Wonderful characters, heart wrenching at times to think of how difficult life was for blacks living as slaves in the 1700's. From the very first page you are drawn into the lives of Belle and Lavinia. The two narratives read beautifully, one into the other, seamlessly and not at all confusing. I did have trouble putting it down at times and wanted desperately for things to work out. Only a talented writer can make you feel so much for the characters, and Kathleen Grissom certainly was up for the task with this novel.

I loved every minute of this book. I was complety absorbed in it and had trouble putting it down. I read alot and I find very often books melt into each other and I mix up plot lines. Very rarely do books stick out in my mind, there have been about 5 over the years and this is one that I remember clear as the day I read it. Very enjoyable read.

Unfortunately I did not care for this book and is one of only two that I did not finish (The Thirteen Tale being the other one). I also didn’t care for most of the characters and could not force myself to see where this tale was going and just wasn’t interested enough to find out. Having read ‘The Help’ recently perhaps interfered with my impression of this book as I had been totally enthralled with ‘The Help’ and enjoyed it immensely.

I loved everything about this book. The writing, the story, the characters, the setting, the cover, everything! Lavinia and Belle become apart of your life as soon as you start reading. Such rich details I could picture the story in my mind as I was immersed in the lives of the people of Tall Oakes plantation. Remarkable read.