The 13 stories in this collection strip search the loves, desires, and demons of women. Self-delusion, denial, and unshakable innocence in the face of disaster come alive in the setting of rural and urban Appalachia. “If Evening Comes,” a gutsy plunge into the psyche of a woman scorned, paints a horrifying portrait of clinical depression. In “Cherries in the Snow,” a woman who hasn’t been kissed in 30 years is preparing for a first date. The title story, “Tiger Burning Bright,” explores the all-consuming role of alcohol in the female protagonist's life, offering a stunning insight into the mind of an alcoholic. Empathy and compassion for the flawed human beings who inhabit these stories make this an outstanding first story collection.