Interesting light novel set in Geneva, plot-based rather than character driven. Basically chick-lit for older women, but quite fun. ( )

Opening Sentence: '…Eight o'clock in the morning seemed early for a social call, even in Geneva.…’

I enjoy Transita publications (now sadly defunct) and read them whenever I can get my hands on them. To say that 'An Old-Fashioned Arrangement is Chick Lit is a bit of an insult to the author - it is really much more than that. There is romance, suspense, humour and pathos. And then there is the moral dilemma of the main character, Kim.

Kim is married to Richard - who is a bit dodgy. They often have to leave a country in a hurry as his underhanded schemes get discovered. As the story opens they are in Geneva, and it looks like Richard is up to no good once more. Only this time he is believed to be dead - he was on a plane that crashed in Indonesia. Kim is in dire straits - Richard has cleaned out their accounts, and his employers have told her to move out of the company apartment. No money, no job and a twelve year old son in a private school. What it the new widow to do? Enter Henri the apartment owner. He has admired Kim for a while and he offers her an alternative, to be his mistress. All she is expected to do is sleep with him on Thursday nights. Kim likes Henri but this is something quiet different. When push comes to shove and she realises there is no other source of income she takes him up on his offer.

Now many would sneer at her decision, but none of us are perfect, and a mother does what she can to protect her child. Kim comes over as a very believable character, she starts off as a very gullable, weak and dependent woman but shows that she is made of sterner stuff by the end of the book. Different drama's get thrown at her - the death of Richard is just the first - but she overcomes all obstacles in her search for a secure life and loving relationship.

I do like the way the author has given us a heroine that is mature, not afraid to cry, ready to laugh, looking for love and above all protects her child. She has spent her married life putting husband first, surely now it is time to put herself first?

Suzie Vereker has written other books - will keep my eye out for them ( )