Louise, unsure of herself, after a tragic bereavement. applies for temporary caring posts at a job agency. She's a reliable and valuable person who gradually learns to face up to her fears and deal, in a positive way, with her grief.

This is fifth in the author's 'Perthshire' series, following on from 'The Wedding Gift'. Cass, who was the main protagonist in that, is the head of the employment agency in this book, and becomes friendly with Louise. It's not necessary to have read that first, as this book stands alone, but I like the way Raife weaves into her novels a little about characters she has introduced in earlier books.

Overall I thought 'Among Friends' very readable (and re-readable, fifteen years after first reading it) and enjoyable. Definitely recommended to anyone who likes women's fiction with some depth. ( )