Very mixed feelings. I like Susan Isaacs, but found this novel overwritten — the sarcasm too abrasive, the sex scenes too detailed, the family intrusiveness more like caricature than drama. And really, what’s WITH Marcia? She manages just fine in the rough and tumble world of NYC politics; why hasn’t she figured out how to manage her mother?

Despite my carping, I read to the last page and (spoiler alert) couldn’t help feeling happy for Marcia and David. Sort of like the sit-com you find relaxing to watch, even as you disdain everything about it.

Final point: it’s endlessly surprising to discover what other people experience that you don’t experience, even though you are both in the same place at the same time. And what they don’t notice that you watch for.

Example: Susan has an ear for conversation and an eye for fine fabrics, whether on her cousin’s sofa or her aunt’s back. But the things I’d be attuned to (is David nice to the waitress? Is he riding his horse with a light bit and lighter hands?) escape her notice.

This is probably my least favorite book I've read so far by Susan Isaacs. A seemingly smart, independent woman has a very co-dependent (and dismal) relationship with a man throughout the majority of the book and ends up with a seemingly perfect man at the very end. Ugh!