In a bid to escape the dreary chill of London, four vastly different women find themselves sharing a month-long retreat in a medieval castle, drawn by the allure of wisteria and sunshine. What begins as a simple getaway soon evolves into a life-changing experience as they discover far more than they ever anticipated. Meet the timid Lotty Wilkins, fearful of her overbearing husband; the devoutly sober Rose Arbuthnot; the stern and judgmental Mrs. Fisher; and the stunning yet disillusioned Lady Caroline Dester. Under the warm Italian sun, these richly developed characters embark on a journey of transformation that is as warm, witty, and insightful as the title promises. - Summary by Helen Taylor