This book was fantastic! I never wanted to put it down. Diane Chamberlain just kept the emotional punches coming. This story unraveled at a perfect pace, and the overarching mysteries kept you turning the pages. I loved how the dual timelines intersected and tied together throughout the story. I did enjoy both timelines but I think I connected to Kayla’s more because of her mother-daughter relationship with Rainie. I could imagine her grief over losing her husband, and how challenging it would be to continue to parent and live life, especially in the house they were designing together. 
The history and research involved is evident. I appreciated her author’s note explaining how this novel came to be. 
My favourite character was Ellie. Her determination and tenacity was admirable. She definitely felt drawn to support civil rights like she had a calling from a higher power. She never backed down from the fight, and her love story really pulled on my heart strings. 
I’ve only read two Diane Chamberlain books now but this has me motivated to add her to my author read it all challenges. 

The audiobook is well done and it adds a layer of emotion to the storytelling as well!