Not only was this book better than I expected but much different than I was anticipating. I picked this book up at the library on a five minute break I had. Without time to really browse or even read the back cover I picked this one up from the recommendation shelf because I recognized the author and had enjoyed her books previously. Growing weary of the romance stories that often accompany a cover with a lone girl staring off; enjoyable yet formulaic and predictable, this was a pleasant surprise.At the beginning we meet Alice who has failed to live life outside the pages of her favorite novels and it seemed almost too silly. She was also a bit of a spoiled brat and I was sure she would drive me crazy. But like all good stories the author proceeds to take us on an adventure and changes the character into someone admirable. She heads to the hills of Kentucky to donate some books and ends up in this town mystery and feud that involves death and corruption. She is taken completely away from anything and anyone that resembles anything she is used to and though she spends a great deal of time complaining about it in the end, of course, she finds herself. The romance was not the main driving point of this story. I decided how I wanted things to turn out but they started going another direction before ending up where I had wanted it to all along. But it kept me guessing and was a bit of fresh air in the romance department. Great read for a holiday break! Wonderland Creek is an amazing heartfelt story. Alice, our main character whose pov we follow throughout is a wonderful character who we watch grow. I love this story because it it involves some historical facts and mentions other great stories that I love as well. Wonderland Creek is story about spiritual growth and personal growth and that's something everyone can use. It's a nice clean story that is well paced and doesn't include over detailed words about scenery but our writer gives us just enough to visualize the surroundings without becoming daunting. The plot is terrific! I wish that the story would've lasted a bit longer but the ending was great. I will read more stories by this author, gauranteed!
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. A wonderful mix of characters tied up in intrigue, hilarity, confusion and the Great Depression. Lynn Austin takes us on a trip to Wonderland Creek in Acorn ,Kentucky. The depression has closed the coal mine, destroying the town and we find two families feuding since the Civil War. There is not much left.City Slicker Alice, plunges head first into this amazing community. She is tricked, schooled, worked nearly to her wits end and shot at. Nothing like her Blue Island , Illinois life can be found here. Yet, there is much to be discovered in reading this book.I look forward to reading another of her works.
—Ratchyann
Absolutely wonderful book. Lynn Austin is one of my favorite authors. Her books deeply penetrate my heart and leave a lasting impression. This one was about remembeing to open your eyes to the rest of the world and not allowing books to rule your life- you rule your reading, not the other way around. It made me laugh, made me cry, had me holding my breath, hoping for the best possible outcomes. I would recommend this book to young adult, maybe teen, on up.
—Chesca
An okay book. I thought parts of it were somewhat unrealistic, but it was entertaining.
—jeff
I almost felt like I was the character when I didn't want to put the book down!
—nehaprasad12
a nice light book. heavy on the fluff
—sugargems
