44 Charles Street

Library Journal When Francesca's relationship with her longtime boyfriend ends, she stands to lose the art gallery and the house they co-owned. But she comes up with financial plans to keep the business and the house by making sacrifices—selling some cherished original artwork and taking in boarders. Despite her opinionated mother's fears and objections, Francesca allows three strangers into her beloved home: Eileen is a young schoolteacher with a penchant for online dating; Chris is a quiet father trying to gain sole custody of his young son; and Marya is a recently widowed famous cookbook author. Over the course of a year, the housemates coalesce into a surrogate family, supporting one another through good times and bad. VERDICT In best-selling author Steel's (Family Ties) latest novel, the lives of the supporting cast members are far more compelling than her protagonist's, and reading about their challenges and successes is a sufficiently entertaining way to spend some time. Steel also touches on difficult social issues, such as abusive relationships and drug abuse.—Samantha J. Gust, Niagara Univ. Lib., NY