It’s going to be a challenge to review this book without risking any spoilers, but I will do my best. This is a mighty book that covers the scale of a large family and their neighbours. Winnie Kelleway, the family’s matriarch has ruled the family home with a persona that reminded me of Hyacinth Bucket (Bouquet if you’re old enough to remember the series). Focused totally on keeping up appearances and praising her children and grandchildren, she believes that she’s somewhat better than everyone else. Her son, Lawrence, and his wife and children have returned from Australia and started over in a beautiful home in a prestigious part of town. His children, Cassian and Domino are both gorgeous, but they also have secrets that would possibly throw the family’s life into turmoil. Lawrence’s wife, Julie intuitively knows that there are secrets waiting to come to light.
Lawrence’s sister, Cleo, has married an ordinary but reliable man, George. She dreams of getting away from the suffocating effect of her close-knit family. She’s not interested in keeping up with anyone and wishes that her family would see George for the wonderful man that he is. Now pregnant, Cleo is determined to avoid her child being dragged into the family drama.
Next door to Winnie, we meet Daisy and her family. Daisy is harbouring a massive crush on Cassian. Daisy doesn’t live the charmed life of her neighbours, in fact, her mother is fighting with mental health issues that have left her completely housebound. Waiting tables at the local Italian restaurant leads to a massive tip from Lawrence, that acts as a catalyst for a tear in the very fabric of her neighbour’s lives.
Once again, I knew that I was in for a treat, and Amanda Prowse delivered a story that had many trails that all looped back to the central characters. I was pulled right into their worlds and felt joy and pain for each of the characters. Well, not for each of them as a few were almost impossible to like.
I did have favourites and found myself absolutely in Julie’s camp. Her character was perfectly developed to the degree that I would love to read another book that picked up her story. I guess, that’s one of the joys of reading; I was able to imagine her future and can confirm that she goes on to great things.
Another favourite was Cassian, his gentle nature was an absolute joy to Winnie, but she never actually saw the real man under the fairytale that she had spun around his life. I certainly said a very loud YES! As his true self came to the fore.
I absolutely loved this thought-provoking book and can highly recommend it, but buckle up, it’s not a smooth ride.