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Description

In a time of dire need, eleven-year-old Nuria tries to outwit the magical wishing well in her mysterious mountain village.

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HollyMS Both works explore wishing in fairy tales and how it doesn't always work out as expected.

Member Reviews

8 reviews
first line: "It was on a winter afternoon, just before Christmas, that Nuria finally gave up the idea of making a wish."

I enjoyed many aspects of this book -- certain scenes and images, the way the two little girls interact, &c. And the idea of a magical wishing well that warps people's wishes is an excellent, eerie basis for a book. (It's also a strong element in another children's novel, Verdigris Deep, which I loved.)

However, I felt that the book could have been fleshed out more, particularly with regard to the setting. According to the FAQ on Billingsley's website, the vagueness is intentional; unfortunately, I found it distracting. (To be fair, as a kid I don't think I'd've minded.)

Still, I'd be open to reading the author's second show more book, The Folk Keeper. show less
I love, love, love this author! I think she only has 2 books out (this and The Folk Keeper), but I will be on the lookout for more from her in the future. The main character was so strong and wonderful, and it was such a magical story.

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Author Information

Picture of author.
7+ Works 2,502 Members

Awards and Honors

Common Knowledge

Original publication date
1997
People/Characters
Nuria; Catty Winter; Avy
Important places
Bishop Mayne
Dedication
To Richard, Miranda, and Nathaniel
First words
It was on a winter afternoon, just before Christmas, that Nuria finally gave up the idea of making a wish.
Last words
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)I told him that a princess wouldn't mind!

Classifications

Genres
Fiction and Literature, Fantasy
DDC/MDS
563Natural sciences & mathematicsFossils & DinosaursMiscellaneous fossil marine and seashore invertebrates
LCC
PZ7 .B4985 .WLanguage and LiteratureFiction and juvenile belles lettresFiction and juvenile belles lettresJuvenile belles lettres
BISAC

Statistics

Members
361
Popularity
86,837
Reviews
7
Rating
(3.78)
Languages
English
Media
Paper, Ebook
ISBNs
9
ASINs
2