Set in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, this is a sweeping novel. It is centered in the early 20th century, with a family of first and second generation immigrants trying to make a life amongst the economic hard times of WWI and the depression.

The Piper family has been disrupted by tragedy, isolation, secrets, and sorrows. We follow Mercedes, Frances, and Lily as they struggle to grow up in a cheerless place. I am afraid to say to much as I don't want to spoil the book, but MacDonald covers labor troubles, disinheritances, child abuse, gender issues, race relations, class barriers, and religious conflicts with a deft light handed touch. I really cared for these people, and wanted them to do well. What more can you ask from a book?

Sent off for possible reading for Canada days challenge. Good book.

Welcome to Bookcrossing, where Books roam freely! I hope you enjoy the book, and leave a journal entry so I can see where the book ended up. You can remain anonymous if you'd like, or join and follow the book's travels throughout the world! If you join, please mention me, quietorchid, or any other journaller as the referring member. The site is free, secure, and non-spamming. Take a look around, and then go read!


P.S. If the book is too good to read and release, that's okay, you can keep it, just let me know that it's found a good home!

I do need a book set in Nova Scotia for the Canadian Challenge, so maybe I'll give this a try. Thanks for sending it!

(Larger photo here.)

Agreed: it's hard to say much without giving too much away..but wow. This family has a very complicated life. Compared to them my family is seriously boring, thank goodness!

The story manages to touch on quite a few of the major social issues floating around North America in the first half of the 20th century: quite a lot in just over 500 pages. In the process I got a taste of Nova Scotia back then also. (Although the ick factor was fairly high in spots.)

I'm counting this as book 13/13 for my Canadian reading challenge - last one!

Here's another copy on my BookCrossing shelf.

This book went to a lovely lunch at Kincaid's and went home with someone else. Happy reading!

Released for awaywithfairies's Heads Shoulders Knees and Toes challenge.

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Thanks for finding this book!

If you're new to Bookcrossing, I hope you will take some time to explore this wonderful free and anonymous community and learn what it has to offer.

Freed any good books lately? It's good for the circulation. :)

This book was found in the library of Purple58, a very special woman whom I was fortunate enough to meet through our BookCrossing group, the Table of Contents.

Fiercely independent, with a loving heart and a wicked sense of humor, she was passionate about the things she believed in and was willing to stand up and be counted when necessary. She was truly a one of a kind individual, and she will be missed by all of her many friends...who prefer to believe that she's off in Vegas, having a fabulous time and eating as many desserts as she wants.

To be released Saturday, October 29, at the Happy Holly-Day party.

This book is released in memory of BookCrosser purple58, who wanted all of her books to find good homes after she was gone. Please feel free to read it, keep it, pass it on...whatever you wish. If you have something to say about the book, or a memory to share about Holly, please feel free to post it here: she was never shy about sharing her opinions, so she wouldn't expect any less.

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I'm so glad you've found this book!

Please take a moment to make a journal entry and let the book's previous readers know that it's safe with you.

It's now your book, for you to do with as you please: keep it, pass it to a friend, or maybe even leave it where someone else can find it!

BookCrossing: making the whole world a library!

This book came home from purple58's wonderful send-off with me. I think Holly would have loved her final party and I'm glad I was able to be a part of it. This book will be heading out soon in honor of an exceptional woman who, somewhere, is probably disappointed that she didn't get another chance to give out Christmas gifts. ;)

Journal photo shows many of her books - quite a few were taken by party guests, and now I'm finding ways to share the rest. (Larger photo here - after following link, click on image to zoom.)

This book and its friends are headed for North Carolina to look for new readers. It may take them a while, though, since they're traveling via media mail..

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I'm so glad you've found this book!

Please take a moment to make a journal entry and let the book's previous readers know that it's safe with you.

How and where did you find the book? What did you think of it? What are you going to do with it next?

It's now your book, for you to do with as you please: keep it, pass it to a friend, or maybe even leave it where someone else can find it!

If you've ever wondered where your books go after they leave your hands, join BookCrossing and you may find out: you'll be able to follow the further adventures of your books as new readers make journal entries - sometimes from surprisingly far-flung locations.

(Think of it like Where's George for books: a little like geocaching or a treasure hunt - you can follow a registered book's journey every time someone makes a new entry. Some BookCrossers even leave books *in* geocaches!)

BookCrossing: making the whole world a library!

I have wanted to read this book for a while and now I have it.

Going to a new place at Moo Mountain Bakery, Maggie Valley, N.C.