The first sentence hooked me in, and I can say the same about the first sentence of each sample chapter. Each chapter opens like the beginning of a good novel, with a compelling book. The writing is intriguing and hints at past events we don’t know about and foreshadows future struggles. It feels like I’m just scratching the surface of the story to come, which makes me want to dig deeper. The setting of Spain in the 50s provides an interesting backdrop that’s not common in many historical fiction novels and the straightforward yet evocative writing makes me want to visit and stay with this story. I’m interested in the cultural differences that are already apparent, Spain’s straight and professional manner vs. America’s more conversational and too casual. Even the opening with everyone waiting for blood hints at future cultural differences (and drama) to come to fully immerse in the setting.