‘The Treasure Tree,’ written by father/daughter duo, Bruce and Vernae Ewing, is almost indescribable! It will take you on a journey to a faraway land where everything isn’t as it seems.
Jedidiah is a gentle, old soul, who is the guardian of the treasure tree. At first glance, the tree appears to be completely ordinary. Upon further inspection, Jedediah proves that the tree is the exact opposite. There are multiple rooms with outstanding beauty inside of the tree. Treasures unheard of line the walls, and clutter the rooms!
Throughout the land, there was a famine that was killing people every day. Two families sent their sons on a quest to find the treasure tree and its’ keeper and beg for help to sustain their families. The story follows Matt and Paul on their journey.
Matt and Paul couldn’t be further apart in terms of their personalities, habits, and emotions. Jedediah does everything he can to assist both Matt and Paul, but it’s quickly evident who will be rewarded for their hard and honest work.
This book takes the reader deep into controversy, the difference between right and wrong, and good and evil. Some undertones deal with God and faith, and they are easily adaptable to our present-day situations around the globe.
I thoroughly enjoy this book and look forward to sharing it with Declan and Tristan as they get older. It’s a bit advanced for them right now with all of the underlying messages, but the difference between right and wrong couldn’t be more precise.
A very engaging story that I think everyone should pick up and read! I’m looking forward to the duo’s next book in the series that follows the main characters once more!
I reached out to Bruce (father), and Vernae (daughter) for a quick interview to go along with my review, and that is as follows:
Me: How long, from beginning to end, did it take you to get the book together and get it published?
One of the authors: It took us about a year to start and finish the first book of the Treasure Tree series.
Me: What are you looking to accomplish in the next five years?
One of the authors: We are looking to complete the Treasure Tree series and hopefully develop our books into movies that will delight and ignite healthy attitudes of truth, honor, and fair play. We want to create a culture of courage, hard work, and positive attitudes for the next generation to step up and throw off the chaotic mantle of confusion and put on the mantle of serving others.
Me: What is your favorite quote? Why?
Bruce (Father): My favorite quote in the book is Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Because out of the heart flows, what is in the mind of people. No one can hide what’s in their heart. Sooner or later, what’s in there is going to manifest its true nature. This scripture forces us to be truthful about our personal reality; good, bad, or indifferent. All treasure isn’t profitable. But a kind heart will find good treasure no matter how hard the digging gets.
Vernae (Daughter): Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean to your own understanding. In all your ways you acknowledge him, and he shall direct your path” I’ve always liked this quote because it reminds me that when I’m unsure of what direction to take, I know that I can pray and ask for guidance. Jesus will never leave me, and I know that he will guide me, all I have to do is trust him.
If more people could think and believe as these two do, it would be a much better world out there!
Me: our book is excellent at explaining how to stay humble and thank God for things that you accomplish as an individual – what made you come up with this particular storyline?
Bruce (Father): I have studied the Bible and been exposed to myriads of philosophies and viewpoints from both good and immoral suppositions. The Bible has held true to what I believe to be foundational truth. The love and kindness, its offer is to everyone, not just a chosen few. The Lord placed it in our hearts to share His character with others. What other ruler or authority will lay down power to embrace all people, regardless of their social economic standing? God wrapped Himself in human flesh in the person of Jesus Christ and lived among us to give us a fighting chance to gain life. That’s humility, and whoever wants real treasure has to take on the character of God.
Vernae (Daughter): It was almost instinctual from all the lessons learned throughout my life. Every choice we make determines our outcome. Having realistic viewpoints in the book helped with the foundation and development of the book. Also, I truly enjoyed developing the characters as well as giving room enough for the reader to imagine, feel, and to grow with the characters. We wanted to make a story that was encouraging as well as entertaining and create characters that readers could relate to.
Definitely some key points to think about! WOW!
Me: How did your family and friends react to your book?
One of the authors: Our family and friends were truly excited about the concept of the book. Once they finished reading the first installment, they were ready for the next book, which will actually be out this fall. We’ve had many fun experiences with our readers explaining how they could relate to some of the characters and others characters they didn’t like! We are thrilled at the positive feedback we received from everyone. The Lord has blessed us, and we are so grateful.
Me: Was it hard to write the book as a duo? Or as a father/daughter team?
Mr. Ewing: Writing The Treasure Tree was definitely an adventure. Vernae and I both had many ideas during the creative process in writing the book. I can write forever, that is, build the skeleton, put muscle and hair on it, according to Valerie, my wife. However, Vernae is very good at putting the body together. I love the way she pulls things together. At times there were struggles in the cohesive process, but we truly work well together. She makes me laugh.
Me: Who is your favorite author? I’m an avid reader, and I am always looking for suggestions on what to read next!
Bruce (Father): I have many authors that I enjoy. Watchman Nee, C.S. Lewis, Charles Dickens, Francine Rivers, and Hannah Hurnard, to name a few.
Vernae (Daughter): My favorite Author is Francine Rivers. I enjoyed reading “Redeeming Love” and her trilogy, “Voice in the Wind, Echo in the Darkness, and As Sure as the Dawn.”
I’m going to have to check out some of these authors for sure!
Me: For Mr. Ewing, what has it been like to be a military chaplain? How does that work?
Mr. Ewing: Being a Chaplain was one of the greatest experiences that I have ever had. The Lord called me as a missionary to the military. I had no idea how He was going to do that until I was introduced to the Chaplaincy. My family and I were honored to carry the gospel of Christ to many places and people. Along the way, we grew to love God and people deeper than I ever imagined. And all done by the Lord through the United States Air Force.
Me: For Ms. Ewing, you have several things you are involved in, which is your favorite out of all of your jobs?
Ms. Ewing: Honestly, I enjoy all of the different aspects of my work. I always strive to better myself. When I have opportunities to grow in my craft, I give my best efforts in order to excel. Life is so full of possibilities, and I want to take every opportunity God gives me.
Life is definitely so very full of possibilities!! What a fantastic way to look at everything by them both!
Me: Your next installment of the Treasure Tree series is set to release this fall – what do you hope to accomplish with this series?
One of the authors: Our next book, “Coming Home”, is a continuation of the adventure with new characters and situations that will keep our readers on the edge of their seats. Coming Home tugs at the soul’s aspirations and exposes the inner inclination and core of each character. We hope to reveal and show our readers through our characters what’s in their own hearts. In the future, we would like to see the Treasure Tree series hit the big screen and bring a world of wholesome entertainment to those who are craving love, wisdom, and adventure that the entire family can enjoy. We want our fans and new readers to just really enjoy the book. Get a deeper look at the characters, the story, and how actually impact their lives.
My final thoughts on this:
As you can see, this duo certainly knows where they stand regarding their faith, goals, aspirations, and priorities! I wish more people were able to say the same! This is such an inspirational book! Please go and check out their website, The Treasure Tree Book, and see what they’re up to!
For other books I’ve read, with possible links to the reviews I’ve posted, check out my 2020 Reading List here!
Thank you so much for stopping by, and I’d love to hear what you have to say about this book! A HUGE thanks to Karen McCall from Ascot Media News for reaching out to me with this gem!! I love it!
Love ya,
Kelly Ann
