'What a lovely writer. Clever, compassionate and superbly skilled, she writes about her characters so poignantly and perceptively that few can match her.' Elizabeth Buchan, bestselling author of Revenge of the Middle-Aged Woman A woman rediscovers meaning in life - a rich and deeply satisfying novel by the bestselling author of The Art of Mending and Open House. When Betta Nolan's husband dies, she honours a promise she made to him to move to a small town and start a new life. Without minimizing her great sorrow, she nevertheless attempts to find pleasure on a daily basis. The Year of Pleasures is about deliberately acknowledging the solace found in ordinary things- a warm bath, good food, the beauty of nature, music, art found in museums and in gardens. Above all, it is about the various kindnesses people can and do offer one another. Betta's journey from grief to joy is an inspiring reminder of what is available to us all, regardless of our life circumstances. It suggests that no matter who we lose, life can still give bountifully to those who will receive.