A perfect arrangement

by Suzanne Berne

"Mirella and Howard Cook-Goldman are living the American dream - two careers, two kids, a golden retriever, a historic colonial home in a quaint New England village - and it's a nightmare. Both children are troubled, the house is a wreck, Howard's architectural career has stalled just as Mirella's law practice is taking off. Plus the au pair just quit.". "Then one damp spring morning, sweet, eager Randi Gill appears on their doorstep, the ideal nanny. Armed with impeccable references from a top child-care placement agency, fresh from teaching Sunday school, Randi cooks, bakes, cleans, and does arts and crafts. She even makes her own play dough. The children fall in love with her, especially silent little Jacob. It's not long before Randi has charmed the whole neighbourhood.". "So why do Mirella and Howard each harbor misgivings about the growing attachment between Randi and the children? And why, amid such cozy domestic order, does their marriage suddenly seem to be falling apart?"--BO