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Casting Stones
Casting Stones 1926 - A simple error in judgment leaves James Raven a broken man – his wife dead, and his infant son, motherless. He goes back home seeking solace, only to find more sorrow – and Esther Barton, his father's hired girl – a woman he holds in contempt.Missteps seal James’s fate. The penance? His child, now in the care of the one he had scorned, suffers abuse and neglect. The woman James judged unacceptable, now judges him. Trapped and helpless, he can only watch in horror.Who will save the Ravens when they cannot save themselves…and at what cost? Their salvation ends with blood on their hands, and they must bury their sins, deep in the Loess Hills of Missouri.
219 pages, Paperback
First published January 21, 2012
32 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
Gina Marie Barlean
18 books44 followersG. M. Barlean is a Nebraska author who calls both Omaha and David City her home; city mouse and country mouse, in turn. She is a member of The Nebraska Writers Guild since 2009. She is also a member of The Nebraska Pen Women. The author of cozy mysteries, suspense fiction, collections of essays and even a love story, her latest book is non-fiction and about the people of her heritage and the land from which they came: Czech & Slavic Epic History.
Barlean has a website at ginambarlean.com, and a Facebook page where she shares her life stories with friends and readers.
Barlean has a website at ginambarlean.com, and a Facebook page where she shares her life stories with friends and readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 23, 2012
Wow. This is one of those compelling books that kept me up all night to read it, and when it was over, all I could was think, "Wow. That was one of the most emotionally-charged books I've ever read." After reading the Casting Stones: The Prelude, I was eager to find out what happened to James Raven and Esther. James chose to marry someone else, leaving Esther heartbroken. After his wife dies, he returns, and Esther believes this is her second chance.
It's hard to say what happens in this book without spoiling it, and I don't want to put up any spoilers. So I'll try to sum it up without ruining the plot. I'll say right away it was not predictable at all. I thought the characters would end up going one way, but they went another. That's what compelled me to keep reading, and in the end, it's what made me say, "Wow. What a great book!"
This isn't a warm and fuzzy book. Esther does get her wish. She gets to marry James and she has his child, but life doesn't turn out as she hoped. There are hard issues addressed here. For one, we take a look at the power of resentment as it builds up over time. What starts as a selfish act didn't lead either character in the direction they wanted to ultimately be in. It's hard not to think of this book without tearing up. The issues mentioned in relation to human emotions are so authentic you can't help but sympathize for even the unlikeable characters in the book. Nothing is black and white. With this book, it's all shades of gray.
I look forward to the next book this author writes, and I will understand next time that I can't predict what will happen and probably find myself reading late at night while I try not to cry.
It's hard to say what happens in this book without spoiling it, and I don't want to put up any spoilers. So I'll try to sum it up without ruining the plot. I'll say right away it was not predictable at all. I thought the characters would end up going one way, but they went another. That's what compelled me to keep reading, and in the end, it's what made me say, "Wow. What a great book!"
This isn't a warm and fuzzy book. Esther does get her wish. She gets to marry James and she has his child, but life doesn't turn out as she hoped. There are hard issues addressed here. For one, we take a look at the power of resentment as it builds up over time. What starts as a selfish act didn't lead either character in the direction they wanted to ultimately be in. It's hard not to think of this book without tearing up. The issues mentioned in relation to human emotions are so authentic you can't help but sympathize for even the unlikeable characters in the book. Nothing is black and white. With this book, it's all shades of gray.
I look forward to the next book this author writes, and I will understand next time that I can't predict what will happen and probably find myself reading late at night while I try not to cry.
March 15, 2012
Spell binding. The lives of these people are so dramatic and well written I was practically glued to the pages. Because of one small mistake in judgement James Raven has cast his lot to the wind. G.M. Barlean brings you through a whirlwind of emotions the main one is revenge for the father and son. The ending was totally unexpected and as perfectly written as the rest of the book. You will not be disappointed in reading Casting Stones.
December 23, 2021
Let’s just say this was dark and depressing, predictable as well. Without giving anything away, a bit less than halfway through the book I began to wonder why I was reading this at all. I only finished because I wanted to know how it ended.
February 21, 2012
It has been a very long time since I have had an emotional investment in a book. Casting Stones had me in it's grip from the beginning of page 1. There were times when I was reading that I wanted to literally yell and scream at the characters in this book. There where times where I felt sad for some of the characters in the story. There were times when I had to set the book down and come back to it because I couldn't stand to read anymore about what was going on. This book was a masterpiece when it comes to getting you invested in the characters and the story.
Speaking of the characters; they were so well crafted! James, one of the main characters was a prime example of this. In the beginning of the story I felt sorry for him, then there were parts that I was so angry at him that I probably would have tried to deck him if I met him in real life, then I went back to feeling sorry for him. There was just an emotional connection with all of the characters in this book.
I'm not going to go into the plot because I don't want to give anything away. You have to read this book to fully appreciate what goes on it it. My retelling of the plot would not do it justice.
This book is a must read for any and all readers. It doesn't matter what genre you like; I believe you will like this book. Thank you again Gina for sending me this book. I can't wait for your next book to come out!
Overall Rating: 5/5
Speaking of the characters; they were so well crafted! James, one of the main characters was a prime example of this. In the beginning of the story I felt sorry for him, then there were parts that I was so angry at him that I probably would have tried to deck him if I met him in real life, then I went back to feeling sorry for him. There was just an emotional connection with all of the characters in this book.
I'm not going to go into the plot because I don't want to give anything away. You have to read this book to fully appreciate what goes on it it. My retelling of the plot would not do it justice.
This book is a must read for any and all readers. It doesn't matter what genre you like; I believe you will like this book. Thank you again Gina for sending me this book. I can't wait for your next book to come out!
Overall Rating: 5/5
March 4, 2012
An amazing read! It was an emotional roller-coaster that had me tightly gripping my Nook and later on my hands were up high cheering in the air as the characters lived out there life in Nebraska in the early 1900’s. James was living the perfect life, happily married with an adorable little baby but suddenly his perfect life was about to change. How James dealt with this change would affect his life forever. I would like to tell you more about the book but I am afraid of spoiling it but I could tell you, it is about selfishness, human strength, determination, humanity, friendship, spite, cruelty,……..(need I go on). I really enjoyed the way the author keep this story moving and the way she portrayed her characters. Time moved quickly in this book with smooth transitions and great details. The characters were people you could relate to and with enough descriptions to visualize them on your own and form your own opinion without the author describing every detail. This story was very powerful and moving and one I couldn’t put down. I definitely want to read more by this author!
December 27, 2012
Gina Barlean has created a compelling account of two families whose destiny and misfortune are irrevocably intertwined. The lives of James Raven and his son Jim are molded by circumstance and the manipulation of the Barton zealots. The story is intense in its delivery. The narration is deceptively low key, but Barlean builds both empathy and loathing for her characters to the point that you just wish someone would come and do something about it. Enter Tom Andrews, a good guy who gets pulled into the spiral of misfortune and does his best to make things right…even if it might be in the wrong way. It’s hard to put this book down once you start reading it, so curl up and get comfortable for the duration of this dark but riviting tale.
April 1, 2014
This is a sad tale reminding me in part of biblical Jacob and how he was deceived. I found that duplicity here to be a bit of a stretch seeing that Esther hadn't split after what she deemed as James' sin. She measured her own wrongdoings against the sins of others thereby justifying her own actions.
Esther learned well, her father's evil ways. Claiming to be a Christian, she judged others just as he had by twisting and taking out of context, the words of the bible. She knew no love and showed no love.
Casting Stones is a fitting title as while Esther spouted doom to all others, she made herself exempt from those same draconian judgments that she judged others by.
Esther learned well, her father's evil ways. Claiming to be a Christian, she judged others just as he had by twisting and taking out of context, the words of the bible. She knew no love and showed no love.
Casting Stones is a fitting title as while Esther spouted doom to all others, she made herself exempt from those same draconian judgments that she judged others by.
July 5, 2012
This was a sad situation yet in one aspect delightful as well.
It is sad that some are raised where cruelty abounds.
Some take pieces of the bible to fit their own interpretation then say it is the Lord's will.
Others try to live as the Lord truly wills.
In both cases this is well-written and clean enough I would let a young Adult read it as well as adults.
I would also recommend this trilogy to book clubs. There are a lot of good discussion questions to be raised.
It is sad that some are raised where cruelty abounds.
Some take pieces of the bible to fit their own interpretation then say it is the Lord's will.
Others try to live as the Lord truly wills.
In both cases this is well-written and clean enough I would let a young Adult read it as well as adults.
I would also recommend this trilogy to book clubs. There are a lot of good discussion questions to be raised.
May 29, 2012
This story is heart wrenching, but so well done. I wanted to cry from the first chapter on, but made it through, needing to reach a conclusion so that my mind would not be consumed with the characters so much. I'd stop at a chapter, but have to come back quick since I was engrossed in the characters' woes. Barlean did a superb job. Now I need to finish Part 3--Conclusions.
April 26, 2012
This was a free Kindle book. I have become a bit discouraged with most of the free books-but this was an exception! It was very good! I recommend it!
April 30, 2012
So Sad. I kept saying, oh my gosh...... Could it get any worse? I wanted to look away but couldn't.
May 30, 2012
Nice conclusion to this story. Thank you Gina for not leaving me hanging, wondering if more terrible things would happen because of the 'big' secret.
April 6, 2013
Of Mice and Men kept wafting through my brain. The bonds between the members of a dysfunctional family and the justice served up home style!
February 9, 2012
Well written and packed full of action but extremely sad. A well worth it quick read. (112 pgs)
March 4, 2020
Love this book, emotional and dark at times but keeps you thinking along time after.
April 26, 2023
This was a good story. One of the main characters made me so made I could have smacker her with a frying pan. It was not easy to read some parts. I would caution someone who has abuse issues to not read this as it could be triggering to them. I know this is fiction but could cause a problem for some.
June 15, 2012
I enjoyed reading Casting Stones by G. M. Barlean, very much. It is a taut historical drama, with the emotion played just right and never overwrought.
The book tells the story of James Raven and his family, the tragedy involving his first marriage and the nightmare existence that becomes his second marriage. It takes the reader on a tense ride through his turmoil to the stunning conclusion.
I love good historical fiction and Casting Stones fits the bill. It’s not one of the sweeping epics or historic mysteries I usually read, but it takes a solid story, and marries it with strong, believable characters. Mix in the author’s excellent writing style and you have a winner.
I really liked the fact that author manages not to pull punches when it comes to misfortune while still maintaining a credibility of plot. Nothing goes too far over the top, and the motives and rationales of the characters are realistic. And that is where the heart of the book lies, with the characters. You feel for James Raven and his son, and grow to loathe those responsible for their pain.
It was a treat to read Casting Stones and I recommend it.
The book tells the story of James Raven and his family, the tragedy involving his first marriage and the nightmare existence that becomes his second marriage. It takes the reader on a tense ride through his turmoil to the stunning conclusion.
I love good historical fiction and Casting Stones fits the bill. It’s not one of the sweeping epics or historic mysteries I usually read, but it takes a solid story, and marries it with strong, believable characters. Mix in the author’s excellent writing style and you have a winner.
I really liked the fact that author manages not to pull punches when it comes to misfortune while still maintaining a credibility of plot. Nothing goes too far over the top, and the motives and rationales of the characters are realistic. And that is where the heart of the book lies, with the characters. You feel for James Raven and his son, and grow to loathe those responsible for their pain.
It was a treat to read Casting Stones and I recommend it.
July 5, 2012
Great Trilogy for Book Clubs!
This was a sad situation yet in one aspect delightful as well.
It is sad that some are raised where cruelty abounds.
Some take pieces of the bible to fit their own interpretation then say it is the Lord's will.
Others try to live as the Lord truly wills.
The body of the story portrays how anger and rebellion most often result in critical situations.
Some choices have far-reaching consequences and affects more than just one's life.
The question often asked is if it was worth it in the end? This applies to different scenarios in this novel.
Whether one wants to believe or not, it still ends up that a higher power is in charge.
In all cases, this is well-written and clean enough I would let a Young Adult read it as well as adults.
I would also highly recommend this trilogy to book clubs. There are a lot of great discussion questions to be raised.
February 23, 2012
The description is what pulled me into reading this prelude, and it hooked me in enough to read the next book. In this story, we're introduced to James Raven and Esther. Her father sent her over to William (James' father) and James' home to cook and clean. Esther's father is sure that James will one day be her husband, and Esther is sure of this, too. But will James follow the path set out for him or choose his own way?
Like I said, this story pulled me in. The characters felt real to me, which I know is hard to explain except to say I experienced the emotions they felt. That's what I liked most about this book and the next. I connected to them and understood their motivation for doing what they did. Let's suffice it to say that no one is perfect, but you can understand why they chose the path they did. Very well done!
Like I said, this story pulled me in. The characters felt real to me, which I know is hard to explain except to say I experienced the emotions they felt. That's what I liked most about this book and the next. I connected to them and understood their motivation for doing what they did. Let's suffice it to say that no one is perfect, but you can understand why they chose the path they did. Very well done!
February 14, 2013
Ahhhhh. One of the most horribly depressing books... wait...THE MOST horribly depressing books of all time. I almost quit reading it, and if I wasn't stuck on a bus in rush hour traffic I would have. I give it 2 instead of 1 star; however, because it has great character development and definitely gets a reader emotionally charged as others have pointed out. Just when I thought the story could not get worse it DID. Then continued to go downhill more and more nearly to the point of being comical (unbelievable). Ester Barton has to be THE most hated story character EVER. I bet it will be a long time before I read about a more horribly vile and despicable character!
September 14, 2014
Casting Stones is an amazing story of living with the consequences of your actions. The story is so well written you will have a hard time putting it down. Barlean crawls into the heads of her characters and shows us what great emotion is all about. I'm now reading Barlean's newest book, The Thorns of Rosewood. Her books just keep getting better and better! Love the ladies, hate Naomi. Great writing!
August 1, 2012
This book was ... interesting. A decent (if predictable) story and a very quick read, but the pacing was off, the writing was lacking in places, and I didn't feel like I really knew any of the characters well (with the exception of Esther, who I almost felt sorry for at the beginning). If you're into soap opera-type fiction, this book will be right up your alley. For those of you looking for substantial characters and a moving plot, look elsewhere.
July 13, 2015
A great dramatic read that takes place in Nebraska and Missouri in the 1920s to 1940s. The characters so richly drafted, you half expect to find them down your street. But hopefully, Esther Barton will not be! She is a bitter, vengeful woman and makes for a nasty villain from the start.
This book is well-written and flows from beginning to end. There is plenty of family drama and turmoil, but there are also flashes of goodness and joy. Let’s hope we see more from this author!
This book is well-written and flows from beginning to end. There is plenty of family drama and turmoil, but there are also flashes of goodness and joy. Let’s hope we see more from this author!
March 15, 2012
This prelude to the complete novel 'Casting Stones' is definitely a drawing point. You're pulled into the lives of the characters from the very first page. I was really upset when it drew to a close. Couldn't wait to dig into the full novel just to see what would happen next. This is a great short read and a must read before the complete book.
March 29, 2012
This was an emotional book for me. It told the story of James and his highs and lows through out his lifetime. Each character was so clear with their emotions through the story. Casting Stones could be the story of any of our lives. The way the book was written it seemed as though a lifetime went by in a few pages. A wonderfully written book.
January 27, 2013
A captivating story that grips your heart and attention. The characters are richly constructed and feel as if they have been a part of your life all along. Meer acquaintances that pass by at the grocery store or the post office, however, the disbelief is unbearable as their family skeletons come tumbling out of the closet.
April 28, 2012
You can't always get what you want.
Short intro to the book by the same name.
William's wife/James' mother dies. James has someone in mind to court. Esther has someone in mind to court her. Things don't always turn out like we want.
Short intro to the book by the same name.
William's wife/James' mother dies. James has someone in mind to court. Esther has someone in mind to court her. Things don't always turn out like we want.
May 11, 2012
The story was pretty interesting, and it kept me moving through it, but it felt a bit underdeveloped. I never got a really good connection with the characters and Esther as the villain never got quite malevolent enough.
July 7, 2012
Once again, Casting Stones Trilogy offers great discussion questions for all book clubs. Conclusions finalizes the situations created in Prelude Casting Stones and Casting Stones, yet isn't totally surprising.
It is very 'cleanly' written so Young Adults could review this series as well.
It is very 'cleanly' written so Young Adults could review this series as well.
February 6, 2014
This should be a best seller. At first I was unsure where this story was going. But it turns out to be a incredible, unbelievable, but yet-very believable story. I wish this author would write more like this. Fast read, quality writing and outstanding content.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews