About the Book Eighteen-year-old Alice Ribeiro is constantly fighting against the status quo, female oppression in Brazil, and even her own mother. But when a family veil is passed down to her, Alice is compelled to fight for the rights of all womankind while also uncovering the hidden history of the women in her family. Book Synopsis In this haunting novel about the enduring bonds of womanhood, a young girl weaves together the truth behind her family history and the secrets that resonate through generations. Eighteen-year-old Alice Ribeiro is constantly fighting--against the status quo, female oppression in Brazil, and even her own mother. But when a family veil is passed down to her, Alice is compelled to fight for the rights of all womankind while also uncovering the hidden history of the women in her family. Seven generations ago, the small town of Bom Retiro shunned the Flores women because of a curse that rendered them unlucky in love. With no men on the horizon to take care of them, the women learned the art of lacemaking to build lives of their own. But their peace was soon threatened by forces beyond any womans control. As Alice begins piecing together the tapestry that is her history, she discovers revelations about the past, connections to the present, and a resilience in her blood that will carry her toward the future her ancestors strove for. Review Quotes With each page, Alices role as the guardian of an important piece of Brazilian folk art, itself a feminist symbol, becomes more clear. Lopes...makes it clear that sisterhood is integral to survival. -- Booklist A work of fiction with echoes of realism that lifts it to an impressive level of literary excellence... -- Midwest Book Review Anglica Lopes dialogue and writing style keep our attention, and the book is full of charming details...[T]his highly recommended novel would prompt lively discussion. -- Historical Novels Review , Editors Choice