The Good Daughters

Read March 2011

My Rating: 4 out of 5

"They were born on the same day, in the same small New Hampshire hospital, into families that could hardly have been less alike. Ruth Plank is an artist and a romantic with a rich, passionate, imaginative life. The last of five girls born to a gentle, caring farmer and his stolid wife, she yearns to soar beyond the confines of the land that has been her family's birthright for generations. Dana Dickerson is a scientist and realist whose faith is firmly planted in the natural world. Raised by a pair of capricious drifters who waste their lives on failed dreams, she longs for stability and rootedness."

My Review: This book was easy to enjoy, the story was good and rather interesting. I thought I had guessed what was going on, but ended up being only partly right. I enjoyed all the characters, and each one of their stories. It was a tough decision to make this a 4 star instead of a 5, but although I thought it was really good, I couldnt say it was amazing. Would recommend this book to my friends for sure :)

The Kitchen House

Read March 2011

My rating: 5 / 5

"Orphaned while onboard ship from Ireland, seven-year-old Lavinia arrives on the steps of a tobacco plantation where she is to live and work with the slaves of the kitchen house. Under the care of Belle, the master's illegitimate daughter, Lavinia becomes deeply bonded to her adopted family, though she is set apart from them by her white skin. Eventually, Lavinia is accepted into the world of the big house, where the master is absent and the mistress battles opium addiction. Lavinia finds herself perilously straddling two very different worlds. When she is forced to make a choice, loyalties are brought into question, dangerous truths are laid bare, and lives are put at risk. The Kitchen House is a tragic story of page-turning suspense, exploring the meaning of family, where love and loyalty prevail."

My Review: AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING! I would recommend this book to everyone! The story is so captivatingm and I love all the characters (except for the ones you are meant not to like) I felt so bad for Labrinia, such a tough little girl with a bright future who just wanted everyone to be happy, and to relive the past. I loved the writing style and couldn't put this book down, and when I did, all I could think about was when I was going to pick it up again. I hope everyone enjoys this book as much as I did!