Muddled Cherries
by Sally Collins
Genre: Contemporary / Coming of Age
ISBN: 9781645387541
Print Length: 420 pages
Publisher: Ten16 Press
Reviewed by Melissa Suggitt
In the shadows of turmoil, Muddled Cherries shines a light on the path to independence and healing.
Sally Collins captures the essence of coming of age, wrapping the pains and pleasures of youth in a fresh and compelling narrative in Muddled Cherries.
This novel not only charts a young woman’s journey to independence but also explores the deep cuts of trauma and the healing that follows. Set in the picturesque Door County, it’s a story that reminds us of the strength found in new beginnings and the power of self-discovery.
In the summer of 2009, Emily’s life in Wisconsin at her father’s bar, The Honky Tonk, is marked by a series of unfortunate events: a broken relationship, an unsettling encounter, and the ultimate betrayal by her father. Feeling lost and devoid of purpose, Emily’s chance meeting with Jacob one night in the bar sparks a desperate need for change.
Fleeing to Door County, she embarks on a summer that promises nothing but the opportunity for a new life. In her fearless leap from familiarity, Emily finds the courage to embrace the unknown and forge her own path.
As she navigates life at a local restaurant, The Schooner, the camaraderie she finds in her new friends mirrors her own struggles and dreams. Through heartfelt conversations and shared experiences, Emily learns the invaluable lesson that her past does not define her future. It’s beautiful to watch as every friendship is a building block toward Emily’s new-found resilience, each layer solidifying her belief in herself. As she journeys from a naïve, small-town girl, to a self-confident young woman, Emily learns that her future is hers to mold and she has the power and skills to make it on her own.
Collins doesn’t shy away from tough topics in this one. The narrative delves deep into issues like alcoholism and PTSD, weaving these threads into the fabric of the story with sensitivity and grace. It’s heartbreaking to see the effect her father’s alcoholism has on her and her inability to let go of the past. The parallel journey of Emily’s friend Ryan, who follows her to Door County to turn his own life around amid his struggles with PTSD and his own alcoholism, underscores the theme of battling personal demons and emerging stronger.
While the story navigates many profound themes, it beautifully captures the sincerity and excitement of young love (and hormones). The positive and supportive female relationships Emily develops with Bridget, Alicia, and Nora, as well as her own summer romance, infuse a genuine and heartwarming layer into an otherwise intense narrative.
Despite a summer fling with British Simon, it’s Emily’s bond with Jacob that, as it deepens over the summer and as he opens up about his struggles with faith, paves the way for her to confront and begin healing from her own past traumas. This blend of youthful romance and personal growth adds a delightful contrast and balance to the tale, making it even more true-to-life.
Muddled Cherries is a poignant, uplifting tale of self-discovery and redemption. It’s a must-read for those who appreciate stories that delve into the complexity of human emotions and the beautiful messiness of life’s journey. I will be forever grateful that I let Emily’s journey touch my heart.
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