The Butterfly Bush
A Novel by Josephine DeFalco
Book 1 of the Butterfly Series
Growing up and figuring out who you are has never been easy.
When Leandra’s mama yanks her family off the farm in Appalachia to fulfill her own big city dreams, Leandra learns that survival is best accomplished by pushing aside her country identity to fit into city life. Yet her Appalachian ways call to her heart, pulling her back to Mamaw, Papaw, the butterfly bush, and home.
As Mama turns to alcohol to ease her disappointment with her new husband, Leandra is left to look after her little brother burdened with trouble of his own.
Soon, she discovers she doesn’t belong in the city or the country and must see her journey to the end. But where that journey will lead remains both a mystery and a surprise, especially to Leandra.
We are proud to announce that both The Butterfly Bush & The Butterfly's Secret are recipients of the Penmasters Global Fiction Awards - Learn More!
Reviews
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“Josephine DeFalco gives us an unflinching, honest look at the struggles of the Appalachian people.”
-- Fannie Flagg, Actress, comedian, and author of the book and Academy Award nominated screenplay
Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe'.
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This book pulls at the heartstrings; it’s packed with life lessons about survival, family, and the realization that glitz can’t compare to the strength of your roots. The setting was so vivid I could smell the tobacco and see the butterfly bush swaying in the breeze. While it’s a tough read at times, the emotional themes are handled with care and depth. A powerful start to the series—I can’t wait to see where book two takes us!
-- Karen W. / Instagram @onemoreexclamation
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“Prepare to get caught up in the twisting heart of a young girl on her journey from farm country life in Appalachia to the urban streets of New Jersey. A southern girl at heart, Leandra Barker must change to survive and thrive in her new environment. Ill-prepared for the difficulties that lie in store as she navigates a tumultuous home life, she finds the courage and resolve to create a life of meaning and ultimately realizes that following your dreams can get in the way of what is important in life.”
-- Susan Pohlman, Founder and Director of the Phoenix Writer’s network and author of Halfway to Each Other: How a Year in Italy Brought our Family Home.
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A heartwarming read with genuine characters living through life's tribulations and joys. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
-- A. Davis
Excerpts
Unbeknownst to me, it was a secret society of good old boys, desperate to connect with their moonshine supplier. The cash in the jar was magically replaced by the bootleg fairy with a powerful liquid capable of making them forget their most fearful worries and worst pains.
From deep inside, the hate, anger, frustration, and pain rose to my chest. I was so tired of everybody's lies. It crept up my arm like poison and my right fist flew out, knocking Dave to the floor. I heard moans and groans from the men who were present, and the room grew silent. I climbed on top of him to finish him off. I got a couple of good licks in before Lennie pulled me to my feet.
I thought about how Papaw would feel if someone walked in one day to say they were taking his farm, tobacco field, his apple trees and forested hills. In my young mine it just didn’t seem possible. I tried arguing my case for a while, and that’s when Mama explained about eminent domain. I wanted to cry thinking of all those mountain folks. What if they had a butterfly bush and their family graves next to their cabin and it was all going to be taken away? What would be left to remember they had even existed?