Book Review: The Stolen One

The Stolen One by Suzanne Crowley
Click on the cover to find a library copy of the book.

SUMMARY: Kat's true identity is a secret, even from her. All she has ever known are Grace and Anna and their small village. Kat wants more - more than hours spent embroidering finery for wealthy ladies and more than Christian, the gentle young farmer courting her. But there are wolves outside Grace warns. Waiting, with their eyes glowing in the dark . . . and Grace has given Kat safety and a home when no one else would. Then a stranger appears in their cottage, bringing the mystery of Kat's birth with her. In one night, Kat's destiny finds her. She will leave. She will journey to London, and her skill with the needle will attract the notice of the magnificant Queen Elizabeth - and of the wolves at court. She will discover what Grace would never tell her. Everthing will unravel. (from the inside flap)

OPINION: Do not write this off as another boring historical fiction novel! Yes, it is set in Elizabethan England, but the intrigue and romance could be straight out of any contemporary story. Richly imagined from a real footnote of history, the characters are compelling and mysterious. It seems that everyone has secrets to keep, including Kat. When two rapid deaths catapult the plot from country poverty to courtly wealth, Kat soon learns that it will take all her cunning to find the information she seeks without giving too much of herself in return. The only thing that could have made this book better was if it could have included pictures of Kat's embroidery and the clothing she created. I would have loved to see everything from her sketch book to her dress for the queen! If you are a fan of series like The Luxe or The Gemma Doyle Trilogy, you will love the lush historical setting for this engaging story.