Rory has had 8 previous marriages by the time he asks Bess for her hand. How did this happen? Is Bess willing to take a chance at happiness and become his 9th? In alternating chapters, their stories are told, including Bess' road trip, along which she meets up with some of those who went before.
Stolls turns a delightful phrase so often I was literally laughing aloud on several occasions. The writing is crisp and evocative as well. Bess is a very genuine character, her faults elucidated almost as much as her triumphs. The reader can't help but sympathize with her situation. Rory, I don't feel I know as well, but I think that's part of the point. How well can we ever really know a person? Revelations about the lives of Bess' grandparents and her friend Cricket also seem to highlight that theme.
I would very much recommend this book to any fan of the genre.