Tiare in Bloom

The front cover hooked me by relating this book to the Number One Ladies Detective Agency series. I can see the resemblance, though this book's characters do a lot more drinking, the men are often less responsible, and there are a lot more references to and discussion about sexuality. I hadn't read any of the other books in the series (Frangipani first and Breadfruit second), so I was delighted to find that I fell right into the book and understood everything that was going on. Pito is a thoughtless and self-absorbed husband to Materena, and their marriage troubles start out this book. Materena is a big radio personality now, and Pito resists celebrating her first year on the radio by going to a restaurant. This and other examples of his lack of thoughtfulness for his wife begin to pile up, and Materena begins to think about divorcing Pito. The turning point in the book comes when Tiare, their baby granddaughter whose parents can't care for her, arrives on their doorstep. The ways in which Pito grows while caring for the little one, and the impact this has on their relationship is so sweet to read about. This is a feel-good book that is perfect for unwinding after a long day. I was very sorry to see the book end and am looking forward very much to the next one. I loved the little witticisms and turns of phrase that did indeed remind me of Mma Ramotswe and her crew.

I have read Celestine Vaite's other two novels and really enjoyed them, but I think this one is the best. It was so fun to read, I was sorry when I finished it.