February 2006 BookSense Pick and Barnes and Noble Book Club Pick

A brilliantly imagined, lavish, and transporting novel of a young woman discovering the truth about her family's mythic past.

"Rich and serious yet also wonderfully beguiling . . . gripping and so unique"
--Julia Glass, author of Three Junes
 

“. . .deftly deflates myths about the Texas fight (1835-36) for independence from Mexico . . . convincing characters and vivid description bring a fascinating period to life.” --Kirkus Reviews

2006 Texas Reads: One Book One Texas selection

“Crook’s intricate first novel engagingly details the abrupt dissolution of Sam Houston’s 11-week marriage to Eliza Allen . . . the couple’s emotional turmoil is maintained at high pitch by the interaction of a rich cast of characters ..." 
--Publishers Weekly