Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this novel! It is beautifully written and each of the characters are so wonderfully developed. I received this book through Amazon's Kindle First book of the month. The books I have gotten through this program in the past have been sort of hit and miss, but this one was a real treat. This book reminded me of one of my all-time favorite novels, Fall on Your Knees by Ann-Marie MacDonald, in that it is another historical fiction novel that centers primary on three very close, yet very different, sisters. Originally published in German several years ago, this novel is part of a trilogy that is in the process of being translated to the English language for the first time. This first offering in the series will be making making its English debut on November 1, 2014. Taking place at the end of the nineteenth century, we are introduced to the Steinmann family. Joost Steinmann is a glassblower who lives in a small German village with his three daughters, his wife having passed away some years before. Like most other households in their tiny town, the men blow the glass and the women decorate the beautifully crafted pieces. However, when their beloved father suddenly passes away, the young sisters must find a way to take care of and support themselves, often with results that vary between highly impressive and utterly heartbreaking. Having been sheltered and protected by their father, the women have a lot to learn. Each of the Steinmann sisters brings something unique and delightful to the table. Johanna, the eldest, is smart and resourceful, with a determination to care of her sisters. Ruth, the romantic, longs to get married and isn't afraid to follow her heart. The youngest of the sisters, Marie, is the artist and the dreamer, and often underestimated by her older sisters. I would highly recommend this novel to any one who enjoys historical fiction, or has any interest in German culture. The art of glassblowing was clearly thoroughly research by the author, and it was interesting to read about this under appreciated craft. I will most certainly be reading the next two installments of this saga! This review also appears on my blog, [...].