Based on a real murder at the turn of the century, this outstanding debut novel is a powerful and moving coming-of-age book. Mattie is torn between her familial responsibilities, her desire to be a writer, and the excitement of a first romance. Her dilemmas and choices are quietly reflected in the life of a young woman found drowned in a lake, a woman that Mattie only gets to know through reading her letters.

When finally the tales of Mattie and the drowned girl merge, their stories beautifully combine in a brilliant and perfect conclusion.

An excellent book, the characters are well written and believeable and you just want to keep reading to find out more about them. I thought the way the story was written was great and loved the way it moved between 2 different times - very clever.


Initially passed to someone at work, who really enjoyed it and now with friend.

My friend returned the book earlier this week - unable to reallly get into this. As I liked the story so much and it got good reviews, I've decided to see if there's any interest for a bookring.

Particularly liked the review from the Sunday Telegraph - 'If George Clooney had walked into the room I would have told him to come back later when I'd finished', love it!!

Successfully offered as a bookring on the forum. Here's the order:

Cross-Patch (UK)
TheDunedan (UK)
arturogrande (UK)
Donduckandy (US)
MicheleReads (US)
Sidney1 (Germany)
Maggiemo (UK) <--- Book is currently here (PM sent 12/12 for update - but no reply received)

Then back to me.

- Once you receive the book can you journal it and PM the next person on the list for their address - hopefully this will avoid hold-ups later on.
- If you don't hear from the next participant within a few days, PM them again. If after a few more days you still haven't heard from them, just move on to the next person on the list.
- Don't feel pressurised to read it in a rush but if you need to keep hold of the book for longer than say 6 weeks, please journal to let us know.
- Journal again when you've read it to let us know what you think of it.
- And finally journal it when you post it on, which will allow me to update the JE, so we can all see where the book is and to help us plan what to read next.

I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did. PM me if you have a problem with this at any time.

This is our first post in nearly a week! Safely arrived, though, and I am looking forward to sharing in something that puts George Clooney into the shade.

I really enjoyed a Gathering Light too. I have a real thing about these N American novels, especially set in period and this one did not disappoint! Thank you for letting me take part.
I shall post to The Dunedan tomorrow.

Thankyou received the book through the post today.

I really enjoyed this book too and I'm pleased I have taken part in this bookring. The style of writing was easy to read and it wasn't difficult keeping up with the changes between past and present for the main character's story.I am going to post this to the next person this afternoon.

Arrived safe and sound - thanks very much.

An enjoyable and gripping book, which kept me hooked throughout. The use of two different times was very well done and nevr became confusing.
Thaks for sharing this book with me - and I'm sorry I kept hold of it for so long.
I'm just waiting for Donduckandy's address and then it will be on its way.

Arrived in today's mail. Will be second on my TBR bookrings. Should be able to start this about Wednesday. Thanks for sending this my way.

A very nicely written book. I loved the setting and the era. Tells of relationships and of following ones dreams.

Got it! I look forward to reading it.
MicheleReads

This was a really wonderful engaging book that i enjoyed very much. It traveled with me on several beach vacations, and was the perfect book for these trips. Yesterday, I mailed it to Germany for the next reader with the hopes that she will enjoy it during her vacation time as well.

Book arrived safely in Munich today. Have started reading the first 20 pages - I think I'll like it! Let you know more later. Thanks for sending from the US, MicheleReads!

A wonderful book full of hope and courage. Very well written. The vernacular used rings true, and I felt fully transported into the period. I truly felt for Mattie and hoped with her against hope. There are lots of delightful characters in the book, and nobody is really bad - one can’t help but understand Royal’s motives – or beyond redemption. What a positive book.

What surprised me was the acceptance and integration into village life of Weaver and his mum, although they are black. After all, the story takes place in 1906! Yes, Weaver does experience racism and ignorance, but only by people from outside of the village. In his town, he and his mum are fully established. Perhaps this is due to the fact that there are only two of them so there cannot be a black community, and nobody perceives them as a threat.

Book is on its way to Maggiemo. Thank you themadjock for this ring!

Arrived safely today. Thank you