Book review: Elderberry Croft, Volume 4 (October through December) by Becky Doughty

With Volume 4, the serial novel Elderberry Croft by Becky Doughty draws to a close. In October Mourning, Willow helps Andrea and George with an emotionally difficult situation that Willow understands much better that they realize. In November Awakening, Vietnam veteran Doc and Willow share their stories with each other. We finally learn the full extent of Willow’s secret that has driven her to seek refuge at the Coach House Trailer Park. The final episode, December Dawning, is narrated from Willow’s perspective. This episode is like a comfortable holiday party in which we visit with all our friends again and realize just how much positive change the past year has brought for so many. From one point of view perhaps Willow did not choose the best way to face her tragedy, but nonetheless so much good came from it that it is clear God brought good out of tragic events and poor choices.

The characters and setting of Elderberry Croft are so believable and engaging that I will miss the time spent with them, and I enjoyed the sprinkling of herbal lore found in each volume. I will look forward to other work that the author Becky Doughty produces.

The individual episodes October Mourning, November Awakening, and December Dawning may be read on the author’s blog at beckydoughty.com. Volume 4 may be purchased at various retailers including Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and Smashwords. All 12 episodes are collected in a single ebook volume and a paperback book.