In the spring of 1961, ten-year-old Nate “Weenie” Dooley has a revelation-his father is not a good one.Inspired by National Geographic, his favorite thing next to the Bible storybook his mother gave him before she died, Nate plans to leave his father and their home in the Smokies to set out on adventure.When he discovers that his father has left him first, it will take the help of a stray dog, … him first, it will take the help of a stray dog, some kind neighbors, a one-man-band, letters from a long-lost-aunt, and a new understanding of God to figure out he isn’t really alone.
Will he find that Copper Creek is where he’s always belonged? Or will his wanderlust keep him from ever coming back?
In her second novel, Heather Norman Smith demonstrates that love makes a family, and that while fathers may leave, our Heavenly Father is faithful, and He has a plan for all of us.
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“My roots reached down into shallow soil, but it’s where I was planted; and they were strong.”
Wow. This is the first book by Heather Norman Smith that I have read and I’m stunned by how it has affected me. This type of book, a historical fiction set in the 1960s that doesn’t have action, suspense, mystery, or romance, isn’t my typical fare but I’m so glad that I read this book. The author’s lyrical, nostalgic, beautiful first person narrative is reminiscent of Valerie Fraser Luesse’s poetic style and the plot moves at a good pace even though it’s narrated by an almost eleven year old boy. There is such innocence, beauty, and goodness in Nate as he makes his way in the world and the supporting characters like Samson (his dog), Smithy (an unexpected friend), Patrick (his best friend), Miss Gentry (his teacher), and the Nelsons (his neighbors) are truly precious. The book also deals with some pretty heavy issues like mental illness, abandonment, and bullying but Nate’s fresh and faith-filled outlook on them bring out hope. This coming-of-age and coming-of-faith story of one bright, creative, and compassionate young boy will touch your heart and soul.
I received a copy of the book from Ambassador International via JustRead Publicity Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Heartwarming and inspirational. I cried while reading. The main character “Nate” is wise beyond his years. The way he handled life took courage and faith. What a great story! I look forward to reading all stories by Heather Norman Smith.
My Thoughts on Where I Was Planted:
I came into this book knowing that I would like this author. She has a previous book out called Grace and Lavender which I reviewed and loved. Her style is fun and upbeat while also tackling hard topics. It’s easy to read and flows really well. Definitely check out her first book!
When I first started reading this book I found myself sad. This poor little boy lost his mother and his father is not much better than no father at all. But then his dad actually does leave and he’s left alone to fend for himself and figure out how to do life with no one on his side.
Or at least he thinks no one is on his side. Read the book to find out just who really is on his side and how help comes from the most unexpected places.
This book is a great read and definitely does much to bolster your faith whether a new believer or a “seasoned” Christian. You’re going to love following this young boy on his journey.
The setting was fun and I love books that take place in the past. It’s rural which means I can relate to it having grown up in a tiny little town and now living out on a farm.
I recommend this book and this author. Definitely get a copy of Where I Was Planted and try out Grace and Lavender too.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Be warned: I am going to gush over this book. Set in 1961, this is not a “romance”, but a beautiful story about brave ten-year-old Nate, a boy of great faith who suddenly finds himself alone and thinks that he does not have anyone to help him. He depends on guidance for life from his beloved Bible story book, one of the last things his mother gave him before she died. His sterling character traits come from all he learned about his “heroes’ in those Bible accounts. This story is told from Nate’s point of view, and the author has done a great job of helping us see life through a ten-year-old boy’s thoughts.
From the very first paragraph, Nate had my heart. My first thought was that I wanted to be his teacher at school and encourage him in every way possible, so I was delighted to discover further on in this story that he did have a teacher who did just that. I loved all the characters who show up in this story to be a support system for him, and the wonderful message reminder it is to all of us to look around and become aware of those quiet ones among us who might need our help.
This type of book is why I became a book reviewer, because I’m delighted to recommend it to you. I’ll be following this author and hoping that she gives us more fabulous stories like this one.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
When Nate’s dad takes off without warning, this ten-year-old (almost eleven) sets upon a journey of discovery. With some unexpected help that comes in several forms—a dog, an elderly neighbor couple, a best friend, a teacher, and an unexpected friend—can Nate discover that family is made up of more than those who share blood bonds?
Heather Norman Smith’s Where I Was Planted is a beautifully written narrative from the eyes of a young boy who is both an old soul and a child who longs for normal. Nate is a character you cannot help but root for, one you want to just want to offer a long hug to.
Fans of Susie Finkbeiner’s Pearl Spence series will enjoy this one, and if you’re read Smith’s debut novel (Lavender and Grace), you’re sure to love the connection mentioned in the author’s note.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
What kid doesn’t dream of going off to see the world? And with a cache of National Geographics, Nate Dooley has a better idea of where to go than most kids. Adults, too, for that matter. And like kids everywhere, he figures he can strike out on his own.
No matter he’s only ten. He’s essentially on his own all the time anyway.
Ms. Smith tells a heartwarming—and heart wrenching— story. Nate is resilient and ingenious, and somewhat precocious—I don’t know of many ten-year-olds who would consider some of the adult issues he does. Nor could I fathom that a father would leave a ten year old to fend for himself.
Those issues aside, this was an intriguing story, and as Nate soon learned, there were many people who loved and cared for him, even if his father couldn’t.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
THREE FEATHERS
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Saturday, #TRD, Book Review, Where I was Planted, Heather Norman Smith, JustRead Publicity Tours
I am not entirely certain why I chose to review Where I Was Planted. It is not exactly the type of book I usually read and I definitely have committed to reviewing more books than I should have without reading one I might not care for. Fortunately I found this book to be heart-warming and a delight to read.
I loved observing Nate Dooley as he accepted his abandonment and resultant difficulties with such a good attitude and managed to find a group of new friends and a contentment he has never known before. Nate was a special character with a maturity beyond his years. The effect he had on those around him was endearing and I was touched by his love for others despite his own hardships. His journey to faith was especially touching.
Where I Was Planted is a must read and I highly recommend it.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
Where I Was Planted by Heather Norman Smith is a beautiful historical novel about finding faith, love and purpose in life.
The novel focuses on ten year old Nate and is written in the first person. I ‘lived’ the book through Nate’s eyes. He is a gentle soul, wise beyond his years and brought out the mothering side of me. Nate is a misfit searching to be loved and belong. He watches other fathers and wishes his father would notice him. The reader is reminded that we are all misfits searching for the love of Our Father. The good news is… God already loves us and we do not need to work our way into His affections because He will always love us.
As Nate goes on his journey of discovery, the reader tags along. There is a literal journey and a spiritual one. We all have a God-shaped hole that only He can fill. In coming to God, Nate has to be vulnerable and learn to trust. Even when we cannot see the road ahead, we can trust God because He is already there. “I knew His plan was good, even if I didn’t understand it.”
Some people attract others to them, like moths to a flame. Nate is one such person. As people draw close to him, they open up their lives. This reminds the reader of the church, the church is a place where we can be open and truthful and have the support of others as we journey through life.
We get to know God by reading His word. “The Bible storybook was my most prized possession.” We should all treasure our Bibles. They are God’s instructions to us on how to navigate through our lives.
Where I Was Planted demonstrates that we should bloom right where we are. We cannot choose where we are planted but we can choose to spread the good news of God. Our mission field may be overseas but there are people in our own back yards who need to hear about Jesus.
I found Where I Was Planted reminiscent of John Steinbeck’s Of Mice And Men as Heather Norman Smith paints the landscape and relationships with her choice of words. The whole novel was beautifully written and has left me feeling serene.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Wow! This book is powerful. I was hooked with the first paragraph. Nate compares himself to a dandelion weed pushing up through the crack of asphalt. Because of its perseverance, it makes it as does the character. This sets the tone of the book. I knew somehow Nate was going to gain the victory over some very difficult circumstances. Even so, I found myself conflicted, wondering how Nate would find a way to overcome. The author, Heather Norman Smith, masterfully portrays Nate’s emotional and spiritual struggle, and along the way, this young man finds a “family” of characters who help him to overcome. These people are unforgettable: Susie—Nate’s crush, Patrick—Nate’s best friend, his neighbors—Dell and Opal, Nate’s mischievous but loyal friend—Smithy, and his teacher—Miss Gentry. Herschel is the bully, and I came to love and understand even him. The central character who never speaks a word or appears in any scene, is Nate’s father. His father has abandoned his son. This causes severe emotional trauma to Nate, as would be expected. The author has a take-away message on this subject of abandonment that touched me deeply as I believe it will touch you as well. Through God’s grace, there is forgiveness and more… Also, Nate learns about his Heavenly Father who will never abandon him, and even though part of the way through the book I could see this coming, and even routing for Nate to find Him, some of the one-liners about God’s love hit me to the core. Please, PLEASE read this book!
Where I Was Planted by Heather Norman Smith is very well written, with likable characters and a storyline that pulls the reader right in.
Set in the early 1960’s, Nate Dooley is an ten-year-old young boy who lives with a rather inattentive father after the death of his mother when Nate was still quite young. Before her death Nate’s mother presented him with a Bible story book that he reads every night before bed. He and his best friend like to act out the stories in Nate’s backyard.
Due to his father’s inattentive ways, even when he is home, Nate is a rather independent young man who has been taking caring of himself, from having his homework completed every night to everyday hygiene to better than usual manners for a ten-year-old boy. Nate doesn’t miss school ever, and his teacher this year is especially nice, giving him her National Geographic magazines when she is through with them. Nate reads them from front to back several times.
Nate dreams of traveling to the places he reads about and is making plans for his first trip, without his father, whom Nate calls Bert. One afternoon, he arrives home from school to find that his father is gone, again, only this time it doesn’t appear he will be coming back. Bert has empties all his drawers, his closet and even the medicine cabinet. Somehow Nate is not all that troubled by this turn of events, continuing his daily routine as if nothing has changed.
As much as Nate believes he is just fine on his own, his teacher notices a change in his behavior at school, yet Nate remains quiet only sharing with a few trusted people.
Nate learns in trusting others, there are many in his small town who love him and are willing to help. From the odd man who plays one of those multi-instrument “bands” to his neighbor across the street, Nate learns he is loved by more than community around him. Nate learns how much God loves him.
Where I Was Planted is a poignant tale of a young boy growing up in the early sixties. I enjoyed the novel and would recommend it highly.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and am under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own, and freely given.