What a story! A quaint neighborhood outside of Glasgow where everyone knows everyone and neighbors have been together forever. Two young couples, one facing an exciting time, the other challenges. One older couple facing a difficult situation and another neighbor trying to deal with loss.

Contemporary drama with likable characters in different but not totally unrealistic situations. After an initial surprise of what was going on, the rest turned out as almost as expected. Easy read, keeps your attention. The writing keeps the story flowing between the situations, laughing one minute, tearing up the next.

Thanks to Ms. Low, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone. ( )

"We deal with the hard stuff that's in front of us, but we need to make the best of it."
Tress waved her perfect husband Max off to work, with no idea she was about to go into labor with their first child. And completely unaware that when she tried to track Max down, he wouldn't be where he was supposed to be. At the same time, Max's best friend Noah said goodbye to his wife, Anya, blissfully oblivious that he would soon discover the woman he adored had been lying to him for years. Living alongside the two couples, their recently widowed friend, Nancy, is getting ready to meet Eddie, her first true love at a school reunion. Will Nancy have the chance to rekindle an old flame, or will she choose to stay by Tress's side when she needs her most?
This book was more intense than I was anticipating it to be! It was an emotional roller coaster of an experience for me. Each person's perspective in the beginning would give just enough information to make you question what was happening, before some mind-blowing revelation that then moved to the next person. The book wasn't kidding when it said one day, five lives, who will be heartbroken by nightfall? The answer was me. But no seriously, it explores one life changing day for Max, Tress, Anya, Noah and Nancy. I was a little shocked that Anya's view wasn't explored to be honest. It seemed like some insight from her view would have been crucial to elements of the novel.
I think the characters were well rounded and full of vast experiences. The best most lovable characters were Nancy, Val and Angie who were mostly secondary characters. All of these individuals are connected to each other and the book looks at the consequences that one day, full of revelations, has on each of their lives. I kid you not that this book had me on the edge of my seat, but not because it was shocking, simply because I wanted to know how the characters would react. It was pretty obvious to see what was coming with the "major" plot points. I kind of wish they had been more surprising. I also would have liked Anya's perspective. The ending felt a bit meh for me, but other than that the book was a lovely examination of love, friendship and what it means to be a family. ( )

One day in the lives of two couples and a widow who live outside of Glasgow; a day that will change them forever. I am not going to give more of a synopsis for those of you who do not like spoilers. If you want to know more specifics of the story, you can check it out on Goodreads or Amazon.

Each chapter focuses on the alternating perspectives of the main characters. It is poignant, bittersweet, tragic (but not maudlin), and hopeful. It demonstrates how you can make a family from those who surround and support you.

While “women’s fiction” is not my go-to genre, I liked this book a lot more than I thought I would; I didn’t want to put it down. I particularly enjoyed the humorous bantering among the widow and her friends, women “of a certain age.” Shari Low weaves a great tale. My first five star read of the year.

Thanks to #netgalley and #boldwoodbooks for the ARC ( )