I bought this book to help with my geneaology research of the Peabody family. Within ten minutes of thumbing through this book, I knew I had made a mistake in purchasing it. As a high school history teacher, I can verify that this book reads like an overly and poorly plagerized term paper. With regards to the Peabody family of the 1600s to 1800s, this book is short on facts and is full of historical background fluff. I was shocked that the author was so short on facts, considering that the Peabody's of the 1600s to 1800s, lead well documented lives. Considering that the fact that there is tons of data relating to the Peabody's on the web, not to speak of in the reference section of any good library, I am disappointed in the author's lack of research. Do yourself a favor, don't but this book...

This book should be appreciated for what it is, a family history, allowing us glimpses of the lives, views and stories of many of the female members of the Peabody family, that would otherwise not be known in conventional history books. Cynthia Peabody Anderson has what many of us could only dream of: an extensive family tree, prominent ancestors, family letters, records and journals, and the luck of belonging to a family very aware of its place in history. Plus, an insider's point of view: what it feels like to be part of such a family. She chooses to examine those parts of history not readily available to scholars and academics, the largely undocumented domestic side. Peabody Andeson presents her family stories against a context of major historical events, not always adequately rendered, but helpful in attempting to explain the motivation of family members' decisions. Many of these stories are fascinating and unavailable in any other form. Taken for what it is, Pioneer Voices is a brave and entertaining look at one family's inner workings, unique unto itself, and representative of the experience of many early American families. Not only are the stories new to the reading public, but the method of presenting them is another way of regarding history.

I bought this book for $..., and I think I was overcharged. As an aspiring writer, I think this book should be mandatory reading of What Not To Do In A First Novel.

First of all, every character completely one-dimensional and/or a stereotype. (Here's a hint: just because a character double-crosses someone doesn't make them more complex!)

Secondly, the plot hinges on a few very unlikely coincidences, just in the first couple of chapters. The worst one is the assumption Rachel makes about her husband - that he won't look for her. Even if the FBI hadn't gotten wind of the electronic theft, chances are Jeff would have gone to Manhattan to look for her.

Thirdly, when one is describing a character's thoughts, it's just bad writing to have them say something, think the same thing, and then, later, do something totally different.

Fourthly, just because a concierge does one thing doesn't necessarily mean we need to know all about him. Same for cab drivers. Congratulations to the author, he can write nice vignettes about incidental characters. Totally unnecessary for the plot; it just drags things.

Finally, the sappy ending just made me want to puke.

With another revision or two, and an actual editor, the story could have been much more interesting. The plot itself wasn't too bad, and the action was gripping (except when it stopped short). But that alone does not a good book make.

I picked up (okay, stole) this delicious read from a beach house roomie last summer... but later bought a copy because it was worth the money. Plus, I felt guilty.

I have passed the original purloined copy to a bunch of my friends, who all agree that we recognize the same characteristics of the "bad guy" in one particular member of our group.

This novel really rocks.