*** 1/2
Whitethorn Woods by Maeve Binchy
(2007, Knopf)

Maeve Binchy is among my favourite ChickLit authors. I must confess, however, I didn’t start reading Binchy until I exhausted the collections of my other favourite Irish authors, including Sheila O’Flanagan and Marianne Keyes. 

As such, you may find that I am reviewing some of her older books in ChickLitChickFlick.com. 

Whitethorn Woods was picked up just before Christmas and while I didn’t realize it at the time of purchase, it was perfect holiday reading.  That’s because Whitethorn Woods is a collection of vignettes that are tied up up at the end.  During the holidays, I rarely have time to devour a novel whole, I’m usually nibbling it, so this was a good choice. 

The stories are set in the Irish town of Rossmore where a proposed highway threatens to ruin the town and a local shrine.  The tales range from those of young woman looking for love to those of older women who have realized that friendship is worth more than love to a woman who has her ex-lover’s new love murdered. Some stories are sweet, others sad and others dark.  Binchy offered tightly written, indulgent stories that were perfectly suited for holiday reading.  I realize, however, that short stories are not for everyone.  That’s precisely why Whitethorn Woods didn’t earn ****. 

For most ChickLitChickFlick fans, however, this will be a satisfying read – especially if you’re looking for something to dip in and out of between holiday soirees.