Kelli Estes

An enjoyable, engaging read. Inspired by true events, yes, but she mangles some of the history to be more dramatic. When the actual, racial tensions against the Chinese Americans during this period would have provided plenty.

It was a wonderful read that really drew me in. The connections of the modern day characters was a little too much of a stretch for me and the conflict resolution toward the end was a bit too easy/not realistic. I did love that there are some aspects of the past that the reader knows about that the modern day characters don't figure out.

I will admit I read half of this book - the civil war parts aka Emily’s parts. I’ve always been fascinated about women disguising themselves as males to make it in the world and Emily’s story is just that. I was enthralled by her strength to keep going despite all the heartache she has suffered. I really enjoyed her story.

Bailed at pages 10-11 where we've already forced-in that the great-great aunt lived as a couple with another woman for decades. Hidden away on an island by her father, of course. It is plausible, of course, especially for a book set in Seattle, but sure gets tiresome. *Le sigh*