Under the Influence by Joyce Manard

While sharing coffee the other day, a few friends and I were discussing the merits of this author. Some had read her previous novels, while others had read about her in the NYT book review. All came away with
mixed feelings. This is my first read of this author.

Helen, a single mother, has recently lost custody of her only son due to her own negligence. She keeps busy by maintaining two occupations. While working as a caterer, she becomes acquainted with entrepreneus Ava and Swift who take her under their wings. Helen is given a great deal of encouragement and other incentives to make her living arrangements better. Helen latches on to this new friendship in hopes that she will be able to regain total custody of her son.

This story poses a different take on "the kindness of strangers". Early on Helen's fiance Elliott suspects that there is more to the generous disposition of Ava and Swift than meets the eye. Helen is totally unprepared for the twist and turns that take place. However, Helen becomes aware of something that has totally escaped everyone's eye and in the end justice prevails.

This is a good read.

Ladybookbug!