Bill and Jackie S

Seven Days of Us by Francesca Hornak is a light, enjoyable read which is ironic considering the serious and dramatic issues that each of the four family members must confront.

Ms. Hornak's writing is reminiscent of Maeve Binchey in both style and subject. A group of people (in this case a family) faces a problem or problems which finally enables them to change or grow or get on with their lives. Giving each character their own chapters allows us to get to know them more intimately especially through their inner monologues and various dialogues. Their words are somewhat clipped and to the point and it's the words themselves which gives the reader insight into each character's motivation and thought processes.

This family is not particularly likeable in the beginning, rather shallow and self-involved, and their secrets and dilemmas seem a little unbelievable to handle in seven days. However, Ms. Hornak manages to move the story along in such a way that when it is over, everything is revealed and we see growth in each character.

All in all, this book is a good example of a fast paced family drama with enough twists and turns to make the reader want to continue to the end.