Underneath the Sycamore Tree

This novel was originally self published by B. Celeste in 2019. Now it’s apparently released with a new (stunning) cover by Sourcebooks.I already fell in love with the foreword.“This book is for the chronically ill. For the people who fight every single day for relief, belief, and a cure. …”Ok, this book is getting five stars from me, hands down.Was it the greatest literary pieces I have ever read? No. But….IT MADE ME CRY! That hasenreinen happen since 18 years (Trudi Canavans Black Magicians Guild)! I have been waiting for this day, that book. I thought I was broken. I didn’t weep, but I cried. So yeah, five stars.Emery’s twin sister Logan died aged nine. Kidney failure courtesy of the auto immune disease Lupus. It breaks the family. Her mother never got over it, her dad leftward later Emery gets diagnosed with Lupus. She can’t bear to see her mother crying anymore and goes to move with her dad, his wife Cam and her son Kayden.Kayden has his own secrets, is cold and distant. But Emery wins his heart and his love. More I won’t say.You may argue, love between step siblings?! I was ok with it. They were both 19 and not related.Was the book sad? Yes. But Emery was so strong and positive. Or rather realistic.The book told about chronic illnesses and the stigma it comes with.What rubbed me the wrong way was the body shaming Emery had to go through. First she was accused of being anorexic and then fat shamed. What is wrong with people. How are you supposed to be then? That made me so furious, because of my own experience with weight and bullying. I felt for her.I did like Kayden a love. Was he blunt and an ass at times? Yes. But he was real. He changed. I loved the side characters as well.It had a bit of spice, which was appropriate and most of all, realistic. First times are rarely fireworks and starlight. I liked the aspect of bringing in the reality of it. It was well done.I wondered about the friendship aspect. Emery was always stressing about being best friends. How much more was it really?I enjoyed the book and read it super fast. I am happy with it. I am unsure how much I liked the epilogue though. Other than that, no complaints.

This book had me crying for hours while and after reading it.It’s really emotional and sad but also inspiring and beautiful to read. I don’t want to give too much away but you will definitely love it as much as I do.It’s written so beautifully, big thank you to B. Celeste for creating this beautiful story and giving us a piece of her.It will open your eyes, definitely hurt your heart but also free you in a way I can’t describe.