The Lost Girl of Craven County

“This is engaging, propulsive historical fiction that also feels like a warning flare.” —The Bibliolifestyle

“Matchar’s well-researched novel brings a shameful period of American history to light while highlighting the Jewish commandment to treat strangers with kindness and respect. A thought-provoking story that highlights the strength of women.” —Library Journal

“Matchar offers a clear-eyed view into the period’s poverty, misogyny, and injustice, along with a stirring depiction of resilience on the part of those ‘the world considers crazy or bad or broken.’ There’s much to admire in this feisty tale.” —Publishers Weekly

“Matchar skillfully advances both women’s sagas, carrying them forward to a suspenseful denouement. The backstories of Millie’s family members and friends expose the good and bad sides of belonging to a closed community and reveal the ways a community can open up in response to the needs of others. Engaging historical fiction with harbingers of current events.” —Kirkus Reviews

“A powerful story of friendship, trust, and learning to see the world through someone else’s eyes. Matchar vividly illuminates Depression-era North Carolina while portraying two passionate, courageous women who are struggling, each in her own way, to find a path to hope and fulfillment.” —Lauren Belfer, New York Times bestselling author of And After the Fire and Ashton Hall

“Meticulous research, vivid storytelling, and a fully realized cast of characters make The Lost Girl of Craven County leap off the page. This Depression era novel sparkles with humanity and tender appreciation for the enormous impact a small act of kindness can have on others. Full of mystery and female friendship, Matchar’s sophomore novel is a crucial reminder that a woman’s proper place in society is wherever she wants it to be.” —Lynda Cohen Loigman, USA Today bestselling author of The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern and The Matchmaker’s Gift

“Emotionally riveting and hauntingly relevant. I flew through the pages . . . The Lost Girl of Craven County is the ideal weave of compelling characters you can’t help but root for. I loved it.” —Susan Meissner, USA Today bestselling author of Only the Beautiful