Windflower: A Novel by Nick Bantock and Edoardo Ponti

Nick Bantock is well known for his artistic "Griffin and Sabine" series, works that combine art and story. Windflower continues in this tradition blending the most beautiful, surreal artwork on the bottom of each page with a mythological story that reminds me of Paulo Coelho's writing.

The story follows Ana, a young Capolan dancer who runs from her Romani tribe on the morning of her marriage. Disobeying her father's wishes to marry, Ana feels instead she must learn how to dance a sacred dance that will enable her to lead her people back to the nomadic lifestyle they have abandoned.

To develop the sacred dances within her, she travels to Serona, searching out a possible instructor. In Serona, she meets with the four mythological aspects of the Wind, disguised as men who set out to woe Ana. Guided by a wise friend, Ana must figure out which of the men represents true love and which are not to be trusted!

Consequences, by Penelope Lively

It's so nice to read a well-written book, and Consequences is a total gem to read. Set in Britain, just prior to World War II, the story follows the relationships of three main characters over a span of forty years. The story begins with Matt and Lorna, two characters who lived in different spheres and classes, but whom chance brings together. Their romance is heightened by the threat of war, and soon Matt must make the choice to stay or become a soldier. The consequences of this decision along with world events shape their lives, the life of their daughter Molly, and eventually Molly's children as well.