I didn't like this as much as Girl With the Pearl Earring or Falling Angels. I liked Ella's story but not Isabelle's which was just too disturbing. Still don't let this keep you away from her other books. After all, this was her first.

Gave to Kellen to read and keep or pass on as he sees fit

I received this from bluemoonapril as part of a trade. I am looking forward to reading this! Thanks!

I found this book difficult to get into during the first chapter, but enjoyed it more once I read further. Like bluemoonapril, I preferred Ella's story to Isabelle's.

This book was mailed today to CdnBlueRose as part of a relay on bookrelay.

Received today - thank you! Unfortunately, just a few days ago I received another copy of this book as a surprise RABCK from another Bookcrosser, so I'll be making this copy AVL and finding another home for it. I DO appreciate it though, chambejd, and I know I'll find someone else who wants to read it soon! Thank you very much for fulfilling a wish for me!

Offered in noumena12's Virtual Bookbox and taken by HoserLauren - mailing August 7 - ENJOY!

Thanks so much for sending this Rosie!! I've read 2 of Chevalier's previous novels and really enjoyed them so I'm very much looking forward to reading this one. Yay!!
Thanks again! :)

This novel tells the story of two women, Isabelle and Ella, that share blood line but live centuries apart. Ella recently moved to France from the USA, following her husband who was relocated for his job. Knowing that she has French lineage, she wants to learn more about her past. A slightly grumpy though helpful librarian Jean-Paul assists Ella and Ella feels the lure of her French friend. Many years ago, Isabelle married someone not for love because the villagers called her La Rouse based on her red hair. They think that she's a witch of some sort. Her husband's family doesn't approve but has no choice to relent because Isabelle is pregnant. The family is chased out of their home and Isabelle's light becomes tough while she deals with a new village and an abusive husband.

I have read a few Chevalier novels before but hadn't read one for a few years. I'm happy to get back to her because I get completely wrapped up in her story telling. This story was more depressing than the others that I have read of hers but that didn't bother me.

There were some issues at the end where what the characters were doing didn't make too much sense to me based on what I had come to know about them. Despite this, I still enjoyed this novel and I'm looking forward to reading some of Chevealier's other works.

Left in the leave one/take one shelf at work.

To the finder of this book: I hope you enjoy reading this book. Please keep it or set it free when you're done. If the book is of no interest to you, please release it into the wild for someone else to find and enjoy. I hope you will make a journal entry so its journey can be tracked and to let me know the book has been found. You can remain anonymous if you wish, but if you join BookCrossing, you are in for a great experience.