TAKES A LOT OUT OF YOU.
Oh this book. Oh my heart. WHY ARE PEOPLE THE WAY THAT THEY ARE? It's one thing to completely fictionalize something, but it's another to know that it's a historical fiction.

CRAP LIKE THIS ACTUALLY HAPPENED.

Rill and her siblings are swept on the most horrible river of life. I was only moderately appeased by the end, because things yes, do end 'well', but then you remember once again all the trauma that they went through and it pulls on your heart strings again. 

Be wary that this may be too much for some readers. Thankfully, things aren't described in depth, but things are insinuated that makes you hug any small child you know tighter.

I enjoyed the perspective of Avery Stafford, but didn't know if it was totally necessary. I felt it was more added to help give light to the shadows of the past which I do appreciate. There was just some bits that weren't needed.

Better suited for someone a bit older, no language that I can recall. A lot of child abuse, neglect, and violence. No love scenes, a kiss.