"Truly marvellous . . . how deeply Talia Carner . . . evoke[s] Esther's faith and the complexity of the choices she faces. . . . A beautiful and timely novel." —Margot Livesey, author of The House on Fortune Street and Eva Moves the Furniture

In the waning days of the Ottoman Empire, a young Orthodox Jewish woman in the holy city of Jerusalem is expected to marry and produce many sons to help hasten the Messiah's arrival. While the feisty Esther Kaminsky understands her obligations, her artistic talent inspires her to secretly explore worlds outside her religion, to dream of studying in Paris—and to believe that God has a special destiny for her. When tragedy strikes her family, Esther views it as a warning from an angry God and suppresses her desires in order to become an obedient "Jerusalem maiden."

But when a surprising opportunity forces itself on to her preordained path, Esther finds her beliefs clashing dangerously with the ions she has staved off her entire life—forcing her to confront the most difficult and damning question of all: To whom must she be true, God or herself?

"Talia Carner is a skillful and heartfelt storyteller who takes the reader on journey of the senses, into a world long forgotten." —Jennifer Lauck, author of Blackbird

"A moving and utterly captivating novel." —Tess Gerritsen, author of The Silent Girl

"A fascinating look at a little-known culture and time." —Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Talia Carner uses beautiful language, exquisite storytelling, and detailed research to transport the reader into the world of old Jerusalem." —Jewish Book World

"Engaging . . . Carner renders Esther's world with great authority and detail." —Publishers Weekly

"Captivates at every level, heart and mind." —Jacquelyn Mitchard, author of The Deep End of the Ocean