SOLVED. Short novel about widow or widower, lonely afternoons [s]

[Rebecca]

I read a short paperback novel between 2003 and 2007. I thought the title was something like “Afternoons at Five,” but I can’t find anything by that name.

It was about a recent widow or widower who faced empty afternoons at home (perhaps tea time) and an empty living room or parlor. The front cover had an illustration of the empty room.

It was adult fiction. Very poignant.

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Set in a particular country or region? What time period was the setting?

[Rebecca]

I’d say either the US or UK. Modern day time period. I don’t recall anything that made it particularly time-specific.

[Juels]

Evenings at Five: A Novel and Five New Stories by Gail Godwin?

[Rebecca]

Yes, Juels. Thank you. That’s it!

Now I have to figure out how to change the category from Unsolved to Solved!

[Juels]

You're welcome.