Ellen Woods has lived in a fog of grief since her beloved husband, Nick, died in an auto accident nearly a year ago. Raising her precocious 11-year-old son, Charlie, Ellen cocoons herself in her house, working occasionally (from home) as a freelance copy editor. When she discovers her financial situation is not what she thought, however, Ellen has a rude awakening. Faced with losing her sanctuary, she reluctantly agrees with her younger sister, Hannah, who suggests she take in a few boarders. So three strangers enter Ellen and Charlie's life: Hannah's coworker from Germany, Sabine Neumann, needs temporary housing and is involved in an ugly long-distance fight with her husband; Allegra Howard is a 70-something romance novelist, whose books Ellen has not only edited but used as an escape from her pain; and Matt Bolton, a young man who has just moved to London to work for a men's magazine.

Although Ellen hopes to avoid contact with her lodgers as much as possible (except for Allegra, who she'll be assisting on a new book), she finds it impossible, and gradually, something she actually enjoys. Now the one-year anniversary of Nick's death looms over her and Charlie, and her relationship with Hannah is becoming increasingly strained. Not to mention, she finds herself much too aware of Matt's presence. Still, she remains loyal to the memory of her perfect husband. But was he really the person she remembers?

Most readers will immediately sympathize with Ellen and Charlie, although some may grow impatient with Ellen's passivity as the book goes on. I felt there was a logical explanation for it, ultimately, and I still liked her character. I had more difficulty warming toward Matt but felt he matured toward the end. The "big secret" in the book seemed a bit obvious to me early on. But despite these quibbles, the characters were engaging, there was a good sense of humor despite the focus on Nick's death, and Ellen's journey was compelling. This should appeal to readers who like Grey's Anatomy-type drama -- without the gross medical stuff.