The Light Through the Leaves

One terrible error near the forest's border.

Ellis Abbey leaves her daughter Viola alone for a brief period of time during a crisis. But Viola is gone when she gets back. Ellis disappears into sadness, guilt, and addiction following Viola's kidnapping, which is a tipping point in their already damaged marriage. Ellis leaves her husband and small sons because she believes she can only hurt her family more. As she walks through the mountainous areas alone herself, her intense longing for her kids grows stronger.

Raven is a small child who lives in a rural part of Washington and harbors secrets of her own. She is forbidden from discussing her father, whose enigmatic presence occasionally terrifies her, or how her mother creates miracles out of nothing with strangers. Raven spends her days figuring out how to use—and, more importantly, conceal—her unique skills. Every lesson serves as a cautionary tale about the perils that await her in the world outside of her small island. Raven senses her mother's warnings, yet she can't help but yearn for more.

The powers of nature, love, and family will bring Ellis and Raven together as they confront their deep desires in surprising and hopeful ways.