I have been a fan of Jeanne Marie Laskas ever since she starting writing a column in Ladies Home Journal. After laughing my head off at one of the articles - it occured to me to see if she had any books. SCORE! I was so excited that she had three! I got the first one and read it in two sittings. I ordered the Exact Same Moon during a snack break on that first sitting and the minute that one "shipped" I ordered Growing Girls.
I loved every single one of them.

I've loaned them out so many times now - I don't know who has them and ended up buying another copy of each!

Must read!

I read the "sequel" first, so this book was even more interesting...I won't spoil it by telling you why! The author shares the story of a major shift in her life in a way that reads like fiction. The characters, the backdrop of a beautiful farm, the barely believable experiences all come together to spin a yarn of exceptional quality. It made me yearn to follow the same path - bumps, ruts, floods and all. Escapism at its very best - her attitude is honest, her writing exceptionaland the story itself makes you feel as though you have gained an invaluable friend. Be sure to read her next book - how wonderful to know you can continue along on her journey!

As a suburbanite animal/nature lover who has always dreamed of living on a farm, and a devoted Standard Poodle owner (my husband and I are on our third), I was attracted by the title and description of this book, feeling it was something I would enjoy. I was not disappointed. I had to laugh at Jean and Alex's constant description of Marley as, "A STANDARD Poodle, not one of those little yappy things," as we are constantly describing our wonderful dog in similar ways.

My only objection to this book was the fact that although Jean and Alex wore orange hats and clothing during hunting season, they never seemed to even THINK about protecting their dogs the same way, just letting them roam around the property as unprotected moving targets for the hunters. I was amazed that they would be so totally clueless about this (and none of the hunters seemed to suggest it, either). But other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

I absolutely loved this book - I also laughed and cried along with some of the other reviewers of this book. I got inside this book very quickly, once I picked it up, and didn't stop till the last page was turned. Not only is the subject matter interesting, but you are along with the author on this ride in her book.
I had gotten this book from the library and came back to Amazon to buy it, that's how much I enjoyed it. I wanted to be able to share it. And now I see that there is a sequel! I can't wait to get my hands on it! As an adoptee myself, I can't wait to read about her further adventures. If my buying Jeanne Marie's books keeps her in fertilizer and back hoes, I'm willing to do it!

This book is absolutely delightful. An easy read. I laughed, cried, smiled and was intrigued with the characters... It's everything a good book should be.