I won this book from Allen & Unwin bookclub and boy am I glad I did!
I'd never heard of the author before and when I saw the cover I was prepared for a slightly better than average Mills and Boone or a soppy women's lit book. Wrong, wrong, wrong.

This author is obviously writing of things she knows well. The way social welfare jobs and the people one helps can end up swallowing a person whole is so very true.
Faith,the main character unfolds for us as imperceptibly as the opening of a flower. I can't recall ever reading a book that captures the essence of self-realization and growth as well as this one. Easy to read with short chapters that pull you into the next, depth expressed simply and with clarity.

Probably in my top five reads for this year.

I'd really like this book to travel and be read. It's a must to go to meet-up brunch.

Wow, am I the lucky one. Nine stars Cathy - I haven't read a book rated this highly all year so I will look forward to this.

Highest rated book this year for me! This was a very engrossing book which I read on the plane to Perth when I visited my daughter. I loved Faith's constant references to her Nonna's wisdom and the unfolding story of the family tragedy of her young brother drowning. Her career was interesting in that she was there to help (mainly) battered women, and she was really in need of help herself. The development of her relationship with Caleb Pearson was very moving as we learned about both their fragile lives.
The only confusion for me was the setting. Not sure if it was intentional, but I thought it was very difficult to discover this book was set in Australia, it almost felt like an American story.

Picked up at Melbourne meet up - with glowing recommendations! Looking forward to reading.