Actual rating more of a 3.5, although I had a hard time rating this book. 
 It is well-written. The heroine is strong, independent, and brave. The setting is thoughtfully constructed. There's mystery, and often times you don't figure something out until Charlotte does herself. The plot moves along easily, but it's at a slow, steady pace. I think that's why I didn't love this book more-- it was too slow and steady. The air of mystery is there all along, the guessing at people's motives and intentions. But there's just not quite enough action some of the time. Also, although Charlotte is strong and independent, she's proud and stubborn to the point of getting herself into situations that could have been avoided if she'd just admitted she needed help. Other than that, it really was an enjoyable book. Although it's a retelling of Rumpelstiltskin, it didn't feel like I was hearing the same old story again. I admit that it's been quite a while since I've last heard the original tale, but it seems like very few elements of the original were actually used in Bunce's retelling. It was a very solid book, and one that was enjoyable to me (as a 26 year-old) but also appropriate for readers at the younger end of the "young adult" spectrum.