For a long time, it has seemed to me that every chapter in my life's story has held a meaning I'm meant to understand, a lesson I'm meant to learn - and this one is no different. Before I went to Jordan's Crossing, I believe it was possible to cut myself off from a past I had rejected, to disinherit myself from my family and renounce its unhappy legacy. But the past, as someone has said, is always present, no matter how completely you reject its mysteries or pretend that they don't exist. I think now that everything that happened during those difficult days at Jordan's Crossing was meant to make me come to terms with what is in my blood, to force me (if you'll pardon the metaphor) to dig out my roots.

I enjoyed this book in the China Bayles series. Located on the Mississippi plantation where she grew up, the story takes China back into her family's history - good and bad. The twists and turns of how her ancestors are related and their characters brings to light a genetic inheritance that could prove deadly to China and her mother. Her great grandmother, Pearl, leaves her diary that mysteriously finds its way for China to read and solve the mystery,
I also tried the cold cucumber soup recipe and it was delicious! ( )

Synopsis: Ghosts should stay buried, but the ghosts in China's family don't seem to want to remain in their resting places. China and her mother are called in to take care of a failing Aunt and discover more about their history and that of what they have always assumed to be their family.
Review: McQuaid and Ruby are absent from this story, but they are not missed. Huntington's disease plays a major role in the story as do the topics of slavery, betrayal, and greed. ( )

This was a fantastic story for its multilayered story lines, southern gothic elements, and historical elements. Not a traditional who-dunit by any means but something much better! ( )

Loved this story. It was chance to see China at her best, AWAY from McQuaid and Brian. The thing I didn't like was the fact that she believed Amanda's story too quickly. She should have demanded a DNA test before she let her anywhere near the old lady. Also, and this is a minor thing, the family tree chart includes Brian as her son. He isn't a blood relative so there should've been a notation indicating that he is a stepson. At least an asterisk or something. Other than that it was a fun addition to the continuing series. ( )