Prolific author Barbara Taylor Bradford, riding high on the success of the television adaptation of her bestselling novel A Woman of Substance, introduces her loyal readers to Laura Valiant and Claire Benson, two exceptional women who have been best friends since childhood. Each has grown up and lead interesting lives: Laura is married to the almost-too-perfect-to-be-believed Doug Casson and a partner in a successful New York art dealership, and Claire, long divorced from Dr. Philippe Lavillard, has custody of their enchanting daughter Natasha and a satisfying career as the publisher of a Parisian decorative arts magazine. While in Paris on a shopping excursion for her dealership, Laura is delighted to be able to spend time with her old friend, and when each woman encounters calamity in their personal lives, they are able to turn to each other for help and support. Although their lives diverged many years before, nothing could ever affect the deep bonds of a friendship forged so long ago--not even the disturbing discovery of Nazi-stolen fine art. For fans of Barbara Taylor Bradford, the sometimes-improbable dialogue and tidy plot will not deflect the enjoyment of a unique bond between two remarkable women. --Alison Trinkle