Let me tell you, this book had me emotionally wrecked in the best way possible. I started reading thinking I'd just kill some time, and next thing I knew, three hours had flown by while I was completely immersed in Amy's world.

The way Parkinson writes makes you feel like you're right there in 19th century New Zealand - the smells of the farm, the texture of Amy's worn dresses, the tension in every interaction with Charlie. Some scenes were so visceral I had to put the book down just to catch my breath.

What really got me was how real these characters feel. Amy's quiet strength as she navigates her abusive marriage had me alternating between cheering for her and wanting to shake some sense into her (especially when it comes to protecting Charlie). Lizzie and Frank's chaotic household provided much-needed comic relief - their banter literally made me laugh out loud at times.

Warning though: this isn't light reading. The domestic violence is portrayed unflinchingly, which can be tough to stomach. There were moments where I needed breaks to process what was happening. But Parkinson handles these heavy themes with such nuance that it never feels gratuitous - just painfully authentic for the time period.

The historical details are woven in seamlessly too. Without realizing it, you'll learn so much about rural New Zealand life - from farming practices to gender roles to legal systems. It's like time travel with emotional depth.

That ending? Perfection. Even though I guessed the twist early on, seeing it play out still packed an emotional punch that left me crying happy tears for Amy. It's rare for a series to maintain this level of quality through multiple books, but Parkinson absolutely sticks the landing here.

If you're on the fence about starting this series: do it. Clear your schedule first though - once you start reading about Amy's journey, real life will cease to exist until you've turned the last page.