O'Neals descriptive writing and depictions of family and conflict are so strong. The setting was also unique and well done. (I definitely was envious of the relationship Jewel had with her sisters and was drawn in by the conflict with her father.)

I was thrown off my Malachi's instant familiarity to Jewel. For never having met before, their instant comfort was not really my style. I would have liked a little more early development of their story. Even more perplexing for me was how slow the first half of this book started for me despite Malachi's and Jewel's insta-familiarity (not to be confused with insta-love). Also understood the need for a description of Jewel's comfort and thoughts on her own skin (literally), but I thought the descriptions could have been cut in half. The picture was clear from early on.

Overall, a solid read, and the plot and pacing did pick up halfway through. I am probably not the target audience for this one.

(WORTH NOTING: This is a re-release... figured out that's why they have a corded phone early in the book.)