The Sweet Gum Tree
by Katherine Allred
The Sweet Gum Tree by Katherine Allred holds a highly rated rating of 4.30 out of 5, based on 22.6K reader ratings. First published in 2005. The book spans 314 pages.
About The Sweet Gum Tree
Sweet tea, corn bread, and soup beans—everyday fare for eight-year-old Alix French, the precocious darling of a respected southern family. But nothing was ordinary about the day she met ten-year-old Nick Anderson, a boy from the wrong side of town. Armed with only a tin of bee balm and steely determination, Alix treats the raw evidence of a recent beating that mars his back, an act that changes both of their lives forever.Through childhood disasters and teenage woes they cling together as friendship turns to love. The future looks rosy until the fateful night when Frank Anderson, Nick's abusive father, is shot to death in his filthy trailer.Suddenly, Nick is gone—leaving Alix alone, confused and pregnant. For the next fifteen years she wrestles with the pain of Nick's abandonment, a bad marriage, her family and friends. But finally, she's starting to get her life back together. Her divorce is almost final, her business is booming, and she's content if not happy—until the day she looks up and sees Nick standing across the counter. He's back…and he's not alone.Once again Alix is plunged into turmoil and pain as Nick tries to win her love, something she resists with all her strength. Only one thing might break the protective wall she's built around her emotions—the truth about Frank Anderson's death. But when that truth comes out and those walls crumble, neither Alix nor Nick is prepared for the emotional explosion that could destroy as well as heal.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Katherine Allred |
| Published | 2005 |
| Pages | 314 |
| Genres | Romance, Fiction, Chick-lit, Fiction, Young Adult |
| Average Rating | 4.30 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 22,577 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is The Sweet Gum Tree?
The Sweet Gum Tree is categorized as Romance, Fiction, Chick-lit, Fiction. Its primary genre classification is Romance.
Is The Sweet Gum Tree worth reading?
Based on 22.6K reader ratings, The Sweet Gum Tree has an average score of 4.30 out of 5.00, which is considered "Highly Rated."
How many pages is The Sweet Gum Tree?
The Sweet Gum Tree has 314 pages.
Who wrote The Sweet Gum Tree?
The Sweet Gum Tree was written by Katherine Allred. It was first published in 2005.
What is the ISBN for The Sweet Gum Tree?
The ISBN-13 for The Sweet Gum Tree is 9781419953250.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
