Scotswoman Janet "Jana" Laird, classical musician and sometime fortune-teller, has adapted to her new life in the Indian hill town of Hamara Nagar (introduced in Jana Bibi's Excellent Fortunes). Now, as she prepares to welcome her son, Jack, and his Hungarian fiancée, Katarina, for a visit, Jana sets out to spruce up her stately but dilapidated home. As the renovation project grows in scope and cost, Jana must also find the money to send Tilku, her young Nepali charge, to boarding school, while soothing the moods of her faithful but increasingly grumpy housekeeper, Mary.
Woodman brings back the quirky, warmhearted cast of characters featured in her previous two books, from Jana and Mary to assorted local tradespeople (and Jana's talking parrot, Mr. Ganguly). Set in 1962, the story frequently refers to the period of British rule over India, but skims over the ramifications of the country's independence. Cultural differences between Jana and her Indian friends are also treated with mild humor. The home-renovation project, though occurring in a different country, carries echoes of Peter Mayle's A Year in Provence. While readers will quickly guess the secret Jana's new daughter-in-law is hiding, the eventual revelation is pleasant, as are the hints of potential romance for both Jana and Mary. An impromptu celebration for Jack and Katarina brings the village together for a night of eating and dancing.
Readers of Woodman's previous books and fans of Alexander McCall Smith will enjoy this gently humorous tale, spiced with curry and sweetened with friendship. --Katie Noah Gibson, blogger at Cakes, Tea and Dreams