A compelling story of a young woman's life during the height of the Great Depression!

Told from Ruth's perspective as she experiences both terrible tragedy and hard won triumphs, the author gives a glimpse of the difficulties many people shared during the time. Well-written with a variety of characters, it's easy to get lost in the era and get a real sense of the hardships, prejudices, and edge of the seat living of the hardworking people who migrated to California, hoping for work and a better life. The author does a good job of conveying what Ruth is thinking and feeling, as she tries to make sense of her life. As she digs for the "whys"-- the unofficial reports of events unfolding around her--I could relate to the confusion and strong sense of injustice she felt, especially in the migrant workers camp. The bond of friendships, faith, family and love woven into Ruth's story added the much needed message of hope to the difficulties she faced. Thomas Everly's character grew on me, especially after reading more of his background in the prequel, Good Harvest; he overcame a lot of his own personal prejudice and bitterness to become a better man. He was an admirable struggling hero, a real champion for the people he lived among and served.

I was especially interested in reading this book when I saw how it crisscrossed my own family's history. It made the story feel that much more personal to me and was easy to picture the areas described. My parents were born in the Los Angeles area in 1930, one set of grandparents having moved there from the Texas oil fields as young marrieds. My dad grew up in Pasadena, also attending a college there later like Ruth. I've been on the old bridge over the Arroyo Seco, seen the growing fields of the San Gabriel and San Joaquin Valleys, and grown up hearing Spanish spoken along with English. The struggles for better living conditions and more humane treatment of farm laborers was a hot issue even into the next generation. It was an eye opener to realize just how bad it was for them all in the 1930's. I gained a new respect for all of the different people who lived the real life story.

Recommend to readers who enjoy historical fiction with a bit more realism. The prequel Good Harvest was helpful to read also to understand more of Thomas Everly's backstory. (Warning for sensitive readers, includes a little swearing and violence.) 4.5 stars
(Book provided by NetGalley and publisher in exchange for my honest, original review.)