Karina's Last Days

A young woman with a gift for bringing her drawings to life has spent her life in the shadow of more famous siblings. When she learns that a deadly illness will end her life within a year, she offers her fiancé a deal: let her spend her remaining days far from her family's reach. The premise is poignant and immediately emotional.The strongest element is the gift. Drawings that come alive give the fantasy a charming, tactile quality, and the story uses it to show her inner life. The romance is built on an unusual bargain that gradually changes both characters.The weakness is weight. The terminal-illness premise is heavy, and some readers will find the tone hard going. The arranged-marriage romance follows familiar beats, and the supporting characters are less developed.If you enjoy bittersweet romances with a magical touch, it is a moving pick. It is tender and sad. Expect a quiet bargain, colourful drawings and a story about making the most of limited time.