Get ready to cuddle up with this book on a snowy day since you will never put it down. Alice, a young wife, with lots of secrets, finds a cache of old letters that had been written by Nellie the woman who had lived in this house. The story unfolds in two parts, Alice’s present life and that of Nellie, the perfect housewife in the 1950’s.

The author has made both women totally fascinating. Brown has stirred in incredibly timely subplots that echo so much that we read about today. The chapters are headed with wonderful quotes from marital advice of the past. I loved reading them all.

The physical abuse that Nellie endured, calls to mind all the recent headlines about spousal abuse. The role of careers in women’s lives is explored as is the “Me Too” issues that so many women face in the workplace.

We also see the resourcefulness of a woman who is pushed to unthinkable actions by her abusive husband.

I thank NETGALLEY for the opportunity of being an early reader of this delicious novel. Save it for days when it can be savored. I think all my book clubs will love it and find lots of issues to ponder.