Morgana Gallaway pens a riveting tale of life in Iraq with war a part of every day life. She writes as a Muslim woman who has experienced both freedom and the age old traditions of a family with a patriach whose word is not to be questioned. Still, the things Leila sees opens her eyes to changes she can‘t tolerate and the possibility of love like she's never had before. No matter what the reader's view of the war it will be hard not to relate to Leila and her situation. She watches people on both sides turn into reactionaries who will do anything to incite more bloodshed and refuses to follow their example.

This is a well crafted book that explains well the different groups of people who make up the nation of Iraq and the Muslim culture. That's a welcome part of the book for those of us who have only what we hear or see from news to understand a complex nation.

There are many well done secondary characters and situations that make this feel like great fiction while still evoking the emotions inherent in something so full of current events. The medical people, the soldiers, the family interactions give moments of humor and fun even while the suspense builds.

Ms. Gallaway is a new author according to the bio but this reads so well she's already excelling at her craft. I hope to read much more from this author who blends fiction and current events so well.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Sweet

Reviewer: Dee Dailey
June 29, 2009