I think that Chamberlain dealt fairly with what is still an explosive issue. Although, we are appalled at the tactics used during this time period, the issues still exist. I taught in an area very similar to this book, with tobacco farms and the families who lived on them to work the farm. The children did not stand a chance, as generation after generation still do not finish high school, many barely pushed through the middle grades. Educating children and all that surrounds it has been close to my heart for decades and I think the author shined a gentle, but telling light on it.

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Decent story, well developed characters, good page turner.

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This was my first Diane Chamberlain book but was just OK for me. I was drawn to the book because it was set in the 1960s in North Carolina (southern fiction is one of my favorite genres) and involved the controversial Eugenics Board of North Carolina. I agree with others that the book was easy to read and moved along at a good clip, but I struggled to connect with the characters and the plausibility of the story. I know that the Eugenics Board existed - in fact North Carolina is just now in the process of making compensation payments to victims of its forced sterilization program. I also know now (after doing some research post-reading) that North Carolina was the only state that allowed social workers to designate people for sterilization. Hence, I can see why Ms. Chamberlain, as a former social worker, was drawn to writing this untold story. I just felt there was some character development lacking. Instead, I walked away from this book better educated by the crazy world around us (which is a good thing) but not necessarily emotionally touched. I hope to try another Diane Chamberlain novel in the future.

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I won this ARC through a Goodreads Giveaway. It is the first Diane Chamberlain book I have read.

I enjoyed her writing style very much. The story was told from the perspective of both the main characters, Ivy & Jane.

My favorite type of book is one where the story revolves around actual events that have happened in our history. Chamberlain did an amazing job creating a story about a subject matter that most people probably didn't realize happened during that era. This story has a way of sucking you in and your definitely routing for the main characters to prevail.

I was worried about the ending. It seemed she was going to leave you with a bunch of unanswered questions. But was pleasantly surprised on how she answered them all for you. It even brought a few tears to my eyes, which is very rare for me while reading. For those of you waiting for this book to come out, you will not be disappointed. Enjoy!!

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