Minding Frankie by Maeve Binchy

I can't believe I've only review one other Maeve Binchy on this blog!  I've read all 16 of her novels!  Hmm. Well, if you haven't read her, you must but make sure you start at her first because she uses past characters in her later novels and you'll get a much better feel for the people if you start at the beginning (but it isn't necessary...just recommended).

So, Minding Frankie.  This one is about a cast of characters that come together to help raise an semi-orphaned baby girl.  Frankie's mother - Stella -  is dying of cancer and pregnant at the same time.  She contacts the father, Noel, to tell him first, that he's going to be a daddy and second that she wants him to take the baby when she dies (which will happen while giving birth).  This obviously comes as a shock to Noel who for want of a better term is a raging drunk.  Finally realizing his life is going nowhere, Noel sees that Frankie is a chance at a better life.  He thus sobers up, enrolls in school and begins rebuilding.  Unfortunately, nothing is easy and it "takes a village".  The many other cast of characters in this book prove to be exactly what Maeve Binchy always invents:  Neighbors / lifesavers / best friends / family that have always been there but never acknowledged. 

A really good book.  Probably my least favorite of Binchy's most recent books but still a really good read.  I'll always recommend Maeve for her feel good, wish-I-lived-in-Ireland book!