I was a little concerned when I noticed the "just average" reviews on NetGalley, but I'm happy I read it anyway. I've never read historical fiction quite like this. This focused on two women nearly a century apart: one a prisoner, one a photographer. A mugshot piqued the interest of an aspiring photographer who was attempting to piece her life back together, and through this interest, she learned a lot about the treatment of women prisoners during that time. Female camaraderie and likenesses are formed and discovered.

An interesting story about women prisioners in San Quentinin the 1800's.. I found that part of the story fascinating; however,the story line involving the photographer in the later time did not keep my interest. How women prisoners were treated then was horrible and the amount of time served as compared to men who had committed far worse crimes was even worse. A quick read that will satisfy some readers.

This is pretty average historical fiction. I found a lot of repetition in the musings, especially if the present day character, Judy. Annie's story was far more interesting but even that felt a bit contrived. I did appreciate learning more about life as a female prisoner in San Quentin. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.