Nights of Rain and Stars by Maeve Binchy

Basic plot

Four strangers on holiday in picturesque Greece, all escaping from their problems and past, are thrown together after the sleepy seaside town of Aghia Anna suffers a great tragedy. Thomas, a professor from America, Elsa, a drop-dead gorgeous German journalist, David, a young man from England and Fiona, a nurse from Ireland find themselves quickly forming an easy friendship with each other and the locals. As the town bands together in sorrow, these visitors also find strength in themselves and each other to face their own internal struggles.

Rating: 4/5

My full review here.

Whitethorn Woods by Maeve Binchy

Basic plot

In a quaint Irish town called Rossmore lies a the answer to everyones prayers and wishes, well, sort of. Deep in Whitethorn Woods is a well dedicated to St Ann (mother to Mary/grandmother to Jesus). Many people believed that the well was capable of making the wishes of the townsfolk come true. Almost as many as those who thought it was just a load of superstitious pagan nonsense. The town is split in half when a new road set to bring progress is planned to go right through Whitethorn wood and St Ann's Well. The lives of the people of Rossmore and their stories are full of surprises, and the well, may be magical after all.

My full review here.

Rating: 4/5

This review is part of Cym Lowell's Book Review Party Wednesday.