A lonely, harsh childhood has left Gilly Ramsey with low self-esteem and a joyless life. The only special moments she has experienced are due to the occasional appearance of her Cousin Geillis who introduces Gilly to the beauty around her. Wherever cousin Geillis is, there is magic, and magic becomes intertwined with reality when she leaves Gilly her house at Thornyhold. The shy, timid young girl discovers powers and insights she never knew she had, but she also encounters a darker side of magic — witchcraft.

Like Sleeping Beauty, she is awakened to the magic of life and eventually to love. Thus the novel traces the growth and personality of a young woman to the full flowering of love and self-esteem. The topic of maturing and growing up has always been of interest to readers, and the romantic fulfillment of love is a popular element of...