Rating: 
Summary: A fascinating combination of history and adventure!
Review: This book gives an interesting overview of the history of Jews in Spain before, during and after their expulsion from Spain in 1492. At the same time, the reader is engrossed in the adventure and mystery surrounding a family's search for its roots which date back to the 14th century.
Rating:
Summary: A Rewarding Read!
Review: This book is confusing at first, but PLEASE give it a chance. It is a rich tale, set both in 15th century Spain and today. By the end, you will feel connected with the characters.Naomi Ragen is one of the best writers working today. While her writing is on Jewish themes, closer to her heart than mine, her storytelling is so well done that I cannot get enough of her books. Check out her other novels! You will not be disappointed. This is my first review for Amazon. But I feel so strongly about Ms. Ragen's books that I need to share them.
Rating: 
Summary: A thoughtful romance based on historical facts
Review: This book was a wonderful blend of romance and history. A story of one familie's history dating back to the 1400's and how their ancestor's sacrfices continue to play a part in the character's modern day lives. Although the book was sometimes difficult to follow due to jumping from 1400's characters to the present day characters , it still drew me in and made me anxious to find out more about the familie's deep history. The history lesson (which is based on true historical facts and a true family)intrigued me and peaked my interest in to the lives of the Jewish people who were forced to hide their faith for so long. Though, the love story was a little far fetched, I still found the book to be a very interesting and satisfying read.
Rating:
Summary: Very Moving
Review: This is a very beautiful book. I was deeply moved. The two sisters are somewhat irritating but the plot more than compensates. The book reawakened a desire in me to be more observant and treasure my heritage (and ancestors).
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful!
Review: This is my new favorite book! I love that she incorporated history and romance. I usually dislike most romantic novels-but this book focused more on the history. Very moving. I am glad to learn something of that time in history. I urge everyone to read it!
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful!
Review: This is my new favorite book! I love that she incorporated history and romance. I usually dislike most romantic novels-but this book focused more on the history. Very moving. I am glad to learn something of that time in history. I urge everyone to read it!
Rating: 
Summary: More on Hannah Mendez
Review: Wow! I absolutely agree with the reviewer from Bala-Cynwyd, PA. This was a predictable romance novel, a page turner. Just as the previous reviewer mentioned, it does inspire one to read more on Hannah Mendes who must have truly been a fascinating character.
Rating: 
Summary: Romantic Fantasy
Review: Yes! The reviewer from Bala-Cynwyd, PA has it exactly right. In some ways, the novel is an absorbing read. But you don't learn much of substance about the historical Hannah Mendes, the writing is frequently contrived and smacks of the romance novel genre (female characters move their "shapely legs"; male characters move their "manly frames"), and relationships recycle old myths about heterosexual love. I too felt the novel was like the books the grandmother claims she wasted her time reading....a escapist and conservative fairy tale that triggers nostalgia and conventional fantasies about love, marriage, religion, community, and family. And yes, pretty predictable fare.
| 
