I really struggled with this book at the beginning. It got off to a very slow start, and I had a hard time connecting with the characters. I was tempted to give up on it, but I continued on and by halfway thru, I had warmed up to it and by the very end really loved it. There were some plot twists that I really didn't see coming that ended up making a big impact at the ending of the book. ( )

Sprightly and amusing with very good writing.

Lucy and her two young sons move to her in-laws' residence in the countryside after her mother-in-law Rose Fellowes makes a generous offer. She wants to help with the grandchildren's schooling and has converted a barn for the three of them. Touched by Rose's very warm letter, Lucy has accepted this gesture, knowing Rose has been domineering in the past and that the Fellowes family are quite eccentric. Lucy sees it as an opportunity that will curtail some of the financial worries. Perhaps Rose really has changed too, Lucy thinks, as the letter imparts, but she plans not to let Rose be too controlling in their lives. Moving could also bring Lucy closer to Charlie - a married man she has an infatuation with.

This book gave many laughs - that is until three quarters of a way through, when suddenly the atmosphere and tone takes a serious turn and reveals many surprises too, some of which are easy to determine and others not so.

The characters are well-shaped, in the dramatic sense. Lucy, in first person narrative, obviously stands out, also because she is effusive, as does Charlie and a Fellowes cousin. Lucy's sons are extremely articulate for their age and they often speak out when Lucy acts up. It is not all caprice, for there is verity woven into the humour and there are moving revelations. But overall, this is a fun read and not one with too many stern lessons for Lucy.

If you like Sophie Kinsella's books, you might enjoy "A Married Man". ( )