Julia Glass has written another exceptional novel filled with characters you would love to have over for dinner; characters who are smart, interesting, and a little quirky. Seventy-year-old Percy Darling is the widower of The Widower’s Tale; his wife died almost thirty years ago leaving Percy to raise his two young daughters. The younger daughter has excelled in her profession as a oncologist and her son, Robert, enjoys a close bond with his grandfather. Elder daughter, Clover, seems to still be floundering in her life having abandoned both her husband and children. But, thanks to Percy’s generosity, she too seems to have found a new and satisfying position in a local preschool which is leasing Percy’s barn on his historic farm. In addition to the Darlings, we also get to know Celestino, a young man living in the country illegally and helping to maintain the gardens of the wealthy residents. There is also Ira, one of the preschool teachers who is still feeling hurt and vulnerable after being forced to leave his last job. Finally there is Sarah, a single mom who’s son attends the preschool on Percy’s property. She and Percy are surprised by the romantic attraction developing between them. And just as we settle into an easy and gently told storyline, Glass begins to warn us of a major upset involving Robert and his college roommate. A lovely book, perfectly told. ~Patti