The villagers had never seen anything like it: dense white curtains of snow that instantly transformed the landscape. Not in autumn, not here in Burgundy. And on the same night a baby was discovered, dark-eyed little Maria, who would transform all their lives.

From the bestselling author with more than six million copies sold worldwide, this hugely popular literary fantasy tale is now in paperback. Although hundreds of miles apart, two foundling girls discover a unique bond that will help them fight the forces of evil. 'A beguiling fairy tale' "New York Times"

'Vivid imagery and a thread of mystery draw readers into the timeless and ethereal world of these young girls with a destiny to fulfill.' Booklist 'This is a truly enchanting story, beautifully told and rich in meaning. (?) this book truly deserves to be read by story lovers of all ages.' The Irish Times 'An emotional, entertaining examination of magic in the modern world' France Today 'A hymn to music, art, nature, love, land ("terroir"), the dignity of work, simplicity and the yearning for peace.'The Australian 'A beguiling fairy tale.' The New York Times 'This novel glows with finely crafted prose.' Los Angeles Review of Books 'A beautifully written fantasy.' Breakaway Reviewers 'Fans of both Barbery and fantasy from writers like Alice Hoffman and Sarah Addison Allen will be enchanted.'Library Journal '?this fervent, idiosyncratic fable is undeniable evidence of a richly lyrical imagination.' Kirkus Reviews 'Vivid imagery and a thread of mystery draw readers into the timeless and ethereal world of these young girls with a destiny to fulfill.' Booklist 'This is a truly enchanting story, beautifully told and rich in meaning. (?) this book truly deserves to be read by story lovers of all ages.' The Irish Times 'An emotional, entertaining examination of magic in the modern world' France Today 'A hymn to music, art, nature, love, land ("terroir"), the dignity of work, simplicity and the yearning for peace.'The Australian 'A beguiling fairy tale.' The New York Times 'This novel glows with finely crafted prose.' Los Angeles Review of Books 'A beautifully written fantasy.' Breakaway Reviewers 'Fans of both Barbery and fantasy from writers like Alice Hoffman and Sarah Addison Allen will be enchanted.'Library Journal '?this fervent, idiosyncratic fable is undeniable evidence of a richly lyrical imagination.' Kirkus Reviews 'Vivid imagery and a thread of mystery draw readers into the timeless and ethereal world of these young girls with a destiny to fulfill.' Booklist 'This is a truly enchanting story, beautifully told and rich in meaning. (?) this book truly deserves to be read by story lovers of all ages.' The Irish Times 'An emotional, entertaining examination of magic in the modern world' France Today 'A hymn to music, art, nature, love, land ("terroir"), the dignity of work, simplicity and the yearning for peace.'The Australian 'A beguiling fairy tale.' The New York Times 'This novel glows with finely crafted prose.' Los Angeles Review of Books 'A beautifully written fantasy.' Breakaway Reviewers 'Fans of both Barbery and fantasy from writers like Alice Hoffman and Sarah Addison Allen will be enchanted.'Library Journal '?this fervent, idiosyncratic fable is undeniable evidence of a richly lyrical imagination.' Kirkus Reviews 'Vivid imagery and a thread of mystery draw readers into the timeless and ethereal world of these young girls with a destiny to fulfill.' Booklist 'This is a truly enchanting story, beautifully told and rich in meaning. (?) this book truly deserves to be read by story lovers of all ages.' The Irish Times 'An emotional, entertaining examination of magic in the modern world' France Today 'A hymn to music, art, nature, love, land ("terroir"), the dignity of work, simplicity and the yearning for peace.'The Australian 'A beguiling fairy tale.' The New York Times 'This novel glows with finely crafted prose.' Los Angeles Review of Books 'A beautifully written fantasy.' Breakaway Reviewers 'Fans of both Barbery and fantasy from writers like Alice Hoffman and Sarah Addison Allen will be enchanted.'Library Journal '?this fervent, idiosyncratic fable is undeniable evidence of a richly lyrical imagination.' Kirkus Reviews