I think it was a mistake to read this book right after having read Baker's "Keeping the House" because that book set my expectations far too high. There were too many secondary characters, too many lies, secrets, etc, that I found it hard to keep track of who was who. Of course this is author's intent, but it made the book a bit of a chore to keep up with. I didn't really care about any of the characters because they all seemed so whiny and self-centered. Maybe it's not a bad book, maybe I just wasn't in the right frame of mind to really enjoy it. All I can say is that it may be best to wait until you're in the mood for a dramatic soap opera before reading this one. I was really looking forward to this book and even saved it as a birthday present to myself, since I loved Keeping the House so much. I won't say I was altogether disappointed -- if I had read it independently of Keeping the House, I think I would have liked it very much -- but in context, with such high expectations, it was a bit of a let down. Baker is really good at spinning a yarn, but the relationships between these characters is missing something elemental and truthful. I just don't believe some of the characters's actions or reasons for them, and not enough explanation is given as to why they would do what they do. That's all I'll say for fear of spoilers. But it's a very good glimpse of the life of a Rosie in WWII (obviously lovingly researched), and there are facets of the story that, when isolated as a tale, are quiet little gems. I just feel like this wasn't as well put together as Keeping the House; hence, 3 stars. I think I would have given it 4 if I didn't love the other so well.
Do You like book I Gave My Heart To Know This (2011)?
This was closer to a 4 as the story went on. It was just a good down home story.
—Jimmy
I just never gained enough interest in this book to finish it.
—Jessica
