Weeping Boughs Don’t Break by Staci Troilo

Weeping Boughs Don’t Break by Staci Troilo
Series: Standalone
Publisher: Indie Release (April 8, 2025)

Review by Mae Clair

Claudia’s life imploded the day she found out her husband had been having an affair with a much younger woman. Though her marriage had been troubled, she’d remained faithful to, and stood by, the vows she’d taken on her wedding day. That covenant was not only with Leo, her husband, but also with God—an eternal union in the eyes of the Lord.

Leo, on the other hand, had no problem leaving his high school sweetheart behind. After divorcing Claudia, he virtually disappeared from the life of their two adult children while lavishing his new, young bride with expensive gifts and extravagant trips. In a small town where gossip reigns supreme, Claudia has had to suffer a painful, public breakup and divorce.

It’s taken her five years to reach a semblance of survival, overcoming not only Leo’s unfaithfulness, but also his mental abuse, gaslighting, and domineering attitude throughout their marriage. Then the unthinkable happens—Leo suffers a medical crisis which drags Claudia back into his life, thrusting her into a major role. She’s unable to say “no” to the pleading of Leo’s parents, his doctors, and even their children. Against her will, Claudia is once again subjected to Leo’s mind games.

This book is equal parts family drama, plus the singular path of one woman rediscovering her strength and her faith. Often, we think we have left God—but the truth is God never leaves us. That’s a lesson Claudia has to learn. Her faith has been shattered, buried under blind guilt, but devotion to God is a treasure she will piece back together.

---

Fat flakes plopped on her windshield, leaving blurry streaks as her wipers whisked them away. Steel wool clouds scoured the sky, scraping away all traces of the sun. An icy film clung to every surface—horizontal and vertical alike—its malice belied by a gorgeous glittering sheen that sparkled in an otherwise drab, dark day.

Weeping Boughs Don’t Break, by Staci Troilo

~ooOOoo~

She turned, stared over her shoulder and across the street to the church. It stood steadfast, spires reaching toward the firmament God spoke into being. Behind it the sun beamed, haloing the structure and casting a long shadow toward the park.

The Lord, reaching out. For her.

Weeping Boughs Don’t Break, by Staci Troilo

---

I hope you picked up the transition of mood in the two highlights above. Claudia’s story arc takes her from fragile and insecure to confident and joyful. That journey is far from easy as the author takes us through roller coaster chapters, sweeping from heartache to hope.

The characters are exceptionally well-drawn. Having grown up in an Italian family with Italian relatives, I could relate to so many of them. Everyone from Claudia’s family members to her BFF, and old childhood friend (now a priest) have their opinions of how Claudia should handle matters with Leo. Some are comforting, a few are combative, but all are caught in the cruel web Leo has spun for his ex-wife.

There’s even a light romantic element. A caring man who has the potential of becoming what Leo never was—a supportive and loving life partner.

Ultimately, in the end, Claudia’s search to find herself is her search to make peace with God.

I give Weeping Boughs Don’t Break five fabulous fish.

---

I purchased the Kindle version of Weeping Boughs Don’t Break.