Joseph Weissmann, aged 78, has fallen in love with Felicity Barrow, a woman half his age. He announces that he is divorcing Betty, age 75, his wife of 40 years. On the advice of his lawyers he has frozen their bank accounts and credit cards, and has denied Betty access to their New York apartment.

This leaves Betty with no financial resources and no home. Betty's wealthy Cousin Lou offers her his vacant beach cottage in Westport, Connecticut. Betty goes into exile with her two middle-aged daughters, Melinda, a literary agent, and Annie, a library director. They have to suffer economic as well as emotional hardships. Melinda suffers bankruptcy when it is revealed that her authors have made up their lurid memoirs. She becomes involved with a young actor with a young son. Annie tries to figure how they can survive, while she finds herself attracted to the brother of her father's mistress,

Based loosely on Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, this is the story of two sisters of entirely opposite personality supporting their capricious mother. Their support of each other is heartwarming to behold. The story is filled with humor and, in some parts, pathos. This is well written with the characters real and likeable. You have to love Cousin Lou! Read and enjoy a lighthearted story.