What is your motivation behind A SILVER WILLOW BY THE SHORE? Why did you want to write it?
I have had a decades-long fascination with the former Soviet Union and their rich, layered history. As a Russian minor in college, I spent a semester in Ukraine studying and traveling, and I realized that there are a world of stories to be told from that region. Fast forward twenty years, and after the release of my award-winning debut novel, Like a River From Its Course, set in World War II Soviet Ukraine, I began combing through books for the next story that I felt needed to be told. . . Launch - Author Interview
How do you face the future if you don’t know your own past?
When an unexpected pregnancy changes her dreams, seventeen-year-old Annie tries to keep it from her mother and her grandmother. But secrets have a way of coming out. In a household of strong women, the arrival of a new life sets off a spiral of truth that reveals a past full of whispers and lies—a past that existed in another world under the heavy hand of Soviet oppression. This history has dictated the circumstances of the present, but hope, redemption, and forgiveness will grow in the rocky places of these generational differences.
A Silver Willow by the Shore is the story of the unshakeable love between mothers and daughters and of the impact that past decisions can have on present day circumstances. This novel weaves together the stories of generations of women, from the gulags of 1930’s Siberia, to the quiet oppression of 1980’s Soviet Moscow, to present day Tennessee. It is an unforgettable narrative of the treachery of secrets, and of the light that unites the heart of a family.
"Stuart’s prose pulled me right in, and I quickly became invested in the three women in this family who are hurting and longing for acceptance in their own ways. The Russian history and way of life were captivating, and the secondary characters (James and Viktor) enrich this story further." Remembrancy - Review
"Oh, my, this book! This story of three generations of women gripped me right from the beginning. Elizaveta, Nina, and Annie are mother, daughter, and granddaughter all living under the same roof, but as the story begins, they couldn't be farther apart. Each woman carries a secret, and it's in the revealing of these secrets that they find healing. . . . Elizaveta, Nina, and Annie worked their way into my heart, and this is a story that will stick with me." Christian Chick's Thoughts - Review
"Thought-provoking and heart-rending, A Silver Willow by the Shore is a book that will pull you in and leave you feeling better for it. I don’t give out five-star reviews lightly. . . . Kelli Stuart has impressed me with her masterful storytelling and gift of character. You will feel both happiness and heartache with these characters as they live and relive their journeys. Here is a book that dares to question what’s truly important, to push beyond our fears and hatred and not only forgive others but ourselves." Jennifer Silverwood's Blog - Review
"If you like a good historical fiction type read then this is the book for you! . . . A great read that I highly recommend." For Him and My Family - Review
"Wow! What an incredible story from a gifted author. An emotional read, the story takes you into the lives of three women who should have a strong connection through family ties, but find themselves isolated from each other, struggling to find an identity amidst the secrets kept by each generation. A thoughtful and poignant book, I had to force myself to slow down in its reading. It is a book to be savored, but I just could not put it down!" By The Book - Review
You will be immersed in this story as you walk along with these women on their journey to freedom from shame and guilt. This is a heart tugging bittersweet novel." Pause for Tales - Review
"Wow! A Silver Willow by the Shore blew me away. . . . I would give A Silver Willow by the Shore one hundred stars if I could. It is being placed among my favorite reads of the year." Locks, Hooks and Books - Review
"To me, this is a very powerful book. . . . These histories and these stories intertwine to weave a tragically beautiful story that does involve love and loss, but also some redemption and second chances in life. I relished every single page." Andi's Book Reviews - Review
"A Silver Willow by the Shore begs to be read slowly and savored, although I found it hard to put down as I watched everything unfold. This poignant, bittersweet story will be enjoyed by all who enjoy relational, character-driven stories. A “best of the best” read for me with the highest of recommendations."The Power of Words - Review
"As the year draws to a close, I can honestly say Silver Willow by the Shore is one of my favorite reads from 2019. . . . This book was quite unique, as it’s an engaging multi-generational tale told via three POVs: Annie, her mother Nina, and her grandmother Elizaveta. They’re equally well-developed, and easy to root for and invest in." Edits and Reviews by Leslie - Review
"I was blown away by this book! How amazing is it that three generations of women who have kept secrets forever changing future generations of women to come. . . . This book is so powerful and I think I will add it to my 2019 list of reads on my blog that is coming up.
I enjoyed this book so much! I strongly recommend it!" Red Headed Book Lady - Review
"My first thought when reading the last few lines of A Silver Willow By The Shore was. “Wow. This is one touching story.” And I can’t think of any other way to say it. This book really left me thinking about my own family, about my wonderful mother and my many sisters, and how they are all just so special to me, and how important family is."Paper, Ink, & Lizard - Review
"What a wonderful cast of characters with a unique set of storylines! . . . Kelli Stuart is a brilliant storyteller. It is evident that she has researched Russian history and customs, breathing life and authenticity into her characters with confidence and elegance.
I love, LOVE, LOVE this story!" Cover Lover Book Review - Review
"A Silver Willow by the Shore was so well-written, and it is obvious that the author researched Russian history in depth. Elizaveta, Nina, and Annie have so much depth to their characters that I could swear if I drove down to Tennessee, I could visit them.
A Silver Willow by the Shore is a book that will stick with you long after you’ve read the end. I loved it and think you will too." Christy's Cozy Corners - Review
"A beautiful story, perfect for fans of mother-daughter relationships and well-told history, A Silver Willow By the Shore is one book I am sure will stick with me for years to come. I highly recommend reading it." Hallie Reads - Review
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About the author
Kelli is a wife, mother, novelist, and the driver of a smoking' hot minivan. When she isn't wrangling her five children, she can be found tapping away at the keyboard. Kelli is the award winning author of Like a River From Its Course, her debut novel which won the ACFW Carol Award for Best Historical and was nominated for two Christy Awards. Kelli is also the co-author of Life Creative: Inspiration for Today's Renaissance Mom with Wendy Speake. You can find more information on her life and writings at www.kellistuart.com.
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Sounds like a really great book!
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