Book Review: The Smoke Tree

My rating: 5 tough stars

For a lovely read with a strong message:

"Be tough girl, you got this!"



Tora McAllister's life unexpectedly falls apart after her husband's sudden trip to the hospital. That moment makes her realize not only her envied marriage but also her picture perfect life wasn't quite as perfect as it seemed. Life never is, really! It's all about perception and the truth you want to gloss over or acknowledge before it hits you in the face.

That moment wakes Tora up and makes her acknowledge not only the need to change her life, but also her perception of herself. If you really want something, you've got to go for it. And most importantly, trust in yourself that you can do it.

But letting go is a hard thing to do. Something that takes you out of the usual routine and challenges you to brave the unknown. And being brave is even harder to do when your 'friends' seem convinced you can't do it. Why else would a friend bring you chocolate doughnuts when they know you're on a diet and insist you eat them so you get your happy back?!

Happiness is what each and every one of us wants. "And while it sounds like such a simple request, happiness seems to be the hardest thing to acquire."

With only a small Yorkie Terrier for company, Tora slowly starts to open her eyes and look at her life as it really is. She slowly starts to turn disappointment into determination and sets out to find her 'happy.'
She makes a new friend, discovers joy, and ends up being courted by a handsome veterinarian who doesn't even bother to hide his desire. And yet, letting go is a hard thing to do, especially with 'friends' prompting you to 'not' do it.

'Sometimes we lose things only to find better things.' If we are brave enough to let go.

The Smoke Tree is a beautiful tale of self-acceptance and courage to go on.
Get up, dust yourself off and try again.
Even if it seems impossible and even if people seem to keep telling you, that you can't.


It is not a tale full of drama and unpredictable twists, but one completely relatable and real-feeling. The characters could be your every-day neighbors while the struggles Tora faces are the type each and every single one of us may have felt at one time and another. It is neither gripping nor very fast paced. And yet, I found myself reluctant to set it down.

The Smoke Tree is a tale any reader can relate to more or less. And I highly recommend it to everyone who is in need of a little mental boost. Because it shows you you can do it!

Happy reading everyone

and if you've ever found yourself wishing, just like Tora:
"I just want my happy back."

Remember this:
"Happiness is just an illusion sista. We are just as happy as we let ourselves be, and just as sad too."



Check out this book and more of Stefanie Nici over at: https://www.facebook.com/stefanieniciwriter