The book club - Mary Alice Monroe

On the surface, it is a monthly book club.

But for five women, it is so much more.

For Eve Porter, whose husband's sudden death cheats her of every security she had planned on, the club is a place of sanctuary.

For Annie Blake, a brilliant attorney intent on starting a family late in life, it is the chance to finally let down her guard and dream of other possibilities.

For Doris Bridges, it is her support group as she acknowledges her dying marriage and finds the ultimate freedom in her husband's betrayal.

For Gabriella Rivera, the perfect wife, mother and friend who offers support to everyone but is afraid to ask for it herself, it is a sense of community.

And for Midge Kirsch, an artist who has always lived her life against the grain, it is a haven of acceptance.

They are five women from different walks of life, embracing the challenge of change.

And as they share their hopes and fears and triumphs, they will hold fast to the true magic of the book club--friendship.

The Book Club weaves the individual story threads into a warm, unified whole that will appeal to readers who enjoy multifaceted relationship novels with strong women protagonists.

-- Library Journal.