Crystal Hana Kim, the Author, the Author of "The Stone Home" has written a powerful, heart-breaking, memorable and intense novel. The Genres for this Novel are Historical Fiction, Coming of Age, and Adult Fiction. This is a complicated and difficult book to read. The timelines for this story are set in 1981 in South Korea, and 2011. The author vividly describes her characters, and the atrocities and abuse that occurred. In the early 1980's, before the Olympics, the South Korean Government wanted all vagrants, beggars, and other people sent to detention centers to rehabilitate them to be returned to society. What happened instead makes for a nightmare hidden in history. The detention centers were similar to Concentration Camps, but referred to as state-sanctioned reformatories.

Families were often ripped apart, and the children were beaten, physically and psychologically abused. Originally the vagrants were only to be there a year, but many disappeared or died. In this novel, the author discusses the relationship of a mother and daughter, that tried to have hope, and two brothers, who were forced to make difficult choices.

The author does mention how some of the prisoners were kind and showed hope to one another. This is an important book that does shed light on the darkness of a violent and powerful hidden time and agenda. I would recommend this book to shed light on a devastating time.

Katherine Vaz, the author of "Above the Salt," has written a captivating, poignant, and memorable novel. The genres for this novel are Historical Fiction, Romance, Civil War, and Fiction. Katherine Vaz puts a magical feel in her prose, and this well-written story vividly describes the scenery, landscape, plot, and colorful and dramatic characters. John Alves and Mary Freitas are Portuguese refugees from childhood to late adulthood. Much of the background history deals with Catholics and Protestants friction and the time before, during, and after the Civil War. John spent part of his childhood with his mother, a Protestant martyr, in a jail in Madeira. John spent his young life in poverty and met Mary Freitas, an adopted daughter of a famous Botanist. As conflict and war between the two religions intensifies, both find themselves headed to America at different times. John becomes an educator for deaf students and experiments with ways to improve the student's learning mode. Mary and her father bring some "magical" plants to the United States and work as gardeners for Edward Moore, a wealthy landowner. Edward does help Mary with her business and would like to be engaged to her. Mary has not forgotten John Alves. When they do meet again, many things have changed. Some people are jealous and cause betrayal. The Start of the Civil War complicates the relationships. I appreciate how the author discusses the tragedies of the Civil War, the brutality, and the cost of lives. There were twists and turns and some unexpected and emotional surprises. I love the poetic images the author describes of nature and the symbolism of the characters. I highly recommend this thought-provoking and heartfelt novel to other readers. I found much of the background educational and became aware of some things I didn't know.
I look forward to reading more books from this author.

Lindsay Lynch, the author of "Do Tell," has written an intriguing and captivating novel. The timeline for this novel is just before World War Two and takes place in Hollywood. The genres for this novel are Historical Fiction, Adult Fiction, and Fiction. The author vividly describes the entertainment business's costume scenery, glitz, and glamour. The author describes her dramatic characters as complex, complicated, superficial, and flawed. I appreciate that Lindsay Lynch has a front page with a list of characters. There are many characters, which was somewhat confusing initially, and the list was quite helpful.

The protagonist, Edie O'Dare, is a mediocre actress whose contract expires. On the side, she is paid to give a gossip columnist news about the actors from the studio. Once Edie no longer works as an actress, she writes a column, "Do Tell," providing the secrets, gossip, and scandals, with little thought to the consequences. All this information equals money. Edie has a particular talent for sensing and seeing things others don't.

I found it interesting how powerful a "Gossip Columnist" and the Movie Industry could be, as well as controlling. There also were politics. This was a novel idea, and the characters seemed to have "real lives" that reminded me of a Soap Opera. I would highly recommend this thought-provoking novel.

Kudos to Julia Kelly, the author of "The Lost English Girl," for writing such a captivating and intriguing historical fiction novel. Julia Kelly is an amazing storyteller and vividly describes the characters, events, plot, and scenery. The timeline for this story takes place around World War Two. The author describes her dramatic and colorful characters as complex and complicated. It is easy to relate and sympathize with some of the characters. Some men seem very weak and fragile, and some women are brave and courageous. The themes that can be seen throughout the novel are forgiveness, second chances, betrayals, and self-growth. During this tragic time, the author discusses the importance of family, friends, neighbors, determination, courage, love, and hope. It is difficult to imagine the sacrifices that people had to make.

Viv Byrne is a young Catholic woman in Liverpool, England. When she becomes pregnant by a Jewish saxophone player, Joshua" does the "right thing" and marries her. Her family wants to avoid disgrace, which seems the best solution. Josh is made an offer, decides he wants his freedom and goes to America. Viv has a beautiful daughter, Maggie, and stays with her dysfunctional parents. Viv can get a job delivering mail. She discovers that Joshua's family lives on her mail route. Viv hadn't seen them since the wedding, and they never knew if they had a granddaughter or grandson.

Operation Pied Piper begins in England, where children are sent to the country to be safe from German bombing. Viv reluctantly sends Maggie to stay with a couple to be safe. Josh returns to England to serve his country. Not only does he have to fight for his country and life, but there is also antisemitism in his unit. Joshua is proven to be a hero. The Germans bombing England has caused much destruction in areas considered safe, and Viv has no idea where her daughter or the family she is with is.

Julia Kelly has done a great amount of research into this difficult period. I would highly recommend this thought-provoking and memorable novel.

Colleen Oakley, the author of "The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise," has written a unique and riveting novel. The genres are Literary Friendship Fiction, Contemporary, Humor, Mystery, and Women's Fiction. The timeline is written in the author's present and goes to the past regarding the characters or events. The author describes her colorful and dramatic characters as complex, complicated, quirky, and full of surprises! In this novel, Colleen Oakley's characters are reminiscent of Thelma and Louise. Tanner Quimby is 21, and after a tragic accident, mopes around her house, ruminating about what might have been. Tanner also plays video games and has no money. She is encouraged to care for an elderly woman. Louise Wilt has fallen and required surgery. She is a seasoned 80-ish-year-old woman with an interesting past and many secrets. Louise's children insist that she have a "Nanny." Louise has a routine and really would like to be independent. When Tanner and Louise meet, they are like oil and water. Tanner is immediately aware of quirky behaviors of Louise. It seems that Louise is not exactly the typical 80 -ish type of person. Then again, Tanner doesn't appear to be a typical 21-year-old person either. Tanner is in for quite a surprise when Louise insists they leave town immediately. The two go on an adventure with twists and turns. There are rumors of a large jewel heist from the seventies, and Louise seems to be called another name when she meets some people. There are twists and turns. Louise is on a mission to find someone and, at the same time, avoids both a criminal and the law. I enjoyed this delightful adventure as two women tried to remedy the mistakes from the past to be able to move on to the present and future. I love that the author discusses the importance of family, friendship, and hope. I highly recommend this enjoyable novel.

Kristina McMorris, the author of ‘The Ways We Hide” has written an intriguing and captivating novel. The Genres for this novel are Historical Fiction, Fiction, and Romance. I love the novel and “magical approach” that Kristina McMorris has used in describing how illusion and magic can be a show maker, and yet be used during World War Two. The story takes place during World War Two and goes to the past regarding the characters and events. The places where the novel takes place are America, England, and Europe. There is danger, destruction, threats, and possible death.

The author describes her dramatic characters as complex and complicated. Some are survivors and brave. During the tragedy of war, some characters are depicted as evil, and some are kind and risk their lives to be helpful. The female protagonist in the story Fenna Vos, grows up in America, and after tragedy finds herself in an orphanage. Fenna seeks out her friend Arie, who had helped free her of a terrible situation when she was trapped. Fenna and Arie have their own communication and do understand each other. Both care deeply for each other, but Fenna sets out to make her own way in the world.

Fenna has always been intrigued by Houdini and magic, and creates a magical show. Military Intelligence in Britain, M19 is interested in her ideas and gadgets to help fight Germany, and Fenna finds herself involved with espionage. Fenna has no idea the perilous journey she has to face, and realizes that there are “many ways that we hide”. I would highly recommend this thought-provoking and a unique historical fiction novel.

Nancy Johnson, the author of “The Kindest Lie” has written a memorable and thought-provoking novel. The genres for this novel are Political Fiction, Domestic Family Fiction, Black and African American Women’s Fiction with a touch of Historical Fiction. The timeline for this story is 2008 when Barack Obama was elected president. His election as president was a promise of hope for equality for Black Americans. The author describes her characters as complex and complicated. There are dysfunctional family relationships. One of the most significant questions that this novel raises is does love allow for a kind lie? Another concern is that can one forget and forgive the actions of the past? I was gifted this book from BookBrowse books and William Morrow for an honest review.

This novel shows the contrast between classes, conflict and prejudice, racism, betrayals, and deep secrets. The author discusses the importance of family, a mother’s love, coming of age, honesty, equality, and hope.

The protagonist of the story, Ruth, is extremely well educated, married, and economically comfortable. Her husband would like to start a family. Ruth has secrets from her past that can cause a serious problem for her relationship. Ruth returns to her hometown, where there is poverty, frustration, and realizes that Black and White people are not treated fairly or equally. Ruth is determined to face her past and all the secrets. As she explores, she realizes that her family is much more involved than it appears, and she is on a personal quest to deal with the past so that she can move on to the future.

I would highly recommend this amazing book to other readers.

Wow! Marie Benedict, the author of "The Mystery of Mrs. Christie" has written an intriguing, captivating, and thought-provoking novel. The genres for this novel are historical fiction and fiction, with some mystery and suspense. The timeline for this story is around December 1926, when Agatha Christie really went missing for eleven days, and also goes to the past when it pertains to the characters or events. Marie Benedict does an amazing job of vividly describing the characters and the events in this novel. The characters are described as complex and complicated.

Marie Benedict's novel revolves around Agatha Christie's eleven missing days, as well as the possible suspect/s, and her relationship with her family and staff. There are different clues that point to the fact that Agatha Christie has disappeared. Was there foul play,? an accident? a murder? a kidnapping?

Why was Agatha Christie's husband considered a suspect, and what information did he with-hold from the police? How did all the clues be put in place, and how did the mystery writer herself become part of a bigger mystery?

I would highly recommend this memorable and thought-provoking story and thank BookBrowse, NetGalley, and Source Book Landing for the opportunity to read an ARC.

WOW! Caroline Leavitt, author of "With or Without You" has written a captivating, intense, emotional, memorable, intriguing, and poignant story. The genres for this novel are Domestic Fiction, Dramatic Fiction, Women's Fiction with a dash of romance, and suspense. The timeline for this story is set in the present and goes to the past and future when it pertains to the characters or events.  Caroline Leavitt describes her dramatic characters as complicated, complex, flawed, dysfunctional, and each carries their own set of problems. I love the way Caroline Leavitt vividly describes her characters, events, scenery, and plot. Despite twists and turns, everything concludes in a well-planned story that keeps the reader's attention.

Stella, a nurse, and Simon,  a musician have been together as a couple for twenty years. Their relationship is starting to show signs of change. Simon has an opportunity to go on the road and be a musician for a few days. This could be an opportunity for Simon to have his fame and glory as in the earlier days. Stella has a cold and is trying to communicate what she wants. They talk and drink, and Stella passes out. Simon gets her to the hospital where Stella goes into a coma.

Simon has to decide whether to go on the road or stay with Stella. When Stella comes out of her coma, everything is different. Stella has problems remembering many things but has a compulsion and obsession to draw. She becomes very artistic, which she wasn't before. The pictures that Stella draws and paints, get better and better, and it almost is like Stella is seeing what is inside the person she is painting.

I appreciate that the author discusses the importance of family, friends, communication, self-worth, and self-growth. She also talks about the importance of love, respect, second chances, forgiveness, and hope. I would highly recommend this thought-provoking story.

Maggie Brookes, author of "The Prisoner's Wife" has written a unique, memorable, poignant, intense, captivating, and riveting novel. The Genres for this Novel are Historical Fiction and Fiction. The author is basing this novel on a true story, and using poetic license, filling in certain fictional details. The timeline for this story is during World War Two. The story begins in Czechoslovakia and goes to surrounding areas. The author describes her characters as complex, and complicated. Some are courageous, moral and brave. Others are mean spirited and evil. There is loyalty and betrayal.

Bill is an English soldier, that has been captured and is a Prisoner of War and being used with the other men on farms in Czechoslovakia to do the heavy work. Izzy is a young woman helping her mother run the farm and falls in love with Bill. Izzy's mother is concerned about the War and has mentioned to Izzy, that it would be a good idea for Izzy to cut her hair and dress like a boy, so hopefully, any soldiers would leave her alone.

Izzy and Bill marry and are planning to run away together. They are both captured by the Germans. Izzy decides to pass herself off as a young man. Bill realizes that he is going to have to trust some of the other male prisoners to protect her. Some of these prisoners are risking their own lives to protect Izzy's identity. If Izzy is found, she will be shot. Not everyone can be trusted. These are German soldiers, and this is set during World War Two.

The author vividly describes the events and the characters. This is a very edgy and tense read. I would highly recommend this book for readers who like World War Two Historical Fiction.

Stephanie Marie Thornton, Author of "And They Called it Camelot: A Novel of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis" has written a poignant, memorable, intriguing, intense, and captivating novel. The Genres for this novel are Fiction and Historical Fiction. I love the author's style of writing and her way of vividly describing the life and events of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis. I am grateful to Berkley Publishing, BookBrowse Books and Stephanie Marie Thornton for an Early Advanced Reading Edition.

I have always been interested in Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis's history and legacy.  The author describes Jacqueline and her relationship with her mother and sister. Also discussed is her marriage to Jack Kennedy and her relationship to the Kennedys. How many women are America's First Lady? I especially enjoyed the way Jacqueline is described as a doting and devoted Mother. Also, Jacqueline's intelligence, artistic creativity, and fashion statements are also discussed.

The author has used "poetic license" when it comes to actually  mentioning some historical dates, and many of the situations are based on "What if.....?" There is no doubt that Jacqueline had a heartbreaking and tragic life, and was able to move on, and survive. I would highly recommend this memorable novel for those readers who enjoy Historical Fiction.

Anne Enright, author of "Actress A Novel" has written a poignant, intense and emotional story. The Genre for this Novel is Fiction, although there is a feeling that it is a memoir or biography. The author explores the complex relationship between a mother and daughter. The timeline for the story is set in the past and the author's present when it pertains to the characters or events. Katherine O'Dell is an Irish actress that has also been on the stage in England and The United States. Norah is her daughter and at times has questions about her mother's role as an actress and the deep dark secrets that she feels are being held from her. The author describes her characters as complex and complicated. Norah is on a quest after her mother's life to learn the answers to these questions.

The story starts off very slowly and is detailed, but then becomes repetitive and confusing. There is one part of the story where Norah is celebrating her 21st birthday, her mother and other guests celebrating around the table. Then all of a sudden, there is a 58-year-old version of Norah, who is married with grown children.  The mother is proud of her new appliances in Ireland and then is in the United States on the stage. The author mentions the grandparents, and then it appears we are in a different place. Perhaps some pages in the ARC were missing, but it was frustrating keeping track of what was going on.

I would like to thank W.N.Norton & Company and BookBrowse Books for the Advanced Reading Copy of "Actress A Novel" by Anne Enright. 

Colleen Oakley, author of "You Were There Too" writes an emotional, compassionate, thought-provoking, suspenseful and intriguing novel. The Genres for this Novel are Contemporary Fiction, Fiction, Romance and Suspense. The timeline for this story is set in the recent present and goes to the past when it pertains to the characters or events in the story. The author describes her dramatic characters as complex and complicated.

How many of us can remember a dream, yet a recurring one that keeps us wondering why this occurs? Is this from the sub-conscious? Perhaps overeating and drinking before sleeping? Something predicting a future event? Symbolic occurrence? Is this a form of anxiety or emotional disturbance? Mia Graydon often has dreams that star a man she has yet to meet.

Mia is happily married and hoping to have children. She is very artistic and has a nice house. When she and her husband move to this community, she meets the man she has been dreaming about. When they start talking, he tells her that he has had dreams with Mia in his as well. As they try to discover what the dreams mean, they have no idea what danger lies ahead.

I like the way the author vividly describes the characters, landscape, and setting. I also appreciate the importance of thinking things through, following your heart, the importance of family, friends, love, and hope. I would highly recommend this thought-provoking and emotional novel.

Claire Adam, Author of "Golden Child" has written an intense, heart-breaking, emotional, riveting, captivating, and suspenseful novel that takes place mostly in Trinidad. The Genres for this novel are Fiction, with a touch of Historical Fiction, and Suspense. Sarah Jessica Parker has chosen "The Golden Child" as one of her picks, as she likes "bringing stories from far away closer" The author describes her characters as complex and complicated, perhaps due to the circumstances.

The author vividly describes both the poor and rich sides of Trinidad. Symbolically there are elements of good and evil, and jealousy and betrayal that is devastating. In Rural Trinidad, Clyde, and his wife Joy live a simple life. They live near the bush, and often go without water. The happiness in their life is when they have twin sons. Peter and Paul are born, and their family surrounds and helps them. Peter seems to be the "good" baby and Paul is "fussy" and has more problems. As they grow up, Peter is extremely smart and called a genius. Paul has a knack for getting into trouble, and causing his parents to worry on more than one occasion. Joy wants both boys kept together in school so Peter can keep an eye out for Paul.

Paul goes walking in the bush one day and never returns. The family is devastated. Clyde is given news that crushes him. Clyde has to make sacrifices and choices. No father should ever be presented with such decisions. I would highly recommend this novel for those readers who enjoy an intense, and emotional story. I received an ARC from Book Browse for my honest review.

“A Place for Us” by Fatima Farheen Mirza is intriguing and captivating story of an Indian-American Muslim family. The struggle and conflict of observing one’s faith, tradition, needs and wants is intense. A constant theme of finding balance in a complicated society. The genres for the novel are Fiction and Women’s Fiction. The story mostly takes place in California. The timeline in this story vacillate between the past and present as it pertains to the events and characters.

The author describes her colorful cast of characters as complicated, complex and confused. The story can be told as seen through the eyes of each character. I appreciate that the author describes the religion, and traditions, culture and food, and clothing. Hadia, the oldest daughter in the family is getting married to a man that she chose herself, breaking away from the tradition of having a husband chosen for her. Hadia is a physician and has invited their estranged brother Amar to her wedding. Amar does come to the wedding, and surprises his parents Layla and Rafiq , and his other sister Huma. Betrayals, conflicts, and questions of forgiveness come up at this time.

The author describes the time period around 9/11, when Rafiq encourages his daughters to wear American clothes, not to be singled out. Amar gets into a major racist fight at school, when other students accuse him of being a terrorist. The students tell him to go home. Amar tries to deal with the fact that America is his home.

The author discusses the family dynamics of love, support , change, forgiveness, acceptance and hope. I would recommend this story for those readers who appreciate an emotional conflicted inspirational story. I received an ARC for my honest review.

Kudos to Clare Mackintosh, Author of "Let Me Lie" for writing such a captivating and intense psychological thriller. The author describes her characters as complex and complicated. There are dark deep secrets, betrayals, and lies, pathological lies. The only thing is, that you won't see them coming. There are twists and turns. There are characters that you know are suspect of something, or not.

Anna Johnson, has just given birth to an infant baby girl. It is now the anniversary of her parent's deaths. It is an extremely anxious, depressing and emotional time for Anna.

I highly recommend this riveting, exciting, suspenseful, novel to those that appreciate a good psychological thriller.

When you decide to read the novel, “Ginny Moon”, by Author Benjamin Ludwig, just be prepared for an emotional and heartbreaking journey. Ginny Moon might be considered to be quirky and strange for a teenager. Ginny comes from a physically and mentally abusive home, and has been in two foster homes, and now is in “Forever”home with her “Forever Mom” and “Forever Dad”. The biggest challenge of all is that Ginny Moon is Autistic, and her brain is wired differently from those people around her. What is so heartbreaking is Ginny tries to communicate to the adults in her world. She has learned their rules with difficulty.

It is must be so frustrating for Ginny to explain why her Baby Doll is so important. Her adoptive parents response to Ginny is that they will get a new one. Ginny is obsessive about eating her 9 grapes in the morning, and had to follow a predictable routine. Ginny loves Michael Jackson, and plays sports. Most important of all to Ginny is to get her Baby doll back from her abusive mother. Ginny is strong-willed and is determined if it means being kidnapped, she has to get her Baby doll back.

Kudos to Author Benjamin Ludwig for bringing compassion and understanding of an autistic child to light for us to read. The genre of this story is Fiction, and has some realistic feel. How would any child react to being in an abusive situation? The adults in Ginny’s life are confused, and seem to have problems in coping with Ginny’s behavior, and communicating with her.

Ginny’s Forever Mother is expecting a baby, and this creates a new set of problems for the parents as well as Ginny. Of course, my favorite character is Ginny. I appreciate that the author mentions Autism, the spectrum, and disabilities, the importance of family support, friends, and therapy. I would recommend this charming, endearing, and captivating novel for those readers who enjoy an emotional story.

I received a copy of this story for my honest review.

Kudos to Abbi Waxman,Author of "Other People's Houses" for weaving such an intriguing and captivating story. This story has a "Peyton Place" feel, and I almost feel like a voyeur in these neighbor's homes. Actually I have a front row seat.The genres for this story are Fiction and Women's Fiction. The story takes place surrounding a few neighbors homes. Within the main story are the stories of the neighbors involved.

Abbi Waxman describes her colorful cast of characters as complicated, complex, diverse, and confused. One of the central characters is Francis Bloom, a good-hearted soul who loves to help other people. Frances drives all the kids from the block back and forth to school in a carpool. Needless to say, on a small block in a small community, everyone seems to be aware of everything. On this particular block Francis goes back to her neighbor's house to pick up toilet paper holders that the daughter has forgotten to bring to school. When Frances enters the house she finds her neighbor Anne, embarrassingly busy, but not with her husband.
Can secrets survive in a neighborhood like this? When Anne's husband, Charlie finds out about this, he throws her out of the house.

This has a major effect on all the characters in this story. Within each home, the characters have their own problems, happiness, sadness, hope and dreams.The children are discussed as well.

The author describes each character in detail. Could this be similar to your neighbors?

I appreciate that the author brings up diversity, questions of self-worth and growth, depression, secrets, betrayals and adultery. On the other hand, there is the discussion of the importance of family, friends, neighbors, love, faith and hope.

I received this book as an Advanced Reading Copy for my honest review.

I love the vivid descriptions of the setting and the characters in "As Bright As Heaven" by Susan Meissner. The genres for this story are Historical Fiction and Fiction. The story setting for this story is mostly in Philadelphia, and some other areas as described in the story. The timeline of the story is around 1918, when there is the Spanish flu epidemic and carries through the Great War, World War One, and after.

The characters are described as complex complicated and confused, mostly dictated by the devastating times. The Bright family moves to Philadelphia to hope for a better life, where the husband will be working in his Uncle's Funeral Home. Pauline Bright has lost her baby son, so this move for her family looks like it could be positive. Despite the fact that men are headed to fight in The Great War, the possiblility of the new move for Pauline, her husband and three daughters seems like a wonderful chance and new beginnings.

The Spanish flu epidemic has grasped hold of much of the country and soon schools and public places are closed. There are many deaths. The funeral home doesn't have space for all the deceased bodies. Moving to Philadelphia, where the population is greater, and there are so many sick people may not have been such a great choice.

Pauline volunteers to go to the poorer part of town to deliver food and materials to sick people. Her daughter accompanies her. While Pauline goes to one of the apartments, Maggie hears the cries of a young baby. She sees that the mother is dead, and brings the baby to her mother Who will care for the little boy?

Despite the heartbreaks and challenges, the family looks at the choices they have to make. Are there really all good choices, or all bad choices?

I appreciate the historical research that Susan Meissner has done for this time period. The Spanish Flu doesn't discriminate between the rich and poor, or the young or old. I also love that the author discusses the importance of family, friends, good neighbors, loyalty, courage, kindness, being helpful, love, hope and faith. I would highly recommend this book for readers of Historical Fiction. I received an Advanced Reading Copy for my honest review.

Marisa Silver has written a number of genres in her book"Little Nothing".  This novel seems to have symbolic meanings for things on a deeper level. Perhaps it is the difference between good and evil. Perhaps it is dealing with the old and the new, or superstitions, magic, and even the timing at the turn of the century were there is a difference between ancient and modern. The genres for this book could be Fiction, "Subversive Fairy Tale", Thriller, and Folktale. Be warned  this is a very dark, at times frightening, disgusting, horrific story. I certainly had trouble falling asleep after reading it. I found it to be disturbing, and I have to ask myself why I didn't stop reading. The easiest explanation is that the author has a way of telling a story, and I really wanted a happy ending.

The author describes her characters as complicated and complex. I find some of the characters despicable. I find some of the parts of this story despicable. Some of this story is very dark and twisted. Pavla is probably one of the innocent characters both to two elder people who had tried for years to have a baby.  Desperate the mother turns to a witch or gypsy for strange tonics and strange prescriptions.  Pavla is born with a physical deformity and it really takes a long time for her parents to accept her. Or do they? They turn to a charlatan claiming to be a doctor, and will do anything to fix this situation. Can Pavla be fixed? Do you want to know what happens?

It seems that only one person really cares for Pavla, and that person is an outcast as well.

There is  some dark magic and superstitious beliefs that seem to surround the story.

I found some parts of the story unexplainable, or confusing. The timeline and plot seemed to jump around. For those people that like a dark and twisted tale I recommend this for you. If you like to look for symbolism and deeper meanings, this would be for you as well. I received a copy of this book for my honest review? Was there a happily ever after? You'll have to read this book to find out!