Ria and Marilyn have never met - they live thousands of miles apart, separated by the Atlantic Ocean. Ria lives in a big ramshackle house in Tara Road, Dublin, whereas Marilyn lives a work-dominated life in New England. Whilst Ria's life revolves around her family and friends, Marilyn's reserve is born of grief. But when each needs a place to escape to, a house exchange seems an ideal solution.Along with the borrowed houses come neighbours, gossip and speculation as Ria and Marilyn swap lives for the summer. By the time Ria and Marilyn eventually meet, they find they find that they have altered the course of each other's lives for ever.'An irresistible tale' Elle