I'd seen this book recommended widely without knowing anything about it. The cover and title didn't give anything away and I didn't think I'd read the author before. But I'm so glad I dived in.

I hate to compare it to any other book or writer, but if you like Ann Tyler, Ann Pratchett or Mary Lawson, I think you'll love this.

In a nutshell, there doesn't seem to be much going on here. A young man falls in love with a passionate, dynamic young woman. They marry and he becomes a member of her family. But...

William never experience love or companionship from his parents. They lost a baby girl before him, and never got over that loss, so much so that William felt pushed out, alienated. Away studying at college, he met Julia Padavano and fell in love with her energy, life and dynamism. She introduced him to her family - her three sisters, mother and father and they marry. 

Things change when Julia's father, Charlie, dies suddenly. They all seem to be rudderless for some time. William and Julia don't seem to understand each other so well after all, and the sisters only seem to function while buoyed up by each other. 

It's an intriguing, beguiling and comforting read. The writing is soothing, uplifting and compelling as you lose yourself in the lives of these bewitching characters. I couldn't put it down and was sorry when I finished it, even though it's not an insubstantial book!

And I was about halfway through reading when I realised I did know this author. She wrote 'Dear Edward' which I thought brilliant but hadn't felt able to recommend widely because of its traumatic central premise. And I read it during the heightened emotions of the pandemic. However, I think I will urge people to read it now. This author is to be cherished!