Not being a student of the Salem Witch Trails I found the book packed with fascinating information that will have me reading more about that time period. That being said I wanted to give the book a five star rating but couldn't because some areas of it were not as tight as they could have been. In particular:
- The ending was anti-climatic as I had figured out who the villain was about half way through
- Areas of the book were redundant--explanation of The Goddesses and their seductive powers
- No explanation of Ann's reaction to Paul's relationship with Callie
- Why did Callie change her mind about Paul?
- Unclear if Emily's death was by natural causes or not--did I miss something?

My final thoughts are that this could be turned into a very good movie if the book rights were purchased by the right production team. How about Reese Witherspoon?

I began reading the book thinking it would be enjoyable but as it went on I found it unrealistic. At times the writing seemed cheesy and uninspired. A couple moves from New York to South Dakota and become cattle people. Hum it just didn't have the ring of truth.

The ending was the hardest part to believe. It seemed to come out of no where.

Not sure who this book would appeal to. I don't think the book group I'm a member of would enjoy it.

The author, Helen Rappaport, has written a well researched book about the start of the Russian revolution from the viewpoint of the ex-pat community living in Petrograd.

Although a good entrée into this period of history, if I had more knowledge about it the book would have been more enjoyable. It was a fairly easy read for a historical book which was somewhat of a surprise.

This is the first book I've read by the author but it won't be the last.