Love In Idleness - 'Really charming and inspired' Alison Lurie

'This is a life-affirming read - take it on holiday, but leave the rest of the party at home' The Times'An intelligent and satisfying romantic comedy' Women and HomeAt the Casa Luna, friends and relations of the Noble family gather for fortnight's holiday in the enchanted Italian hills. Daniel, an American academic, is under pressure to marry Ellen, a witty and successful shoe designer. Hermani, doctor and single mother, is intrigued by Ivo - trickster, charmer, critic - the man Ellen most loathes in the world.
Polly, meanwhile, hopes her domineering mother-in-law will help transform her feral children and give her some much-needed time alone with her workaholic husband. But the Casa Luna is a place where strange things happen, and anyone who lives there risks unexpected joys and sorrows...