Edmund (Ed) and Wilhelmina (Billa) St. Enedoc are sixty- something, siblings, enjoying their quiet retirement on their family estate, Mellinpons. It means "Mill on the bridge" and was an old butter factory that closed in 1939 when men were called up for war. Located in the lovely English countryside, close to the sea, Ed and Billa live quietly and enjoy their closeness to their older step brother, Dom, who lives in a cottage just down the lane.

Billa receives POSTCARDS FROM THE PAST from their wicked step-brother, Tristan. Addressed to both Billa and Ed and signed simply, "Tris," it's a very unwelcome intrusion into their life and one designed to wound and unsettle them, as he did so often 50 years ago. Devious, mean and untruthful, Tristan causes a great deal of trouble but then he unexpectedly disappears without any word or trace.

The cast of characters add a great deal to this plot. It includes Dominic Blake, the older step-brother of Ed and Billa, his god-daughter Tilly who is searching for a job that "will light up her life." She finds Clem, the handsome and delightful young Pastor who comes with a son, Jakey, after his wife died in childbirth; Sir Alex, a client who wants to learn how the internet works; the sisters at Chi- Meur, a local retreat; as well as the lovable dogs.

Marcia Willett writes a heart-warming Cornish story about family, friendship, love and includes dogs for dog lovers like me. The Dogs Tea Party was delightful and it is easy to see Ms. Willett has affection for canines too, She captivates the reader immediately with her inspiring cast of characters. She deftly sprinkles laughter and joy with unpleasant feelings, fears, doubts, a touch of mystery and a sinister character whose motives are revealed slowly to a riveting climax. POSTCARDS FROM THE PAST is an enjoyable read of stories within stories with a measure of intrigue and deception that you will enjoy as much as I did.