Burnt Tree Junction–the acclaimed historical fiction series for adults by Joann Klusmeyer–is set in the fictional Arkansas community of Burnt Tree Junction, along a fifteen-mile stretch of country road between Berryville and Eureka Springs. The series depicts the people, relationships, and culture of this captivating early 1900s southern community-amidst the sweeping backdrop of industrialization, opportunity, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
This wholesome, six-book anthology series, written by Joann Klusmeyer, whose parents lived this lifestyle, is instantly recognizable as authentic to the time, place, and culture. Taking this family-friendly journey to the rural south, with its delightfully entertaining twists and turns, will make you smile and will bless your heart.
Burt Tree Junction is not a junction, as such … it is more of a community around the high point on Ridge Road between Berryville and Eureka Springs, Arkansas. It was known by many names until that day in 1900 when a man was hanged there on a tree, and a lightning fire burned out the top, leaving it a charred stump. After that, Burnt Tree Junction stuck for good.
That’s when Burley Collins got started as the lawman. He lives on that bluff with the huge cave on the backside where he makes cider and looks down on part of Blue Lake near Turner’s lumber mill. Brother Phil is an Otoe Indian with a special calling. Paula Patrick grows bloodhounds, of which there are several. Lace Collar is located down in Garland and acquired a lying in hospital for those feeling real poorly. All told, the Junction takes in about a fifteen-mile stretch of road, mostly on the Eureka side of the river in Carroll County-home of the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence. Seems we got a lot of independent-minded pioneer sorts around here, and there’s always something interesting happening-some good, some bad, and some a bit of both. Hope you and yours come visit for a spell. You’re always welcome here at Burnt Tree Junction.
VOLUME 1: Roadside Stand and Brother Phil’s Angel
Roadside Stand
Burley Collins was a wanderer-had been all his life. Stopping here, staying a while there, doing this and that, learning more with each adventure. He stopped to rest where the old man used to have a stand where he sold odds and ends. The old man was gone and the stand was falling apart, but the view was as good as ever. He set his things down and looked around again, taking everything in. There was really nothing to keep him there long… except, perhaps, whatever was hanging from that tree limb.
Brother Phil’s Angel
Angels, as we all know, are created messengers from the Boss, and they might find themselves performing a variety of tasks while furthering the Boss’ agenda. One particular angel was assigned to a small Indian boy in northern Arkansas. His assignment was to prepare the boy to walk in the good works the Boss had created for the boy to do. The angel had a tough time with the boy. He really didn’t know how stubborn some humans can be. But he was patient, and the boy grew in stature and favor with both God and man.
