I really like reading stories that have a huge family dynamic – especially ones that show relationships between siblings (definitely stemming from me being the 3rd of 4 kids and marrying a man who was the youngest of 5). After reading an interview with Liz in a magazine late last year, I knew I wanted to read this book.

I liked the format of the book, being told in alternating voices and was in awe of your resilience. At so many times the bond you kids had could have been broken but you were it’s fiercest protectors. I wanted more of the story after the book ended so I’ve spent some time here on your website which is great – so thank you.

It makes me think of my relationship with my siblings and definitely has me focused on remaining close although we are so far apart geographically.

Your stories also interested me because my husband and I are in the midst of (hopefully) becoming foster parents and I will definitely keep your family in mind if we have a foster child who has been separated from his/her siblings.

Thanks again for a great read!

Amy Lynn

I knew both the ‘Stewarts’ and the ‘Chamberlains’.I am so glad that ‘Daisy’ is still part of your life: she is a kind person and I heard good things about your relationship with her.
I was also well aware of the tensions at the ‘Chamberlains’ since Tyler was in the same class as their oldest child. It was so puzzling to me that they would ‘adopt’ Diana since they were so different from your family. Liz always seemed to have everything pulled together and perhaps they thought Diana was just like Liz. Then Diana just vanished and we were all puzzled what had happened to her.
I saw your article in the NYTimes and was overjoyed to discover that all of you have found happiness and success.
Your book is an amazing testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of family. It is haunting and so beautifully written. It reaffirms that children should be allowed to develop their own personalities and not be put into a mold. Also the great importance of keeping the children in a family together when they are left without parents.
I and so many good people in Bedford had wanted to help you during those difficult years, but didn’t know how. You touched our lives and we cared deeply. I am so very very happy to discover that yes, the kids are all right. Best wishes for happiness in your lives and for sharing your experiences with all of us. Fondly Ellen Boynton

I read your book straight through during a few late night nursing sessions with my newborn second daughter- so many times the difficult first week home I was questioning what we were thinking with having a second baby. Your book really reminded me the most important reason I had another: because it was imperative for me that my daughter have a sibling.

I couldn’t stop thinking of my own sisters (there are 5) while reading the book. Your memories really exemplify the beauty, ferocity, and complexity of sibling relationships, to a T.

I also thought often of my brother-in-law who lost his mom at age 5 and dad at age 9. What little I know of his and his older sister’s life journeys after that seems to have many parallels to your family’s. Both of those “kids” are all right too by the way.

Yours is a story I feel honored to have read- Shine on Welch family!

Crazy that you are also a Fox Lane alum!