From Publishers Weekly
Though it begins as the quietly electrifying story of an unmarried Amish teenager who gives birth to a baby she is accused of then smothering, Picoult's latest (after Keeping Faith) settles into an ordinary trial epic, albeit one centered intriguingly on an Amish dairy farm near Lancaster, Pa. Katie Fisher, 18, denies not only having committed the murder but even having borne the baby, whose body is found in the Fishers' calving pen, and she sticks to her story, even when she is quizzed by Ellie Hathaway, the high-powered Philadelphia attorney who undertakes Katie's defense as a favor to Leda, an aunt she and the young woman share. Ellie, who has retreated to Leda's farm in Paradise to reconsider her life--she successfully defends guilty clients--embarks on the case reluctantly: at 39, she wants nothing more than to have a child. However, to meet bail stipulations, she volunteers as Katie's guardian (since Kate's strict parents reject her) and moves in with the Fishers. Living with the Amish necessitates some adjustments for both parties, but Katie and Ellie become fast friends in spite of their differences. Very little action occurs beyond the initial setup, though the questions remain: Who was the father of Katie's child? And did she smother the newborn? Told from both third-person omniscient and first-person (Ellie's) vantages, the story rolls leisurely through the trial preparations, the results of which are repeated, tediously, in the courtroom. Perhaps the story's quietude is appropriate, given its magnificently painted backdrop and distinctive characters, but one can't help wishing that the spark igniting the book's opening pages had built into a full-fledged blaze.

Another great novel by Picoult. I enjoyed the description of Plain living and characters. A good read.

This is a Controlled Release to the TOC group.

I had a wonderful time at the TOC meet-up today. Lunch was good and the company was great!

Enjoy the book!

Ah, the company was better still for your presence! Adding this lovely delicacy to Mount TBR. Mahalo!

A delectable and delightful read. Reminded me a bit of Agnes of God - pure innocence unable to absorb what the cruel world has heaped upon it. I read it a few weeks ago when I was feverish with the flu and that surreal fever-induced mind warp (other people get that too, right?) went well with the story but has blurred the details somewhat. I do remember that I thought it a very fine book. I'll be sending it off to visit with another TOC gal soon.

Picked up at the TOC meetup today. Great to meet you all!

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I love the way that Jodi Picoult's stories always keep you unsure about what's really going on right up to the last page. And this one definitely didn't disappoint on that score.

The descriptions of Amish life were fascinating too, and brought up some interesting questions about the nature of truth.

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CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Given to another bookcrosser at tonight's meetup.

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Picked up from the table at tonights meetup.
Will pass it on to another BCer at our next meetup as she showed interest in the book also.

ETA: Now I feel like such a fool!! I saw the author, I have read two of her books, so I quickly picked this one up.
Its only now that I am home that I read the name of the book and the blurb on the back and realise I have allready read it!!
I guess I might be passing this one on sooner that I thought. :o)

Picked up at the Browsers Cafe meetup, thanks for sharing. I'm looking forward to reading this book.

Another page turner by Jodi Picoult. I love the descriptions of life on a dairy farm. I'll see if I can find it on someone's wishlist or else take it to an OBCZ.

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

Taking to Coalgate tonight.

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Its on its way to an organic farm in Hororata.