After a breakup, a Manhattan gallery owner takes in tenants at her West Village brownstone.

Francesca, 35, has to admit that her future with live-in boyfriend Todd is nil. But after Todd moves out, how to pay the mortgage on the old house they were rehabbing on Charles Street, and prop up the failing finances of the gallery they once co-owned? Francesca's father, a famous artist, invests in the gallery, and Francesca advertises for roommates. Her mother, Thalia, a 60-something jetsetter, is too busy hunting husband No. 6 to help with anything beyond undermining her daughter's self-esteem. Soon the house is occupied by a group that fast becomes Francesca's surrogate family: Eileen, a 20-something transplant from San Diego, is obsessed with meeting men on the Internet. Marya, a newly widowed famous food writer, needs a New York pied-à-terre and, often aided by flirtatious French chef Charles-Edouard, cooks fabulous meals in Francesca's tiny kitchen. Chris, a graphic designer, is shell-shocked by struggles with his ex-wife, Kim, who managed to get joint custody of son Ian despite the fact that she's a heroin addict. Ian, a third grader, twice saved his mother from overdosing. Ian relishes his brief visits at Charles Street, especially when Marya makes him Mickey Mouse pancakes. Eileen's latest online conquest, Brad, a tattooed biker type, is obviously trouble, but her roommates' respect for her privacy has disastrous consequences. After Kim lands in jail for manslaughter after a fellow addict ODs in Ian's presence, Francesca learns Chris and his ex represented a failed merger of two of the nation's most powerful political families. Chris, attracted by Francesca's comparative normalcy, impulsively kisses her. Wouldn't Thalia be thrilled to see her daughter reel in the scion of a dynasty more illustrious than the Kennedys? But Francesca insists they are just friends.

 

When Francesca's relationship with her longtime boyfriend ends, she stands to lose the art gallery and the house they co-owned. But she comes up with financial plans to keep the business and the house by making sacrifices—selling some cherished original artwork and taking in boarders. Despite her opinionated mother's fears and objections, Francesca allows three strangers into her beloved home: Eileen is a young schoolteacher with a penchant for online dating; Chris is a quiet father trying to gain sole custody of his young son; and Marya is a recently widowed famous cookbook author. Over the course of a year, the housemates coalesce into a surrogate family, supporting one another through good times and bad. VERDICT In best-selling author Steel's (Family Ties) latest novel, the lives of the supporting cast members are far more compelling than her protagonist's, and reading about their challenges and successes is a sufficiently entertaining way to spend some time. Steel also touches on difficult social issues, such as abusive relationships and drug abuse.—Samantha J. Gust, Niagara Univ. Lib., NY

After her boyfriend and business partner leaves her, Manhattan art dealer Francesca Thayer is forced to take in boarders in order to save her beloved home. In short order, she rents out rooms to Eileen, a young teacher; Marya, a famous chef; and Chris, an attractive single father. They all become close friends, but their lives remain chaotic. Eileen falls in love with tattooed men, Marya has a persistent, married suitor, and Chris gains full custody of his son as his ex-wife becomes increasingly erratic. Along the way, Francesca stops worrying about what might have been, and becomes more involved in the world around her—romances, plumbing problems, and all. While addressing the recession, the lethal danger of Internet dating, and the evils of drug abuse, Steel keeps the tone gentle and soothing in this warm, cozy tale about the triumph of love, friendship, and second chances. (Apr.)