My eyes were red all morning from reading this book. I started and had to finish in one day because I knew I couldn’t handle not knowing how this story that starts out so sad would end. Annie Winters is spending the summer with her mother at her Grandparents home while her Dad is overseas with the military. Her mother is pregnant and they have all been eagerly anticipating the arrival of a new baby. But baby Mary Kate comes too early, and everyone spends the summer grieving in their own personal ways.

Annie befriends a mysterious woman with a questionable past, but everyone is too wrapped up in grief to notice until . . . Well, I’ll let you read the story. This is a great stormy day sit by the fire and ball your eyes out read. I loved it and felt very connected to the characters. As Hemingways debut ‘solo’ novel, I was very impressed. The characters are vividly depicted and the descriptions are first-hand as Tater Hill is a place that the author grew up visiting. Based on the dedication at the front of the book, “In memory of my baby sister Kate”, it seems this book is very real for a reason.

I think this book would be a great gift for Christmas- especially if you are wanting to pass on a little lesson on empathy, depression, understanding, and healing.