I really enjoyed this book. I loved the way Joan told the story of all the characters and the way she would develope her characters history and the way she moved from character to character. Hers was one of the rare books that I could follow with ease and not get confused, with needing to constantly turn back pages (especially since I don't have the time to read books straight through), to figure out "what was going on and with whom, was exactly how and when did they come in". So many books that have a lot of characters tend to get confusing with all the details that get a little lost when you have to put a book down. Other writers should take note. I also enjoyed her discriptions of the outback of Australia and the different types of Opal's. I felt like I was there! I would like to see a sequeal - just to know what happened to some of the lesser characters in the book. Joan made you really feel for each one of her characters. This book has a little bit of everything from a little romance, to some suppense and a mystery. I highly recommend it as a very enjoyable read!