A richly detailed and enchanting novel, set in 20th-century Persia Anahita, a nomad, learns that her father has promised her hand in marriage to a man she dislikes. Determined to have a say in her own fate, Anahita convinces her father to let her hold a contest, in which potential suitors must correctly answer the riddle she has woven into her wedding carpet. A diplomat, a schoolteacher, a shepherd, and a prince compete in Anahitas battle of wits, for the heart of this extraordinary girl. Meghan Nuttall Sayres explores the art of weaving, the rhythms of nomadic life, and the beauty of the Muslim faith in this fascinating debut novel. Grade 8 Up—Teenager Anahita, a nomad living in early-20th-century Persia, has been promised to the khan, or chief, of her tribe. This man, whose three previous wives have mysteriously died, is considerably older than she is, and she wants nothing to do with him. She convinces her father to let her choose her own husband by having potential mates solve a riddle that she has woven into her wedding carpet. Doing so goes against Muslim principles and causes controversy within the tribe, and trouble for them, as the khan exacts his revenge by taking away their migratory and water rights. Despite these circumstances, Anahita's father agrees to continue with the competition. The main contenders-the khan, a schoolteacher, a shepherd, and a prince-all play an important role in Anahita's life. She finds it difficult to go through with the contest, only knowing whom she does not want to marry, but an unexpected twist forces her to choose. This is an engrossing story that weaves in Persian culture, history, and surroundings, and portrays the life of a unique young woman and her quest for love. A Farsi glossary and a brief history of the time period are included.— Shannon Seglin, Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Meghan Nuttall Sayres is coauthor of Daughters of the Desert: Stories of Remarkable Women from the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim Traditions . Meghan raises sheep, spins and dyes her own yarn with natural dyes, and weaves tapestries. She has traveled in Turkey and Iran, where she met with carpet weavers, dye masters, and merchants in bustling bazaars to explore the age-old techniques and symbolism of rug-making in the Middle East. She lives in eastern Washington. Visit her at www.meghannuttallsayres.com.