This was a beautiful book that I'm glad I picked up for my Popular Book Club reading challenge; it's one I wouldn't have bought otherwise. Shearer does a masterful job of creating such a heartwarming and gut-wrenching story at the same time. Her author's note in the back provides interesting personal history and context, which was wonderful to read because the passion for this story comes forth so clearly in her writing.

I do think that the pacing could drag a little at times and the plot felt a little repetitive towards the end, but the book didn't feel too long and I would highly recommend it to anyone who takes interest in the synopsis.