I love this book. Couldn't put it down. The story is set in England during an era of religious strife. I know very little about the Puritan time, but I felt the author took me back to this period and helped me understand how far we have come in civilization.

The cast of characters were believable and fascinating. The ending was a surprise. I didn't expect it.

Great read!

I had a little difficulty getting into this book because the author introduced so many characters and stories initially, and she moves from one character's story to another so quickly. I thought I'd lose interest. It didn't take long however, to become totally immersed in plots and characters. I didn't know anything about the Peninsular War before I read this book. I found it fascinating. I especially enjoyed how the author intertwined some of the new discoveries of that period, e.g., gas lights and blood transfusions. It was very enlightening.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys historical novels. It's a great read.

Being a child of that generation (1940s-60s), this book haunted me. Having read all the letters written by my own parents to one another during WWII, I can say that the author has done her research and quite accurately captured the mood and character of that period.

Her portrayal of the psychological and emotional trauma of war, affecting not only the soldiers, but their families, is heart wrenching. Writing in third persion, she really allows you to get "inside the heads" of the characters.

While I enjoyed reading the book very much, I was somewhat disappointed in the ending. I felt that the author was trying to cover too much in too little time. She attempted to tie up all the loose ends, but still left me hanging out there waiting for "the rest of the story."

It was a very good read though and I did enjoy.

Sienna's Daughter was totally predictable. Still, I could not put it down. The author skillfully takes you back to a time so romantic yet so brutal. I felt as though I were there, within the walls of this ancient city. Well written, worth reading.

After reading the prologue, I convinced myself that I wouldn't like this book. Fortunately, I kept reading and found that it was impossible not to become totally immersed in the lives of these characters. In the end, I found myself wanting to believe that we are being watched over.

This is the second book I've read by this author. I really hoped this one would be better. The author may be a well known and respected historian, but I think he should stick with writing non-fiction. His lame attempts at romance only cheapen the story for me. I found the background and location interesting, but the characters disappointed me.

I enjoyed reading "The Map of True Places". It had enough twists and turns to keep me reading, and I couldn't put it down. It delved into the tragedy of mental illness and the many lives affected by it.

Although I understand the main character was looking for and found a "happy ending", I was left wanting more.

So many interesting characters and lifestyles were introduced into the story, I felt the author was unsure where to focus. It was frustrating at times, but I did enjoy it.

Secret Daughter is a tale of two worlds. It is filled with despair, yet ever hopeful. The author captures the complexities of blending two very different cultures, made more challenging with adoption. It is a story for and about women, and you quickly connect with the characters. Despite the misery and destitution the author shares with you, the story is uplifting and optimistic. The strength and common bond of motherhood and "family" is evident no matter what culture or setting. The women in this story are inspiring and resilient. I highly recommend this book.

Although the author did a wonderful job of detailing life in Victorian England, I found the story difficult to follow, wondering what was real and what wasn't. The reader is to form his/her own conclusions as to what really happened. But I, for one, was uncomfortable with the evidence, or lack of. In the end, I had more questions than answers. I didn't get it.

I thought this was a very good read. It kept my interest. I find the period during WWI fascinating, and the author wove in some interesting facts about the time period that were enlightening.

It is a romance, albeit a rather dark one.

"Cutting for Stone" is a gripping story that begins in Ethiopia and unfolds over decades and continents. It is a story of coming of age, of passion and of tragedy, but mostly, it is a story of hope and commitment.

Dr. Verghese's descriptions of places and incidents were so vivid, I felt like I was with the characters. looking over their shoulders and eavesdropping. This is one of the best and most well written books I've read in a long time.