Near the end of the twentieth century, fiery Marta Schneider leaves Switzerland and a difficult childhood behind, determined to find life on her own terms. She’s driven by her father’s assumption that she’ll never amount to anything more than a servant and her mother’s secret prodding to chase her dreams. But nothing has prepared her for the journey ahead and the sacrifices she must make as she travels through Europe, Canada, and finally to the Central Valley of California to raise her family.
Marta’s hope is to give her children a better life, but experience has taught her that only the strong survive. Her tough love is often mistaken for disdain, especially by her oldest daughter, Hildemara Rose, who craves her mother’s acceptance. As Hildie pursues her calling as a nurse, she falls in love and starts a family of her own amidst the turmoil of World War II. But when tragedy threatens the independence she’s worked so hard to build, both mother and daughter must face their own shortcomings and the ever-widening chasm that threatens to separate them forever.
The second part of this two part series is due to release September 2010 "Her Daughter's Dream". I can't wait to read the second book as I absolutely loved the first one. I'm totally captivated by Francine River's style of writing and can't get enough of her books.
