I‘m not sure what exactly it is that makes Shinn‘s books such a pleasure to read but they are enjoyable. This is a simple, familiar story about the illegitimate half-sister of a woman destined to marry a prince, court intrigue, flirting, & more. It‘s about her growing self-awareness, the recognition of injustice, & finally, the will & desire to do something about it. As I said, familiar but told in such a way, you can‘t help but turn the pages.