Maeve Binchy

Cathy Scarlet and Tom Feather have decided to

create the best catering company in Dublin.

They've found the perfect premises, they've got

heaps of talent, and they even have a few contacts -

but not everyone seems as pleased by the idea

of 'Scarlet Feather' as they are.

Tom's parents are disappointed that he has turned

his back on the family building business. Cathy's

mother-in-law, Hannah, already disapproving of

her son Neil's choice of wife, thinks that 'scarlet

Feather' is just a hobby and Cathy should stay at*

home to look after her husband. Neil himself, a

high-flying civil rights lawyer, becomes ever more

distant, burying himself in his work. And Tom's

relationship with his beautiful, ambitious girlfriend

Marcella becomes fraught as she struggles to realise

her dream of becoming a model.

As Cathy and Tom strive to maintain their emotional

ties amidst catering triumphs and disasters, they are

supported - and undermined – by an enchanting

cast of classic Binchy characters: the comically

dreadful but endearing twins, Simon and Maud;

Cathy's homely parents, Muttie and Lizzle;

glamorous, rich aunt Geraldine; and accountant

James Byrne, who harbours a lonely secret.

Maeve Binchy's new novel is a magical tale of love,

heartbreak and laughter set in the warm Irish

atmosphere that has made her famous.