Alice Hoffman

As a result of a blood transfusion a young gifted 11-yr-old girl contracts AIDS.The story portrays the complex reactions of Amanda's mother, brother and grandparents, as well as those of the New England community in which they live.

From 1778 to the present day, the wooden farmhouse on a spit of land in Massachusetts has been home to the Hadley family. A community of steady men, wayward boys and women who make jam. Since the 1950's, when summer visitors take over the countryside, the house can barely hold all its ghosts.

Rain rebels against her destiny to become queen of a tribe of warrior women. In their struggle for survival in a harsh environment, the warriors have held their power through violence, but Rain looks for a new way, through friendship and love.

As she progresses from childhood to womanhood, Gretel Samuelson picks her way through the tragedies and absurdities of everyday family life.

Two sisters brought up by elderly aunts in a world of spells and exotica, are brought together years later by strange circumstances.

In the summer of 1959 Nora moves into a quiet suburb on Long Island with her two young sons, a collection of Elvis records and a marked absence of husband. Her glamour and cheerfully chaotic ways immediately arouse the suspicions of the neighbourhood.

New Yorker Lucy Rosen and her son move to Verity, Florida, determined to start a new life.