This book sets the stage for this series by introducing you to these seven unique women. To begin things Evelyn Peerbaugh, newly widowed, finds out that her husband didn't leave her much. To make ends meet she turns her house into a boarding house. Without much thought she takes in this unlikely group of women beginning with Mae Fitzpatrick, an eccentric woman who owns a local shop called Silver-Ware. Next up is Tessa Klein, a harsh Christian and an elderly widow, followed by Audra Taylor, a single mother with her five-year old daughter, Summer. With all the women in place, including a few frequent visitors, they begin to figure out how to live together and form this pseudo family. The authors did a good job of continuing the story line while we are digging deeper into each of the characters. Overall I thought it was an easy, light-hearted read. The book left me with a good feeling and a desire to read the next book in the series, 'Round the Corner, coming fall 2003.