.” –J. Sherwin, Amazon review, December 30, 2019

“Relationships and life experiences. Let The Willows Weep resonates with every person: relationships, family dynamics, life coming full circle. The characters within the book made me feel as if I personally knew them; I became attached to their lives in many aspects. I don’t want to spoil anything, so I will conclude my review with IT IS A MUST READ! Thank you to the author for an amazing book. Personal note: I am 77 years old, A father of four children, 12 grand children and I am buying each one of them a copy for one of their holiday gifts!” –R. Gleeson, Amazon review, December 19, 2019