I think they call this kind of a book a 'sleeper', where it slowly creeps into popularity one review at a time until it becomes a bona fide and popular hit. Written in 2002, published in 2005, and it just now seems to be finding its reading public. In the last year this book was recommended repeatedly both here and at Amazon, and I am so glad to have read it. Simply wonderful, and what a surprising and strong epilogue! Sniff, sniff...
I thought it lived up to the hype. If you like historicals with a southern charm, a small town simple kind of setting, and an emotional storyline that will pull out some tears, this one is for you. I was impressed.