"I can't tell you how compelling this book was. What an amazing story. I couldn't put it down."

"Karen gives us a unique perspective of life in Saigon, as seen through the eyes of American expatriates standing at the crossroads of history.

This is not a story told by the people who fought the war. It is the story of the people who lived their lives despite the war. The people of Vietnam and their rich culture shine through in this telling, interspersed with personal photographs that reflect reality in a way only someone who was there could have captured.

If you want a fresh look at history, masterfully told by someone who lived it, this book is for you."

"As I approached the end of Gardens in the Midst of War, I began to feel a sadness as I projected the void this end would leave with me. Karen's storytelling folds you into her life and gives you a bird's eye view of the seventies, taking you through a delicate and skillfully written journey into her memories of 73-75. It just so happens she spent those years in Saigon. And what a tale to tell. As a contemporary of the author, I feel like we walked in a parallel universe. Karen in Saigon. Me stateside. How many of us American Baby Boomer women recall starting down a path that commingled the traditional role of wife along with the unchartered role of career-girl? Yet, how many were set on a world stage? How pale my experiences of the world were when viewed only through the distant lens of the media or of organized tours following the umbrella. This memoir is compelling and thought-provoking because it offers the unique perspective of an adventurous Expat at a unique moment in time and place."

"My book club decided to read this book. I wasn't very excited about it because we've read so many WWII stories over the last couple of years, and I didn't want to read about another war. This book was a captivating story. I love how the author describes the city, the culture, and the people that she encounters. There were so many fascinating people. There are also photographs sprinkled throughout the book that highlight the housing and fashion discussed. After the first few pages, I couldn't put it down. Highly recommend!"

"I loved the way this author takes you behind the scenes as the war rages closer while our government keeps American civilians living there in the dark until it's almost too late.

Although a memoir, it reads like a novel. I loved it."

"This is wonderful. OMG. Such beautiful, evocative writing. You are so darned good ay setting up. This flows so well that it's hard to believe it's your first book. It's fascinating."