my take: The last 20 or so pages of this were some of the best writing I’ve ever read – poignant and moving and touching and poetic. Heartbreakingly wonderful.

And the rest of the book was pretty good.

It’s the story of the orchardist, two runway girls, their off-spring, an old maid, fruit, and horses. It’s quiet and pastoral and deep.

I didn’t put this in my top picks of first half of year because it’s not a showy, obvious-you’ll-love-it novel. A bit off the beaten path. I loved it (four and half to five stars), daughter thought it was good (three stars).

my source: Gave to Anne for Christmas 2013 after reading great reviews … the gift that keeps on giving

my verdict: Great read

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