A thoroughly enjoyable historical romp, well-researched, elegantly written

An absorbing read

The novelist's own passion for and dedication to her subject translates into an easy - and enjoyable - historical romp

A novel of compelling power. Her habitually careful craftsmanship and sumptuous prose fit the elegance and high drama of the period

[Langley] brings Denon and his world thrillingly and charmingly to life

Langley's achievement is that her own fascination with him is shared by the reader

An effective historical mystery story and an affecting emotional drama

No author marries heartbreak and hilarity so seamlessly

Funny, tender and completely absorbing

Charming, funny and poignant. But also profound, heartbreaking

Keyes at her best: capturing everyday voices with humour and empathy with writing that you'll devour in a weekend. Just pure and simple joy

High quality entertainment

It takes real talent to make a reader laugh and cry … the story will stay with you long after you've read the last page

Keyes writes brilliantly, as always, about love, grief, jealousy and friendship

The jokes are as good as ever, Keyes' large cast of Irish and American characters fizz and crackle off the page. High quality entertainment

The novel is a rare blend of genres, a richly enjoyable satire and an inspirational tale of one woman's triumph over despair