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Category: Tangerines
A Review That Filled My Heart — To the Power of Infinity
Every now and then, a review comes along that reminds me why I write.
One lovely reader, Jumi, shared her thoughts on Tangerines in a way that completely moved me. She described the audiobook as “filling up the heart with a sense of being adult while making us nostalgic for the innocent time we have left behind.”
She even listened to it twice—something she rarely does—and credited both the story and the narrator, Casey Montgomery, for creating a kind of magic. As Jumi wrote, “Maybe Oggy had cast a spell or Gilly had whispered a prayer when I picked up Tangerines, who knows!”
I’m beyond grateful for her words, which brought Gilly and Oggy’s world to life in such a thoughtful and heartfelt way.
You can read the full review below, and if you haven’t yet joined Gilly on her journey, I hope you’ll give Tangerines a read, or a listen.
Jumi’s review
Apr 13, 2025
Tangerines
by Tsvi Jolles
Format: Audiobook
Narrated by Casey Montgomery
Genre: Middle-Grade Fiction, Literary
Pages: 180, Time: 3 hrs 46 min
Pub. Date: March 05, 2025
Rating: 5/5A book I enjoyed so much that two days after reading it, I have turned on the audiobook again. Is it the magic of the author’s words or the charm of the narrator’s voice that is making me re-read, or rather re-hear a book I have just completed, again? A strange thing for me to do because usually I am always in a state of rush to read a new book; we all know there are many, many books to read and not as much time.
My guess is that the author’s words and the narrator’s style complement each other so well, that what we have in Tangerines by Tsvi Jolles, narrated by Casey Montgomery is an audiobook that just fills up the heart with a sense of being adult while making us nostalgic for the innocent time we have left behind, and it’s always tempting to revisit such a book, especially given its depth in exploring the life and mind of a 10-year-old girl who crosses a forest to meet her father.
The book is rich in imagination, as well as character exploration, and the view of the adult world through the eyes of a 10-year-old is done not just with brilliance, but with so much warmth and empathy.
My guess is that children, especially the imaginative ones, will find this book relatable, and more than that, very enjoyable. I plan to hear this with a couple of kids.
Gilly lives with her mother. Her best friend is Oggy. They sit on a branch in her favourite tangerine tree, talk, imagine (even flying yenekas) and watch the world below. Mother plays cards with Mississippi, Audelia and Eternity. Gilly’s father lives across the forest with Mississippi. When Gilly decides to meet her father, Oggy offers to accompany her and do spells to make the journey across the forest a success, because he doesn’t have so much faith in Gilly’s prayers. Gilly is always writing new prayers.
Given her age, Gilly doesn’t understand everything and because the book is in her pov, readers are also left guessing a bit now and then. This enhances the reading experience, because it brings Gilly and Oggy closer to our hearts.
Tangerines is a Middle-Grade fiction, but middle-grade children too don’t get to live in a perfect world. Nor is the real world a children’s adventure fiction, so Gilly and Oggy cannot win everywhere in life, they have to toe the line and live within the circumstances of their lives. In Tangerines we see the beauty of how the young and imaginative minds bloom and flourish even within the periphery of unwanted circumstances in life. As the book closes, I see a tangerine tree, it’s canopy sparkling with tangerines glowing in orange warmth. We know there is a tartness in the tangerines, but we still want to taste it because it will bring sweetness along with its tartness. This is life, and this is also the cover of this amazing book.
Tangerines also happens to be the first audiobook I have read/heard till completion. Usually I don’t fare well with audiobooks (been attempting since last 4-5 years), I enjoy hearing the story, but after a point my mind plays truant. This didn’t happen in Tangerines. I don’t know why, but I want to credit both the author and the narrator for the same. The rich, imaginative and poignant story, told in a soothing yet animated voice did some magic. May be Oggy had cast a spell or Gilly had whispered a prayer when I picked up Tangerines, who knows!
I fell asleep twice when hearing Tangerines—the soothing voice lulled me to sound, peaceful sleep, once for so long that when I woke up, I was in the penultimate chapter. 😀😀
I hope Tsvi Jolles soon writes another book, I am waiting. And I will reach out for more audiobooks narrated by Casey Montgomery.
My thanks to Netgalley and Brave Fawn Books for the audiobook of Tangerines in exchange for a honest review.
Q: Do I recommend Tangerines by Tsvi Jolles to my fellow readers?
A: Absolutely to the power of infinity ❤️❤️❤️
Celebrating Tangerines: Recognized by Reedsy Discovery for Literary Excellence
I’m happy to share some exciting news about my latest novel, Tangerines. The book has been featured on Reedsy Discovery, a platform dedicated to highlighting outstanding new literature. Described as “a whimsical, poetic journey of love, loss, and imagination.”
For those unfamiliar, Tangerines follows the story of Gilly, a ten-year-old girl who resides in a forest with her mother. Her world is rich with secrets, dreams, and the quiet magic of childhood imagination. Alongside her best friend, Oggy—known for his inventive language and belief in magic—Gilly embarks on a quest to reconnect with her estranged father, who lives on the other side of the forest. Narrated through Gilly’s diary entries, the novel delves into themes of longing, family, and the innocent interpretations of a child’s mind.
Readers have resonated deeply with Gilly’s journey. One reviewer noted, “This book truly gets what it feels like to be ten. How everything is so important, how friendships and little victories feel like the biggest things in the world. It’s heartwarming and real, and I loved every second of it.” Another shared, “I genuinely felt like I was reading a 10-year-old’s journal. The complete randomness of certain things really made that 10-year-old POV come to life.”
The recognition from Reedsy Discovery is a significant honor, and I’m grateful for the platform’s support in bringing Tangerines to a wider audience. For those interested in exploring Gilly’s whimsical world, Tangerines is available for purchase through various retailers.
Thank you to all my readers for your continued support and for embracing the magic within Tangerines.
Find Tangerines on Reedsy
Get Your Copy of Tangerines
Review: A Charming, Funny, and Tearful Journey in Tangerines
Photo credit: Alessandra
I love reading reviews of my books. Seeing how readers connect with my stories is one of the best parts about being an author. But sometimes, a review itself feels like a little masterpiece, and this one from Kaat Zoetekouw from the Netherlands definitely fits the bill.
Kaat wrote a review full of thoughtfulness and insight. Reading this made me feel like she really understood what I was trying to express—sometimes even better than I was aware of myself, because there’s always stuff hidden beneath the surface. Most reviewers understandably don’t have the time to put so much depth into their feedback, so when someone does, I genuinely treasure it.
Here’s Kaat’s review in full, because just an excerpt won’t do here:
What is the saddest word you know? A loaded question, isn’t it? But it’s a question 10 year old Gilly has asked herself: “longing”. And that word summarizes the book Tangerines rather perfectly.
Kaat Zoetekouw
Gilly lives in a forest with her mom. Her best (and only) friend is Ever-So-Wise-Or-So-He-Says Oggy, a passionate 10 year-old who believes in magic and makes up his own words and spells. Gilly’s father is no longer in the picture, living on the other side of the forest, and by way of her diary Gilly narrates around the deep longing she has to have her father back. Gilly and Oggy devise a spell to get him back from his live-in girlfriend, Mississippi, whom Gilly loathes and thus lists FIRST when musing on the topic “If people HAD to die in order…”
Welcome to the magical world of 10 year old brains with 10 year old imaginations and fitting childlike interpretations. It’s unreliable narration at its finest and funniest: Gilly has no qualms about admitting she lies. Her directness is refreshing and witty in a manner exclusively reserved for preteens. But more than that, the reader immediately senses, apart from Gilly’s inability as a 10 year old to process adult complexities, that things are also being kept from her.
In her writing journey (Gilly hopes this becomes a book one day), Gilly ponders about family a lot. Along with magical words made up by Oggy, they discuss equally powerful real words like “psychology”, “high sensitivity” and particularly “heredity”. Both kids marvel at the concept of heredity, thinking that if one parent likes something, they will inherit that same like. Or that same choice. Or behavior. These conversations and these kids’ life experiences so far give us a lot of insight into Oggy’s motivations especially and how he affects Gilly. Without giving much away, I thought this was just beautifully woven together.
Much like the world this story takes place in. Initially, we think it’s a timeless sort of enchanted forest, with tangerine trees, and ‘yanika’ animals (I listened to the audiobook, please forgive me for not knowing the spelling). So when Gilly suddenly mentions Disney and Stephen King, it’s really jarring! We’re in the modern world after all! But it’s a very, very isolated, small world for Gilly. She doesn’t attend school and has only her mom, her Tangerine tree, and Oggy. Oggy is clearly her whole world, her diary full of Oggy-isms. He’s her anchor in life.
Despite that, Gilly is full of light and humor, her journal a chronicle of a journey, but also full of random observations and delightful information, such as her having been to Oggy’s house 53 times. Of Oggy’s parents having “a special mirror above the bed. Oggy swears it’s for catching night smiles.” Or of Oggy being just “this kid in front of her” or “that boy she knows” when they’re in a fight. The way I chuckled at all of this. Kids are awesome.
But stowed away in between the Oggy-isms or the 1000 references to yanika’s, she works in thoughts like: “Beautiful things should stand on her own,” referring to her individuality. And the heartbreaking question she longs to ask her mom: “‘Do you love me?’ I know the answer, but I just need to hear her say it.”
These sensitive, honest thoughts made me physically brace myself for Gilly towards the end. I was fully invested, and upon finishing the book I found myself entirely baffled to be suddenly in tears. Again without spoiling the ending, as a person whose own childhood was full of questions about family and belonging, so much of this just resonated. I kept flashing back to my own chaotic journal entries from when I was 9 years old. The stuff that mattered then (cringe!) with little hints of hope and heartbreak scattered in between. You know, the soul-shaping stuff in a little time capsule. This little book has got all that.
Thank you so much, Kaat—you truly made my day!
Tangerines Hits Audible Today – A Dream Come True!
Hi, friends! It’s Tsvi Jolles here, and I’m beyond thrilled to share some exciting news: the Audible version of my book Tangerines is out today! After years of dreaming, writing, rewriting, and working behind the scenes, Gilly’s story is now available to listen to, narrated by the incredibly talented Casey Montgomery. It’s a 3-hour-and-44-minute journey into a world of friendship, secrets, and the quiet magic of believing in what matters most. I can’t wait for you to hear it!
The Audible Details
- Listening Length: 3 hours and 44 minutes
- Author: Tsvi Jolles (that’s me!)
- Narrator: Casey Montgomery
- Publisher: Brave Fawn Books
- Audible.com Release Date: March 5, 2025
- Program Type: Audiobook
- Version: Unabridged
- Language: English
- ASIN: B0DZ8GFD5B
Tangerines follows Gilly, a 10-year-old girl with a heart full of questions, as she searches for her father through a forest that borders her imagination. With her best friend Oggy—keeper of a thousand made-up words—she wonders if a prayer or a spell can bring back her dad, and if her dad will still be the one she remembers. It’s a lyrical, tender story about family, friendship, and the bittersweet beauty of holding onto hope.
Finding the Perfect Voice: Choosing Casey Montgomery
One of the most exciting parts of bringing Tangerines to Audible was choosing the narrator. I wanted someone who could capture Gilly’s voice—her curiosity, her tenderness, her wild imagination—in a way that felt real and alive. So, I listened to auditions from 50 incredibly talented narrators. Fifty! Each brought something unique, and it was tough to narrow it down.
Then I heard Casey Montgomery’s audition. From the first line—“My name’s Gilly, but you won’t see it again in this diary…”—I was hooked. Her voice had this perfect blend of warmth and wonder, like she was stepping right into Gilly’s world. She brought out the lyrical quality of the story, making every whisper and every made-up word from Oggy feel like it was unfolding in real time. Out of all 50, Casey stood out as the one who truly got Gilly. It was like she’d been wandering that forest with her all along.
Casey Montgomery
How I Feel About the Result
Now that the audiobook is out, I’ve listened to it myself—start to finish—and I’m so happy with how it turned out. Casey’s narration is everything I hoped for and more.
It’s a little surreal to hear my words spoken aloud. I hope listeners will enjoy this special story and will carry it with them long after the last chapter.
A Special Offer for You
To celebrate the release, I’ve got something exciting: for a limited time, you can listen to the full audiobook for free! Yep, all 3 hours and 44 minutes of Gilly’s adventure are yours to dive into. Just follow the link below:
You can also peek inside the first three chapters: https://tsvijolles.com/peek-inside-tangerines-read-the-first-three-chapters/.
What’s Next?
Hearing Tangerines come to life on Audible has me buzzing with ideas. I’m already thinking about what’s next—maybe another story for Gilly and Oggy, or something new entirely. For now, I’m just soaking in this moment and hoping you’ll love this audiobook as much as I do.
So, grab your headphones, find a cozy spot, and let Casey Montgomery take you on a journey through Tangerines. I’d love to hear what you think—drop me a note or leave a review on Audible. Here’s to Gilly, Oggy, and the magic of tangerines!
With gratitude,
Tsvi Jolles🌿 “A book that lingers like the scent of tangerines—sweet, fresh, unforgettable.” 🍊
A Magical Review: Gilly and Leo Steal the Spotlight
I’m excited to share that Tracy from Tracy’s Nordic Light on YouTube recently reviewed my books, Tangerines and Leo and the Magic Guitar of the Ozarks, calling them “some of the sweetest stories” she’s ever read.
In Tangerines, meet Gilly, a 10-year-old dreamer searching for her missing father through a forest filled with magic and wonder, alongside her quirky best friend, Oggy.
In Leo and the Magic Guitar of the Ozarks, 13-year-old Leo discovers his own strength through a mysterious guitar that connects him to legendary musicians, helping him face bullies, friendship, and loss.
Tracy highlights the heart, soul, and universal themes of love and dreams woven into both tales. Check out her full review here:
Reader Reflections on Tangerines
Okay, so, as the author of “Tangerines,” I’m thrilled to see how readers are connecting with the story. Here are some heartfelt reviews from Goodreads.
Tangerines Gets Some Love on Reedsy
I found this thoughtful review of Tangerines on Reedsy and just copied and pasted it here. I hope the reviewer, Christine Rodriguez, is okay with that! It’s always nice when your books do the work for you and save you the time of writing posts. 😊
Tangerines by Tsvi Jolles is one of those rare books that truly captures the magic of childhood. Through gorgeous storytelling, Jolles blends magic and whimsy with deep, introspective themes. This is a novel that will linger in your mind long after you turn the last page.
At its core, Tangerines is a coming-of-age story told through the voice of a young narrator whose observations are both innocent and profound. The protagonist’s world is small but filled with wonder—centered around a beloved tangerine tree, a best friend named Oggy, and the bittersweet complexities of family and belonging. The book reads like a poetic diary, filled with entries that are at times funny, at times heartbreaking, but always beautifully authentic. The writing is lyrical, almost dreamlike, reminiscent of The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros or The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
What makes Tangerines such an engaging read is how it captures childhood’s fluid, unfiltered thoughts. The narrator’s mind skips about—one moment pondering the nature of secrets, the next inventing words with Oggy, before seamlessly drifting into a heartfelt reflection on love, loss, and longing. It’s a deeply immersive experience that feels so real—like peeking into a child’s notebook filled with stories, sketches, and scattered daydreams.
I love books that encourage readers to see the world in new ways, and Tangerines does just that. It’s a book that would spark fascinating discussions about storytelling, memory, and imagination. The protagonist’s voice is so unique yet universally relatable—whether you’re an adult remembering the way childhood felt or a younger reader recognizing pieces of yourself in the narrator’s words.
If you enjoy poetic, thought-provoking, and magical books, Tangerines is an absolute must-read. It’s a story about love, loss, and the small but meaningful ways we try to make sense of the world around us. It’s the kind of book that reminds you why stories matter—because they help us remember, understand, and dream.
Highly, highly recommend!
Reviewed by
Christine is an 7-12th grade English teacher, a library assistant, and a bookworm with a passion for good literature. She has a keen eye for good literature and reads books across genres. Her favorites are dystopian lit, sci-fi, fantasy, and contemporary literature.
Magic Travels: A Gift for the Book Witches of Belfast
David and Samantha, the book-loving duo from Belfast, Ireland, were the first to review my debut novel, Leo and the Magic Guitar of the Ozarks, on NetGalley and Goodreads. As a thank-you, I sent them a paperback copy of Leo (they originally read the eBook) and included my latest release, Tangerines.
After their journey across the ocean from the USA to Ireland, the books arrived safely, and here’s their response on Instagram!
When a BookToker Almost Said My Name Right
My name isn’t the easiest to pronounce, and I’ve heard some wild attempts over the years. But shoutout to Suki F from England, a BookToker who got it almost perfect in her video (check it out below)!
Suki also made this adorable bookmark with tangerines on it, and now I really wish I had one.
If you’re on BookTok, give her a follow. She’s got great energy and a real love for books. https://www.tiktok.com/@sukijreads/video/7463882656850251040
And if you’re wondering how to properly pronounce my name, check out this page!
🎧 Settle In and Listen to the First Three Chapters of Tangerines
Sometimes a story feels even more magical when you can hear it. The first three chapters of Tangerines are now available to listen to, and I couldn’t be more excited to share them with you.
Close your eyes and let Gilly’s voice, brought to life beautifully by the talented Casey Montgomery, draw you into her world—where forests hold secrets, tangerine trees carry carved hearts, and questions about family and friendship linger in the air.
It’s a cozy little way to spend some time, whether you’re curled up on the couch with a warm drink or taking a quiet walk outdoors.
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
A huge thanks to Casey for capturing Gilly’s voice so perfectly. I’d love to know how the story resonates with you—feel free to share your thoughts after listening.
Warmly,
Tsvi Jolles