In essence this is badly written book that contains a transparent plot!

One of the central characters in this novel about long marriages, unhappiness and family rifts is called Jack ... he's dead by the time we get to this book but he turns up on just about every page. Moreover, Jack dies about 50 times throughout the book although there is a lull half way through!

The two main characters in this book, Faith and Brad, are childhood friends who meet up when they are both in their late forties. She is quietly married to a surly but successful man. He is married to a go getter who is a socialite but neither wants a divorce.

Well, almost as soon as the couple meets, Steele sets up the plot that can have just one outcome. That outcome is just about the most transparent bit of writing I have ever seen.

Jack is Faith's late brother and he is central to the plot because she loved him, rightly and he was the childhood link between her and Brad. So, Jack is omnipresent as they meet up again. Then Steele just rambled on and on and on about Jack. I would have thought Steele would have an editor who would have spotted that she had put this story together so badly.

Mrs W read the book before I did and although she has read several more of Steele's books than I have (this is my first) even she was disappointed and kept telling me how repetitive it was.

Desite the transparency the rest of the plot is not too bad and there are children of both main characters who provide good fodder for the story and who help it along.

At the end of it all, don't bother unless you are an avid Steele fan and simply must read all of her books. Buy it from a charity shop if you must buy it. Borrow it from a library if you have to.

Duncan Williamson
20 January 2004