When Noel learns that his terminally ill former flame is pregnant with his child, he agrees to take guardianship of the baby girl once she’s born. But as a single father battling demons of his own, Noel can’t do it alone.

Fortunately, he has a competent, caring network of friends, family and neighbors: Lisa, his unlucky-in-love classmate, who moves in with him to help him care for little Frankie around the clock; his American cousin, Emily, always there with a pep talk; the newly retired Dr. Hat, with more time on his hands than he knows what to do with; Dr. Declan and Fiona and their baby son, Frankie’s first friend; and many eager babysitters, including old friends Signora and Aidan and Frankie’s doting grandparents, Josie and Charles.

But not everyone is pleased with the unconventional arrangement, especially a nosy social worker, Moira, who is convinced that Frankie would be better off in a foster home. Now it’s up to Noel to persuade her that everyone in town has something special to offer when it comes to minding Frankie.

I discovered Maeve Binchy books a few years ago and they fascinate me because of her story-telling technique: she’s the only contemporary author I’ve read who uses omniscient point-of-view well. In fact, she not only uses it well, she can create a compelling, can’t-put-it-down story in omniscient.

This book is another great example. She doesn’t give deep into her character’s heads, but the way she tells everyone’s stories grips your heart and mind. I felt sorry for the characters, cheered with them, got angry with them — there were so many great emotions in this book. Depending on the reader, you could definitely be moved to tears at times.

Once again, I very much enjoyed Binchy’s book. She’s becoming an author I can pick up when I’m tired exploring new authors and want a book I KNOW I’ll enjoy.

Rated PG-13 for some swearing and adult content. Get your copy here!

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