Starred review from November 1, 2004
The child of runaway slaves who were tracked down and killed by white men in South Carolina, Anna is alone in the world. She grows up in complete servitude as the "pet" of Claire, her master's daughter, who changes Anna's name to Kitty and allows her to live in the main house. Grady is torn from his mother's arms and sold as a slave far from his family. When Grady meets Anna, he encourages her to think for herself. Soon, word reaches them that the Yankees are coming, and Anna must decide whether to run for freedom and a life with Grady or to continue serving and protecting the master's family. The first two books in Austin's "Refiner's Fire" series (Candle in the Darkness and Fire by Night) won Christy Awards, and this newest title is also outstanding, with heart-wrenching descriptions of the indignities of slavery. Highly recommended. Austin lives near Chicago.
Copyright 2004 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.