The younger of the two sisters, Steff, is still trying to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up, much to the consternation of the rest of her family, since she is very much an adult. Her older sister, Callie, is happily married to Reece with two children. Their mother, Honor, has been divorced for a number of years. The friend, Lila, is Callie's BFF and seems to have met the man of her dreams after kissing many proverbial frogs.

Lila and Ed have a great relationship -- except for that ex-wife of his. She constantly calls during his time with Lila, whether it's trying to switch visitation weekends or just to generally discuss their child. While Callie, Reece, and Lila integrate Ed (and, grudgingly, his ex-wife) into their life, Steff does her best to forge her own path in the world -- this time living a simpler life in the country (as opposed to living the life as a rocker's girlfriend in New York City).

Like most of Jane Green's books, this book is a testament to friendship and the ties that bind. These ties are tested when Callie's cancer, once in remission, comes back with a vengeance. Although Honor and her ex-husband haven't spoken in years, they suddenly are united in their love for their daughter. And while you would expect Steff and Lila to be there, even Ed provides comfort and support while Callie faces her greatest challenge with dignity and courage.

One of the things I've always liked about Green is her writing style. I always imagine that she and I are in the corner of a coffee shop and she's pointing out each character to me personally. "Here's Callie. Notice how happy she is as picks up her children from school." She's merely making observations and pointing them out in a way that feels so personal and intimate that one can't help but have a cuppa while reading.

I will say that any reader with a heart needs to have a box of tissues handy while reading this book. Green managed to make me cry at least twice.

Book Summary