There are so many beautiful things about this story! The setting, Mendocino, is one of my all time favorite places. When I downloaded the book I didn't realize it was Christian fiction, but that is one of the things that made this story & the friendships so beautiful. It also softened the blow for me when a particular event popped up in the story that I did not see coming. I felt like I was surrounded by God & my fictional friends, Ellyn, Sabina, and Twila, and was eager to continue the story. I'm looking forward to reading the 2nd book. P.S. I would give this 5 stars, but didn't because even for this God loving gal, I found parts of it a little cheesy.