The characters are rich in this non-traditional family novel. I really began to care what was going on in their lives. I'm champing at the bit to read the sequel to this book (Pigs in Heaven). Being from the South myself, I could really relate to the language of the story from Taylor's and Lou Ann's point of view. The main story is set in Arizona though, so don't go thinking this is just for Southern gals. You learn about the lives of some people that have had a bit of a rough time of it, but they are struggling through, and their lives don't seem to be quite as bleak as they think. The characters were not stereotypical that's for sure! Take a chance on this book - you'll enjoy it.