This is my first Barbara O'Neal book and it likely won't be my last! I was so intrigued by the premise of this book. Women's Fiction and a Mystery? I love that blend of genres. The mystery is what kept my interest the most in this story. I wanted to know what happened to Diane, and I also wanted to know what traumatic event had happened to Isabel that we learn about later in the story. I also really enjoyed her writing style. I appreciated the alternating perspective of storytelling (although it did take me a few chapters to get all of the character's names straight). This allowed for each of her characters to have a voice. There is some romance but it isn't directly what the story is about, which is a common trope of women's fiction. This story is about family. It's about mothers and daughters, making mistakes and amends, and learning from the past. It's about caring for our elders and being protective of our young. It was a wonderfully told story with a descriptive setting that I could bring to life in my mind.

I think fans of Sally Hepworth would enjoy this novel because of the mystery aspect and the themes of family and womanhood.