Dear Great Book Guru, We have just had an interesting week of holidays: Lunar New Year, Valentine’s Day, Presidents’ Day, and Mardi Gras. Yes… all in one week!  Now that the festivities are winding down, I am looking for a novel - one with a good story line, generations of characters, and a lovely setting.  Any ideas?   Happy Holiday Enthusiast

Dear Happy Holiday Enthusiast, A long time ago I read a book that I enjoyed immensely and meets all your criteria: FAMILY ALBUM by Penelope Lively. The story opens in the present time as a young couple drive up to Allersmeade - a lovely somewhat shabby Edwardian family home outside London. They are greeted by Alison and Charles - parents of six grown children, each with an interesting story. Always present, always in the background is the family au pair/housekeeper, Ingrid. The story line swings back from present to past and back again many times.  We are there when Alison and Charles meet and decide to marry. We are present at the many elegant family parties Alison orchestrates, and we are there when the secrets that color the family ‘s history are finally revealed.  Throughout, we have Allersmeade - and Alison’s dream of a perfect home for the perfect family – obviously, the recipe for the perfect nightmare.  This is a fast weekend read, but a story you will find hard to forget. Highly recommended!