Shattered Glass

Toten, Teresa. Shattered Glass. 2015. 256p. ISBN 978-1-459806719. Available at FIC TOT on the library shelves.

As an orphan, Antoinette Royce knows nothing about her birth parents. When, at sixteen, a fire destroys the Benevolent Home in Hope, Ontario, Toni quickly finds herself moving to Toronto. This is the second fire that she survives, and every night she has recurring nightmares of being pushed by her mother through a window glass. She sports the scars that proves this event did happen. Armed only with her mother’s name, a hospital release form, and pamphlets from restaurants, she must make a new life for herself while trying to discover who she really is.

Finding a room in Lady Grady’s house, Antoinette quickly secures employment in a club where she meets brooding Ethan and attractive Cassidy. The big city is filled with secrets, however, and not everyone Toni meets has her best interests at heart. One of the smartest orphans at the home, her education ill prepared her for real life. Can Toni tame the demons that have been haunting her dreams?

Taking place in 1964, each chapter is titled after one of the songs of that summer. Toni’s relationships are awkward, and she is often clueless as to what goes on around her. The setting is fascinating, and the dynamics of suddenly moving from a small town to a big city are well explored. Fans of romance and mystery will appreciate this book. Small Bones is also part of this series.