Mustard Seed

This book is every bit as good as the first. It was really good to follow on to the next stage in the characters lives. You are certainly kept on the edge of your seat not knowing what is going to happen next. It is certainly hard to read about man's cruelty to another human being. Looking forward to reading the next installment the series.

4.5 stars This book follows on from Yellow Crocus but is set a few years later, after the Civil War. Lisbeth decides to visit her family after a letter from her mother to tell her that her father is dying. Unknown to her, Mattie and her daughter Jordan visit at the same time, to try to persuade Sarah to leave. I found the book a little slower to engage me than Yellow Crocus but once it did, it was a great story. I had assumed that slavery stopped with the emancipation legislation. Plantation owners were their own law and they still bought and sold their workers. There were some exciting scenes in the book and it built to a great ending. Very worthwhile reading.

If I skip over the fervour of the author 's religious beliefs that are generously introduced throughout this book and one particularly long American history lesson, then I can honestly say that I found it interesting. However, it wasn't quite as an enjoyable read as the "Yellow Crocus" or the "Purple Wisteria". The characters are credible even though there are so many intertwined relationships to follow. At least the book was well-researched and informative.

Gorgeous follow on book and so well written - parts of it had my stomach in knots. Very talented writer

This is the follow-up to Yellow Crocus and I think a better read. New to me that some people were still enslaved after slavery was ended. Looking forward to reading the third book.

Unfortunately, the unfolding tale which was engrossing in Yellow Crocus seemed to plod a weary way through this book. Any tale involving slaves and slaving is going to be grim, and there were some suitably grim elements to this, the story, some weepy moments, and a fair exposure of post-abolition prejudices and horrors. Despite this, the work had an almost light-hearted feel in contrast to the subject matter, and simply didn't light any literary fires.

Just finished the book Mustard Seed. Just like the yellow crocus I could not put it down. The author has such a way of writing - conjuring up the feeling, emotions, the atmosphere between Ohio and Virginia, where even the ending of slavery, the South platation owners could not and would not change their views and any exslave still living on in their homes on the plantations were still treated as slaves even though they where technically free. These slaves were uneducated, those who were born on the plantations and mid aged to elderly people who were either too scared to leave and worried about how they would survive outside of the plantations. In places this book was harrowing, in others frustrated because Jordon, Matti and Samual could not get any information regarding Sarah's two girls who where taken from their Mum Sarah and sold on in Carolina. Elizabeth and Mattie regain the closeness they once shared and they all become stronger for it. I would say this book is just as good as Yellow Crocus and I would recommend reading both this book and Yellow Crocus. I have just pre-ordered the next book Golden Poppies which comes out in May 2020. These books give a good insight into how those who were slaves where treated and those who owned these enslaved people viewed them. and I believe there where worse plantation owners as well.

What a family saga, very enjoyble and thought provoking

This is not the sort of book I usually read but I thought it was a wonderful story and very well written. It was very informative for me as well about conditions for the slaves who were supposed to be free and how difficult life was for them. Well worth reading.

Amazing combo of facts and fiction.. it has been long since a book enchanted me so much.a must read for people who want to get a glimpse of past

Mustard seed è il proseguimento della storia di "il primo fiore di zafferano". Dopo la guerra civile Lisbeth e Mattie oramai stabilite in Ohio decidono inconsapevolmente l'una dall'altra di ripartire per la Virginia: Elisabeth per raggiungere il padre morente; Mattie per rintracciare e salvare il resto della sua famiglia rimasta alla piantagione .......non aggiungo altro perché la storia è assolutamente da assaporare passo per passo, altrettanto meravigliosa ed emozionante come il primo libro. Adoro la grande sensibilità e semplicità in cui questa scrittrice rappresenta fatti e personaggi. Non credo purtroppo che il libro sia stato tradotto in italiano, lo consiglio però vivamente a tutti coloro che comprendono la lingua inglese.

I thought Laila’s first book might have been a fluke because it was so good, and I cautiously bought book #2. I’m so engrossed in these books that I am transported by time. I love the families and the way their stories intersect. I have SO many books to read, but here I am.. moving on to book #3, because I know it will be fantastic!

This book is so well written! It is the 2nd book in a series by this author. Character & plot development are so well done, you'd think the author herself experienced life during & after the civil war in the U.S. regarding slavery. Both sides of the civil war suffered greatly of course, and families were split apart. I never realized just how heroic were efforts required for former slaves to get free and make a life for themselves. I felt the emotions of the characters. I im am now on the 3rd book in this series.. Laila is my new favourite author.