Winter Shadows - Margaret Buffie

Winter Shadows

Synopsis
Cass resents her new stepmother and stepsister. She feels that there is no place for her  in her father's new life and no longer feels like she has a home. When she finds a mysterious broach, her life begins to get even worse; she begins to see people that aren't there and Christmas without her mother is right around the corner. Can connecting with a girl from the past help her push the shadows out of her life and enjoy life again?

Review
I found the story line of Beatrice to be fascinating. I had never heard of Scottish/Indian children in Canada. The story was so interesting, that I could have read an entire book on Beatrice's life alone. Unfortunately, it was interspersed with the story of Cass, a resentful and hurt young girl. I found it very difficult to connect with Cass, she came off as pretty when I know that she had deeper feelings that I simply never felt. I did appreciate that both girls were able to learn something about their stepmothers that allowed them to be seen as flawed people instead of the enemy.

My Recommendation
A great read for teenagers, especially those dealing with parental loss or family transition. I give it a 3/5 - Rent it/Borrow it.

***FTC Disclosure:  This book was provided by the publisher through Goodreads First Reads in exchange for an honest review, no other compensation was given, all opinions are my own***