This third book in the Mags Munroe series does not disappoint, to say the least. As much as I enjoy Jean Grainger's historical fiction, I hold a special appreciation for this series being set in present day Ireland, as I have been lucky to visit Ireland and can really picture the atmosphere. The story is well paced as usual, and I imagine that this is not only due to the excellent writing skills but also in part to Ms. Grainger's experience as an educator. She is able to explore the character of Mags, Mags' family, and the residents of Ballycarrick, and at the same time touch on topical current events with a truthful and hopeful outlook. This installment blends Mags' career issues, marital relationship, and situations with her daughters, and also deals with extended family issues. Although these may not be the exact same things that I may deal with as a working woman with a family, it is very realistic in the interconnectedness of real life and the challenges of balancing career and family. I always enjoy delving into the quirks of Jean Grainger's characters, stories, and plot twists, but it was great to look back and realize just how smoothly and effortlessly a book of this length was read. I also love the thoughtful, well balanced ways that world concerns are touched on, such as climate change, the pandemic, and the conflict in Ukraine in ways that make me think, but still give me hope. One of my favourite passages: it's "easier to believe everyone is bad, everyone is devious, a liar, mean, cruel, whatever. But they're not. If anything, as a species we're getting kinder. That's why injustice bothers us so much." This book can be read as a standalone book, but is all the richer as part of this wonderful series.