On the same day in 1879 that Queen Supayalat of Mandalay orders the death of 80 members of the royal family, Maria Beresford turned 21. She knew nothing of Mandalay; nor did Grace Prior, the missionary's daughter, nor Archie Tennant seeking his fortune in Burma. But a world of politics and intrigue and enchantment awaited them and a key to their destinies.
As the youngest of their three sons marries and Anthony and Rachel Brinkley welcome their third daughter-in-law to the family, no one quite realizes the profound shift about to take place. For their different reasons, the two previous daughters-in-law hadn't been able to resist Rachel's maternal clout and Anthony's gentle charms, and had settled into Brinkley family life without rocking the boat. But Charlotte - very young, very beautiful and semi-spoiled - has no intention of sharing power with her mother-in-law, and sets out to vanquish the matriarch.
Six British women who have been meeting regularly on Friday nights over the years have formed complex friendships. The group's dynamics change when single mom Paula begins dating Jackson, who becomes part of all of their lives in different ways.
Six British women who have been meeting regularly on Friday nights over the years have formed complex friendships. The group's dynamics change when single mom Paula begins dating Jackson, who becomes part of all of their lives in different ways.
When Simon tells his son that his grandfather is leaving his grandmother for a woman he's been having an affair with for seven years, it is just the tip of the iceberg.
When Josie Carver marries Matthew Mitchell, it is the second marriage for them both. Each has children from their former marriages and the formation of the new stepfamily causes much pain and divided loyalties. All the members must overcome difficulties and grow through change in order to affirm their new family ties.
Ben is, at last, leaving home. At 22, he’s the youngest of the family. His mother, Edie, is distraught. Her husband is rather hoping to get his wife back, after decades of family life. Ben’s siblings are struggling in their lives and they retreat to the simplicities of their childhood. But can you ever go home? Meet the Boyd family and the empty nest, 21st century style.
