This is a very good follow up to Chan's first novel: The Mill River Recluse. Having said that, it is not necessary to read that novel to enjoy this one. 
This is a novel about families, their connections and what happens when those connections seem irrevocably broken. 
The novel focuses on one woman, a widow, raising two daughters and follows them through the years. 
At first, it was hard to like the 'bad' sister, but that changes as more of the history of these women is revealed. 
A solid second novel from Chan and one that fans of Jan Karon's Mitford series will enjoy. 

I recieved this book courtesy of Random House for a fair and honest review.