Ashes begins with a scene that one might expect from a conclusion: Isabel’s reunion with her long-lost little sister, Ruth, for whom she searches over the course of the two prior books in the Seeds of America series. However, it turns out that finding Ruth is no happy ending. The remembered love built in the sisters’ shared childhood spurs Isabel to search for Ruth and gives her amazing persistence and bravery, but this love on its own isn’t enough. The book’s approach to questions of love and connection is stated up front, when, in response to Isabel’s grief over Ruth’s initial rejection, Serafina warns Isabel that it’s good and right that she should cry; otherwise, she’s in danger of developing a hard heart.

Isabel must learn this lesson gradually over the course of the book. First, she must make the effort to imagine Ruth’s private life and imagination: In her grief and frustration over Ruth’s dislike of her, she hasn’t taken the time to wonder what the reasons for that might be, and thus is shutting Ruth out as much as Ruth is shutting her out.

Later, she must come to terms with the love she feels for Curzon, admitting it to herself long after the reader has caught on: