Our book club loved this story of beguine life in the 14th century. We were most honored to have this rare opportunity to have Mary Connally at our meeting to discuss her research of beguine history & turning it into a beautiful and well written story of the different characters. Mrs. Connally\'s sister lives next door to one of our members. How lucky we were!! Mrs. Connally took her characters and made them so real that we could relate with their lives. I always gauge a good book by the way it pulls me in where I feel I am living the story to the point of feeling I am right there in the moment as a bystander. I could actually smell Mergriet bread baking her delicious bread for the poor. Our members had never heard of the independent beguines. We were so happy to learn about these courageous in that period and would highly recommend it as a book club selection!