Ahoy there me mateys! I received this middle-grade fantasy eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. So here are me honest musings . . .

This was a beautiful little gem of a book. I originally saw a review of this book by Lola @ hitormissbooks. It was the stunning cover of the book that made me know I had to read it.

The premise of the book cemented it. The story takes place during World World II at Briar Hill Hospital in the English countryside. The hospital takes care of children with tuberculosis. Our main character is a wonderful girl named Emmaline May, and she can see winged horses in the mirrors of the hospital. Until one day she finds a winged horse in the old abandoned garden on her side of the mirror. What happens next?

The idea of winged horses drew me in but it is Emmaline May's story that is truly magical. Her perspective is sensitive, compelling, bittersweet, and completely engaging. Her friendships in this book are endearing. But above all it was Emmaline's determination that I reveled in. I couldn't help but cheer for her.

The writing is lyrical and beautiful. The illustrations are stunning. I would consider this book to be magical realism. The end of the book can be interpreted in many ways. For a while after reading, I continue to change my mind about which reality could be true. I have also continued to think about the book many hours after finishing it and know that I will be forever grateful for Lola's review for the introduction, NetGalley for accepting my request, and the author for creating a stunning book that captured my heart.

Please read Lola's review to get another perspective on a truly lovely book.

So lastly . . .

Thank you Penguin Random House!

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