Scan barcode
breanateuti's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
lynnuwatson's review
5.0
Oh, the pain this mother endured... A tale of heartache and triumph, but oh the cost... Highly recommend this story of those often marginalized in society and what they and their families endure.
tsbrew0103's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Excellent historical fiction, strong plot, storyline, and characters, history mixed with an interesting mystery
sarahjmkirk's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This novel is beautifully written and hooked me from the start. I felt all the emotions and there were moments when it brought me to tears. The murder mystery also added another level and kept me guessing as to who it was! Highly recommend to anyone who loves historical fiction, tasteful romance and murder mystery.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Hate crime, Emotional abuse, War, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail, Panic attacks/disorders, Murder, Blood, Violence, Medical trauma, Domestic abuse, and Death
Minor: Child abuse, Child death, Forced institutionalization, Gaslighting, Deportation, and Animal cruelty
maryfaithreads's review
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
elisabethd8a's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I found it difficult to put this book down. As a historical fiction murder mystery, chaste romance, there was a little bit for every reader, and all was done well.
The story touches on domestic violence and coercion, parental domination, xenophobia, infidelity, ableism, and obsessive compulsions, so there is plenty of room for character growth.
The struggle over self-censorship is compelling, the slow burn romance is sweet with the act two break-up much more plausible than the average romance, and the mystery leaves the reader scratching their heads until just before the characters find the guilty party. Also, the spiritual growth seemed healthy and believable, even though the female lead was pig-headed when God answered her prayers. Finally, the shift from business relationships to genuine friendship was heartening.
The story touches on domestic violence and coercion, parental domination, xenophobia, infidelity, ableism, and obsessive compulsions, so there is plenty of room for character growth.
The struggle over self-censorship is compelling, the slow burn romance is sweet with the act two break-up much more plausible than the average romance, and the mystery leaves the reader scratching their heads until just before the characters find the guilty party. Also, the spiritual growth seemed healthy and believable, even though the female lead was pig-headed when God answered her prayers. Finally, the shift from business relationships to genuine friendship was heartening.
_dcall's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
I love getting a bit of history in fictional form. The studious and exceptional research shines through. The history aspect is woven into the plot expertly and not at all tedious. In textbooks we learn dates and events. Thourgh stories we learn about people and the day to day hopes, dreams, struggles and trials. In life there is so much nuisance. I felt the story was robust. There were a few different threads and layers to the story. I felt none were shortchanged. I have to say though the female main character did make me want to pull out my hair in regards to the search of her son. I almost dnf because I thought her reasoning and rational once answers were received about her son were wrong. However, I kept on because I had hope. The journey each main character took in the book was perfect for them and I enjoyed reading about their growth together and individually.