Walking Back to Happiness

English author Dillon (Lost Dogs and Lonely Hearts) relies heavily on coincidence in her latest, the story of Juliet Falconer, a widow mired in anger and sorrow since her husband Ben's passing 10 months earlier. Juliet continues to live in their unfinished house, reluctant to call the builders for fear of betraying the plans she and her husband had made. As Juliet becomes acquainted with the raucous rock n' roll family next door and their friend, Lorcan Hennessey, who eventually helps Juliet repair her house, she takes on pet-sitting jobs that allow her to return to normalcy and find a romantic connection. Though Juliet's anger is initially off-putting, her transformation back to her likable self makes for a believable transition from grief. Dillon does an excellent job of conveying the depths of her character's loss without letting the story grow tedious. The characters are charming and real, though it's fairly obvious who Juliet will end up falling for. Agency: Inkwell Management. (Dec.)