The writing is so descriptive that it transports you into the very soul of Ruby. I was especially moved by the development of relationships and the healing power of love as translated in the development of characters. There are also very disturbing scenes and very disturbing descriptions of the hateful nature of racism and violence against women in this country.

I was moved and transported into the story which is a rare occurrence.

This book is a tangle of relationships and how they are connected and impact one another. The author does a great job developing the characters to the degree one feels part of their family. I especially appreciate her deep understanding of the impact a parents decisions regarding their marriage or love life may have on children. Also how children are deeply affected in their developmental years to assume certain adult roles based on their early relationships with parents and siblings. This book can generate some really deep conversations in a book club because I believe all of us share a certain level of family dysfunction and have stories to tell. I really enjoyed the book and am giving it 5 stars.

I found this book to be very predictable and slow moving. I love historical fiction but this was too much like a soap opera. Disclaimer: In fairness to this author, romance novels are not my favorite.

I liked this book o.k. but felt the plot was a little too predictable. The author did a good job shining a light on spousal abuse and her characters gave us a sense of the fear associated with abuse and domestic violence. However, Olivia was pretty weak. She settled for her situation and it appeared that she did so because she had a lifestyle that was too good to give up. There are too many agencies out there and places one can go to get help these days. Olivia kept making excuses that it was her daughter's health condition, etc.. I believe she didn't want to face what her life would be without the money and status and comforts that James provided. She became a poor role model for victims of domestic abuse and violence. I guess the book will make some pretty good discussions for book groups, but in general, it is not a book I would choose.

When I finally had the chance to start this book, I couldn't put it down. Granted, I am a HUGE dog lover and was immediately grabbed by the main character, Pax. However, I was immediately transported on a journey of love, devotion, loyalty, disappointment and healing. This is a great period piece informing the reader that PTSD is not just an Iraq/Afghanistan injury, but something experienced by many past war veterans.
I also appreciated learning about the training and use of K-9 Corp. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. and believe it will lead to some very interesting book group discussions.

This memoir was very emotional for me as I went through a very similar long distance relationship with a German national during the late 80's. That relationship ended badly so many of my emotional scars were reopened as I read this book.
That said, one of my favorite features is the way Jessica Fox used quotes from different books to start every chapter. Each quote was just a slight preview of the coming chapter and I was inspired to read some of those books. I also liked the use of Herman Melville as her muse.
The book moved very fast and I was intrigued to learn the outcome of her relationship with Euen.
Also, the book provides an excellent visual for Scotland, in particular Wigtown and I would definitely love to visit someday, especially since I am also a booklover.
I liked the book and will recommend it. The only weak part for me, and maybe because of my emotional tie through my own history, was the book seemed slow and tedious sometimes as we were privy to so much relationship drama. I felt that Jessica was truly blinded by love and refused to see many of the warning signs that may have saved her the devastating heartbreak she experienced. That's why I am curious to see what is her status now.

Love this book. the writing flows like the boats in a rowing contest!!! The style of going from past to present pretty much keeps me on the edge of my seat. I highly recommend for book group discussions.

I confess I have never understood the need to self mutilate, especially cutting into ones body. However, I believe I have a better understanding of the motivation behind this act after reading David Fitzpatricks memoir. It is extremely disturbing to be exposed to someones inner thoughts and feelings if we know before hand of their diagnosed mental illness. I can't help but blame some of his situation on the hazing and bullying he experienced in college which is all to prevalent in our society. I hope his honesty and full disclosure may help others, especially young people dealing with peer pressures. This book should make a good discussion in book groups and may serve well as a required summer reading for entering college freshmen.

I absolutely love this book. The use of 2 different time periods to tell the story of Africa. The current day perspective and 1899 colonialism expansion perspective, both time periods having huge impact on the continents eco system and people.I kept thinking about how we are doomed to repeat history and its mistakes if we do not understand the consequences of decisions we make now and have made in the past. I also like the way the author develops the characters. I feel as though I have been to Africa and I didn't want the book to end!!!!

I had a difficult time staying with this book, it just didn't grab me or keep me like other historical novels.I do believe the author did a great job researching the time period for accuracy, but it became choppy and disconnected because the settings changed so often. I would have preferred a little more of the story around the women featured and less about the actual battle scenes. Maybe it just wasn't a subject I was necessarily interested in and the book will appeal more to others.

Although my interest was captured in the first chapter, after that I felt the chapters were a bit short. The character development was pretty good, but I wanted more. The plot was good but too rushed and book felt thrown together which may have been the reason it took so long to get it. If you like a very fast read for a plane ride, etc. this book would do.

I loved, loved this book. It hit me personally because my dad served in WWII, both Europe and Phillipines and my mom was a "camp follower" before he was deployed and became pregnant with her first (my brother). When he returned he was a broken man in many ways and was never able to talk about it.. I believe this book helped me understand what he was going through and even though he is now deceased, I feel I know him better!
A great read and I will definitely read it again with my book group!!!!!!

I love historical fiction and this book has it all. There is romance, intrigue, historical accuracy...I really love it when I learn something about an era or culture at the same time I'm enjoying a good story..In particular, this author does a great job setting the scene with each chapter intro. I look forward to introducing this in our book group.

Reminds me a little bit of a J.K. Rowling and Dickens book. The story is interesting, centered around a "street urchin" and his rival/friend and their adventures. I believe there are some interesting lessons given on friendship and survival. Well written and a good read.

I found this translation a little choppy at times. Although mysteries are not my first choice I wanted to stretch! If you are a mystery buff, this will be a great thriller and fast paced read..one learns lots about Swedish culture, particularly drug and prison.

I was really moved by this story. It is so revealing as to how we often treat the most vulnerable in our society... our children...Wrecker had a rough beginning, but he became a blessing to several others just because of his situation. I loved the way each character was impacted by the events and received clarity into their own situations as a result of knowing Wrecker. I became engulfed in this boy's life as I waited to see how things were going to turn out and it was a "page turner." This book reminded me a little of "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls. I will definitely recommend it for my book group because I know we will have some very interesting discussions.

Reads like a travel journal written about an incredible love story containing a powerful message of faith and grace. The author does an incredible job placing one in the story and more than once I had tears of sadness or joy as I read about the sacrifices and the impact faith had on so many people. We don't often have missionary stories told and I thank Bo Caldwell for sharing. Additionally, I loved the format of using diary letters written from Katherine's perspective which gave one the sense of the event as it actually happened partnered with Will's perspective more from his memories looking back. I will definitely recommend this book to my book group and others and it is going to be one I will think about for a long time. As a Christian, I keep thinking about a line in the book ... "I learned from what you did, not what you said."