Although Miri lives in a remote village of stonecutters, she is forbidden by her father to participate in the work of the village. While the rest of the teenagers and adults go off to work in the quarry each day, Miri must stay behind. When a messenger of the king comes to town with the news that the prince is looking for a wife from their tiny village, everything changes. Miri and the other young ladies must leave their home and go into training as potential princesses.

This Cinderella-type story was very entertaining. Miri is a strong, likeable heroine, and her growth as a person far outshadows the importance of romance in her life. Some of my favorite parts of the book were the poems that began each chapter. They were short, simple verses that gave a taste of what was to come. The first poem in particular is quite applicable to my feelings about this time of year:

The east says it’s dawn
My mouth speaks a yawn
My bed clings to me and begs me to stay
I hear a work song
Say winter is long
I peel myself up and then make away.

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