Author: MONICA MCINERNEY
 
Following a tragic accident, Ella O'Hanlon an editor, is in her mid-30’s and settled in domestic bliss in Canberra, flees to the other side of the world in an attempt to escape her grief, leaving behind the two people she blames for her loss: Aidan, the love of her life, and Jess, her spoilt half-sister.

In London Ella is taken in by her beloved uncle Lucas, whose extraordinary rundown Paddington terrace is inhabited by a host of untidy academics, and also holds many wonderful memories for her.
 
Along with other members of the very colourful Fox family, Lucas helps Ella to see that she is not the only one still hurting, and that forgiveness can be the greatest healer in a family and in a marriage.

Here is McInerney’s usual web of characters, a confused protagonist, a strong family connection and an Irish link. There is also an endearing warmth to the narrative and characters and the underlying themes of family and forgiveness are uplifting and hopeful.

There’s an emphasis on place, and the romance of central London is vividly depicted.

The desire to untangle the web surrounding Ella kept me engrossed: an important element of this genre. For anyone who has ever loved and lost, this is an exquisitely moving and life-affirming novel by the internationally bestselling author of Lola's Secret.