Rating: 
Summary: Not the book I was hoping for...
Review: After reading all of Maeve Binchy's books, this is the first and only one to disappoint me. I think the reader has to be a fan of short stories, I found out that I am not. I wanted more...every story felt like the beginning of a great book and then...nothing. What a let down.
Rating: 
Summary: Real life characters - moving stories!
Review: As I finished the first few stories in The Return Journey, I was again reminded of why Maeve Binchy is my favorite author, and why I eagerly await her novels. I have to say that I normally avoid collections of stories. They are usually unsatisfying and leave me wanting more. But, I've read her story collections before and know that she makes the characters memorable and the story meaningful, no matter how short the story. I'm about 2/3 of the way through this book and am thoroughly enjoying it! I am an avid reader and tend to be very picky about the books I read. I have to be captivated by the story, the characters and the author's writing style early in the book, or it will be abandoned. Often I wish that all authors had your gift for making the characters come alive and be real to me. Some authors spend paragraphs on end describing the characters' physical features, clothing, etc., but they are never "real." Maeve Binchy doesn't have to say a word about the appearance of her characters. . .I can picture them from her prose. I admire her ability to paint pictures with words, make the people come alive and tell such meaningful stories.
Rating:
Summary: Great - even if you ONLY read novels!
Review: Even if you're a fan only of novels, you'll find this book of short stories completely captivating.
Rating: 
Summary: Formulaic, But An Escape Read
Review: Give Binchy credit, she knows what the public wants, and apparently, it is a lucrative business. But after reading three of her books, the rest become fairly predictable. This collection of shorts is very much thus.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful,realistic stories about people and life in general
Review: I always rush out and buy books by Ms. Binchy as soon as they come out. I have yet to be disappointed. This book is great for reading in airports or when you have short periods of time. The stories are about people and life in general. They are very realistic in the way they show life situations. I could relate to many of the stories personally and through friends and family. If you liked Ms. Binchy's other books of short stories you will love this one.
Rating: 
Summary: Great to read, especially if you like short stories
Review: I found the short stories entertaining and short. I don't care for short stories that go on and on. A good book to take on a short plane or bus trip.
Rating:
Summary: A Nice Change
Review: I had never read a collection of short stories before, by Maeve Binchy or any other author. What a pleasant surprise! The short story format made for a quick read, which is a nice change after reading The Glass Lake! The stories themselves oozed with Maeve Binchy's creative and imaginative style that I have come to enjoy after reading five of her books. Definitely a winner!
Rating:
Summary: A Nice Change
Review: I had never read a collection of short stories before, byMaeve Binchy or any other author. What a pleasant surprise! Theshort story format made for a quick read, which is a nice change after reading The Glass Lake! The stories themselves oozed with Maeve Binchy's creative and imaginative style that I have come to enjoy after reading five of her books. Definitely a winner!
Rating: 
Summary: I was very disappointed in this book.
Review: I have read many of Ms. Binchy's books and really enjoyed them. This one I did not enjoy, as a matter of fact, I was terribly disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Read, a Terrific Listen
Review: I have to admit that I don't read Binchy's novels because I prefer to listen to them on audio book. Her books translate SO marvelously to tape! This unabridged tape set is wonderfully read and the short story is a perfect format for listening. Each story could be turned into a novel. I was instantly involved with the characters and the situations. Even if you don't usually read short stories, if you like Binchy don't miss this collection.
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