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This book started out as a 5-star read. Then the villains became overly villainous and one-dimensional, the writing was just ok, and when it wasn't predictable it stretched believability beyond belief. There are a couple of characters who are interesting, but not worth reading the book for. My advice? Don't waste your time. Oh, and if you have issues with domestic violence, child abuse and animal abuse, then you have three more reasons to skip this one.
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Jul 22, 2012
Laura (booksnob)
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
2012,
literature
Samuel is a preacher who believes he has a purpose in the world, he just isn't sure what it is yet. Swan, his precocious eleven year old daughter believes in miracles and plans to get one sent her way. The Lake family just moved in with the Moses family after
something terrible happened at the Moses family reunion and the tragedy sends the family spiraling toward unforeseen changes and difficulties, making it a summer to remember.
The devil lives next door and goes by the name of Ras Ballenger. Hi ...more
something terrible happened at the Moses family reunion and the tragedy sends the family spiraling toward unforeseen changes and difficulties, making it a summer to remember.
The devil lives next door and goes by the name of Ras Ballenger. Hi ...more
There were so many parts of this book that were sad and hard to read….I almost had to put it down during some sections because it was rough…the story is beautifully written and I enjoyed most of the characters so much that I am glad I didn’t let those parts keep me from finishing the book.
A wonderful, terrific gem of a book, so glad I picked this up in a thrift store. The characters, the setting, the prose - I didn't want it to end! Highly recommended to anyone reading this review!
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Samuel Lake moves home with his family and all kinds of ruckus is stirred up. His father commits suicide and his daughter befriends a neighbor boy with a cruel dad and his old girlfriend tries to get back into his life (all of which occurs in the first few chapters, so I’m not offering spoilers here).
But I never got wowed by the book. I never loved any of the characters and the plot seemed forced.
I’m sorry to say I liked it but didn’t love it.
Thank you to the publisher for sharing this lovely ...more
But I never got wowed by the book. I never loved any of the characters and the plot seemed forced.
I’m sorry to say I liked it but didn’t love it.
Thank you to the publisher for sharing this lovely ...more
The premise is really good, about a preacher's family who had to move back to their hometown and faced an unpredictable life. But sadly, I can't connect with the characters. They are one dimensional for me, either they are good or bad. No interesting background or the deep past secrets. Everything is as plain as Jane. The climax and ending of the story is also not clear. What's the point?
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One of the few times ever that I've abandoned a book and the first ever on audio. I can't get into the story, and I would prefer to move onto something else.
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Apr 01, 2012
Juliane
marked it as maybe
Jul 22, 2012
Anika
marked it as to-read
Feb 22, 2013
Tanya
marked it as to-read
May 18, 2013
Jocelyn
marked it as to-read
Nov 06, 2014
Suzanne
marked it as to-read
Apr 05, 2015
C.
marked it as to-read
Mar 30, 2016
Michelle
marked it as to-read
Sep 02, 2016
Teale
marked it as to-read
Sep 19, 2021
Kirsten Barber
marked it as to-read
