Beth Gutcheon Knihy

Set against the backdrop of a summer cottage in coastal Maine, the story explores the complexities of love, marriage, and family legacy. As the children grapple with the emotional scars and valuable lessons inherited from their parents, they embark on a journey of reconciliation. This poignant narrative delves into the challenges of discerning between the wounds and treasures bequeathed to them, highlighting themes of healing and understanding within familial bonds.

A mysterious murder unfolds in a school setting where a teacher known for their excessive chatter is found dead. The narrative dives into the lives of students and faculty, revealing secrets, motives, and hidden tensions among them. As the investigation progresses, the story explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the impact of gossip, leading to unexpected twists and a gripping resolution.

Martha Gaver faces unexpected challenges when her ex-husband's estate is managed by Charlie, the lawyer from their contentious divorce. As they navigate their new realities alongside their teenage children, they discover surprising similarities that challenge their preconceived notions. The narrative blends humor and emotion, exploring themes of love, loss, and the possibility of rekindling connections, ultimately revealing that opposites can indeed attract in the most unexpected ways.

Loviah French owns a boutique dress shop in Manhattan. She has two best friends: Dinah - a columnist covering New York's wealthiest - and Avis - a prominent figure in the art world. Despite the deep affection they both feel for Loviah, Dinah and Avis have been allergic to one another since an incident decades earlier that has been remembered and resented. But when a marriage means that Dinah and Avis must set aside their differences, Loviah must manage her two friends' secrets as wisely as she can.

Set against the backdrop of the mid-sixties, five prep-school girls navigate a world of privilege while confronting the upheavals of the Vietnam War, the women's movement, and the sexual revolution. As they experience luxurious trips and social events, their lives are transformed by the clash of old traditions and emerging societal changes. Through this journey, they lose their innocence, cultivate a social conscience, and explore their sexuality, ultimately evolving into women defined by the tumultuous era around them.

Set in the coastal town of Dundee, Maine, the narrative unfolds through Hannah Gray's reflections on her tumultuous romance with Conary Crocker, the town's notorious bad boy. As she recounts their passionate summer, the story intertwines with a century-old marriage, exploring themes of love and loss across two distinct eras. Hannah's poignant memories reveal the complexities of true love, likening it to ghosts—often spoken of but rarely witnessed. This evocative tale captures the enduring impact of love on one's life.

The narrative centers on five distinct women, each grappling with their pasts and seeking new beginnings at a health spa called "Fat Chance." Their diverse backgrounds—a lively octogenarian, a private investigator, a mother-daughter duo, and a widowed politician's wife—create a rich tapestry of experiences. As they shed societal labels, they form unexpected friendships, highlighting the connections between wealth and hardship, and the serendipity of life. Through humor and hope, the story explores themes of resilience and the pursuit of dreams.

Set against the backdrop of mid-life transitions, Rue Shaw grapples with the impending changes as her daughter leaves home and her marriage faces challenges. The narrative explores the fragility of happiness and the tensions within a close-knit community undergoing societal shifts. With humor and rich detail, the novel delves into themes of love, faith, and the desire for stability amidst inevitable change. Beth Gutcheon's storytelling reveals the beauty found in everyday life and the complexities of human relationships.

Set against the backdrop of World War II, the story follows Sydney Brant, a wealthy girl who marries Danish pianist Laurus Moss as the Nazis invade Denmark. Their love faces the harsh realities of war, particularly as Laurus's family becomes involved in the courageous efforts to save Denmark's Jewish population. Meanwhile, Sydney navigates life in America, contributing to the war effort through knitting and motherhood. The narrative intertwines personal sacrifice with the broader themes of resilience and resistance during a tumultuous period in history.