I am a fan of Madeleine Wickham/Sophie Kinsella but this is one of the worst books I have ever read. Every storyline was extremely depressing and most of the characters seemed to have a lot of hatred, especially the children. I don't mind reading a depressing book if it seems to serve a purpose, but if there is a purpose to this particular book, I didn't see it. The only reason I continued reading till the end was because I love the author and I thought this book would have to turn around at some point, but it just ended, without any of the characters having any type of closer. I am extremely disappointed to say the least.