Pepper Winters is an exceptional writer as evidenced by her ability to move the reader. It is rare that I have such strong feelings about books in this genre. Perhaps it is the animal lover, the fancier of all things nature and natural, or even being a vegetarian for decades now, that causes me to identify with aspects of the story. Then there are overly dramatic scenes, the endless and constant self reflection of the main characters. That part I did not enjoy. even so, well worth the read.