May 16, 2011
Delinsky nails it in her trademark latest (after Not My Daughter), a captivating and moving story about a woman who's had enough of her life and wants a fresh start. Emily Aulenbach, a hardworking New York City lawyer married to another hardworking lawyer, graduated from law school an idealist, but now works on behalf of big, soulless corporations. Fed up, she walks out of the office one morning, packs a bag, and takes off for the small New Hampshire town where she'd spent a life-changing summer 10 years earlier, breaking contact with her best friend, Vicki Bellânow married and running an inn in the same townâwhen Vicki's brother, Jude, Emily's first big love, had dumped her. Emily runs to Vicki for sanctuary, and, wouldn't you know it, Jude reappears, somewhat complicating things as Emily figures out what to do with her life, career, and marriage to James, whom she truly loves. But when one of Vicki's employees ends up needing legal help, it's the catalyst for everything to click into place. Delinsky keeps the story moving with some nice twists on a familiar plot, rich characterizations, and real-feeling dilemmas that will keep readers hooked.