The Light Through the Leaves: A Novel

Written by Glendy Vanderah

Narrated by Susannah Jones

Go on a powerful journey of forgiveness and healing with The Light Through the Leaves, a transcendent novel of love, loss, and self-discovery by the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Where the Forest Meets the Stars.

One unbearable mistake at the edge of the forest.

In a moment of crisis, Ellis Abbey leaves her daughter, Viola, unattended—for just a few minutes. But when she returns, Viola is gone. A breaking point in an already fractured marriage, Viola’s abduction causes Ellis to disappear as well—into grief, guilt, and addiction. Convinced she can only do more harm to her family, Ellis leaves her husband and young sons, burying her desperate ache for her children deeper with every step into the mountain wildernesses she treks alone.

In a remote area of Washington, a young girl named Raven keeps secrets inside, too. She must never speak to outsiders about how her mother makes miracles spring from the earth, or about her father, whose mysterious presence sometimes frightens her. Raven spends her days learning how to use her rare gifts—and more important, how to hide them. With each lesson comes a warning of what dangers lie in the world beyond her isolated haven. But despite her mother’s cautions, Raven finds herself longing for something more.

As Ellis and Raven each confront their powerful longings, their journeys will converge in unexpected and hopeful ways, pulled together by the forces of nature, love, and family.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: Apr 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9781713560944

Glendy Vanderah

Glendy Vanderah is the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and Amazon Charts bestselling author of Where the Forest Meets the Stars and The Light Through the Leaves. Glendy worked as an endangered-bird specialist in Illinois before she became a writer. Originally from Chicago, she now lives in rural Florida with her husband and as many birds, butterflies, and wildflowers as she can lure to her land. For more information, visit www.glendyvanderah.com.

Reviews for The Light Through the Leaves

[Kari VanHeulen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Just a really nice book to listen to I like how it ended. I like all the detail I like the characters I am gonna look for another book from this author

[Rlynoyb · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I started to listen to it today and it just did not grab my attention. Maybe it will work for someone else.

[Annie Crauwcamp · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Certainly the most absurd story I ever read (listened to).
The narrator was great though.
The 'he said - she said' parts were so irritating at times.
I am really surprised that I finished the book.

[Angelica Rogers · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautiful story! I felt the ending was a bit rushed but aside from the, I loved this book! It’s my second from this author. I look forward to more!

[Janet Wallace · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

unpredictable - great plot, great characters - a wonderful listening experience

[Cristina · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Really enjoyed the flow of this emotional story. Very well written

[Nicole Anastas · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Well written til end.
loved the characters and the way story wove together

[Angie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love the author and narrator! And the story! The characters are absorbing and I was there with them throughout.

[Colleen Aben · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great narration. I really loved this story and the ending was worth the wait.

[Lize · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This must be one of the most beautiful nature inspired books I have ever read, up there with Where the Crawdads Sing.

[Rosemary Coffman · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Amazing book! I could not put it down. The narrator was great.

[Patty Walters Pitts · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent excellent excellent!! Just finished… second of her books I’ve read. Such a beautifully woven story, even if a bit far fetched.

[Alaina DeBernardis · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Oh my goodness!!!!!!! This book!!! Wow! I listen to about 2 books/week and this one is without a doubt one of the absolute best, most beautiful books ever!!! What a gorgeous piece of writing! An incredibly unique story. I loved every minute! I did not want it to end!! And the narrator is just as incredible!!! A beautiful masterpiece!

[Rachele Stoops · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The book is well written and absorbing, and I listened to the whole thing almost obsessively.
However, parts are incredibly unbelievable, and there is so much story that it becomes really crowded and too long. Infidelity, bigotry, drug abuse, conspiracy theories, ecology and veganism….it’s a whole lot in one book. A good editor would pare down the unnecessary details, like what people are wearing.
And there was a little too much description of teenage sexual encounters for an adult novel.
That being said, I’m going to listen to another of her books.

[Martene Mackie · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I hated this book! I wasted so much time reading 2/3 of it, but luckily convinced myself not to finish it. I think all of the great reviews must be fake. Ridiculous, unrealistic story. It condones teenage sex and pregnancy. I will not waste any more of my time even reviewing it - just hope to help others not make the same mistake of giving it a shot.