I found this plot to be very plodding with unbelievably stiff characters. Lillian seemed, although very erudite, to be unlikeable from her childhood until she became a mother. The sisters' relationship was stitled, and the "romance" was pedestrian and boring. I was left wondering what I'd missed as I found myself checking to see how many pages were left. I have always liked McPhee's books, which Iis why I stuck with this one. Wish I hadn't. ( )