This is not going to be a read for everyone, for a start this is a long book that may try the patience of some readers. We learn of Jessie's low self esteem and blindness when it comes to preparing for the future of her business, Ferdia's coming of age, Nell living to rue her decision to get married far too quickly without really knowing Liam, the schism with Jessie's dead husband's family, and Cara's body issues and eating disorders that she is determined to hide from everyone. The past includes family get togethers for Easter at an upmarket hotel, the fraught wedding anniversary celebrations of the Casey brothers dreadful parents, Canice and Rose, Jessie's birthday, the humiliation and laughter that ensues at a murder mystery weekend, poorly catered for by the hotel that organises it, a Tuscany family holiday and attendance at a festival. The narrative then goes back six months to arrive at the present.

The book opens with Johnny's birthday dinner where the whole family is in attendance, Cara is suffering from a recent head injury and concussion, as a result out of her mouth pour out unfiltered truths and secrets that rock the entire family, leaving them aghast and broken. Liam has two children from his previous marriage to Paige.

The smarmy, less than truthful and sleazy Liam has just got married to the free spirited, humanitarian and compassionate Nell with her pink hair, working as a theatre set designer. Easy going Ed is married to his beloved Cara, who works at the Ardglass Hotel business, handling difficult customers with ease, they have two children. She is the big family earner with her exotic grocery business, and she funds the family get togethers that are at the heart of this novel, family is the most important thing that matters to her.

The good looking Johnny is the second husband of the powerhouse of energy that is Jessie, with two children from her previous marriage, and three with Johnny. Marian Keyes immersed me into the life and times of the Casey Family, three brothers, their assorted marriages, children and families. Sometimes serendipity strikes and you find yourself reading the right book at the right time, this was a case in point, after some dark reads this lighthearted and amusing Irish family drama was the perfect antidote that I needed.

Grown ups keyes