I didn’t know the story of Snow-White and Rose-Red before starting this book, but just under the umbrella of fairy tale adaptations it seems like a good one. I adore how naturally issues of race and gender are woven in, prompting important discussions without hitting the reader over the head with them.

This story really is about the sisters, and a pair of as-good-as-brothers, though the romantic aspect between the pairs is not insignificant. Family and friends play equally important roles as partners — some good, some bad, some simply human — which is definitely something I appreciated. And the plot developments are organic rather than tropey, though that’s not to say none of them are predictable or overly sentimental or just a bit too convenient.

Additionally, this book fits the autumnal mood I’m in: slightly uneasy changes in everything (weather, trees, yourself), gorgeous scenery, kind of a witchy feel to the very air.