Scarlet Feather is part of a series of books by Maeve Binchy set in a neighborhood of Dublin, Ireland.

Cathy Scarlet and Tom Feather met in culinary arts classes. Now they have formed their own catering service called Scarlet Feather, complete with new branding and lots of tasty and unique dishes. This story covers their first year in operation: with its many ups and downs, and with moments of tough decision-making. In fact, it's almost a lesson in what it takes to start and to successfully run a small business.

But of course, the story is much more than this, because Binchy weaves tales featuring memorable characters at every turn. And we're sure to expect that sometime, somewhere, at least one independent woman will surface on the scene.

Both Cathy and Tom have support in their endeavors from their significant others, as well as from family members and friends. Tom's beautiful girlfriend Marcella works in a department store nail salon but is aiming for a career in modeling. All she needs is a chance, she believes. Cathy's husband, Neil Mitchell, is a busy lawyer who specializes in helping people in need, such as the homeless and refugees. He works late hours. The Mitchells have always been well off. In fact, Cathy's mother used to be a maid who scrubbed floors for Neil's parents. So there's tension between the two families.

And then we meet Simon and Maud, a pair of 9-year-old twins whose parents are temporarily incapacitated and cannot take care of them. It may be up to Cathy and Neil to rescue them, since they are technically Mitchells. The trouble is that Simon and Maud are quite the handful. They have no boundaries. They can be inquisitive to the point of intrusion and exasperation. Who is going to be able to handle such an incorrigible pair of children? Who has the time?

Still, surrounded by personal dramas, both inside and outside the kitchen, Scarlet Feather somehow keeps providing good food to a variety of clients. We keep reading to find out what will happen next for this business, for Cathy and Tom and for their partners, and yes, even for young Simon and Maud.

Scarlet Feather picks up a few characters from its predecessor, Tara Road. And Binchy's follow-up book to this one, Quentins, includes appearances by the Scarlet Feather caterers, as well as by those bothersome yet adorable twins, Simon and Maud.

These are engaging, entertaining, and satisfying books. Want to read about the people who live in a community that is different from yours? (Or maybe, NOT so different?) Read these books in order for best results.