by Gail Godwin
First published 1983
Nell Strickland faces an uncertain future when her husband dies suddenly, leaving her to rebuild her life at middle age. Her two adult daughters respond differently to the family crisis. Cate, the older daughter, returns home after her own divorce, struggling with career disappointments and romantic entanglements. Lydia, the younger sister, maintains her stable marriage and successful real estate career but questions whether security equals fulfillment. The three women clash over money, men, and competing visions of what it means to live well. Nell must decide whether to cling to her familiar role as wife and mother or forge a new identity. Cate wrestles with her pattern of failed relationships and professional setbacks. Lydia confronts the gap between her organized exterior and inner restlessness. Their conflicts force each woman to examine her choices and assumptions about love, work, and family loyalty.
Genres: fiction, literary-fiction, contemporary, family-drama
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: family-drama, found-family, second-chance
512 pages · Paperback · Avon Books