Rash's book reminds me a little of Cold Mountain in feel. Having lived in Kentucky and West Virginia, I've actually been to places physically like the cove. I appreciate Rash's historical details and description. I also like how he deftly weaves water throughout the story -- the future flooding, the light, the overhang, ships, drowning. 
 The folklore interests me and is so much a part of Laurel, but it makes me wonder where she picked it up since her mother died when she was young and she doesn't interact with anyone. The language was interesting, too. Sometimes I didn't understand exactly what a word meant, but the gist of it is enough. 
 Overall, an engaging book. I would have liked to get inside Walter's head a little more.