I felt as if I knew within the first few pages what the outcome for the main characters was going to be, but it was an enjoyable romp to see how they got there. I didn't find Jessie and Toby too engaging, tbh, all the little subplots going on were far more interesting. It seemed by the end the whole village had hooked up! Lili and Drew were more engaging-- I always have a soft spot for these rocky paths to love filled with embarrassments, false starts and insurmountable obstacles.
This being an MN forum, I must comment that Lili's kids' cheerful acceptance of the situation was a bit of a stretch I know this is supposed to be escapist literature but come on! They are losing their dad! And Deborah's turning out to be a scarlet woman was pretty convenient too. JM definitely skirts around the real-life trauma that such chopping and changing of families would create. One exception is Toby's daughter's wilful pursuit of her paternity oblivious to the fallout for all those around her it captures a particular dogged, blinkered teenage mindset very succinctly.