ReviewsandAwards

The Dwelling Place

Every once in a while, a book comes along that impacts you from start to finish. Musser displays a rare gift for complex characterization andintricate plotting that starkly reveals flaws as well as beauties in human nature.

~ Romantic Times, April 2005

A companion to The Swan House and a competent mother-daughter tale, this title may have cross- over appeal for readers of Anna Quindlen's One True Thing. A native of Atlanta, Musser now lives in France.

~ Library Journal, April, 2005

In this enjoyable, somewhat complicated sequel to The Swan House, Musser continues the tragedy-scarred story of artist Mary Swan Middleton through the first-person narrative of her troubled daughter, Ellie.

In a lovely piece of wisdom, Ellie muses, "Sometimes the breaking of things is cruel, and sometimes it is necessary, and sometimes it is just an accident." This is the novel's central message, and the faith themes that frame the story ensure that most of the "broken pieces" mend through redemption… Musser handles many symbolic moments well…Musser's solid prose, careful historical details and themes of hope and forgiveness make this an attractive choice for faith fiction readers.

~ Publisher’s Weekly, April, 2005

The story is an examination of a mother-daughter relationship and how our perceptions of events change as we mature.... Ellie's faith journey is realistic and heartwarming. The Dwelling Place is true-to-life and should appeal to readers.

~ Bookloons, April, 2005

This is one book that you cannot put down.

~ The Romance Readers Connection, April, 2005

The Dwelling Place (is) rich with historical details from the 1960s to the present.

~ Atlanta Intown, June 2005

Elizabeth Musser likes to say she has two part-time jobs. Not only is she an award-winning novelist, but she and her husband serve as missionaries at a small Protestant church in Lyon, France. In both lines of work, she avoids preaching and simplistic answers, choosing instead to portray a God who cares in the midst of life's complexity. That's what Musser has done in her books, including her latest, The Dwelling Place (Bethany House, Apr.), which continues the story of Mary Swan Middleton, the main character of The Swan House (Bethany House, 2001), and her daughter. Both novels are set in Musser's native Atlanta and are rich with historical details from the 1960s to the present.

~ Publisher’s Weekly, Author Profile, April, 2005

The (Christian book) industry, (according to publisher Allen Arnold) is seeing “more and more storytellers writing high-quality novels with their Christian worldview intact”… “It's the blending of storytelling and craft that sets books like his apart," (Bethany House’s Fiction Acquisition Editor David) Long said, including in Bethany's stable of literary writers Lisa Sampson (Tiger Lillie, 2004), Jamie Langston Turner(No Dark Valley, 2004), Elizabeth Musser (The Dwelling Place, Apr.; see InProfile in this issue) and Athol Dickson…Says Long: "Literary authors spend more time on character development than on plot. In our industry especially, the interior lives of characters take time to develop; we sense that they are genuinely three-dimensional people. Books that give time to that development are the ones people are responding to. The characters are a little richer, a little fuller."

~ Publisher’s Weekly, Great Aspirations, by Marcia Ford, April, 2005

The Swan House

"This is a beautifully executed story of a young girl coming of age in a year of grief, loss and discovery. Highly recommended.” Kristine Wilson, CBA Marketplace, August 2001

“This beautiful story of a young girl coming of age in the midst of racial turmoil and personal tragedy in 1960s Atlanta convincingly describes how religious faith satisfies the girl’s deepest longings…This creative novel is highly descriptive but not overdone, brimming with touches of humor, factual Atlanta settings, historical incidents and well-developed characters. A book that stands out in recent Christian fiction for its excellent writing and overall quality.” Publishers Weekly, June 2001

“The Swan House is a sweet read for ‘old Atlantans’ and a vivid picture of a young girl living through the history of Atlanta in the 1960’s for newcomers.” Atlanta Magazine, January 2002

“Musser’s tale poignantly confronts the stereotypes and taboos of 1962 from the perspective of a privileged teenager. It is an excellent portrayal of the era from a unique point of view, evocatively written and nicely paced.” Church Libraries, Winter, 2002

“A rich novel, full of historical fact, full of multi-dimensional characters, full of emotion.” BookBrowser, Maureen O’Connor

“The author excels at depicting the civil rights struggle.” Marcia Matthews, The Historical Novels Review, February, 2002

“The Swan House is equal parts coming of age novel, mystery and Christian fiction. Elizabeth Musser has used facts to create a book full of reconciliation and hope.” Pam Kingsbury, Southern Scribe Review, March, 2002

“Ms. Musser has written a truly remarkable story about self-discovery, devotion, compassion and love, which is sure to touch your heart and emotions.” Thea Candee, The Romance Reader’s Connection, November 2001

“Elizabeth Musser’s elegantly narrated The Swan House takes its young white narrator from the genteel precincts of 1960s Buckhead to her nursemaid’s neighborhood on the other side of Atlanta.” Andy Crouch, Books & Culture, July/August 2002

Amazon Editors’ Choice: Top 15 Christian Books for 2001-Literature & Fiction

Book Sense/SEBA Bestseller List (top 15), February, April, May, June, July 2002

Book Sense Extended Trade Paperback Bestseller Fiction List (top 50) for all USA, February, April, 2002

Rendezvous Magazine’s pick of the month (August, 2001)

Atlanta Magazine’s best novel about Atlanta for the year 2001

Consistently in the top 10 bestsellers at Atlanta’s Chapter 11 chain bookstores for 2001-2002

Two Crosses and Two Testaments

Musser does an excellent job of showing the senselessness of war....TWO CROSSES will leave readers wanting more...--Christian Retailing

...first novelist Musser captures the loneliness one feels in a strange land....interesting!--Library Journal

Fabulous reading!—WNIV, Atlanta, GA

Two Testaments is a book with great content and, like the first volume, of exceptional quality. The writer keeps the reader fascinated…--Radio Goeree Lokaal, Netherlands

I can really recommend Two Testaments—De Heraut, Netherlands

Elizabeth Musser is able to reflect the hatred between different people groups in a way that draws the reader in…Reformatorisch Dagblad, Netherlands

Two Crosses is extraordinarily fascinating…Nijenhuis, Netherlands

Great job! I loved it!--Jill Briscoe, Author and speaker, Brookfield, WI

Readers' Comments for Two Crosses and Two Testaments

Je suis émerveillée par le talent d’Elizabeth Musser qui lui permet d’écrire (très bien) un gros roman en un temps record et d’assimiler (très bien aussi) une quantité de faits historiques. J’ai devoré TWO TESTAMENTS avec le même enthousiasme que TWO CROSSES.--Jacqueline Wachs, Professeur de français, Nashville, TN

Une excellente intrigue, servie par un énorme travail de recherche, nous fait revivre les déchirements de l’Algérie. Les romans d’Elizabeth Musser traitent avec beaucoup de talent de la condition humaine em

portée dans les tourments de l’histoire. Le lecteur en conserve pourtant un sentiment de paix et de reconciliation. --Valérie Guebourg, institutrice, Montpellier, FRANCE

Quand une lecture vous élève l’esprit et qu’elle vous inspire des sentiments nobles et courageux, ne cherchez pas une autre règle pour juger l’ouvrage: il est bon et fait de main d’artiste. C’est ce qui m’est arrivée avec les deux romans d’Elizabeth Musser.--Catherine Schiltz, Montpellier, FRANCE

I loved and appreciated these two books. What a gift God has given Elizabeth Musser to touch many lives!--Wendy Foskett, Lyons, FRANCE

I refer TWO CROSSES to everyone I can - it's an enjoyable, suspenseful work which illuminates a period of history generally unknown in the U.S.--Jenny Kaspareit, Youth Worker, Grenoble, FRANCE

These two books are very special. The author’s knowledge of history and geography is fantastic and her understanding of the very complicated political situation is fascinating. Thank you for a wonderful job.--Margy Haines, Ministry among North Africans, Toulouse, FRANCE

As a church worker in France, I found the historical detail in TWO CROSSES concerning the Algerian War immensely helpful in allowing me to better understand the current tensions between France and Algeria.--Anna Pavey,

Homemaker, Grenoble, FRANCE

I thoroughly enjoyed TWO TESTAMENTS. It was very clever to keep so many strands threading through the story and bring them together in the end.--Rose Pavey, Teacher, ENGLAND

Elizabeth Musser is indeed a gifted writer and TWO TESTAMENTS has a lot of depth. I trust many will be blessed by it.--Nancy Pavey, Luton, ENGLAND

TWO CROSSES brilliantly blends fact and fiction in a riveting story that reflects the author's love for the French and for God.--David Pavey, Missions Administrator, Luton, ENGLAND

TWO CROSSES is in the literature section of the best bookstore in Nelson. Elizabeth Musser is impacting New Zealand.--Matt Hawkins, Real Estate, Nelson, NEW ZEALAND

I enjoyed both books. Learning about God's providence as well as the history of France/Algeria was uplifting and challenged me in my faith and mission.--Jeanine Hirst, Nurse, KAZAKSTAN

I loved reading TWO CROSSES. Not only was it full of adventure and romance, but it was a wonderful demonstration of how the heroine's Christian faith was acted out in her life situations. It was also evident that the author was writing from a personal knowledge of the area and culture. Our copy is worn out from sharing it with other people! Elizabeth Musser's second novel TWO TESTAMENTS continued with the great mixture of faith, adventure, and romance of the first book. I and many of my Russian and American friends are eagerly awaiting Musser's next novel!--Shawn Adair Ramsay, KAZAKSTAN

TWO CROSSES is an extremely well written, detailed and gripping story. Musser writes with such expertise that it is indeed surprising to discover she is a first time author!--Christine Leshuk, Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC

I thoroughly enjoyed the intrigue and suspense in TWO CROSSES. I just finished reading TWO TESTAMENTS. I was quite touched (by it). We have been wrestling with "why we are here in the Czech Republic" among other things. There is a strong possibility that we will not be able to learn this language adequately for ministry purposes and as such we face some very difficult decisions. However, I was very encouraged by being reminded again of God's sovereign purposes in all circumstances of life.--Carter Leshuk, Missionary, Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC

The book TWO CROSSES spoke to me in my time of need, a time when I was wondering if waiting for the right person, “God’s choice”, was truly the thing to do. TWO CROSSES confirmed that I was on the right track! Confirmation of our decisions based on Christian principles is something we all need from time to time.--Anonymous

I loved TWO CROSSES and TWO TESTAMENTS! My faith has grown and deepened and widened because of (these) books.--Jody Scott, Homemaker, Brampton, Ontario, CANADA

These books have been a source of encouragement to godly young women who are daily searching for God’s will in their lives and waiting for the young men who God is preparing for them to share their lives with. We will all be awaiting the next Elizabeth Musser novel.--Anita Lee, Journalist, Atlanta, GA

I had drifted away from my relationship with the Lord—we were just not as close as we had been. It was Elizabeth Musser’s books that rekindled the fire. I really do appreciate these books.--Marion Wilson, Richmond, VA

Elizabeth Musser is a wonderful author. Not only does she deliver a powerful message of faith and God’s love, but also she made me feel as if I were back in France again, strolling through the streets of Montpellier.--Atlanta, GA

Elizabeth Musser’s book, TWO CROSSES, was wonderful. Praise God for such a great talent.--Chrissie Camp, Nashville, TN

Elizabeth Musser’s two historical fiction novels, TWO CROSSES and TWO TESTAMENTS, are truly great books! I read the second one as bedtime reading and it caused great sleep disruption because I couldn’t put it down!--Eileen Smith, Bookkeeper, Chicago, IL

Elizabeth Musser is a great story-teller. I have enjoyed so much these two books on the Huguenots.--Martha Swilley, Atlanta, GA

Elizabeth Musser’s books are the perfect gift—not only the exciting story and the history but also the down-to-earth Christian living.--Merry Long, Jackson, MS

Elizabeth Musser’s books are an effective was to bring others to Jesus and it would be great for the French to able to read them too.--Laura McDaniel, Atlanta, GA

I just finished TWO TESTAMENTS and I almost think it was even better than TWO TESTAMENTS! I had to have a box of Kleenex close at hand…Really, it was so very good.--Jan Collier, Atlanta, GA

I have just finished TWO CROSSES and TWO TESTAMENTS and am so excited to find a new author who writes historical Christian fiction. History from a Christian point of view is wonderful.--Alyce Ard, Mountain Brook, AL

I really enjoyed TWO TESTAMENTS just as much as I enjoyed TWO CROSSES. The story kept me reading every night, almost to the point where I had to force myself to do my other homework. I really liked the story, the characters, the descriptions of the setting. But also I enjoyed a book that dealt with dangerous adventures and love, but also with faith and Christianity. I can’t wait for the next one.--Kate May, High school student, Chattanooga, TN

I have never been a fan of reading but the pleasure that I got from just knowing the characters and being part of such an amazing work as TWO CROSSES was enough to inspire me to read more often. I felt a real connection to the main character in the sense that I am a Christian and a strong believer that God has a perfect plan for us and that He does not make mistakes. Seeing how the main character was used by the Lord to accomplish such great things really sparked an interest in me to be stronger and trust God with all of my heart.--Elizabeth Stefner, High school student, Chattanooga, TN

Elizabeth Musser has woven a very wonderful group of characters into a great plot. I am really impressed with her talent. I look forward to reading the sequel.--Harriet Wilson, Shreveport, LA

TWO CROSSES is absolutely fantastic. Neither my husband nor I could put it down until we finished it.--Lois Appleby, Stock broker, New York, NY

Reading TWO CROSSES was a real treat for a mystery lover like me. As a Christian, I have a hard time finding books that are well written and suspenseful but not offensive in language and content.--Molly Blass, Homemaker, Marietta, GA

My sister and I have enjoyed TWO CROSSES so much. I was up until 2:00 a.m. finishing it because I could not leave it hanging. I had to know how it ended. I have put it in my school library because the social studies teacher has his students read historical fiction to make the studies more interesting. It was a wonderful read. Elizabeth Musser's newest book, TWO TESTAMENTS, was just as interesting and mind-grabbing. Again, it too will go on my library shelf for our students to read and enjoy. We look forward to reading many more books by Elizabeth Musser. Virginia C. Wright, Library Media Specialist, Mt. Olivet, KY

I was incredibly blessed by Musser's ability in TWO TESTAMENTS to draw me into a confusing historical conflict, show me how it affected others at that time (on different sides), and present issues that I handle today without insulting my intelligence by spoon feeding me the answers. Deep thoughts on waiting on the Lord, what kind of people we can be when under pressure, what happens when we decide to follow God's way even when the "why" isn't on the horizon, and how love needs time, trust and acceptance, all issues that challenge me in my walk right now.--Tiffany Moore, Homemaker,

Gig Harbor, WA

I loved both TWO CROSSES and TWO TESTAMENTS! As soon as I finished one, I couldn't wait to start the second!--Sumarie Bass, Fund Raising Manager, Atlanta, GA

TWO CROSSES by Elizabeth Musser is great reading for all who appreciate history in the making. The author captures the feelings, love, and fears of the people she brings into the reader's life. The author’s remarkable literary skills interweave fast-moving events with profound insights into spiritual commitments and character development. TWO TESTAMENTS, a sequel to Elizabeth Musser's TWO CROSSES, brings readers into the lives of people we learn to love and makes us feel a part of their struggles to survive and to serve God effectively.--Dr. Paul B. Long, Professor of Missions, Dean of Students, Jackson, MS

Elizabeth Musser is a gifted author, weaving history and fiction into a story that is spellbinding from the first page. You find yourself falling in love with the characters and not wanting the book to end. TWO CROSSES and TWO TESTAMENTS left me anxiously awaiting Musser's third book.--Robin Parker, Homemaker, Atlanta, GA

Both TWO CROSSES and TWO TESTAMENTS were historically accurate, factual, and taught me a lot about the difficult situation between France and Algeria. The romance was a small part of an intricate plot of intrigue, terrorism and rescue.--Beth Wren, Client Support Specialist,Bryant, AR

I enjoyed Elizabeth Musser's books so much that I went to Montpellier, France to see a little of what she wrote about. I've read both TWO CROSSES and TWO TESTAMENTS several times.--Bethany Dunham, College Student,

Asbury, KY

Searching for Eternity

Musser’s competent writing marks her latest lengthy foray into inspirational fiction. The novel spans four decades of the life of Emile de Bonnery, a French-born boy who, at age 13, unexpectedly must leave the only home he’s ever known for Atlanta in the 1960s. Torn between his belief that his father has abandoned him and his mother for another woman and the idea that his father is a spy, Emile’s anger and grief hinder his transition into American life. Then, he meets the odd and strangely attractive Eternity Jones (hence the word play on the title) and is plunged into issues of poverty, racism, alcoholism, faith and abuse. Musser is an excellent writer ... Historical and cultural details enrich the text ... Although the happily-ever-after ending forgoes any loose ends, Musser keeps the reader guessing about Emile’s father until the final pages. Fans of The Swan House should enjoy this.

~ Publisher's Weekly, Oct., 2007

Two different settings and time periods (France and America/contemporary times and World War II); warm, conflicted characters; and strong messages of love, hope and forgiveness make this a must-read book. Subplots move the story along quickly and all the stories are connected by a faith thread.

~Romantic Times Book Reviews

Searching for Eternity is a unique and complex story... start(ing) out wth a thirteen-year-old French boy as the protagonist, and cover(ing) a mystery and a love story spanning several decades. I strongly urge you to pick up a copy. There were so many things going on at so many levels that I couldn't wait to keep turning the pages.

~ Robin Johns Grant, Queen of Perseverance

...captivating, full of surprises and set within actually hisorical events...I thoroughly enjoyed Searching for Eternity. It opened my eyes to an element of World War II -- the French Resistance -- that I had heard of only in passing. Its double-edged title had me guessing till the finish. And its ending left me with a sense of hope. If you’re looking for a book to liven up the cold, dull days of winter, Searching for Eternity is an excellent choice.

~Violet Nesdoly, blogcritics.org

Musser does a credible job of this male POV, bringing him from childhood to adulthood emotions without crossing the line of believability. History and mystery are woven throughout this tale of love, of loss, and hard-won forgiveness. The 60s were a turbulent time in the south, in our nation and the world. Only fifteen to twenty years had passed since the Great War. Musser's pen evokes an ambiance that wraps itself around the reader, drawing them deep into the story and the era. Searching for Eternity receives this reviewer's highest recommendation.

~ Ane Mulligan, Novel Journey

There are two types of excellent books. One type you enjoy thoroughly and finish with a little regret as you bid the characters farewell. The other type grows on you bit by bit as you read and you close the book with contemplative satisfaction, knowing the characters will live with you forever. Searching for Eternity is the latter book.

Emile de Bonnery enters a strange world when his mother drags him from France to America. Plagued by his French father’s disappearance and unfriendly Atlanta peers, the only welcome comes from the grandmother who disowned his mother. And then he meets Eternity.

Eternity is also the odd one out, and she initially meets Emile’s overtures with coldness, but eventually they strike up a friendship. Together they begin to unravel the secrets behind what happened in France and weather their current struggles.

Beginning in the 1960s, this novel tumbles into a sea of unrest that amplifies the scars left from World War II – as if Atlanta during the civil rights movement didn’t have enough turmoil of its own! But showy displays of heroism are not to be found. It’s the little things – standing up for truth and speaking out when no one else will – that show how heroic these characters were. Instead of a panorama of history, you experience it through the everyday lives and choices of Musser’s characters.

The story isn’t compressed into a neat six-month tales, but realistically shows messy, complicated lives and slow change. Yet the pace of the novel doesn’t drag. It’s like a meteor shower – every chapter brings new discoveries and wonder. The graceful prose matches the tale well. Highly recommended.

~Katie Hart, titletrakk.com

There are some books that you read and enjoy, there are others you read and are relaxed, and then there are the books that become part of your life. When I finished "Searching for Eternity" by Elizabeth Musser I felt like I lost a friend.

French born Emile de Bonnery is dragged to America by his mother. His French father has suddenly disappeared, and Emile finds himself in Atlanta trying to adjust to cultural shock. The only welcome face Emile and his mother had was his maternal granmosthe, who he has never met until that day, at the age of 14.

Emile is faced with unfriendly kids at school and is left to fend for himself until he meets Eternity. Emile is trying to solve the mystery of his father's disappearance and Eternity is trying to deal with her won secrets. They strike up friendship and help each other face their past.

This book faces racism and the civil rights movement, but also scare that were left over from World War II. The common theme of this book is standing up for what is right, even when no one else will. Choices in life are not always solved in a year's time period, change happens slowly over a lifetime. It is not light reading material, but a book I highly recommend.

~ Laurel Wreath, Christian Women Online~ In 'Other' Words

Words Unspoken

Evangelical Christian fiction author Musser (The Swan House) has penned a thoughtful, poignant novel involving, of all arenas, the publishing world. Lissa Randall, a depressed teenager, hears accusatory “words unspoken” every day as she relives the car accident that took her mother's life. Unable to drive by herself because of her paralyzing fear, Lissa enrolls in a driving school, where her elderly instructor, Ev MacAllister, fights similar emotional battles. The two explore their pasts, often with resistance, and both find a convergence of faith and eventual resolution. Musser's story line allows several themes to be subtly woven in: depression is a no-holds-barred victimizer; repercussions from past/present choices do make a difference; and there are no such things as “random occurrences” in this life. Musser somehow pulls her characters—a bevy of quirky personalities—back to a center point, mostly with success, although some of the conclusions read a bit too tidily. Overall, the novelist's work is solid and fans will be pleased.

~ Publisher's Weekly, March 2009

Musser magically gathers up all the loose ends and ties them neatly together in this tale of hope and overcoming tragedy. You won't want to miss out on this one!

~ Romantic Times, April 2009

A top student and award-winning equestrian, Lissa has a bright future ahead of her—until her mother is killed in a freak car accident. Terrified to get behind the wheel but yearning to visit her beloved horse, Lissa enrolls in a driving school. Encouraged by the gentle guidance of her instructor, a kind old man struggling with painful memories of his own, Lissa gradually regains her confidence and learns to love herself—and life—again.

Though Lissa is the main character, the story’s told in short snippets from the perspectives of other characters as well. This multidimensional approach may initially confuse some readers, but the result is a gripping storyline with numerous interconnected subplots. With masterful writing and intriguing characters, this excellent novel has all the makings of a bestseller. Highly recommended to female fiction fans.

~Christy Pitney, Christian Retailing, May, 2009

Elizabeth Musser is one of my favorite authors, having penned works like The Swan House, The Dwelling Place and Searching for Eternity. But she’s outdone even herself. Words Unspoken unfolds like a rose, one layer at a time, revealing the beauty within. Filled with diverse, memorable characters, you meet one then another, until the cast grows to where you wonder how all these people are connected. Then, when the first relationship is revealed, it’s an Ah-Ha moment. I couldn’t put it down. I had to keep reading to discover the next connection. And each one was just right—never ‘convenient’ or contrived. Filled with twists and brilliantly written, Words Unspoken is a must read. As one of those books whose characters linger in my mind, it receives a five-star recommendation from this reviewer.

~Ane Mulligan, Novel Reviews, May, 2009

...an intertwining story of heartbreak and redemption.... Words Unspoken is a complex story with a clear message of hope. As Lissa begins to realize that circumstances are not random, the reader is reminded that God is indeed in control and it is His voice that offers peace in heartache.

~5MinutesforBooks.com, July, 2009

Early Readers' Comments

Musser has crafted a story that will reach every reader on some level. Set mainly in Chattanooga, the novel tackles those voices we all hear in our heads. Those voices that say we aren't good enough, that bad things are always our fault, that we are failures. With deep, complex main characters whose lives are intertwined in ways that keep you guessing throughout the story, Words Unspoken has everything a reader would want.

Musser's descriptive imagery makes the story come alive for readers. You care about the characters and, most importantly, you can see yourself in these very real people -- some characters in this book actually get angry at God, a very real emotion that gets glossed over in so much of today's Christian fiction. You know the type -- fiction that romanticizes what it's like to be a Christian to whom tragedy has struck.

I look forward to more of Musser's work in the future!

~Cheryl

You have outdone yourself, sister!! Thanks for all your hard work - I know you love what you do but I also know it must exhaust you to 'live' all those characters as you create and write all those months - you are truly blessed and we are blessed because you have been obedient to God to share at the level that you do :)

~Dawn

I think the strength in this book is the plot twists! (That said, I still enjoyed learning about Black Monday.) This is the first novel I've ever read that was set it in the 80s without having been written in the 80s. I loved, loved, loved the mix of US, France, Italy and even Eastern Europe and China added in the mix. - As you know I'm very critical of Christian fiction. Usually it's because of weak, artificial dialogues. I didn't find that in Words Unspoken. Such a welcome change! The way the characters talked to each other, themselves, God - very real, very believable. That's what really sold me on the book and also the multi-dimensional view of the characters! I loved it. (Presenting) the characters from different angles made them deeper, more developed, engaging and real. The ending gave closure, but without the forced syrupy sweetness that I feel a lot of fiction ends with. It was just enough to feel it was finished, but didn't hammer the coffin shut with ten-penny nails. I really loved it!

~Kari