Tattler's Branch by Jan Watson {Book Review}

Release date: September 2013
Preview & Buy at Amazon.com

Publisher's Description:
Award-winning author Jan Watson returns to Skip Rock, a tiny coal community in
the Kentucky mountains, in her new novel, Tattler’s Branch (available in September). This novel continues the story of Lilly Corbett Still, who has grown to love her life as the small-town doctor of Skip Rock. Though her husband, Tern, is away for a few months at a mining job, Lilly has her hands full with her patients and her younger sister visiting for the summer.

Lilly turns to her good friend and neighbor, Armina, to help keep things in order—until a mysterious chain of
events leaves Armina bedridden and an orphaned baby on her doorstep. Lilly works to uncover the truth, unaware of what a mess she’s found herself in until a break-in at her clinic puts her on high alert. As she struggles between what is right and what is safe, Lilly must discover the strength of her resilient country neighbors, her God, and herself.

My Thoughts:
I truly enjoyed this new book from Jan Watson. This book stands alone if you haven't read Jan's other books about her character Lilly Still. Jan carefully wove the wild west, a working woman, Dr. Quinn, adoption, and grace into a wonderfully written book. The characters were well-written and believable. It includes Biblical values without preaching or hitting you over the head with a message. This is a wonderful read for teens through adults.

I give this 5 out of 5 stars.

About the Author
Jan Watson won the 2004 Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel contest for her first novel,
Troublesome Creek. Her other awards include being named the Best Kentucky Author in 2012 by
Kentucky Living magazine, a nomination for the Kentucky Literary Award in 2006, and second place in
the 2006 Inspirational Readers Choice Contest sponsored by the Faith, Hope, and Love Chapter of the
Romance Writers of America. Jan has published seven novels. As a registered nurse for 25 years at
Central Baptist Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, she incorporates her nursing experience in the hospital’s
mother/baby unit into her novels. Jan resides in Kentucky. Visit Jan online at www.janwatson.net.

Jan Watson on Tattler’s Branch
1. What was your inspiration for this book, Tattler’s Branch?

I wrote this book because the people from Skip Rock Shallows had more stories to
tell. I was reading my local paper one morning and came upon a story concerning
something dramatic that had happened on a creek called Tattler’s. I could see
Armina there.

2. Tell me about your main character Lilly Corbett Still. Was this character based
on anyone in particular?

No, Lilly Gray Corbett Still is totally a figment of my imagination. Lilly is one smart
and courageous young woman. I do love anything medical, so Lilly allowed me to
indulge a bit in the medical practice of the time. If I were to live any of my
characters’ lives, I would choose Lilly’s. She is so strong and determined. And kind—
Lilly is very kind.

3. What lessons or truths will your reader find in the pages of this story?

A central truth in each of my books is that everyone is important and unique. Every
person has a story to tell and that story is worth hearing.

4. How do you expect Lilly’s story to resonate with your readers?

I believe my readers will appreciate Lilly’s strength in the face of adversity.

5. As a writer, what did you particularly enjoy about crafting this story?

I especially enjoyed the relationship between Lilly and Armina. Armina is naturally
funny and Lilly handles her prickly humor with aplomb. I also liked exploring the
character of Shade Harmon. I learned a lot from Shade (including some things I
didn’t need to know). The relationship he had with his first wife is especially telling.
The way he loved his baby girl touched my heart.

Not to give anything away, but there’s a line in the book where Lilly says, “The
ground at the foot of the cross is even.” I just love that she said that.

6. What is your hope for this novel? How would you like it to impact readers?

I want my readers to be entertained with wholesome, faith-affirming, thought provoking fiction.

7. What big questions will this novel get your readers thinking about?

I hope this humble story will inspire readers to look beyond a person’s earthly
circumstance and ask themselves who that being really is and what lesson God sent
them here to teach.

Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.