I thoroughly enjoyed this book because it addressed women's issues that I was unaware of in India. The plot was good and the characters were believable. I got caught up in this book and couldn’t put it down.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was rich in Indian history and culture. The characters were well portrayed and plot kept me reading. If you like this book consider reading A Fine Balance by R. Mistry.

This book will appeal to readers of history and those interested in nature. The stories cover the civil war and end during 2018.
Throughout the years some of the characters endure and families intermingle. The stories and characters provide a kaleidoscope of American life and natural history during this stretch of time. The author's portrayal was a joy to read.

From 1938 to the present day, this is the story of a mother Mailin and her son Renshu as they struggle to stay ahead of the Japanese army as they move through China, cross to Taipei and eventually to America. The events of history guide the characters on their journey and strengthen them. Mailin and Renshu are very likable for their courage. Woven throughout the story are folktales that enhance the novel.

As a Pearl Buck fan, I enjoyed the book immensely.

This definitely was not my cup of tea. I usually give a book fifty pages ...this one I gave 250 pages before I gave up. I am not crazy about dead narrators. I kept hoping I would get a better feeling for the characters but that didn't happen.I had such high hopes for this second book. I loved the first one about librarians on horseback.
I am sorry that I couldn't praise it.
Thank you for this opportunity...I'm a retired adult service librarian.
One positive note:the translator was excellent.

Ann Tyler does it again...another engrossing read that is over all too soon. Basically it is the story of Willa starting out in 1967and progresses through her life in ten and twenty year increments. I found myself relating to her in all the Phases of her life. Her life takes unexpected turns that keep the story moving.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The novel was character driven through a period of history most on us can remember and probably have opinions about. The author stays away from political ramifications and guides us through the lives of mother and daughter and a glimpse of grandmother. Pay attention to the details and the revelations at the end will surprise you.

Eleanor Kuhns has introduced a great hero in an unusual time and equally unusual community. As a retired librarian, I have read more than my share of mysteries and after a while all the plots tend in the same direction. Not A Simple Murder. Will Rees, an itinerant weaver searching for his son who has left the family farm, finds him in a Shaker community where a suspicious death has taken place. Will is asked to stay and find out what happened. Like petals on a spring flower, clues spring up and deepen the mystery. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to both book clubs and fellow mystery readers. I am looking forward to the next installment of this series.

It was with great anticipation that I approached this book. I had read the preceding two books in the series and have to say that I enjoyed them and their plucky heroine Bess Crawford. While the plot was good, the characters were not as well drawn as in the previous two books. The setting, however, was well done. I would read more in this series, but would not recommend this particular title to mystery fans.

I truly enjoyed reading this book. Mc Henry narrates the entire book from Ginny's, the protagonist, point of view which creates the in depth character development central to the story. Like Alice Hoffman, McHenry uses magic to season the story. And, like Hoffman, is successful at keeping the reader on that thin line between belief and disbelief. The kitchen setting with recipes and cooking provides a setting that is both interesting and instructive. This book has many themes and would be an excellent book club selection.