The Willow

The Willow contains content that will be upsetting to some readers, including gun violence, death, and post-traumatic stress symptoms.

What do you do when the worst thing in the world actually happens?

Run.

What do you do when you can't face the truth?

Hide.

What if there's no escape?

Break everything and start over.

Kirsten Madsen's sister, Astrid, is the victim of a school shooter. As the town rages and grieves, Kirsten just wants to escape... to a world where Astrid never died. Where they can grow up as sisters. Where they can both watch the willow tree they planted together reach its full potential. But there are some things you can't outrun...

This gripping and powerful novel about love and grief-and the lengths our psyches go to when protecting us from trauma-will have readers gasping with each twist, and rooting for Kirsten to become whole again.

Debut author Wendy M. McDonald explores the lives we are dealt, the lives we wish we had, and how we can face the truth in this searing psychological drama.