The Narrowboat Summer

I'm giving this 5 stars because it is lovely, quiet, thoughtful and thought-provoking, and tender. It isn't trying to be something else, so it seems unfair to give it less because I'm comparing it to books with more action or cleverness. It transported me to a new world of canals and locks and narrowboats, along with endearing characters and pleasant scenery. I appreciated the women at mid-life, reassessing their choices, and the subculture community on the canals. Readers have to suspend disbelief at the premise bringing these characters together, but if you do, it's a cozy trip, which is just what I needed.