Beneath the Watcher Tree

by C.C. Warrens

Something is buried beneath the watcher tree in the woods—a metal box with treasure inside. But what kind of treasure? Gold? Secrets? Memories?

And who buried the box at the base of the spookiest tree in Stony Brooke? The tree with a reputation for snatching children and gobbling them up.

Jordan and Holly discover the box on one of their adventures and crack it open to find unusual objects inside. Curious, they set off to find the owner of the long-ago buried box. Maybe he’ll be able to tell them the story behind this strange and unexpected treasure.

Genres: Kids, Childrens

104 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2023

About the author

Jesus and laughter have brought C.C. Warrens through some very difficult times in life, and she weaves both into every story she writes, creating a world of breath-stealing intensity, laugh-out-loud humor, and a sparkle of hope. Writing has been a slowly blossoming dream inside her for most of her life until one day it spilled out onto the pages that would become her first published book.

Reviews

[Laura Hamby · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a long time fan of C.C. Warrens’ books it was such a pleasure to step into the lives of Holly, Gin and Jordan and people they associated with. Warrens has always been able to draw a person in and make her characters feel real and make you feel like you are there.
In the Holly novels you experience Holly and Jordan all grown up with a lot of experiences behind them.
If you read Criss Cross and the books that follow this book has not only a wholesome adventure for children but many facets that touch you if you have read the books for adults.
They are high intensity and very addictive.
Many people who rarely read a book more than once will tell you they are losing count of how many times they have gone back and read them all again and again.
This is a great book for children and adults whether they read her other books or not.
This book teaches about character, kindness and compassion without it coming across as teaching.

[Erin Laramore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun story about Holly and Jordan as children. For those of us who became fans of the author's Holly Novels when Holly is an adult, it is lots of fun to see her spunk and spirit before the trauma of her adolescent years colored everything with fear. If you haven't read the Holly novels, this will be a fun children's story and an introduction to the characters. This story is written to be enjoyed by both kids and adults. For kids, it's a story about kids that they can relate to as Holly and Jordan, aged 9 and 10 respectively, go out on adventures and are learning the life lessons that 9 and 10 year olds learn. For adults, it's a humorous foray into the unfiltered honesty of kids and an entertaining story about the trouble that a couple of kids can get into when left to their own devices. And for fans of the grown-up Holly, this is a great look at her growing up years, that have only been alluded to in the main novels. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to more!

[Maggie | TheeReadingRedhead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holly and Jordan are best friends that go on adventures together in the woods between their homes. One day they come across a box of old stuff near the "Watcher Tree", which legend states is a tree that gobbles up children. After taking the box, they discover the treasure inside and want to find out who it belongs to. They begin investigating the potential owners based on evidence inside. As they unravel the mystery, they question whether the Watcher Tree is real or if it's just a campfire tale. Do they have to fear the Watcher Tree and will they find the owner of the box?

I loved reading the stories of young Holly and young Jordan!! It really added a layer to their relationship and showed how protective they are of each other. I tried to look at this book from two different perspectives: as a kid reading a brand new story and as an adult that has read the Holly Novels and knows all about the characters and their history. As a kids story, I really enjoyed it and thought it was a fun little mystery with some small spooks but nothing scary. As an adult, I loved the depth this story brought to Holly and Jordan as characters. Holly got to be young and innocent before everything that happens in the future books. She is that spitfire personality that loves to inquire about everything and protect those she loves. I really enjoyed this look at Holly with her family which we haven't got to see before. It was kind of bittersweet but I still really liked this peek into her family life before the events that transpire later. But the most winning part of this book for me was Jordan's story. This felt like it was his story more than Holly's. It shows him learning what it means to be a man through the relationship he has with his own father and the relationship he has with Holly's father. I really enjoyed the moments between Holly's dad and Jordan the most. Overall, while I liked this as a children's book, I loved it as part of the Holly universe.

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful read about Holly and Jordan as kids. They find a buried treasure box while treasure hunting and headed out to track down the owner of the treasure box and discovering if the legend of the watcher tree is real or not. Jordan learns some valuable lessons about having character and asking for forgiveness as well as being brave.
If you have read the Holly Novels, you'll enjoy this first installment in the Mysteries, Mischief, and Marshmallows series.

[Becksreadingbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Join Holly, Jordan, & Gin back when Holly was 9 years old. Holly gets involved with a mystery with Jordan. Gin has her sparkling personality but is so different from Holly.
Peek into the past and enjoy the time with the whole Cross family.
This book is suitable for all ages and the younger generation (& those older) will love it and learn some important lessons, too.
It's safe, clean, and fun for all. My 10 yr old daughter loved it, and I loved it, too.

[Sandy Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

sweet story

A great story that teaches children, and adults, the power of friendship, honest sharing, truthfulness. Sadly these qualities are often lacking in today’s society. Thank you, CC Warrens, for sharing the magic and allowing a glimpse of the beginning of Jordan and Holly’s lifelong friendship.

[Christine Barth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet mystery, with some laugh out loud moments. Nice and short for kids and the God mentions were very natural and would be relatable to church kids.
The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I read the adult Holly Cross books and, while they are excellent, I didn't like reading this knowing what happens to her and her sweet family.

[Christine Indorf · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Holly and Jordan friendship as children and finding a buried treasure and finding it’s try owner. You see how their relationship grew into what it is again. Great for children and adults alike. Now I have to reread the Holly Novels again!!!!!

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 12-year-old liked this story, and I really did too!


Parents might want to know that there are a few mentions of "smoking weeds" and also a brief mention of a woman whose husband left her for a younger woman. There was no bad language, and a lot of good, biblical lessons. Recommended read for pre-teens.

[Anna Krug · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful children’s book by CC Warrens. The early life of Holly and Jordan.

[Beverly Duell-Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It’s fun to see Holly and Jorden as children and how their friendship started.

[Susan Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this cute story

I am so happy to be able to spend so.e time with young Jordan, Holly and Gin. This was such a cute story. Looking forward to the next installment.

[Michelle Haas · Rating 5 out of 5]

cute

This is a super cute story. I love seeing Holly and Jordan as kids and the adventure they went on.

[Mary Wynegar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Loved seeing Holly and Jordan as kids.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The narration of the young kids was hard to listen to. The story was okay.

[Jill Veatural · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun mystery for kids and adults! For adult readers of C.C. Warrens' Holly novels, it is such a delight to see the history of Holly and Jordan's friendship!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this with my granddaughter each night. We both loved Holly and Jordan's (along with Gin) adventures. We're starting Secrets in the Attic next.

[Ruth "CowgirlMama " Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Im so glad my son had a birthday...

It gave me an excuse to buy this book that I've been eyeing! Definitely an enjoyable story, with some good lessons too :)

[Lenora · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was ok, more for children than adults. I love the authors other books though

[Courtney Lyman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the descriptions in this book. The characters are fun, and the story is cute. My 5th graders chuckled at a few parts and were excited to know there's more in the series.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute book for kids and fans of C.C. Warrens Holly series. This book is a children’s book and it showcases Holly and Jordan as 9 and 10 years olds. They have a special friendship and enjoy mysteries and exploring the woods. There’s a spooky tale, a lost item, a storm, and more!

It was fun to read and I’m sure any elementary kid would love reading this novel. And Holly fans (like myself) will enjoy a glimpse of Holly and Jordan as kids. There’s a sequel coming too!