This was an engaging novel. Sepetys is such a great storyteller and does incredible research for all of her work. This story was compelling and the love story was moving. It's set in the 50s in Madrid. At the time, Spain is under the terrible rule of the dictator General Franco and Sepetys shows us the glitz and glitter on the surface - fancy hotels welcoming Americans - and the struggle and desperation just underneath. I would easily recommend this to any reader of historical fiction, with the reminder that it is Young Adult fiction, so it's style is different than adult fiction. And that comes with many benefits, including making it a swift read!