Set in the remote woods of Pennsylvania's Blue Ridge Mountains, this book centers on a young woman who has secluded herself from the world to recover from a past trauma. A foreigner mysteriously shows up in the area; he also seems traumatized and haunted by his past. Although their lives seem as bleak as the winter woods setting, a mutual understanding creates a tenuous friendship between them. Disturbing truths revealed at the end were difficult to fathom and highlighted the extent to which humans can hurt each other. I was absorbed by this book; it wasn't a joyful read but was worthwhile.

The chuket

Lots of good facts

I like this book because it's funny.

This was a powerful tale that spans centuries; it focuses on the women of the Weyward family, all of whom suffer abuse by men. It's brutal to read what they went through but I drew comfort from the women's inner strength, cunning and sense of purpose. I enjoyed reading about their bond with the natural world and their ability to use herbs to heal which, in ancient times, caused them to be labeled witches. I thought the book was well-written and engrossing.

Good but could be better

This was a sweet, magical realism book. Characters were colorful and quirky, with many human foibles. Those who face tragedy deal with it in differing ways - some believing in the magic of fairy tales, others sticking to practical realism. You'll have to read the book to find out which way the story turns!

I liked when the animals landed safely

It's about Mallory who baby-sits twins and she teaches them that they don't have to be twins if they don't want to be and to ask there parents if they don't want to be twin's that also teaches Mallory to tell her parents that she wants to get an ear piercing, a hair cut, and new clothes, she can't get new clothes bout she can get an ear piercing and a hair cut.

Fun facts