Ties That Bind is the fifth Cobbled Court Quilts novel.  It is recommended that readers read the previous four books as they provide the background on the supporting characters, but the book does stand alone.  Marie Bostwick writes her stories from multiple characters’ perspectives and each chapter is labeled accordingly.  This could be annoying to some, but it works well here.

This is not a fast paced novel, yet still compelling.  Almost from the beginning, the characters invite readers into their lives.  Crying, laughter, anger and perhaps empathy should not be unexpected.  Although much of the plot was unsurprising, the story still had its tense moments.  A nice read that is reminiscent of the Mitford series, but much more interesting.

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  None

Viloence/Gore:  Physician removes bloody lab coat; character shoves another; character knees another in the groin.

Sex/Nudity:  Married characters embrace and kiss; married character puts arm around non-married character; unmarried character is pregnant; married character attempts to force affections on non-married character, two page encounter with brief description of tongue in mouth and wandering hands; non-married characters embrace, kiss and walk arm in arm; artificial insemination discussed with some detail, including words like semen and fertilization.

Mature Subject Matter:

Death of family member, death of friend, infertility, divorce, infidelity, custody disputes.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

Adult character addicted to drugs in past and entered rehab multiple times; teen smokes a cigarette; adult characters consume small quantities of alcohol.