The Last Reunion

This mildly diverting sequel to The Chosen Ones continues Hylton's portrayal of a group of friends who first met at an exclusive British boarding school. Lovely, fiercely independent Nancy follows her beloved Noel through the harsh politics of the Middle East as a foreign correspondent. Maisie pursues the life of farm and hearth while worrying over a problem daughter. Spoiled, exotically beautiful Barbara has everything she wants, then risks it all for a foolish affair. And ethereal Amelia, Lady Garveston, having sacrificed her late-found passionate love for the sake of her children, hides behind the genteel facades of the brandy bottle and her social position. The novel is engaging and well-paced, if overburdened by lengthy characterizations, especially those of minor American characters who sound jarringly British. Many conceits are simply left to hang, useless and anticlimactic, like the shadowy fifth friend, Lois, whose importance, not to mention her suicide, is never explained. (Sept.)