Julia Fierro is a wonderful writer. The book just flows along and takes you with it. All of the characters are so vividly described that even if they only have a minor role they are well-fleshed out. She has woven several story lines together, each one as intense and …more important as the others. You have characters you love and some you hate. The descriptions of the people, the island and the issues are all so well done. I felt as if I was not just an observer, but part of the story. Why then, only a 4? Well, really a 4.something. That is because in among the beautiful language, the author threw in totally unnecessary lines that disrupted the flow. Why do we need to know that Maddie sat on a boys lap and could feel his erection? This type of thing happened several times. It never added to the story. Instead it felt like the author felt she had to throw something graphic into the mix. I found it disruptive and jarring. I have no issues with that type of writing if it adds or pertains to the story. For me though, it was like finding a torn page in the middle of the book.
I absolutely feel this book will be successful and should be read. I will read the author again. I just hope she stays better focused on what is important to the story and what detracts from it. (less)

Excellent!. Thank you BookBrowse for my copy!! Bruonia Barry wrote The Lace Reader ten years ago. A wonderful, suspenseful book set in contemporary Salem, Mass. Fifth Petal is the sequel, totally worth the wait. I will only tell you the basics, so as not to ruin the book …more for you. Although the time is now, the story involves a gruesome murder twenty-five years ago, the Salem witch trials and a new crime . It is a fascinating look into Salem's past and present. It is also an amazing read. If you haven't read either book, do it now! (less)