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What Members Thought

Judy
Nov 22, 2012 rated it it was amazing
I wrote a long detailed review and clicked save & it was gone.

Let me just say that this will go on my list of best books read in 2012 and I strongly encourage people to read it. I found it compelling & truly an excellent read.

I don't lightly hand out 5 star ratings.

Addition April 2015:

I absolutely love this book. I first read it in November 2012, gave it a five star rating on Goodreads, and considered it the best book I read that year. Re-reading it just confirms what I felt the first time.

I th
...more
Cindy
Oct 27, 2012 rated it really liked it
Wonderfully unique plot and characters that engage the reader combine to make a compelling read! The story challenges the reader to consider the consequences of our decisions, especially ones that cause us to have misgivings when they go against our strongly-held values. The setting of a tiny island off the southwestern coast of Australia, inhabited only by the lighthouse keeper and his family creates the perfect opportunity for the concealment of secrets. The keeper's wife is convinced that the ...more
Tiffany Skinner
Jan 22, 2013 rated it liked it
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
Gloria
Oct 16, 2012 rated it it was amazing
If you are familiar with the Biblical story of King Solomon and his tough decision in deciding which woman a baby belongs to, you will understand the pain explored in this novel. This novel excels at examining various factors that unfortunately combine to create an unimaginably painful situation for all involved when a baby shifts from one woman's arms to another. Set in the years immediately following World War I in Australia, the acts of dying and killing as well as racism are felt. Lots of em ...more
Judy
Jan 24, 2013 rated it really liked it
Started slow but before long I couldn't put it down. Really powerful and well written full of analogies and quotable statements that will make for good discussion. It touched my heart on so many levels! ...more
annalee
Jan 09, 2013 rated it it was amazing
Excellent! My favorite recent read
Jessica
Jan 08, 2013 rated it really liked it
The premise of this book is an impossible decision that can only lead to unhappiness. However I found it fascinating instead of depressing. The writing was beautiful. The characters were so believable and likable. It definitely didn't end the way I thought it would. I cried at the ending, yet I would recommend this book 100%. ...more
Wendy
Jan 19, 2013 rated it it was amazing
Oh my! I thought this book could have ended in so many different ways. The author tried to show everyone's point of view, but I still found myself drawn to Isabelle and her choice.

In the end, I was surprised to find out this book is more about claiming a child as your own, it is a love story. I wept uncontrollable. Well done.
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Debra
Jan 15, 2013 rated it really liked it
This books makes one really think about things....
Amy
Jan 04, 2013 rated it really liked it
Despite some of the author's emotional manipulation within the story, I liked this book. It definitely got me thinking about how powerful "motherly" instincts can be, and how sometimes right and wrong are not always so clear when you factor in love and loss. ...more
Avary Doubleday
Yes, heart-wrenching, but very good. Given the complex situation, the ending was well done and satisfying. The switches from present to past tense were bothersome.
Trudy
I absolutely loved this book! The choices we make for or in spite of love. I couldn't put it down. ...more
Leecia
Oct 15, 2012 rated it it was amazing
Cheryl
Oct 24, 2012 rated it it was amazing
Barbara
Nov 01, 2012 rated it really liked it
Marcia
Nov 14, 2012 rated it it was amazing
Shelves: fiction
Jenni
Dec 04, 2012 rated it it was amazing
Margo
Dec 04, 2012 marked it as to-read
Yvonne
Dec 04, 2012 rated it really liked it
Vicki Moreno
Dec 05, 2012 rated it it was amazing
Katie
Dec 05, 2012 rated it it was amazing
Susan
Dec 05, 2012 rated it it was amazing
Linda
Dec 20, 2012 rated it really liked it
Carolyn
Dec 30, 2012 rated it really liked it
Kathy
Jan 08, 2013 rated it it was amazing
Carol
Jan 09, 2013 rated it it was amazing
Shelves: books-2013
Adam
Jan 11, 2013 rated it it was amazing
Kristin Maceroni
Jan 14, 2013 rated it really liked it
Marci Hansen
Jan 15, 2013 rated it liked it
Elizabeth
Jan 27, 2013 rated it it was amazing
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Ask M.L. Stedman - Friday, May 10th!