"A feast of evocative language.... It brought tears to my eyes.... This is a story that deserves to be very widely read." Dr. Pamela Sharp, Yuma
"Brilliant! I can feel the ocean waves, see the endless prairie. I am sitting on a little sofa on the fourth – top – floor of an old brownstone in Brooklyn with my tea, reading your beautiful writing. Could it get any better than this?" Barbara Ellis, Editor, Unicorn for Writers, Miami and NYC
"What an immense task this book represents! You stand as a towering example of what the active mind can accomplish." William Zucker, Tucson
"Completely hooked! I'm up to Chapter Six and completely hooked!" LATER: "The Kastner family became living, breathing friends. Their experiences were so real -- I felt I was living with the family. The ending left me wanting to know more. I certainly hope there is a sequel!" Shurley Stumpf, Philadelphia
Thank you, Shurley! Yes, a sequel is on the way, tentatively titled, 1848: A Land Too Strange. Rose
"What a wonderful story! This novel introduces you to an adventurous and delightful family’s harrowing experiences in traveling to America in 1836. This is an excellent historical novel, thoroughly researched and well written. This is a read I can highly recommend." Judi Sanna, Reno
"Amazing accuracy." "You have depicted the effects of PTSD with amazing accuracy. As a Vietnam vet and a long-time counselor of veterans, I can say you hit the nail on the head. I am sure veterans of the Napoleonic Wars suffered in many ways like today's veterans. Whatever we call it, PTSD, shell shock or whatever, war is traumatic." Christoper Norris, Surprise, AZ
"I feel as though I know the characters well, especially the family. The descriptions of the ocean, mountains, bluffs, and flowers are excellent. I cannot imagine the extensive hours of research needed for this book. It is 'too fabulous,' very interesting, educational, and enjoyable." Karen Hakes, Surprise, AZ
"I finished your book last week, and I loved it. Really made me feel a part of history. Loved that it was based on a real family. A rave review from me!" Beth Ann Fossey, Iowa
I am still marveling over the fascinating story and the beauty of the language and images. Now that I'm invested in the Kästners and their futures, it will be gratifying to know what happens to them next! Beth Livingston-Hakes, Phoenix