2.0 out of 5 based on 31 reviews. – Customer review on 01/06/2008

The book had great potential and I looked forward to reading it. However, if you cut half the book, you could retain all the story without the repetition. It seemed as though the author was trying to drag out the story to fill a book. Maybe it would make a good short story, but there is not enough in it for a whole novel and I just ended up irritated with the characters and wanting them to get on with their lives!

1.0 out of 5 based on 31 reviews. – Customer review on 06/12/2006

A disappointing and annoying book. The story is so contrived that it loses all credibility and becomes intensely irritating. The same can be said for the characters: the doctor is the only believable character and he has to be conveniently killed off as the author applies modern day morals to a story set over 40 years ago. No doubt it will become a soppy movie - it certainly seems to have been written with that intent. Don't bother.

4.0 out of 5 based on 31 reviews. – Customer review on 18/12/2006

This book was a wonderful story about love and the (sometimes horrible) things it evokes people to do. The story is set in motion by love--a doctor sends away his Down Syndrome daughter to protect his wife from the pain of having a disabled child, and it is the love the nurse present at the birth has for this doctor that prompts her to take the child away secretly and raise it as her own. Contrary to the doctor's expectations, this horrible secret creates an ever-widening barrier between him and his new family and the very thing that was supposed to protect his wife from pain becomes the cause of it.

Definetely worth a read.

1.0 out of 5 based on 31 reviews. – Customer review on 23/09/2007

This is one of the most overrated books ever. In fact, I could hardly bring myself to finish reading it. Annoying, over-written, overly emotional and awful. It has a great cover and the premise of the plot is all this book (in my opinion) has going for it. Disappointing and corny.

5.0 out of 5 based on 31 reviews. – Customer review on 15/07/2007

I have really enjoyed this book as it gives you a perspective of life in the 60's, what expectations were and the thoughts on babies with down syndrome, but when one woman recognizes that when you erase the timeline, someone with down syndrome can still accomplish so much. An inspirational story that leaves you reflecting on life in a new way. Written beautifully and an easy read. Im glad to own this book

2.0 out of 5 based on 31 reviews. – Customer review on 14/05/2011

When I picked this book up and read the blurb, I thought it was going to focus more on Phoebe, the daughter with Down Syndrome, and Caroline, the nurse who was given Phoebe to take to an institution, but ultimately scurried away and raised her as her own.

Instead, I had to put up with 400+ pages of Norah wallowing in self-pity and toying with alcoholism, David looking at life through a lens and Paul, acting out because his parents refuse to look past themselves and see that they're royally screwing up and not telling one another the truth. I understand that the loss would have been devastating. My parents went through the same thing- a miscarriage at six months. But I found what Edwards was trying to put forth was a bit hard to swallow.

Nothing much happened in this book, ultimately. There was much despondency, occasionally broken by Caroline, Al and Phoebe. I liked these three characters, but didn't care much for anyone else. There was no solid plot I could sink my teeth into. I didn't feel any sympathy for any of the characters, nor any empathy, so when David died and Phoebe and Caroline met for the first time or Doro left, it was just bland emotion.

Unsurprisingly, this was turned into a Lifetime movie.

Disappointing, with so much potential.

3.0 out of 5 based on 31 reviews. – Customer review on 17/02/2010

I had great expectations when I ordered this book and although it was a great read, it wasn't the type of book you just can't put down.
An enjoyable read with a hard hitting story line but still left me wanting more.

3.0 out of 5 based on 31 reviews. – Customer review on 01/02/2010

I think this was a fantastically written novel with believable characters. You find yourself in the story almost. Very sad plot, and very sad happenings but all the same a good read. No doubt it will become a motion picture at the cinemas - I would certainly go and see it. The author has a unique way to portray certain events - in a way that makes the pages turn themsleves almost. I would recommend this book.

5.0 out of 5 based on 31 reviews. – Customer review on 25/01/2010

A beautifully written book. It shows that love has no barriers and humans can provide the greatest love without asking for anything in return. It also focuses on how a split decision in life can change your whole world, those around you and the one person affected. It clearly shows that people can make mistakes and can still be forgiven by those close to them.

Initially, it takes a bit of time to get into the book. However, once you pass the first section - you'll be rewarded.

5.0 out of 5 based on 31 reviews. – Customer review on 10/11/2009

I really enjoyed this book, it made me want to read others by this author. At first I thought the subject would be upsetting, but found that the thoughtful way that the story followed all main charactors was sensitive. I didnt want it to end as I would have liked to know what happens next with each person.