I've grown to expect the unexpected from Melody Carlson and this time she does disappoint a bit. Her characters, even the "good guys" seem one-dimensional and architypical. Basically people who break away from accepted church denominations are bad. Where there is smoke, there is usually fire. Christians need to lighten up. There is no need to feel guilty about your Jack O'Lantern on Hallowe'en.

You do wonder how far Carlson will go before the madness ends and perhaps it's far enough to shock the average reader but I just yawned. Maybe because I lived that life once? ( )

Very realistic and compelling novel. ( )

I would really rate this more of 2.5-3 stars.

I can’t say I enjoyed this story but I did find it deeply disturbing and had to keep reading to find out what eventually happens to Ruth, her husband and their children. While reading I kept looking to see how many pages were left because it was really starting to get to me how scary this woman was becoming and the thought that she might turn her two impressionable daughters into the same type of women. As I read it was so hard to believe that someone could become that obsessed and crazy but never even realize it. I guess a crazy person never thinks they are crazy and I suppose Ruth’s thoughts are probably similar to those of people who get caught up in religious cults. I suppose not being deeply religious I can’t believe that people could go so far in their beliefs and be so harsh on other people.

I am not one that usually goes for these types of depressing sort of books which accounts for my lower rating but if you really want to see what might go on inside the heads of people who join cults this is an interesting book. ( )

This was an inspirational story, in that the author herself was afflicted with OCD and was able to overcome it and lead a fulfilling life. The book really shows the thinking process that an OCD victim has to deal with daily.

However, the 'thinking process' did get a little redundant as the book goes on. You find yourself wishing to just get on with the story instead of her constant questioning of her decisions and inability to function in some cases.

I enjoyed the book though and it was a fairly quick read. ( )