nSet against the backdrop of the first all-female Mardi Gras krewe at the turn-of-the-century, the acclaimed authors mesmerizing historical novel tells of two strangers separated by background but bound by an unexpected secret--and of the strength and courage women draw from and inspire in each other. n nAn undercurrent of New Orleanss dark side propels the story, heightening the tension and supplying McPhail with a wealth of evocative details. --Publishers Weekly n1900: Though the dawn of a new century promises social progress, there are few options for women like Alice Butterworth, pregnant and abandoned by her husband. In desperation, Alice leaves Chicagos bitter cold and travels to New Orleans, where she offers sewing lessons at an orphanage. n nYoung widow Constance Halstead has thrown herself into charity work since her husbands death. Seeing Alices skill, she offers lodging in exchange for help creating a gown for the Leap Year ball of Les Mysterieuses, the first all-female krewe of Mardi Gras. Leap Years offer women a rare opportunity--to turn the tables on men, upending convention. As the breathtaking gown takes shape piece by piece, it becomes a symbol of empowerment for them both. n nBut overshadowing all is the Black Hand--the vicious New Orleans gang to whom Constances husband was deep in debt. His death hasnt satisfied them. And as Mardi Gras draws near, a secret emerges that will cement the bond between Alice and Constance, even as it threatens the new lives each is building . . .n