The story of four enslaved African women who accompany their Southern male owners to a summer retreat in the free state of Ohio is an interesting premise. Lizzie, the main character, takes an emotional journey through her association with the other women and the events that unfold during the summers she spends at the resort. Even in this idyllic setting where the women may breathe a bit of freedom in the air, the brutality of slavery and its impact on the slave and master are graphically depicted. The ending is abrupt and leaves the reader with many questions that should stimulate discussion. The concept of the resort is based on fact.

The book is historical fiction. It takes place in the 1800's, about 10 years before the civil war. The main character is a slave woman who became her master's mistress at a young age. We all agreed that the book was a good one. We had a great discussion at our club meeting.

The author has written a powerful book on the master/slave relationship that black people have known about through oral, family histories. It's about time other people learn about some of these stories, too.

A well written with more insight about the role of some female slaves and their relationship with the married white owners.

A beautifully written book that captures the feelings and conflicts of slaves who find themselves in free territory prior to Emancipation.