This is a fantastic piece of rural life in NZ during the 1800's. I love the characters (Most of them, not Suzanna though, or Mr Stewart.) Amy is such an amazing kid- come adult too early. I fell in love with her and her cooking, and her amazing abilities. I found myself amazed at the expectations placed on her at such a young age. They were daunting to say the least!This is well written and a great story, although a bit slow and mendering in some places. I am however struggling to read the second episode of this series as Amy finds herself unloved, and considered as a spoiled article (Suzanna's words,) to be married off to a nasty piece of work. But anymore will ruin this story for those who are currently reading this, the first of the series. So many novels follow a rote formula...beautiful woman meets handsome man. They fall in love. A misunderstanding or circumstances draw them apart. They are miraculously reunited at the last moment, and they live their happily ever after fairy tale life.This formula sells books. We seek an escape from the difficult and mundane lives that we live. It is the rare author that writes a novel that doesn't wrap up so prettily. A novel that shows just how wretched life can really be.I am reminded of my children who are still young enough and naive enough to believe that life should be fair. Well I am afraid that it is not. Sometimes good and trusting people, which Amy is, get trampled in life. Sometimes a persons story is so incredibly difficult, sad, raw. This novel touches the heart and emotions at a very deep level. This is not a feel good novel but it is an extremely good novel and well worth reading.
What do You think about Sentence Of Marriage (2000)?
great book!!
—PamDechnik
The first book is free on Amazon. I already started book two for 2.99.
—Jhammock83
