Charity is a Gypsy girl who has just turned sixteen, the age at which her father will choose a husband for her. Luca is the son of a circus manager and is also expected to marry within his own community. The two have formed a deep bond and struggle to see how their relationship can survive the expectations placed upon them. Part of the 2026 Quick Reads series, this is a gentle story of hope, secrets, betrayal, and, ultimately, happiness. It was a little too sweet for my taste, but it was still an enjoyable, heartwarming read.
“His father opened his mouth to answer but his mother butted in first.
‘There will always be a place here for you, my son.’ Not if he brings the Gypsy girl back with him?
His father glared at her. ‘What would people say?’
“Times are changing,’ she said hotly. ‘And if the only way I can have my son here is with her..? She paused. “Then so be it? She turned to Luca again and touched his hand gently before saying, ‘Go and do what you have to do, and with my blessing. And remember, your home is with us, wherever we are?”