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n_heraty's review against another edition
1.0
Only thing that kept me going were the Iowa town reference
koyalisa's review against another edition
3.0
Would’ve preferred to give it a 2.5; why is a book released in 2000 using the hard r? Just because it’s set during the civil war doesn’t mean Dallas can use slurs
moeeyc's review against another edition
3.0
This was one of those ratings challenges. Sandra Dallas is one of my preferred authors. Epistolary is one of my preferred styles. But it just didn't quite make it far enough to round up to 4. Partly because I couldn't get over how awfully mean people were to Alice while she dwelt under a cloud of suspicion, and second because of some pretty frank discussions of sexual habits between the sisters. I give up, I am turning into a prude, but since it was so not in keeping with the times, it was hard to imagine the sisters would speak themselves so freely, even to put it in writing, that to me it was just out of order. It was a nice story, nothing super remarkable, but pleasant for passing the time, especially if you are fond of this time in history. And I do usually learn something from her books. I have several more on my shelves that I look forward to reading.
krystal_swan5's review against another edition
1.0
This book is set during the time of the Civil War. It's about a girl named Alice whose husband goes to war for the Union Army and leaves her with his mother to run the farm. The style of this book is in letter format. Alice writes letters to her sister and explains how life is going on the farm.
I thought the book was ok. A little slow, and kind of an unbelievable murder story, but semi entertaining. There were a few sexual comments, not graphic, but still there nontheless. And there were a few instinces of rape and violence, so you'll want to be aware of that.
I thought the book was ok. A little slow, and kind of an unbelievable murder story, but semi entertaining. There were a few sexual comments, not graphic, but still there nontheless. And there were a few instinces of rape and violence, so you'll want to be aware of that.
janerc's review against another edition
4.0
I read this in honor of the 150 anniversary of the start of the War Between the States. The story is told in letters written by a young woman, Alice, in the Iowa territory to her sister in Galena. Alice is newly married and her husband has enlisted to fight for the Union. The letters tell of Alice's life on a farm with her gruff mother-in-law. Quilts and quilting provide a backdrop to the story.
I enjoy Sandra Dallas' books -- she does a lot of research and she tells a good story.
I enjoy Sandra Dallas' books -- she does a lot of research and she tells a good story.
onlyonenita's review against another edition
5.0
Lovely story as always. It takes some adjusting as it is written in letters to Alice’s sister.
rienie's review against another edition
2.0
It was interesting to look up the quilt designs the narrator mentions throughout the story. I also enjoyed the implied details about small town farm life during war and the format of being told through letters. That being said, I just can't make it through this story.
kathryneh's review against another edition
3.0
The history told in this book about the Civil War era was fascintating. Sandra Dallas is awesome in touching every detail about the era she writes about. Alice was a wonderful character full of flaws, dreams, duty, and love of her husband. I thought the story was a bit slow but the last 20-30 pages brought the entire story line together and completed all the loose ends. I would definitely recommend it.
stella37's review against another edition
3.0
After a trying time, there's nothing quite like the comfort of a quilt. In this case, S. Dallas delivers her handcrafted "tulips" for Alice just in time. Wonderful inserts of appliqued quilt patterns and techniques adorn each chapter. And ... there is always hope to be found in Colorado.
kelsey1970's review against another edition
3.0
Such a charming little book. My Civil War theme continues. Alice narrates her story through letters to her sister and lots of great quilts. Lots of great female characters, and a little murder mystery thrown in for good measure.