After reading the last Maeve Binchy book and liking it, I figured this one would be good too; however, it really isn't. The premise of the book is visiting and getting to know various people and/or families that surround a restaurant called "Quentins." Sounds charming and has potential, right? Especially if told in Maeve Binchy's quaint way. There are two main problems with this book. The first is that the main focus is Ella Brady, which rather defeats the main storyline. And second, Ella's life surrounds having an affair with a rich, married man, who is a financier and skips the country with everyone's money, as well as taking his wife and children. So, chapters and chapters drone on about how she loves him and he'll come back for her, blah, blah, blah. But it doesn't end there, we are introduced to another woman who also starts having an affair with a married man. The consensus of the surrounding community and families of these women, as well as of the author, is that these homewreckers are just the way they are, excusing their behavior. What a sad shame as this book had potential.
