I was relunctant to read this book at first because of the historical setting. I am not usually a fan of historical books, however this book was very factual and at the same time it held my interest. I was amazed at how the author was able to capture so much of the true history of morals and beliefs at that time while also weaving lust/love in. Great discovery!

From the very beginning, I was hooked. The crime that Mary committed is revealed within the first 100 pages or so, and it was what reeled me in. The author did a masterful job of exploring the hidden turmoil of the characters, especially Mary, and the rich details just added to the beauty of the prose and story. I could feel the struggle that Mary was going through and the difficulty in making the choices she did. This story had great pacing and I didn't feel bored for an instant. While I had already guessed all of the twists and turns, it didn't take away from the story. This novel isn't just a romance; it is a deep story that explores the bonds of sisterhood, the embracing of one's identity, and the betrayals that can occur from those you love the most. The historical setting was fantastic, and allowed for the emotions to really be brought to the forefront. All in all, a compelling story about love, loss, and strength. I can't wait to read more by this author!