DNF - I enjoyed the focus on California history but the social sentiments are dated and I couldn't overlook that so I decided to stop reading.

An epic sweeping story that covers many years but also makes the story feel close and intimate without feeling small. I highly recommend pretty much everything this author writes because she has a wonderful style. ( )

Before reading it, I had noticed the book on the shelf. I wasn't allowed to read it for a long time, not fit for a child, my mother said.
When I finally was allowed to (around 14 years of age),I simply loved this book. For me it was my first book about real life, though it is a novel and therefor probably fiction.

What I liked, apart from the saga about Tessa, her heritage and her family, was also the history part of this book. I have no clue if the background described is close to how it was in those days, but it was done in such a manner, that it was very plausible for me. And I learned from it, since I had not yet had many history lessons about the west.

The book is very realistic: about the love for another person, about troubles in life, elianation, betrayal, friendship, having children, see them grow up, having difficulties letting them go, saying goodbye to the partner you love so much and need to be living without for many years...
It gave me a look at what could be ahead. Not the setting of course, my hometown is not to be compared with California half way the 19th century. No, about family life and all that is attached to it. I admired Tessa and Gavin for living the way they did, never give up, not even in the hardest times.
( )

A highly readable book, infused with historical facts and an engaging storyline. Highly recommended! ( )

I LOVED this book. I reccomend it all the time for patrons who want someone/something new. I had a paperback copy years ago and would not let ANYone borrow it because it was falling apart and I was afraid they would lose the pages that were falling out. HAHA I had a rubberband to hold it all together. Very interesting learning about California. I think this book set me up to love the "Outlander" series so much as it follows generations of the same family also. On a side note: I always thought Susan Lucci should play the main character of Tessa. No offense to Ms. Lucci, but I think is too late for that now. ( )