WHEN THE BUTTERFLIES CAME by Kimberley Griffths Little

Everybody thinks Tara Doucet has the perfect life. But in reality, Tara’s life is anything but perfect: Her dear Grammy Claire has just passed away, her mother is depressed and distant, and she and her sister Riley can’t seem to agree on anything. But when mysterious and dazzling butterflies begin to follow her around after Grammy Claire’s funeral, Tara just knows in her heart that her grandmother has left her one final mystery to solve.

A strange butler brings Tara and Riley to Grammy Claire’s house, where Tara finds a stack of keys and detailed letters from Grammy Claire herself. Note by note, Tara learns unexpected truths about her grandmother’s life. As the letters grow more ominous and the clues more difficult to decipher, Tara realizes that the secrets she must uncover could lead to mortal danger. And when Tara and Riley are swept away to the beautiful islands of Chuuk to hear their grandmother’s will, Tara discovers the most shocking truth of all — one that will change her life forever.

From Kimberley Griffiths Little comes a magical, breathtaking mystery full of loss and love, family and faith.

First line:
"The butterfly comes the day after the funeral."
Beautifully written.  There is a lot of sadness in this book. Loss of loved ones and innocence but live still has to be lived. That is what Tara finds out. 
I did enjoy the clues and watching Tara and The Boy unravel them. Tara had to overcome some fears to do so and I thought that was strengthening for her character.
I like the butterflies, though I wasn't fascinated by them and their behavior didn't make anything sparkle for me. BUT I did enjoy the book! And I like the author. She's super nice. :)

Rating: PG
V: Someone trying to hurt the Doucet
L: No
S: No

Liked:
settings
Tara
The Clues
The Boy

Disliked:
Surprise twist

 4 1/2 STARS