The first chapter was very intriguing. I think the chapter began setting up the plot very nicely. The idea of a house full of strangers, especially as they all seem to be down on their luck definitely makes me want to find out how everything plays out. However, I feel that the letter at the beginning was a little unnecessary. It makes the first chapter come off as repetitive as it repeats Dolly's opinions about people and talks about the boarding situation. Also, it was a little confusing to start with a letter from Dolly to her sister, only to begin the first chapter from Anna's point of view, who has no connection to either of them yet. The cover seems a bit dull with the colors and just a picture of a portion of a porch, though it does seem to fit with the idea that the story takes place at Dolly's house during a specific time period. So far, I would give it a 3.5.