This is a novel that centers around women in the suburbs of Sydney, Australia. One woman, Cecilia, seems to have the perfect life. She has a loving husband, three beautiful daughters and is a top tupperware saleswoman, very active in her community. One day, whilst up in her attic she knocks over a box that has a letter in it. It is from her husband, John-Paul to her and it says it is to be only opened in the advent of his death.

She struggles with what to do about it and eventually makes her decision. The decision has implications that reach far outside her happy family.

There are two other main characters in the book. They are Rachel, the mother of a girl who was murdered many years ago. The murder is an unsolved crime. Rachel has another child, Robbie, and a young grandson, who she adores. Her life has been overshadowed for many years by the death of her daughter.

The other main character is Tess. She is married to Will and has a son named Liam. One day her husband and cousin sit down and tell her they are in love. Her cousin has always been her best friend, so this shatters her world. She moves from Melbourne back to Sydney where her mother lives.

The intersection of these characters' lives is the basis for this novel. It has some flaws, but from start to almost finish, I could not put it down.

anyone who enjoys a good story with a lot of witty observations about human behavior.

The character of Mr. Whitby. He had a hard time of it, but handled that well.

the resolution of the whole Tess/Will thing. I just didn't like how it ended up and that sort of botched it for me.

maybe read something else by this author. She has a very good, engaging style.

knows how to surprise the reader with a lot of dramatic twists and turns.

it was a really good read from start to finish. I did not see the freight train coming down the tracks. I was totally surprised by the twist the book takes halfway through. I will not give it away.

As I read, I had high hopes for this book. It let me down in the end. I found some of the ending to be rather forced and contrived, but that doesn't change the fact that this is one of the best books I've read in a good while.

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Created Aug 19, 2013 at 9:31am • Submit your own review...