Ned and Isabel are newly married and have to learn that falling in love is easy, while staying in love takes work. Isabel and Ned want romance in their new marriage, neither is ready to confront their past sexual relationships. Isabel and Ned are newly married and want a storybook kind of romance. Ned has snagged a fellowship and is completing a book manuscript. He also has money and is and able to afford to show his bride new and exotic places. They are two creatives who have the world in their hands, but happiness is threatened when they come face-to-face with human attributes of jealousy and insecurity.
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Ned's confidence allows him to chat up a wide variety of people with ease. Isabel notices the attention women give him and it makes her ill at ease. In London, one of their first stops as a married couple Isabel shuts down sexually. Ned isn't used to this and especially not from the woman he adores. It isn't his fault his handsome looks easy manner are a lady magnet.
Just as quickly as Isabel turned off she is suddenly amorous and Ned is quick to oblige her needs.
When they meet an older couple Dinah and Clive Harris they decide that they want the magic the couple exudes. Trying hard to pull herself out of a depressive funk Isabel goes back and forth about being touched sexually. Ned can't get a clear read. She is moody, sullen and often jealous of things he sees as trivial.
Clive and Ned share a Godfather-son type relationship and Clive explains what has kept him and Dinah so close for many years. It is their willingness to forgive past transgressions and to accept that for them love can be found in more than one person at a time. Clive notes that their way of living may not be for everyone.
Isabel and Dinah also share confidences. Dinah had been determined to have as much sex as possible as a young woman and did so without regret. She gives Isabel valuable advice: trust yourself.
As Isabel and Ned vow to work on their marriage and love life, they also learn that love takes communication and understanding. They have received guidance from a couple who enjoy the life they have chosen to make together, and things are looking better for the newlyweds.
Best part of story, including ending:
I liked that Clive an older man with a successful marriage is able to talk sense into self-centered Ned.
Best scene in story:
My favorite scene was with Isabel and Dinah, Clives wife who holds nothing back about her sexual past.
Opinion about the main character:
I disliked Ned's sexist attitude.
