Marilyn Bishop Shaw

Even though geared to "young readers" I really enjoyed the read! I once read that when you are finished reading a good book you should feel slightly exhausted as if you just took the ride or lived the life in the book - that is how I felt at the end of your book - I felt I truly took the journey and felt the feelings of The Freeman's. Thanks for a good read.

-D. Kronmann, Newberry, Florida

Thank you so much for writing a story that depicts African Americans in a good light, and that is a jumping off point for learning about our history both local and otherwise.

I just finished reading Solomon and am so impressed with your hard work in bringing "all the pieces together". There were so many facets in the lives of Florida's early pioneers. Your style of writing has endeared the Freeman family to me. I must confess that I did not connect Captain Dudley to the Dudley farm until I read your historical notes. What really came through was your love and caring for the black families. Also I liked the way you created a complete story from the remembered places in your life.

It was a good story well-told, and taught me a lot of Florida history that was both informative and enjoyable. I love that you didn't "dumb it down", and that you didn't soft-pedal too much the dicey scenes.

Writing for young adults is perhaps the most difficult for an author . . . and it is difficult to find a really good one to recommend – a book that is well-written and will hold the interest of a pre-teen or teenager. I have found an outstanding book that is a choice slice of Flroida history, written by a fifth-generation Floridian, with just enough suspense and crisis to qualify as a genuine page-turner.

-Velma Daniels, Book Reviewer, Winter Haven News Chief

You have captured a time in history with exceptional skill, making the reader live every page with a sense of sadness for the past, but hope and promise for the future.

I'll try to be brief . . . may not be successful in giving you my reaction to Solomon . . . such a well-crafted, must-read book! Action packed, emotionally filled with bigger than life characters, the book took me on an incredible journey . . . and I thank you for that!