By Amanda Coplin

An epic story of the west, specifically the Pacific Northwest, this story reminded me of Wallace Stegner’s Angle of Repose. It is that same sort of sweeping historical tale of rugged pioneer types who forge lives for themselves in a beautiful yet often lonely, brutal setting. Talmadge is a true hero…a gentleman, an exceptional and wonderful human being. Like Atticus Finch, the quality of his character is truly mythical. He has a farm and likes his isolated, lonely existence. One day though, two young girls show up on his vast property. Being the kind soul he is, he gently lets them know they are welcome and safe. The sisters have suffered hideous abuse and Talmadge struggles to save their very broken souls. He is helped in this by his friend, the midwife, Caroline, who is an equally exceptional person. The story reveals the entire range of human behavior from the unspeakable cruelty of some to the incredible compassion and kindness of others. The abuse of the girls is so awful that I almost abandoned the book but after reassurance from my trusted friend (thanks, Tom C.), I kept with it and am so glad I did because Talmadge is the type of character that you only rarely get to meet. It is all set in the gorgeous, awesome Pacific Northwest, where Coplin transports you with great skill.

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