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The Oak Leaves #1
The Oak Leaves
Two time periods—Regency England and contemporary Chicago—are woven together when Talie Ingram finds an old journal belonging to her great-great-great grandmother, Cosima Escott. Through Cosima's entries, Talie learns that her family was once considered cursed with feebleminded offspring, the result of a genetic disorder (Fragile-X) that may have been passed down to Talie and her sister. Unwilling to face the implications their discovery might have on her own life, Talie tucks the journal back into secrecy, until she begins to see signs of developmental delay in her son.
406 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2007
248 people are currently reading
1434 people want to read
About the author
Maureen Lang
38 books209 followersMaureen Lang
Maureen Lang has always had a passion for writing. She wrote her first novel longhand around the age of 10, put the pages into a notebook she had covered with soft deerskin (nothing but the best!), then passed it around the neighborhood to rave reviews. It was so much fun she's been writing ever since.
Most of her books are historical, with an emphasis on faith and romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
August 12, 2008
I mostly enjoyed this book, even though I am not the target market. This is a inspirational/Christian novel - I only came by it because I met the author, Maureen Lang, at a conference, and she's a super nice person. I put off reading it for a while because I was afraid it would be like Christian pop music - not quite as good as regular pop, with a lot more God thrown in - but I was pleasantly surprised. The bulk of the novel takes place in Victorian England, and was not terribly different than reading a Jane Austen book. I didn't connect quite as well with the Contemporary Chicago setting - those were the parts where, near the end, the discussion of faith sort of crossed my eyes. In the end, it was a compelling story, well told, and not overly preachy, even for someone outside of the target audience.
May 23, 2012
Where I got the book: free on Kindle at publisher's discretion. Maureen is a friend in real life.
This inspirational novel has an alternating-chapter two-story structure, the linking factor being the genetic ties between the two female protagonists, Talie in the modern day and Cosima in the 19th century. But in this novel genetics don't just mean familial ties; the Fragile X gene runs through the two women's family giving rise to cognitively disabled children.
This setup would be bound to get me interested from the start, since I too have a child affected by a genetic disorder that causes a cognitive disability--although in our case there's been a "random mutation" rather than a hereditary disorder. The parallel structure of the novel allows the reader to explore changing attitudes toward disability and timeless questions of faith within a story that manages not to lay any of its themes down with too heavy a hand. It's definitely a Christian novel--I've noted that some reviewers found the Christian slant hard to deal with--but to anyone who is at all familiar with or receptive to the Christian faith, there are some thought-provoking insights into the nature of love and trust.
I found myself more drawn, at first, to the modern story because I identified with the characters' fear and confusion as they realize that a happy little boy is simply not progressing, intellectually speaking, beyond babyhood. I was nodding my head--oh yes, been there done that--at so many of the steps through denial, anger, grief and acceptance as they gradually grasp that the unthinkable has in fact happened to them. (Until it does happen, disabled children are generally on the periphery of your awareness!) It rang true because it's written from experience, although I wish I'd had the faith perspective back then.
The 19th-century story grew on me gradually; it came across as less real to me partly because it's a fairly straightforward romance plot, partly because it's set among the aristocracy and it's difficult to pull that world off on paper unless you're personally pretty familiar with it. Forms of address often give the writer away, and if anyone has a solid reference for writers about the nuances of class in British society, please speak up. In this instance the high-society setting had a point, because to a family expected to produce leaders of the country a less-than-able heir would be a considerable problem (although, from what I've read in and in between the lines, because of inbreeding it happened far more often than advertised). After a bit I warmed to this story line, mainly because Peter, the hero, was very nicely rounded out as a character with a lot more going for him than just being the inevitable broad-shouldered hunk. Also, Cosima's dilemma--revealing a genetic disorder that in those days was seen as a curse or stigma--was pretty interesting as far as obstacles to true love go. The one character who really didn't work for me was the rotter Reginald, Cosima's sort-of fiancé; I had the worst time understanding his motives and at one point found myself wondering whether he had a gay crush on Peter. I was wrong, of course; not that kind of novel.
All in all I found The Oak Leaves to be quite a page-turner and a whole lot more substantial than many inspirational romances, hence the four stars.
This inspirational novel has an alternating-chapter two-story structure, the linking factor being the genetic ties between the two female protagonists, Talie in the modern day and Cosima in the 19th century. But in this novel genetics don't just mean familial ties; the Fragile X gene runs through the two women's family giving rise to cognitively disabled children.
This setup would be bound to get me interested from the start, since I too have a child affected by a genetic disorder that causes a cognitive disability--although in our case there's been a "random mutation" rather than a hereditary disorder. The parallel structure of the novel allows the reader to explore changing attitudes toward disability and timeless questions of faith within a story that manages not to lay any of its themes down with too heavy a hand. It's definitely a Christian novel--I've noted that some reviewers found the Christian slant hard to deal with--but to anyone who is at all familiar with or receptive to the Christian faith, there are some thought-provoking insights into the nature of love and trust.
I found myself more drawn, at first, to the modern story because I identified with the characters' fear and confusion as they realize that a happy little boy is simply not progressing, intellectually speaking, beyond babyhood. I was nodding my head--oh yes, been there done that--at so many of the steps through denial, anger, grief and acceptance as they gradually grasp that the unthinkable has in fact happened to them. (Until it does happen, disabled children are generally on the periphery of your awareness!) It rang true because it's written from experience, although I wish I'd had the faith perspective back then.
The 19th-century story grew on me gradually; it came across as less real to me partly because it's a fairly straightforward romance plot, partly because it's set among the aristocracy and it's difficult to pull that world off on paper unless you're personally pretty familiar with it. Forms of address often give the writer away, and if anyone has a solid reference for writers about the nuances of class in British society, please speak up. In this instance the high-society setting had a point, because to a family expected to produce leaders of the country a less-than-able heir would be a considerable problem (although, from what I've read in and in between the lines, because of inbreeding it happened far more often than advertised). After a bit I warmed to this story line, mainly because Peter, the hero, was very nicely rounded out as a character with a lot more going for him than just being the inevitable broad-shouldered hunk. Also, Cosima's dilemma--revealing a genetic disorder that in those days was seen as a curse or stigma--was pretty interesting as far as obstacles to true love go. The one character who really didn't work for me was the rotter Reginald, Cosima's sort-of fiancé; I had the worst time understanding his motives and at one point found myself wondering whether he had a gay crush on Peter. I was wrong, of course; not that kind of novel.
All in all I found The Oak Leaves to be quite a page-turner and a whole lot more substantial than many inspirational romances, hence the four stars.
February 1, 2016
I read the first chapter of this book online several weeks ago, and was finally able to get it from inter-library loan this past week. I started the book last night, and could not put it down. I did sleep, but once I woke up this morning, I did not even get on my computer. I just read, stopped to make a PB&J and read. It is now almost four in the afternoon and I am finished. Maureen Lang has quite the affinity for story telling. I was completely entranced by the family heritage story that she was unrolling and could not stop until there was no more. (I'm glad there is a sequel!) As a genealogist myself, I'm very interested in learning of other peoples adventures into their heritage through newspaper entries, letters, or in this case an old diary.
Natalie, or Talie as everyone calls her is the modern mom of America. She attends her contemporary church with her husband and enjoys having her mother and sister near. Mom and baby's social group turns out to be less than she expected... and then she finds a box of heirlooms including a diary. The family legacy lies within the pages and it is not what Talie expected, but it turns out to be a curse that Lord can make into a blessing.
Other than genealogy, at one time I fancied a future as a nurse and genetics is something else that I have found intriguing. This story is one that all families should read. If something comes at you that seems terrible, there is a chance that there is good to come from it. Look for your lemonade in your lemons, and your blessings in your supposed curse.
Natalie, or Talie as everyone calls her is the modern mom of America. She attends her contemporary church with her husband and enjoys having her mother and sister near. Mom and baby's social group turns out to be less than she expected... and then she finds a box of heirlooms including a diary. The family legacy lies within the pages and it is not what Talie expected, but it turns out to be a curse that Lord can make into a blessing.
Other than genealogy, at one time I fancied a future as a nurse and genetics is something else that I have found intriguing. This story is one that all families should read. If something comes at you that seems terrible, there is a chance that there is good to come from it. Look for your lemonade in your lemons, and your blessings in your supposed curse.
March 16, 2013
I just finished this last night. I should mention I picked it up only four days ago. Though I read it in an accumulation of probably less than two days. Crying kept causing a pause - to push book back and gather myself and utter some prayers and confessions and - it was rich and lovely. I was swept mainly by the 19th century storyline (this book alternates between current time (written in 2007) and the mid to late 1800s. It was the latter dealings where I found myself most engaged, though both families and story-lines were written well and with suspense of emotion and result and progression.
I enjoyed this very much! I chose this book (my first ever Maureen Lang book to read) due to the topic. I will contain no spoilers here, I will only say that it includes special needs children and adults and the effect of such on families. Having a special needs nephew, I was drawn instantly - curious to how this topic would be portrayed. One never knows if it will be handled in an appropriate, real manner.
Maureen succeeded on all accounts of presenting it truthfully, with emotion and honesty. She, herself, has first hand knowledge and my heart was right there with hers for being brave enough to spill pieces of herself on a page to allow others some understanding of that which most know very little about - and here I'm not referring to special needs as a broad whole (for sadly, I know many do have experience in such areas - broadly speaking) - but I speak of the specific disease she writes about to which her own son is diagnosed - fragile X syndrome. I, myself, have almost no knowledge at all of the specifics. I had heard of it, but beyond that, held little more.
Read this. I highly recommend it. It's not "cheesy Christian fiction", for the emotions are not over the top, the responses to one another in relationship and interaction are believable. The faith is deep but not perfect (as is real life). Inspiring. I truly enjoyed it.
*I should note I decided to read some of Maureen's earlier books because I am browsing for my next Tyndale book to review. A new one from Maureen is up as a contender, and I wanted to know a little more about her style before I committed to a choice. I'm glad I did. I'm still not at a decision, but I am very thankful I picked up this book.
I enjoyed this very much! I chose this book (my first ever Maureen Lang book to read) due to the topic. I will contain no spoilers here, I will only say that it includes special needs children and adults and the effect of such on families. Having a special needs nephew, I was drawn instantly - curious to how this topic would be portrayed. One never knows if it will be handled in an appropriate, real manner.
Maureen succeeded on all accounts of presenting it truthfully, with emotion and honesty. She, herself, has first hand knowledge and my heart was right there with hers for being brave enough to spill pieces of herself on a page to allow others some understanding of that which most know very little about - and here I'm not referring to special needs as a broad whole (for sadly, I know many do have experience in such areas - broadly speaking) - but I speak of the specific disease she writes about to which her own son is diagnosed - fragile X syndrome. I, myself, have almost no knowledge at all of the specifics. I had heard of it, but beyond that, held little more.
Read this. I highly recommend it. It's not "cheesy Christian fiction", for the emotions are not over the top, the responses to one another in relationship and interaction are believable. The faith is deep but not perfect (as is real life). Inspiring. I truly enjoyed it.
*I should note I decided to read some of Maureen's earlier books because I am browsing for my next Tyndale book to review. A new one from Maureen is up as a contender, and I wanted to know a little more about her style before I committed to a choice. I'm glad I did. I'm still not at a decision, but I am very thankful I picked up this book.
October 5, 2011
Judging from the cover and the book description, I wasn't too sure I'd enjoy this book. It looked like another run-of-the-mill Christian chick-flick. But, after seeing the high ratings I thought I would give it a try.
I was completely stunned by the depth presented in this book. The realistic characters grapple with some very difficult questions about suffering and pain and along the way discover some answers that are both satisfying and deeply encouraging.
Maureen Lang weaves a story that is quite gripping with many twists and turns, alternating between two time periods and two branches of the same family. Although the two time periods are quite different, and the contrast is a bit jarring at times, the issues and emotions that the characters face in the two stories parallel and complement each other beautifully.
This was a very inspiring book and helped me grow in my faith in God (something I think all Christian fiction should do). Many thanks to Maureen Lang for an thoughtful, uplifting piece of fiction.
I was completely stunned by the depth presented in this book. The realistic characters grapple with some very difficult questions about suffering and pain and along the way discover some answers that are both satisfying and deeply encouraging.
Maureen Lang weaves a story that is quite gripping with many twists and turns, alternating between two time periods and two branches of the same family. Although the two time periods are quite different, and the contrast is a bit jarring at times, the issues and emotions that the characters face in the two stories parallel and complement each other beautifully.
This was a very inspiring book and helped me grow in my faith in God (something I think all Christian fiction should do). Many thanks to Maureen Lang for an thoughtful, uplifting piece of fiction.
September 25, 2011
This story weaves together two time periods - Regency England and modern day Chicago. Talie Ingram finds an old journal that belong to her great great great grandmother Cosima Escott. While reading through it, Talie discovers a family "curse"; children born with what was called in those days "feeblemindedness", but was really the result of a genetic disorder called Fragile-X. Talie finds this news very unsettling, as she has noticed developmental delays in her own son, but she is not ready to face her fears, so tucks the journal away to keep the secret away from her husband and her sister. Her husband urges her to keep reading it though, and through Cosima's faith in God, she finds her own strength to do what she has to do to help her son.
I really enjoyed this story, it was very intriguing, especially Cosima's story; she is determined not to marry because of the curse, but then she falls in love and that of course complicates things. The dialogue and the emotions in the story feel very real, and that is because the author herself has a son who has Fragile -X syndrome. The story not only captured the trials and tribulations of living with a special needs child, but the joys too.
I really enjoyed this story, it was very intriguing, especially Cosima's story; she is determined not to marry because of the curse, but then she falls in love and that of course complicates things. The dialogue and the emotions in the story feel very real, and that is because the author herself has a son who has Fragile -X syndrome. The story not only captured the trials and tribulations of living with a special needs child, but the joys too.
July 11, 2011
Can't wait to read this - I've been recently going through all of my grandmother's photos and journals and am so awed but how much I'm learning about her and her ancestors, my family and myself! Thanks for the introduction to this book!
OK, now that I've read it, how the heck did I miss the reviews that discuss the Christian part of this book? This is considered Christian writing. In fact, there's probably not a page that doens't mention God, or his blessedness, or god's grace, or doesn't have someone praying or knealing. I have no problem with spiritual writings - I love to get flavors of all cultures & religions, but I just felt this was a lot more than an introduction to it, or a 'flavor' of it, and in several intances, it was, in my opinion, totally out of place and contrived. I am not into being religious just to be religious, with no emotional backing to it, and I felt that this was the literary version of that style.
Half of the book is of modern-day Talia, half the book is about her family in Ireland in the 1800's. I liked the Ireland part (I miss reading my Jane Austin and Madame Bovary). I hated the modern-day stuff.
OK, now that I've read it, how the heck did I miss the reviews that discuss the Christian part of this book? This is considered Christian writing. In fact, there's probably not a page that doens't mention God, or his blessedness, or god's grace, or doesn't have someone praying or knealing. I have no problem with spiritual writings - I love to get flavors of all cultures & religions, but I just felt this was a lot more than an introduction to it, or a 'flavor' of it, and in several intances, it was, in my opinion, totally out of place and contrived. I am not into being religious just to be religious, with no emotional backing to it, and I felt that this was the literary version of that style.
Half of the book is of modern-day Talia, half the book is about her family in Ireland in the 1800's. I liked the Ireland part (I miss reading my Jane Austin and Madame Bovary). I hated the modern-day stuff.
July 5, 2015
A very realistic fictional account of two different generations dealing with fragile x syndrome, the author skillfully goes back and forth between the past and the present. This story is definitely enhanced by the fact the author has a child with fragile x; she gives a great deal of interesting information about the syndrome in an interesting plot. The depths of love and what it can endure, the gamut of emotions a parent goes through when they find out their child's future will be different than what they envisioned, the innocence and joy a fragile x child can display, and the variety of reactions others will have, both good and harmful. The sequel, On Sparrow Hill, is now on my reading list also.
September 24, 2011
The book i felt was badly written and was confusing going back and forth in time.
February 21, 2017
It was good, but I didn't like very much going back and forth from present day to the 1800's. For some reason it was annoying in this novel. I preferred to stay in Cosima's world. Perhaps I didn't understand why the present day woman, couldn't accept the fact that her son was perhaps, not "normal". I thought our society was beyond that. And I have a disabled younger sister, so have never had a problem with people who are "different." In fact, the longer I live, the more I think we are all "different". And some of us are worse off than someone with a diagnosed mental disability.
So, it bothered me that she was as upset as she was as she was trying to figure out if her son was disabled. None of us know what we are going to get when we have children. Or in life for that matter. Isn't that the point? Take what you get, and do the best you can with it. Trust God, and it will all work out for crying out loud.
So, it bothered me that she was as upset as she was as she was trying to figure out if her son was disabled. None of us know what we are going to get when we have children. Or in life for that matter. Isn't that the point? Take what you get, and do the best you can with it. Trust God, and it will all work out for crying out loud.
June 9, 2019
Heartwrenching
Reading multi-generational novels in journal style is captivating. 'The Oak Leaves' touched me deeply because the entire point of the story is genetics, faith, and overcoming with the joy of Jesus. Great character building and flow. I for one do enjoy the century flipping. Be prepared to stay put with your tissue box close because of the realism.
From one generation to the next my bloodline includes paranoid schizophrenia, down syndrome and autism. Those with faith absolutely believe GOD let's HIS Children be borrowed no matter what society thinks of that child. So excited to one day stand hand in hand with my mother, son, and grandson in His Glorious Light with no more tears. Thank you Maureen for writing such a poignant 'Five Star' novel
Reading multi-generational novels in journal style is captivating. 'The Oak Leaves' touched me deeply because the entire point of the story is genetics, faith, and overcoming with the joy of Jesus. Great character building and flow. I for one do enjoy the century flipping. Be prepared to stay put with your tissue box close because of the realism.
From one generation to the next my bloodline includes paranoid schizophrenia, down syndrome and autism. Those with faith absolutely believe GOD let's HIS Children be borrowed no matter what society thinks of that child. So excited to one day stand hand in hand with my mother, son, and grandson in His Glorious Light with no more tears. Thank you Maureen for writing such a poignant 'Five Star' novel
December 5, 2021
An excellent book! Mrs. Lang does a great job on a difficult subject. She shows us that God is still good, still loves us, and is still in control, even when our life is falling apart. She shows how this is true even when our life has been so bad for so long, that we feel cursed. Best of all is that she doesn't use platitudes, or insist God is good, loving, etc. Instead she shows that He is all those things and more, even in the middle of our pain. The characters in both centuries are quite real and pull you into their lives. Make sure tissues are handy when you're reading...you'll need them. But you're also likely to burst out laughing at times too. This is a book that can change your attitude about your own life if you'll let it.
May 5, 2018
Het boek verweeft op een fijne manier twee verhaallijnen, eentje in het heden en eentje in de negentiende eeuw. De manier waarop we mee mogen volgen in het leven van de twee vrouwen die geconfronteerd worden met het fragiele X-syndroom in hun familie vond ik vrij goed aangepakt, het verschil tussen nu en vroeger, maar ook de overeenkomsten. Daarnaast krijg je ook een vrij voorspelbaar, maar mooi liefdesverhaal.
Ik ging me wel steeds meer storen aan de nadruk op de aanwezigheid van God en de kracht van het geloof. In beide verhaallijnen wordt God er continu bij gehaald en dat was voor mij echt van het goede teveel.
Ik ging me wel steeds meer storen aan de nadruk op de aanwezigheid van God en de kracht van het geloof. In beide verhaallijnen wordt God er continu bij gehaald en dat was voor mij echt van het goede teveel.
May 3, 2020
Can't loose with this one.
This is a historical novel going from present times back 150 years ago. The premise is about a family who has children "on the spectrum" and how that shows itself again 150 years later. It's also a story filled with love. The most important love is that of our heavenly father which this book handled in a wonderful way. The love between husband and wife and the love we have for our children was an expression of God's love. If you like historical books you'll enjoy this. If you like modern day novels you like this book. Can't loose with this one.
This is a historical novel going from present times back 150 years ago. The premise is about a family who has children "on the spectrum" and how that shows itself again 150 years later. It's also a story filled with love. The most important love is that of our heavenly father which this book handled in a wonderful way. The love between husband and wife and the love we have for our children was an expression of God's love. If you like historical books you'll enjoy this. If you like modern day novels you like this book. Can't loose with this one.
January 20, 2021
I loved this book. It is a family saga spread across the generations and spanning several decades and locations. It goes backwards and forwards from the present day to the regency period. I was particularly interested in the Fragile X disorder as I had never heard of it. A really good read.
Two time periods—Regency England and contemporary Chicago—are woven together when Talie Ingram finds an old journal belonging to her great-great-great grandmother, Cosima Escott. Through Cosima's entries, Talie learns that her family was once considered cursed with feebleminded offspring, the result of a genetic disorder (Fragile-X) that may have been passed down to Talie and her sister. Unwilling to face the implications their discovery might have on her own life, Talie tucks the journal back into secrecy, until she begins to see signs of developmental delay in her son
Two time periods—Regency England and contemporary Chicago—are woven together when Talie Ingram finds an old journal belonging to her great-great-great grandmother, Cosima Escott. Through Cosima's entries, Talie learns that her family was once considered cursed with feebleminded offspring, the result of a genetic disorder (Fragile-X) that may have been passed down to Talie and her sister. Unwilling to face the implications their discovery might have on her own life, Talie tucks the journal back into secrecy, until she begins to see signs of developmental delay in her son
March 15, 2019
My first book by Maureen Lang - wow!
Hard to recap the story as the main focus might end up as a spoiler. Let's just say both stories - one set in the mid 1800's and one contemporary - illustrate how God's love and peace can get us through storms and seemingly impossible futures.
From my experiences of families with special needs children, these are very special parents. God did choose you to have those precious children put in your care, and He will carry you through that exhausting care.
Glad I can now go check out book 2 in the series.
Hard to recap the story as the main focus might end up as a spoiler. Let's just say both stories - one set in the mid 1800's and one contemporary - illustrate how God's love and peace can get us through storms and seemingly impossible futures.
From my experiences of families with special needs children, these are very special parents. God did choose you to have those precious children put in your care, and He will carry you through that exhausting care.
Glad I can now go check out book 2 in the series.
May 13, 2020
This was a good read. A fiction book about a very real thing. Fragile X syndrome is real, and it's genetic. Although this story is fiction, the basis of it is taken from the author's life experience. It's faith based, and a good testimony to the strength one can draw from God through the toughest of times, when you question everything you're going through and still come out knowing He is in control and it will be ok. Hard possibly, but ok.
June 27, 2020
This was an interesting Christian fiction book. The story went back and forth from present day to 1800's Ireland and England. It was hard to read at times, in the 1800's the family thought they were cursed and present day Talie has a son who is diagnosed with Fragile X and the story tells about how she and her family deal with the diagnosis. I wasn't sure I could finish it at first, but got into it and read until I finished it.
April 23, 2022
Loved it! Some very hard issues are dealt with, and yet God is still there.
It was very helpful to me, in that, it put in perspective some of my own sorrows.
We all have our cross to bear, Christians are not exempt.
Jesus did say we would have trials in this life.
I will definitely read more by this author.
Good Biblical principals and application of scripture
as well as some misunderstanding, and running ahead of God.
It was very helpful to me, in that, it put in perspective some of my own sorrows.
We all have our cross to bear, Christians are not exempt.
Jesus did say we would have trials in this life.
I will definitely read more by this author.
Good Biblical principals and application of scripture
as well as some misunderstanding, and running ahead of God.
June 16, 2018
For the most part, I liked this book. I'd really give it 3.5. I have to admit, though, that after a while I started to be bored. It just seemed like it was never getting to the point. A solution came to me regarding being afraid of possibly having a fragile X child which I don't recall seeing - adoption!
June 13, 2019
I like the style of writing of Maureen Lang, the flow and pace are easy to follow. A poignant and heartfelt journey of discovery that leaves the characters with difficult choices and issues of faith and trust. The author has shown courage in writing a story that resembles her own life experiences. Thank you.
February 22, 2025
Love and the X-Factor
An interesting read with romance, deception and faith that is strong enough to deal with some of the hardships in life that surprisingly makes some peoples faith even stronger. Descriptions of the differences of the people in Ireland and England. An enjoyable read about a curse called the X-Factor and the effect it has on children.
An interesting read with romance, deception and faith that is strong enough to deal with some of the hardships in life that surprisingly makes some peoples faith even stronger. Descriptions of the differences of the people in Ireland and England. An enjoyable read about a curse called the X-Factor and the effect it has on children.
May 1, 2020
Love, family and God
Love is what draws people together. God's love holds us together. The author draws from her own experience to write this touching novel. I felt I was there, with both young women as they struggled with the problems of living in a fallen world.
Love is what draws people together. God's love holds us together. The author draws from her own experience to write this touching novel. I felt I was there, with both young women as they struggled with the problems of living in a fallen world.
November 23, 2020
Wasn't fond of the Talia characteristics th4book, or the story line, but loved Cosima and her story. Without giving too much away, this is a good read, and you should stick till the end cause it was worth it. Look forward to more from this author.
August 25, 2024
The book alternates between two stories from different eras, the one a "prequel" to the other in the form of a journal. Enjoyed the book now than I was expecting to. Well constructed and week written.
February 15, 2018
This is a story about family history and genetics. They can be both good and bad.
April 4, 2018
A beautiful story about a family dealing with unexpected results of genetics. A story of faith, love, and forgiveness.
March 4, 2020
Over two decades we follow two families dealing with “feeble-minded” children, eventually known to carry the Fragile X gene.
Interesting seeing how both families dealt with the deformity.
Interesting seeing how both families dealt with the deformity.
September 1, 2020
Marked as finished but actually realised early in it wasn’t for me.
November 5, 2020
A bit weird - not sure how I liked it. Will go onto 2nd in series to see if can can make sense of the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews