title: The Girl in the Glass: A Novel
author:  Susan Meissner 
description: <b>Praise for <i>The Girl in the Glass</i></b><br><br><i>&ldquo;The Girl in the Glass</i> is possibly the most beautiful book I&rsquo;ve ever read. Susan Meissner lifted her book to the level of poetry at the same time she drew me in so deeply to the story that I was lost in the world she created. The story comes in three threads that twist together into a stunning, compelling, enchanting whole. I absolutely loved it.&rdquo;<br><i><b>&mdash;Mary Connealy, author of The Kincaid Brides series</b><br><br>&ldquo;The Girl in the Glass</i> is a compelling story that left me begging the world to stop long enough to savor its pages. Susan Meissner is a master storyteller who weaves times and characters together with writing that paints perfect images. This time she gifts us with a trip to Florence, home of art and story.&rdquo;<br><i><b>&mdash;Cara C. Putman, award-winning author of A Wedding Transpires on Mackinac Island and Stars in the Night</b><br><br></i>&ldquo;Susan Meissner has done it again with this sweeping tale that will have you turning the pages late into the night. Get caught up in the journey of Meg as she finds her life and direction in the beauty and mystery of Italy. You will be cheering magnifico!&rdquo;<br><i><b>&mdash;Jenny B. Jones, award-winning author of Save the Date and A Charmed Life series</b><br><br></i><b>Praise for Susan Meissner<br></b><br>&ldquo;Meissner delivers a delightful page-turner that will surely enthrall readers from beginning to end. The antebellum details, lively characters, and overlapping dramas particularly will excite history buffs and romance fans.&rdquo; <br><i><b>&mdash;Publisher&rsquo;s Weekly starred review</b><br><br></i>&ldquo;Meissner transports readers to another time and place to weave her lyrical tale of love, loss, forgiveness, and letting go.&rdquo;<br><i><b>&mdash;Karen White, New York Times best-selling author of The Beach Trees</b><br><br></i>&ldquo;My eyes welled up more than once! A beautiful story of love, loss, and sacrifice, and of the bonds that connect us through time.&rdquo;<br><i><b>&mdash;Susanna Kearsley, New York Times best-selling author of The Winter Sea</b><br><br></i>&ldquo;How does Susan create characters that stay with me long after I close the book? How does she address the emotions and memories that hold us hostage with such grace? I keep reading, knowing I&rsquo;ll discover a fascinating story and hoping I&rsquo;ll infuse some of the skill and craft that Susan weaves to make it.&rdquo;<br><i><b>&mdash;Jane Kirkpatrick , award-winning author of The Daughter&rsquo;s Walk</b><br></i>
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  > THE SPIRIT
  
  IN
  
  THE GLASS
  
  JULIE HIGGINS
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Copyright © Julie Higgins 2021
  
  Julie Higgins asserts her right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act
  1988 to be identified as the author of this work. This novel is a work of
  fiction. The characters portrayed within it are the work of the author’s
  imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely
  coincidental.
  
  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in
  a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical,
  electronic, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written
  permission of the author.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  For Maisy and Emma
  
  XX
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Acknowledgements
  
  To my mum and all those we lost too soon.
  
  To my dad, for making me a strong woman.
  
  To my sisters, for teaching me how to argue.
  
  To my children, my inspiration. I love you.
  
  To Ron, my best friend and IT manager.
  
  To Bex, my editor and guiding star.
  
  To my frie