The Endless Forest

A Novel

By: Sara Donati

Narrated by: Kate Reading

Length: 22 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

With a master storyteller’s skill and a historian’s precision, Sara Donati has delighted readers and critics alike with her bestselling novels of the nineteenth-century New York frontier. Now she brings us The Endless Forest, set in the remote village of Paradise, where the Bonner family that listeners first met in Into the Wilderness make their home.

The spring of 1824 is a challenging one for the inhabitants of Paradise N.Y. when a flood devastates the village. But for Nathaniel and Elizabeth Bonner, it’s also a time of reunion as their children return from far-off places: Lily and her husband from Italy, and Martha Kirby, the Bonners’ ward, from Manhattan. Although Lily is nursing her own grief, it is Martha, fleeing a crushing humiliation, who brings with her trouble that will reverberate in all their lives.

In the sudden peace that follows the storm, as families struggle to rebuild, childhood friends Martha and Daniel, Lily’s twin brother, suddenly begin to see each other in a new light. But their growing bond is threatened when Martha’s mother arrives back in Paradise a decade after abandoning her daughter. Jemima Southern is a dangerous schemer who has destroyed more than one family, and her anger touches everyone, as do her secrets. Has Jemima come to claim her daughter–or does she have something else in mind? Whatever happens, Martha and Daniel and all the Bonners must stand united against the threats to both heart and home.

Painful secrets and hidden sorrows, joy, heartbreak, and passion follow the Bonners through a season of change and renewal. A rich, passionate, multilayered portrayal of family strength and endurance in a fascinating place and time, The Endless Forest will be remembered long after it is finished

©2010 Sara Donati (P)2010 Random House

Critic reviews

“Magnificent . . . [a] sweeping saga . . . highly recommended.”—The Historical Novels Review

“A splendidly drawn cast of characters.”—The Seattle Times

“Graceful, sweeping.”—Publishers Weekly

An amazing journey

An excellent series. I hated to see it end. I adore these characters that will live with me forever.

Sad to say goodbye!

I loved this series and the characters. Reaching the end of the series is my only complaint with this book. The author tied a lovely ribbon around each storyline, which I appreciate even if I don't like where every character was placed. Regardless, a wonderful listening experience.

The Endless Forest

A wonderful conclusion to a series of books I really enjoyed. I re-read the entire series before reading the last book. I am sorry to see it end.

I loved this series.

This story picks up the tale of Hawkeyes and Cora Munro of Last of the Mohicans. In the first book, Diana Gabaldon's characters, Jamie and Clare Fraser appear at the Battle of Saratoga. All of Ms. Donati's characters are well developed. There is interesting history woven into the stories. One of my favorite characters is Hannah Booner, a half white half Mohawk who faces pejudice against her mixed blood, against Native Americans and against women. Great read. All of the books in the series are a delight.

Outstanding Series

Far and away the best book series I have ever listened to. The Endless Forest was no exception to the excellency of the first five books. You needn't be a lover of historical fiction to thoroughly enjoy these well-told stories.

to walk with the banners great story

I listened to all these series for about 5 times each time has been an experience that I am interested in keep going back to the truly enjoyed Helen Reddy's narrating these books as I think she is one of the best narrator l ever heard , a true pleasure hearing these books I wish there were many more like thank you

Beyond excellent!

These characters became a part of my life over the months I read the Wilderness series. Hated for the end to come. Loved the epilogue which tied the family and story up in a neat knot.

A Great Series. A Great Ending

I don’t know what took me so long! I read Into the Wilderness when it was first released- but never continued the series. I recently started over on Audible and I have gone from book to book to book! It is so well written and so well developed and what a wonderful way to end it all in The Endless Forest.
As a huge Outlander fan...I find many authors fall short in their character development and descriptive prose. Sara Donati continuously improved from book to book.

Loved it!

I lived this entire series! Great story and the narrator was perfect. So sad it's over.

Amazing Series

I truly love this whole series, I fell in live with the people of Paradise and kept reading so U could see how their lives would h fold. I loved how the author of weaved her story right along with true American history. These books had it all Love, adventure, history and even mystery. I would recommend this these books to any one that Loves the Outlander series it The Circle of Ceridwin Series. You won't be disappointed. 😀