"Escaping from an abusive marriage, seventeen-year-old Lakshmi makes her way alone to the vibrant 1950s pink city of Jaipur. There she becomes the most highly requested henna artist--and confidante--to the wealthy women of the upper class. But trusted with the secrets of the wealthy, she can never reveal her own ... Known for her original designs and sage advice, Lakshmi must tread carefully to avoid the jealous gossips who could ruin her reputation...

"When their train makes a ten-minute stop at the station in Jaipur, a young girl and her mother hurry to get in line for a cup of chai. The girl orders two cups, and then delights in watching the chaiwala at work--grinding the spices, adding scoops of tea leaves and sugar to the bubbling, boiling milk, then cooling the chai by pouring it from high, back and forth, back and forth--the girl is mesmerized. With a biscuit and a rusk added to their order,...