Rating: 
Summary: I loved it!
Review: I loved this book!I was so sad to hear that it would be her last. I loved that she included so many of Scarlett and Tom's relatives. It gave us better insight into them. I thought that the format was great too. It kept us up to date on all the characters, Marcella, Hannah, Muttie and Lizzy and the twins. The character were better developed than some of her other books. I would recommend this to anyone who really enjoys entering the characters lives.
Rating: 
Summary: A VERY disappointed Maeve Binchy fan
Review: What an utter disappointment. All of Maeve Binchy's previous books have been relaxing, comforting, and enjoyable -- 'Scarlet Feather' was none of those. I found it extremely stressful to read, because Cathy Scarlet's life was such utter chaos and she created such unease, tension, and stress about her. I was entirely unsympathetic to her and the fact that she was such a wimp to her husband and mother-in-law. Aside from the fact that she kept her own name after marriage (FINALLY!!!!! I thought I was the only woman on the planet with the self-worth and independence to do this!!!!) and putting some manners on those utterly appalling children, I did NOT like her and could not stand how stressful she made her life. The writing was disjointed, the stories were hard to follow, the characters were difficult to relate to or empathize with, awful things kept happening to everyone, and unlike Maeve Binchy's past books, which I found difficult to put down, I only forced myself to read this one through to see if it got better ... and it didn't. I definitely do NOT recommend this book if you read to relax.
Rating:
Summary: A very disappointed Maeve Binchy fan
Review: What a total disappointment. Maeve Binchy's books are always so relaxing, comforting and enjoyable, and this one was none of those things. I found it extremely stressful to read and unlike her other books, which I found hard to put down, I dreaded reading this one and only did so to find out if it actually got better as the book went along. Cathy Scarlet's life was SUCH utter chaos and I found myself feeling no sympathy or empathy with her at all. Aside from FINALLY having a strong, independent female character who, like me, kept her own name after marriage (the best part of the whole book!!!! I thought I was practically the only woman on the planet who had the confidence, independence and self-worth to do this!!!!), I was disgusted with the fact that Cathy Scarlet was such a wimp to her husband and mother-in-law, said she didn't want kids then changed her mind, and aside from putting some manners on those appalling children, didn't seem to be able to do anything else except create chaos and tension and unease around her. I never thought I would dislike a Maeve Binchy book, but I certainly wouldn't recommend this one if you read to relax.
Rating:
Summary: Binchy's Characters Cater to Readers
Review: When I taught lit crit, I would have my students track the interrelationships of the characters in a novel. What an exercise that would be for Scarlet Feather! The family and friends of Cathy Scarlet and Tom Feather are indeed numerous and complicated, both in their feelings toward the two protagonists and in their demands on them. And all Cathy and Tom want to do is realize their dream of establishing a successful catering business. In order to attain this goal, however, Cathy and Tom must overcome extensive obstacles, and not just those of opening a business. Their challenges include coping with a hypercritical mother=in-law, irritating twins, a thieving cousin, a secretive accountant, an ambitious girlfriend, and an insensitive husband. Furthermore, as if meeting financial obligations isn't enough, they also have to deal with mystery, miscarriage, snobbery, and their own naivete. Maeve Binchy's novel spans one year in the course of Cathy and Tom's endeavors, and there are some aspects here in which Binchy has excelled. We can admire her attempt to balance the personality traits of Cathy's temper and lack of tact with Tom's optimism and quick thinking. Both are hurting in their love lives; both have relatives who cause them to agonize. Through the storyline, Cathy seems to grow more than Tom but their bond is well-developed. Other characters are memorable, as well: Neil, Cathy's husband, is really unlikable due to his insensitivity and self-centeredness, whereas Walter, Neil's cousin, is a stinker from beginning to end. Many of the characters do, in fact, seem to grow by story's end, such as Neil's mother, Tom's girlfriend Marcella, the accountant, and the twins. Their own stories, if developed further, would unfortunately stretch the book. We can also enjoy Binchy's subplots of mystery, mayhem, evil, lost loves and unrealized dreams, which again enrich the storyline as well as extend it. On the other hand, there are several areas I find less appealing. For instance, in spite of the difficulties Cathy and Tom must overcome, they do seem to achieve remarkable success very quickly. The twins are not all that endearing to me, in spite of their pitiful circumstances. The mystery of the premises is just thrown in and then out. Dublin seems quite small town-ish. And at least two apparently misplaced paragraphs in plot threw me (an oversight in the editing process?). Finally, I question the believability of a social worker so easily allowing the twins to live with a gambler. Despite the novel's shortcomings, however, I enjoyed reading it so much that I read late into the night. I really cared about Tom and Cathy, Muttie and Lizzie, Marcella, and some others. It is on further reflection that I have realized some of the novel's flaws. Even so, I realize I have continued to think about the characters. I enjoyed being taken back to Ireland again. I have read several of Binchy's books and consider this to be as good as, if not better than, Tara Road.
Rating: 
Summary: a real bore
Review: What happened to Maeve Binchy? Her latest book does not compare with her others and I cannot reccomend it as a good read.
Rating: 
Summary: smashing read
Review: could-not-put-down-until-it-was-finished.engages the reader right from the start, plots seem to develop and merge fluidly, well- fleshed out characters, really makes an enjoyable weekend/ holiday read. My sister had a catering business for a year too, and Maeve's description of Tom and Cathy's struggles were realistic yet sympathetic. Love the precocious twins, they balance the greyer characters and side-plots e.g. the unforgiving modelling/fashion scene, the lonely old accountant, career-mistress etc., plot never loses its pace, yet throws in some pleasant, if unlikely surprises, e.g. the incorrigible gambler winning big-time. also deliciously restrained in handling Tom and Cathy's relationship.Read it, be comforted and entertained.
Rating: 
Summary: Not an easy time- for the characters OR the reader
Review: Out of all books: 4 stars. Out of Maeve Binchy's books: 2 stars.I hate writing a review for Ms. Binchy that is less than glowing. Her books have always been a huge comfort for me- while not difficult to read, they took me days to finish, and I got transported into whatever small village she centered a particular book around. I re-read them every year. I adore them. I was so excited to hear about 'Scarlet Feather'- the page count alone promised wonderful things! I thought 'Tara Road' was just wonderful and truly inspirational and couldn't wait for more. This book was so disappointing. It's full of many characters and the story does not focus on just one. It's hard to keep up because unlike her past books, Ms. Binchy does not devote chapters or even pages to certain events taking place- instead she devotes one or two paragraphs, then jumps to another place and time and set of characters. It's so frustrating! There is no opportunity for the reader to become emotionally attached to any one characters or situation with this particular style. While I was never a huge fan of the books that separated characters into chapters, it was much preferable to the way in which Binchy jumps around in this book. The worst part of the book was that the characters just do not triumph. They continually hit obstacles and deal with others who belittle them (often for no reason) and make life hard. Over and over this happens and although I know the characters will triumph at the end of the book, it's so hard to read hundreds of pages full of nothing but arguments and injustice. It's so emotionally draining for those who read Binchy's books and cannot help but being swept away in them. These people just do *not* get a break, and it's really hard to tolerate after a while. At least in 'Tara Road', the main characters grew as a result of their hardships. There was progress being made. Overall, I will say that this book is worth reading, simply because it's by Binchy and no matter what the subject matter, the book will be great and worth the time invested. But it's not Binchy's best, by a long shot. Read it, just know that your heart may break for these characters over and over, and justice is not swift or sweet.
Rating:
Summary: A big disappointment
Review: I enjoyed many of Maeve Binchy's novels and was eagerly awaiting this one as well. However, I must say it was extremely disappointing, especially in view of her other books. The characters were uninteresting and the storyline was dull and boring. This novel was really below par for someone of Ms. Binchy's writing abilities.
Rating:
Summary: Well I won't have to read any more of Binchys' books
Review: Too slow, painstaking!.
Rating:
Summary: Binchy does it again!
Review: I got so absorbed in this book that I stayed up until 5 am to read all of it! Loved the three-dimensional characters and the fact that no one was entirely good or bad. Agree with other readers that some of minor characters were a bit confusing (Who was Con again??) but that wasn't crucial. I liked the feminist theme and thought that she portrayed the conflicts of Cathy and Marcella very well. Cathy was a winner always and Marcella a victim, but one who grew with the story. Story provided excellent view of old and current class stratification in Ireland, with addition of how those who emigrated to US saw Ireland. I liked the fact that this book was more dense than Tara Road, but not quite as hard-going as Copper Beech. And, unlike some of her earliest ones, not depressing. I'll miss her!
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