This novel qualifies as one that will make an impact in our lives. Reading this historical fiction will cause the reader to reflect on what constitutes friendship and truth.

Written in the third person viewpoint of Sally Flowers Stevens, a Southern Belle from New Orleans, Louisiana, who lives and teaches in Illinois, the setting takes the reader from the early 60's up to the days of Hurricane Katrina. During the times when black and white races kept to strictly drawn lines, Sally's childhood best friend was Christella Ward, a black sixth grader. It was during this time that Sally became a proficient lier.

One of the themes is what makes women lie, and what could possibly cause a woman to reveal a well-hidden truth. Sally finds telling the truth more difficult than telling the lies that fall effortlessly from her mouth. Lies affect her marriage, her relationships with her two children and her students, and one day her lies affect her job.

There are some tough scenes, written with a delicate hand. This is one I heartily recommend. ( )