first of all, it said in the blurb that this was historical fiction with romance and a murder mystery - in my opinion it wasn't a romantic at all! also, the mystery only played a very very very small role and i think the novel could have easily done without it. i enjoyed this book as a story in an atmospheric historical setting, about a young heroine who is trying to find her place in the world. it was a story about the struggles of being a woman in rural america in 1906. at times i really felt for the main character, mattie, and ultimately the story is very inspiring, but sometimes i lost interest. i loved weaver and lou and emily and i would have liked to learn more about them and grace's letters didn't really draw me in as they should have. still a good read!