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Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Book Review Club: Whiter Than Snow- Sandra Dallas

Author: Sandra Dallas
Pages: 310
Publication Date:  March 30, 2010
Genre: Historical Fiction
Source: The Book Report Network
Synopsis from Goodreads:
Whiter Than Snow opens in 1920, on a spring afternoon in Swandyke, a small town near Colorado’s Tenmile Range. Just moments after four o’clock, a large split of snow separates from Jubilee Mountain high above the tiny hamlet and hurtles down the rocky slope, enveloping everything in its path including nine young children who are walking home from school. But only four children survive. Whiter Than Snow takes you into the lives of each of these families



My Thoughts:
I have yet to read a Dallas book that I wasn't totally absorbed into from the very first sentence. She has a way of putting the reader right there in the moment of tragedy. I felt the coldness of the snow. The desperation of the parents. The joy when a loved one was recovered. The anguish when a small child who would not draw another breath was laid to rest. The author does an amazing job of taking you into the lives of each family affected and traces the choices they made that brought them all to Swandyke, Colorado. There are so many different themes explored in this story: redemption, betrayal, forgiveness, racism, and love. It makes you think twice about fate and how nothing is really left to chance and that everything....everything has a reason and purpose. 

Highly Recommended
 If you're interested in reading Sandra's other books please visit her site here.
 Readers on Facebook can become a fan of Sandra Dallas by clicking this link.
 Read an excerpt of Whiter Than Snow here.




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@Barrie Summy

23 comments:

  1. What an intriguing premise. I was very curious to read your thoughts as this book has gotten some less than stellar reviews. I'm much more inclined to read it now. Thank you.

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  2. I keep saying this over and over... I NEED to read Sandra Dallas!

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  3. The audio version was very good as well. I agree, Dallas really draws you into her stories. Tallgrass was one I especially enjoyed.

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  4. Sounds good, and I do books that come highly recommended :)

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  5. Sounds sooooooooooo sad, yet intriguing all at once! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)

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  6. Maybe as the days heat up around here (110 by Saturday) I'll be ready to try this one. I do love Sandra Dallas' books. I think The Diary of Mattie Spenser was my favorite. Thanks for a reminder that she's still just as awesome!

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  7. I have really got to make time for her!

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  8. I love the time 1920 time period - sounds intriguing but heartbreaking!

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  9. I agree with you. If Sandra Dallas writes it, I'll read it. I'm looking forward to reading this one. Thanks for all the links. I'm off to check out her fan page.

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  10. Wow, as a mother I'd find this hard to read. I liked the succinct summary of your reaction.

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  11. I love your thoughts on this book about fate. I think I'll look this one up as I always enjoy your "highly recommended" books.

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  12. What a terrible tragedy. Is the book based on a true story? I've never heard of Swandyke. (But then, there's a lot of things I've never heard of.) Good review.

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  13. I'm a big fan of Sandra Dallas. Love your review!

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  14. Yea! I pulled this up and started thinking--"please tell me she liked it, please tell me she liked it." I just got it last week and I'm so tired of reading books that are only so-so. I need some good ones to look forward to!

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  15. This is the 2nd thumbs up I've read for Whiter Than Snow — glad to hear you enjoyed!

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  16. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, too. I found it hard to put down.

    http://laughingstars.net

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  17. I've heard her books are really good. I have yet to read one but this one does sound really good. I'm glad you enjoyed it Staci!

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  18. I haven't read a Dallas novel but you certainly have my interest piqued! I love an absorbing story!

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  19. This sounds like a great book. Great review!

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  20. Linda- I did a bit of research and it doesn't appear that this event actually occurred. But the mining area does exist.

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  21. I've read at least 4 of Dallas's books and have enjoyed all of them - some more than others, though. I'm glad to see that this was a hit for you. I have it on my iPod ready to go when the mood strikes. :)

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  22. Great review--I'm linking to it on my review at SmallWorld Reads.

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  23. Sandra's book The Persian Pickle Club is being made into a movie!!!
    http://www.thepersianpickleclub.com/

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