I loved this novel for the compelling characters and delightful storytelling. It took me thousands of miles away to a place I’ve never been but that I could see, hear, taste and smell so clearly! I was sorry to see it end. I just wanted to live in that world.

Lakshmi is someone I wish I knew. I felt she would help me solve anything that was troubling me. She would listen and paint henna on me and tell me everything was going to be okay. I just loved the character and her work with the “ladies” of Jaipur.

I didn’t know anything about henna when I started reading this book. Had not idea that the art was thousands of years old, that it heals, that it’s impermanent, unlike tattoos. Loved learning all that stuff and way it’s woven into the story of a henna artist who is making a life for herself outside of cultural boundaries. If you like learning about ages-old crafts and natural rituals and traditions, you’ll love this book