The writing is clear and descriptive without being flowery and overdone – it was like reading a movie! I thoroughly enjoyed the suspense and appreciated learning about this violent period in Argentinian history.

It was interesting to consider the difficult decisions the …more various characters made in the context of conflict. Violent times present different choices and challenges that may be impossible to understand fully when evaluated more than twenty years later. The writer did an excellent job of using the story to communicate the thinking and feelings of the characters experiencing war in the 1970's and those searching for answers in late 1990 about relationships from that earlier time period. The author did not draw conclusion rather she allows the reader to struggle with the moral questions and decisions.

The romance, intrigue, and family secrets made it difficult to put this book down. The 1990s part of the novel did hit a point where it became unrealistic which was disappointing. (less)

Take My Hand is a memorable, thought-provoking tale with characters you will care about. It is a piece of historical fiction that speaks to the creation of wrongful norms and how they are changed. The opening of this story gave me pause because I feared it was a story about …more abortion and pro-choice but that's not the case.

Readers will come to know two young black sisters from Alabama who experienced a horrible injustice that took place in 1973…I was shocked to learn that kind of horrible wrong was allowed to happen as recently as 1973. Knowing that truth gave me deeper insight into the past and made me wonder how I would react to terrible injustices and daily disrespect. What kind of person would I be? A great read for book clubs!

While the story will break your heart, it will also renew your faith through the main character's deep commitment to creating a better world. (less)

I read this unique tale in just a few days and was eager to get home from work each day to continue reading it. It's a painful piece of historical fiction that reads like a fable and leads the reader to consider important questions about faith;the choices we make and the …more responsibilities of mankind.

After a childhood of near solitude, the protagonist, Yona, comes face to face with the evils of man and horrors of the Holocaust. Suspense, romance, and mystery unfold as Yona struggles to learn about life outside the forest and her place in it.

Yona was extraordinary. I rooted for her survival, her success to save others and her happiness.

Readers will undoubtedly join Yona's cheering club.

The story is told in such an interesting and unique way. Avid readers should read it for that reason alone. Kristen Harmel has made my list of favorite authors. I'm looking forward to her next book! (less)