Marti Healy 
Secret Child 

Woven with the harsh realities of pre-Civil War South Carolina is an unexpected tale of gypsies and fairies. But this is not a nursery book–no fairy dust and wings. And yet it is infused with magic and beauty-while effortlessly layered with the complexities of freedom, human rights, justice, and life decisions. The seemingly disparate environments are deftly blended with a strong rhythm and lyrical style that keep the reader flowing emotionally and seamlessly from one reality to the next. The story follows young Marika, an Irish traveler, through a fantastical tale of innocence and truth, and the power of our beliefs and love for one another.