I had been delaying reading this for I don't even know why any more. Because it was amazing. It's a wonderful story of learning to live again, and finding connections, and moving on and believing in yourself.

Before this book the only Hoffman I'd read was Practical Magic back in high school. I liked it well enough but didn't search out other books. Partway through this book, however, I went and bought three other books by her. Hoffman's writing is gorgeous. I have highlighted passages throughout the book that are beautifully written or profound, or both. I really look forward to exploring her other works.

This is a beautiful book. Shelby, the main character, is badly broken when we first meet her, and I loved seeing her become her own person throughout the course of the book. I just can't help but love a character who steals abused animals. I also enjoyed the little bits of magical realism, though they are fairly subtle except for the beginning. At the same time there was this push-pull with reality. Very very lovely. So very glad I read it. Once I started, it was very hard to stop.

Wow! A future book club selection for sure! This book begs to be discussed! Thank you for the opportunity to review. I am never disappointed by Alice Hoffman.