Rickloff, Alix

This extraordinary novel follows the stories of strong women who undertake struggles and become stronger for it. Peggy’s journey renovating the cottage recalls Frances Mayes’s memoir Under the Tuscan Sun and its run-down villa.

As unrealistic as the premise is, Rickloff (Lord of Shadows) manages to imbue her characters with the right amount of realism to overcome that hurdle. Rafe and Gwenyth are believable both for their fears and goals, and their emotional journey is one many readers will want to go on. Fans of Jill Barnett's early magical historicals will enjoy this one.—Jane Jorgenson, Madison P.L., WI