On This Day — Melody Carlson

As One Marriage Begins,
Five Others Are Put to the Test.

Drawn to Lakeside Inn from a variety of locations as diverse as they are, Elizabeth Anderson, Suzette Burke, Ingrid Campbell, Margaret Simpson, and Laura Fairbanksâ€"the bride's aunt, family friend, bridesmaid, grandmother of the bride, and sister of the groomâ€"seemingly share little more than their collective joy for the couple marrying at the mountain resort. During the course of one unforgettable day, however, each woman reaches a point of reckoning in her own most intimate relationship.

As their stories unfold, the women of necessity turn to one anotherâ€"upholding each other through the pain of postpartum depression, doubts about an upcoming wedding, the discovery of a husband's affair, reflections on the ups and downs of life as a war bride, and plans to end a 25-year marriage. Through it all, their connection with one another deepens and grows, as does their understanding of themselves and of the healing power of love, perseverance, and friendship.