Oh my gosh . . . This book is insanely good. It starts out kind of slow at first. Then before you know it, you're trapped. There's a full cast of characters you will love, and then there are some you will absolutely hate!

Intriguing. Let's just say than in less than a week, this book was ready by myself, one of my sisters, and my mom, and we all loved it. Ms. Bambola chose a very unique setting and researched it well.

After reading this book and Bambola's The Salt Covenants, I feel comfortable saying that Miss Sylvia writes some top notch historical fiction. What's also nice is that she writes about historical periods that are not often covered in the genre. And while her work does also fall under the Christian Fiction label, the religious aspect is only gently woven through out the storylines. Also, because of the kind of historical fiction she writes, it feels natural to the time period for characters to openly speak of their spiritual beliefs.

Another winner by Sylvia Bambola. Sylvia Bambola writes about strong female characters. I admire her writing and always look for more from her.

Thoroughly researched, well-written, interesting storyline. It was not a book to be read quickly as there was too much depth to the book to absorb it rapidly. The story had a mystery, and I was still guessing until the very end. The message of embracing forgiveness and abandoning bitterness was woven throughout the story.

The first 2-3 pages introduces the characters and then the pace picks up. Suspense abounds, mine cave-ins, murder, and romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading many more by Sylvia Bambola.

What an excellent book about the need for forgiveness through historical fiction.