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There are currently 33 member reviews
for The Homecoming of Samuel Lake
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Sarah N. (Corte Madera, CA)
I loved when Samuel Lake finally came home!
When is Jenny Wingfield coming out with her next book? I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There were times when it was "hard to watch" yet, I could not put the book down. Swan Lake and Blade were two incredible characters that were easy to love.
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Marie A. (Warner, NH)
What's Not to Like?
What's not to like in a book filled with traditions, family values, miracles, faith, integrity, unforgettable characters, the author's ability to weave a well-conceived story--and of course the forces of good and evil? I hated to see this book end; it was a page turner. Though tragedy and sadness play a part in the novel, the author adeptly presents her readers with hope for the characters and faith in their futures. Perhaps Wingfield has considered a sequel with Swan and Blade as main characters?
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Viqui G. (State College, PA)
The Homecoming of Samuel Lake
This novel was a very satisfying and enjoyable read. It has been a long while since I've read a novel with such finely drawn, complex characters. As a reader you really feel like you could drive up to the Moses homestead and immediately know everyone sitting around their supper table. The Moses/Lake extended family has several conflicts and a great deal of tension builds up as the novel reaches its climax. Major themes in the book are: good vs evil, truths and lies (and something in between!) , family strengths and the power of love. It was poignant but not cloying. I recommend it heartily.
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Kathy S. (Danbury, CT)
The Homecoming of Samuel Lake
This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. The first sentence drew me in, and I had a hard time putting down this book. Two families, relatable characters, the ins and outs of everyday life - with a miracle or two thrown in as a matter of course. Life is full of good and evil as depicted in this book, and faith can triumph against the odds.
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Doris K. (Angora, MN)
The Homecoming of Samuel Lake
The author tells a fascinating story of two families, although neighbors, are completely different. Their lifestyles, child raising ideas and family ties offer great contrasts.
Skillfully woven into the story is how these two families intersect and lives are changed. The story contains some violent acts thich are necessary to develop the character's personality. Although the story takes place in the '50's the needs and passions of people have not changed.
I enjoyed reading this novel and will recommend it to my book club. I can imagine this book would lead to a good discussion for any book club.
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Patricia L. (Seward, AK)
Homecoming of Samuel Lake
Jenny Wingfield author of The Homecoming of Samuel Lake chronicles a farm family dealing with the everyday challenges of raising children while circumstances with the adults go awry. Wingfield has deftly woven the story through her characters. Swan Lake, the pre-teen daughter of congregation-less preacher Samuel Lake befriends 9 year old Blade Ballenger, abused and speechless, yet communicative. Bernice a trophy wife to one man not so secretly aspires to rekindle her relationship with her brother-in-law Samuel. Ras Ballenger, violently abusive father and husband, methodically terrorizes his family, animals and neighbors while Calla, Willadee and Toy Moses invoke the family trait for truth telling as needed. This book is fast paced yet thoughtful. The Homecoming of Samuel Lake has elements of The Secret Life of Bees and To Kill a Mockingbird and is highly recommended.
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Robin W. (Marinette, WI)
I love this family!
I truly enjoyed the Lake family! I was especially taken by the daughter, Swan Lake. She reminded me of Scout Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird". Swan showed courage, determination and love for her family! This is a great summer read especially if you are headed back home for your own family reunion. You are likely to read about someone that reminds you of a member of your own family. This book is well written with a great plot AND character development.
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