For me, this book was a strange mixture of like and dislike despair and hope. It really is a story about a personal spiritual journey, as much as it is a romance and a physical journey. But you don't really realize the strong spiritual element until much later in the book. Actually, the book is kind of slow until the tension starts building and she is spiritually awakened. However, I felt like I was just beginning to think "this book is getting good" when it ended, rather abruptly, to be honest.

**warning spoilers** Actually, the ending felt rather like cheating. Camilla had come to a point where she'd fully awoken to her own spiritual convictions. She was in a very difficult situation, by any means. She was surrounded by Mormons who did not look kindly on non-Mormons. She still loved her husband. She was obligated to her children, for both their spiritual and physical well-being. In that society, their physical well-being could not be guaranteed if she took them with her. So, the tension was building when it abruptly stopped and the problems were solved. While I do not think the ending was unrealistic for the time period, as fiction, I felt like it was an easy out and rather cheating. ADDITION: OK, so I've just learned that there is a sequel to this book starring Camilla. So apparently she didn't die in an easy out at the end. So... I guess I take away that criticism. Since the book was just getting good as the tension mounted, I think I might look up this sequel. ( )

excellent book except that it is part of a series so the book is continuing ... ( )

"For Time & Eternity" is both a fascinating and emotional read - one that will be long remembered. Being written in the first person, it pulls you into the heart and mind of the main character, Camilla. She tells her story with both passion and great emotion, creating her to be both realistic and believable. She captured my heart from the beginning, with her honesty and spirit.

The story begins in 1850 when Camilla is only 15 years old. She is innocent and naive and doesn't understand why her parents don't like the Mormon camp that is near their farm. She meets Nathan Fox who lives at the camp and befriends him. He tells her they, too, believe in Jesus, making her to not understand why these people are chastised. He speaks against her father, and she believes what she is told. Camilla falls in love with the charming boy and runs away with him when the camp moves on. It is after she leaves and gets more involved with their beliefs that she finds how different their beliefs are.

I have never read anything by Allison Pittman before, and after this book, I will definitely be looking for more. This has to be one of the best books I read this month. It was impossible to put down! I have only one complaint - this book ends way too quickly, and now I have to wait for book two to come out.

This book has fantastic insight into the Mormon religion - but then both Allison and her husband know all about Mormonism, since they grew up with it. I HIGHLY recommend this book!!! ( )