I received this book from the publisher

In between the mountains, there is a small town. The people in this town love living there and no one ever leaves. From time to time, a woman will disappear. There is no warning and the woman that disappears never returns. Vera has grown up in this town. When she was a child, her mother disappeared. Since the disappearance, Vera and her father have lived a quiet life. They continue to live in their home and run the shop as always. This strange town life continues with births, weddings, and deaths. Children grow up and have families. Women never seem to know who will disappear. Those that stay wonder if a woman that will disappear has a sense of what is coming? As a mother, Vera fears disappearing. She is not sure if having lost her mother would make her more susceptible to disappearing or not. Will she be the next one to go?

This beautifully descriptive story examines connections. What are the connections you have to your hometown, lifestyle, and family? Why do only the mothers disappear? Is it easier to disappear or to stay and watch the bond you have with your child change as they grow up? Vera sees her child growing up and is having trouble letting go. Reminiscent of Margaret Atwood, Alexis Schaitkin has created a unique and ethereal land where motherhood is a blessing and a curse.

My Rating: 🌻🌻🌻🌻/ 5