I enjoy reading books by debut authors because I feel that they probably have been thinking about the story for awhile and want to give it everything they've got! I also enjoy reading stories of suspense and espionage and "The Caretaker" fulfills all of these criteria.

The …more story is about Ranjit Singh, who is a former member of the Indian military who is dishonorably discharged. He is forced to leave his country along with his family and moves to America. When he moves his family to America, he is forced to work odd jobs to support his family. The story mostly takes place in Martha's Vineyard where Ranjit is a landscaper, however, after the summer months, he is able to find work as a caretaker of the large homes of the wealthy after they leave from the summer.

I thought that the plot and characters in the story were well thought out and developed, however, there were some parts of the story that were unbelievable and a little far fetched to me but not enough that I didn't still enjoy the story. For instance, I found it hard to believe that Ranjit would allow himself to have relations with Anna, the senator's wife, while trying desperately to free his wife and child from imprisonment and deportation.

Even though there were parts of the story I didn't like, I would still recommend others to read "The Caretaker" because as I said before the basic plot was well executed. I give it 3.5 stars. (less)

First, I really like the picture on the cover of the book. It shows a young girl dressed in clothing from the past holding envelopes behind her back with drops of blood on them. This in itself captures your curiosity.
I love mysteries and historical fiction so this book fit …more both of my passions. This story takes place in the 1600's and the central character, Lucy, is one of the servants to a wealthy family of this time. Since I am a be fan of "Downton Abbey", I loved this book because it reminded me of my favorite show. Lucy is a sweet, lovable young lady that stands up for what she believes. She reminds me of a younger Anna from Downton Abbey.
Mrs. Calkins has enough suspicious characters in the story making the mystery difficult to solve. In fact I was surprised by the outcome.
I enjoyed the characters especially as I mentioned Lucy. I look forward to reading more stories with Lucy as the main character as Mrs. Calkins states that this is the first in a series with Lucy.
I liked how the author used her knowledge and research of history to portray what occurs in the story though sometimes she used circumstances that didn't exist in the history yet which she explains in her follow up.
I give this book four stars and look forward to reading more books by Susanna Calkins! I am a member of a book group and would recommend this to the members as many of us enjoy reading Historical Fiction. (less)

A Land More Kind Than Home is one of the best stories I have read in some time. It definitely is a "waking up with dark circles" worthy book to read!

I like how the author chose to tell the story from three different voices - the young son, Jess, the sheriff of the small …more town; Clem, and Adelaide; a neighbor who knows everyone and pretty much everything that is going on in this town - she helps the people in this town in many ways - she is the town midwife, watches the children at the church on Sundays, and offers her home to others.

This story is a heartwrenching story about a dysfunctional town in the mountainous region of North Carolina and a young family that lives there. Having two sons of my own and also having taught 9 year olds, I wanted to just enter the story to give a big hug to console Jess, the son with so much sadness and worry upon his young shoulders.

Wiley Cash through his phenomenal use of descriptive words was able to make me feel like I knew the characters personally and provided a visual for me to imagine the setting.

I especially loved the part when Jess gets the quiet box that belonged to Stump and finds the items inside that brought peace to his brother.

I am so angry that a so-called pastor could manipulate the people in the town to believe that what they were doing was for the good. What were they thinking? Who would want to attend a church that actually covers the windows so that outsiders aren't allowed to look in. It brings back memories of that group of people in Jonestown that drank poison and lost their lives because Reverend Jim Jones told them to do so.

Wiley Cash needs to take a bow because I give him a standing ovation for his beautifully written debut novel. I highly recommend that you add this book to your list to read! (less)