Meri and her husband Nate are newlyweds on the hunt for a house. When they find a townhouse split with a dignified Washington senator, Nate jumps at the political connection and Meri finds herself entranced with the senator's beautiful wife. This was a fascinating read, just like all of Sue Miller's books. I really, really liked it, and I'll probably reread it within the next few months. I hesitate to explain more, because I think you'll enjoy it more if you aren't given as many clues as to what to expect. It's not a mystery, not a suspense thriller, but it does keep you turning the pages.