Fantastic story about the human spirit in a tumultuous time ...
583185
Fantastic story about the human spirit in a tumultuous time in our history. Very strong characters driven by different life experiences in their past that shaped their crossing paths in this riveting novel. One of the best books I've read in a long time.
4888688
This is certainly one of those books that takes you to a different time in US history and makes you see the way life was for people back then. Especially blacks. Its refreshing for me to see a story that reminds me of the time of my grandfather. He used to tell stories in much of the same way, which made me reflect on the similarities in the end.

Though I wasn't entirely positive on what to expect, this isn't a sweet romance. Its not going to give you warm fuzzies and though it ends on a sigh worthy note, it doesnt have a very happy ending.

What it does have is two children who grew up and old together, bonded by an equal share of love and a lot of references to Poe. It has vivid and colorful language that paints pictures as you read. It has powerful characters that draw you in and hold your hand as they lead you through the story. There are points that make you sigh and points that make you gasp. And just when you thought all the effort of these two characters was finally going to have a reward, the story ends, beautiful and sad.

Im positive this is going to be a story that will stick with me for some time as I have never felt the injustice and the longing of a character as much as I had for Hadley Crump. I never became so invested into a characters story and emotion as I had. Of course, its easy to do. Hadley was a very likable character, and you couldn't find fault in his reasons for any of his actions.

Despite being a half-black/half-white boy growing up in the south during the 1920s, Hadley was a hard working gentleman who, despite his efforts, lived his life doing things as right as he possibly could. One of the things he saw was right for him was Lucinda. From the moment he first laid eyes on her, there was something between them that couldn't be explained by mere words. And its with that, the reading lessons started, and their rocky and somewhat questionable relationship began.

I truly love what this story has done to me and how much I wanted the characters to be able to give freely and openly. I nearly cried at the end. This is such a beautifully written story. I have a hard time not recommending it to anyone who loves to read, regardless of favorite genre.

This review will appear on my site, Goodreads, and Amazon.
3681629
This story was just so refreshing and wonderful!  I really liked it!  Actually, I think it would make a great Hallmark movie and would be good reading for young-adult readers, though it is a great story and an uplifting story for adults too. It's good for this generation to see how hard some people had it, and its good for all of us to remember to count our blessings.  Once I got into the story, I couldn't put it down--I had to know what happened to these poor kids whose lives were turned so upside-down. Life is hard. More than hard--sometimes it's devastating, but this story shows how trusting in God and doing the right thing are not just clich phrases, but real forces of good that push back the evil and the pain in this world. It made me long for the days.... Anyway, especially since this is based on a true story, it should uplift and boost the faith of those who read it. It made me cry a little and also smile. It warmed my heart and gave me a boost of hope I needed for the day.  May God bless that priest and those Peaches.
1182002
I think this story is wonderful- clearly written, poignant, and compelling are descriptions that come to mind.

I'm so impressed with how well the reader gets to know this woman...her life, her sorrows, how she is handling aging, how honest she is with herself and how well she understands the world around her.

Seemingly ordinary stream of thought brings us such heart-ful insights such as: I wouldn't know how to cope with an entire world; He was scattered all over Asia; It's not her fault I don't like her; Enough light and peace and comfort to last me forever.
826859
When I first read the story I was absolutely thrilled to know that it was based on aviation in the early 1900's. Aviation and history always appealed to me so it was a no-brainer that this book would be well suited for me!

What intrigued me the most about the story was not that it was about aviation- but that it dealt with an individual who, after many trials and heart ache, ended up achieving his goal and leaving his mark. A fantastic story for children and adults alike!
568643
I learned so much from this book about this time period. It is heart wrenching to explore life during such  a tragic time through such real characters. The characters are thoughtful and their stories are thought-provoking. This book is uniquely and beautifully written, leaving a feeling of hope that shines from the resilient human spirit.
654596
As I reached the end of this very touching and lovely book, I suddenly felt saddened that I was saying goodbye to people that I had "lived" with for what seemed like a lifetime, although it was only for the few days I had spent reading it. While the story is ostensibly geared toward 9-12 year old young adults, and while it serves this group admirably by its rich use of language that respects the intelligence of these young people, it is the richness of the characters as they journey through the various travails, joys and sadness of life that left it's effect on me for many many days afterward. The story reaches through generations, and as the tale extends through the deep American south to the battlefields of Europe and the terrible and wide impact of the holocaust, it is these people, young and old, whose thirst for life and happiness keeps them so vivid in our minds. Aunt Netti involves us, amuses us, touches us and finally teaches us. As a reviewer, I was terribly moved by the story, particularly as it builds towards its conclusion. Something touched me deeply reading it, although I'm not quite sure why....cynical me has to admit that I even teared up from time to time. In truth I resisted putting it down at all until the necessities of life forced me take the occasional break. And as the story passed as a panorama before my mind's eye, I couldn't help but think what a lovely movie this would make; hopefully some appropriate person will recognize this as well........Highly Recommended.  EarlC.
3473943
An amazing story of the triumph of the human spirit!!  Wonderful read!  Very original and heartfelt.  Waiting for more titles from this author!
4790225
I loved reading all about the Clarke family during the first half of the 20th Century. Following their trials and tribulations through the first and second world wars, this working-class family survives death of family members, terrible illnesses and the winds of economic stress.

The story really focuses on Frances, the oldest daughter, who is also sensitive to the supernatural. In fact, she begins to have visitations from the spirits of her dead sisters and retreats further and further into this spirit world in order to hide from the horrors of the real world.

This is a lovingly-told tale of a very interesting and in some ways quite typical blue-collar family living through the worst of what mankind can throw at us.  But its also about one womans need to reconnect with the living, to take chances on love, and to own her feelings honestly. In many ways, its a story we can all relate to. And the historical experiences add a thrill and vividness to this romantic, supernatural story in a way that I found very engaging. Christine Mary Flemming has written another winner!
4952301
I hold my hands up and start by stating that historical fiction is not my favourite genre, but every now and again I'm attracted by a particular story, and The Story of Land and Sea's blurb really did appeal to me. Also, being something of a 'book magpie', that magnificent cover really did add to my interest, just take a look at it - isn't it just fabulous?

The story takes place in North Carolina during the Revolution and the reader is quickly enveloped into the lives of ordinary people that inhabit the place and time. The author tells her story in three parts, starting with Tabitha, her father John and her grandfather Asa. Tabitha's mother Helen died in childbirth, and their whole lives are consumed by memories of her. John's decision to take Tabitha out to sea in the hope that this will cure her yellow fever leads to events that are tragic and quite overwhelming.

The reader is then taken back to the time when Helen and John meet, and explores their relationship and the effect it has on Helen's father, and how they come to live on the sea. We are also introduced to Moll, the slave-girl given to Helen as a birthday present. The relationship that develops between Helen and Moll is wonderfully portrayed and presents Helen with some life-defining decisions.

The final part of the story takes up where the first part ended, with John and Asa still battling to cope with their losses, their disagreements and their life. We also see how Moll has grown in character and depth, dealing with life as a slave, yet desperate to find freedom for herself and her family.

The Story of Land and Sea is beautifully written, with characters who are colourful and so well crafted. Don't expect a fast-mover, or pages of excitement, but do be prepared for a gentle, yet insightful story that explores relationships and losses.
4382898
I don't know why I would ever care or be interested in a little Turkish village on the cusp of WWI - but De Bernieres made me care!  He created a story I couldn't wait to get back to reading every night.  His characters were well constructed and everything about his writing was wonderful; his descriptions, pacing, plot development - you know a great writer when you read one.  The themes in the novel of friendship and war are so universally human, to see how they enfold among a small, remote Turkish village was fascinating - mainly because they were so identifiable despite cultural differences.  The village's history of peaceful co-existence among different religions/cultures served as a wonderful example of the best part of our humanity; and the war that ended that idyll, the worst part.
All in all - a really engrossing read that I would highly recommend.  If you liked "Corelli's Mandolin" - you'll love this.
1652710
This historical fiction novel swept me right up in the story.  It starts in Haiti in the 1790's when the French plantation owners worked their African slaves almost to  death in order to produce a sugar crop and vast wealth for the owners.  But upheavals were in the making.  A slave revolt was coming.  And soon it was the slave owners themselves who had to flee the country in light of the French revolution and the Haitian uprising.  They went to America, and the French colony of New Orleans.  But life was not that much different, especially for the slaves.  This is the basic history but this book is much more than that.  It is the story of the various human beings caught up in a culture that demoralized everybody.  And it was mostly about a young woman mulatto slave named Zarite whose life reflected the historical changes going on around her and who eventually gained her freedom.

This is not a simple story though.  Yes, it is about the horror that the slaves endured as well a document of the changes in plantation society over several generations.  But, most of all it is about the people caught up in this march of history and the various shades of color that determined everyone's lives. I learned a lot about the history of Haiti  And I also became acquainted with some very memorable characters, members of an unfeeling and cruel society that was a reflection of the times they lived in.

This book also tells the story of children and their various racial backgrounds.  It is the story of love and great sacrifices and a rigid society that effected their lives in horrible ways.  Through it all, the courage and wisdom of Zarite shines through.  It is easy to identify with her, share her loves and hatreds and walk in her shoes for a while.  I really enjoyed this book.  It was fast-paced and engaging and a fine story well told.
1933414
Gray Wolves and White Doves is an amazing and inspiring story about the human spirit and the ultimate will to not only survive, but to achieve greatness in the face of unending difficulty.  John Balian, tells a riveting story about Hanna, a young boy who must use his uncanny abilities to survive unbeleivable circumstances..that the average person could  never imagine.  This book is for every person who "thought" they had a difficult childhood.  It is insipring on many levels..I could not stop reading it and I pray for a sequel so I can follow what became of Hanna.
1104331
This story completely absorbed my thoughts and I had a hard time putting it down.  The story is compelling and horrifying.  It is a story of an amazing human spirit and kept me wrapped in it's tentacles until the very end.  I was amazed that the story was based in such a relative recent time period.  Amazing read.
145267
A phenomenal story, full of facts and well-written fiction. I was truly moved by the story of the connection between Nott and the former slave Moses, and the way it is written I even felt like I was transported to the time period and places within it. VERY well done!
3935822
Joy, hardships, love, and challenges met by Margaret Hammon and her off-spring after the death of her financially secure and socially esteemed husband, G.W. Hammon was killed in 1898 in the Spanish-American War.

You will travel through the decades as we watch the out-come of a wealthy widow's attempts to raise her family.

Each chapter is specific to a decade and tells a glorious story of how life's challenges are met by each character.

I don't want to give away the story and know that if you were never a history buff before, you will be after reading this wonderful tale. It intertwines harsh reality, historical fact with compassion and understanding of man's nature.

This reviewer cannot wait to see what Dave Hoing and Roger Hileman have in store for us next.

I highly recommmend this book to everyone and feel it is an excellent choice for a book club discussion for it's broad embrace of life no matter what century we are living.

Monica Brinkman, Author - The Turn of the Karmic Wheel
4309429
The story is riveting. The characters jump off the page and refuse to leave the reader behind the veil of the book's cloak. This work truly transports the reader to another time and place while enlightening the mind to important events in an era that should never be forgotten. Pino Lella's accomplishments both inspire and temper the soul's quest for happiness and gratification and one can not help but thank both the hero of the story and Mr. Sullivan for their collaboration on this project. Bravo!