Journal Entry 1 by Zarylia from Saint Paul, Minnesota USA on Sunday, May 02, 2004

I picked this up at a used book sale and haven't gotten around to reading it yet so here's what Publishers Weekly had to say:

Binchy ( Circle of Friends ; The Lilac Bus ) is a consummate storyteller with a unique ability to draw readers into her tales of Irish life. Here again she mines sources rich in plot and character to produce a captivating narrative. The eponymous copper beech is a huge tree that shades the tiny schoolhouse in the village of Shancarrig. For generations, graduating pupils have carved their initials on the massive trunk, and the book examines what has become of some of them. Though each of the 10 chapters offers the perspective of a single character, Binchy adroitly indicates the ways in which their lives intersect. Thus, the allegedly stolen jewels that are discovered and stolen again in one early chapter become significant in later chapters. Long after two adulterous characters sneak into a Dublin hotel, it emerges that they were spotted by a small soul from Shancarrig, who passes on the information--with unforeseen consequences. A priest's dalliance with the sweet young schoolteacher is shown to have been been suspected by others in the village. The result is a charming and compelling series of interlocking stories about ordinary people who are given dimension through Binchy's empathetic insight. While this book is more fragmentary in structure than some of her previous novels, it should leave Binchy's fans wholly satisfied. BOMC main selection.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Bookring list:
tantan - Australia *finished*
gypsyrose02 - Australia *finished*
vsimeone - OH *finished*
Rrrcaron - NH *finished*

Update - 15/6/04
The book has been sent on to tantan by surface mail from Poland so expect some time before it arrives. Hopefully it won't take too long though! Enjoy! :-D 

Journal Entry 2 by tantan from Gympie, Queensland Australia on Saturday, September 25, 2004

Received in the mail yesterday. A couple down on the TBR rings/rays pile. Looking forward to it. 

Journal Entry 3 by tantan from Gympie, Queensland Australia on Sunday, October 17, 2004

This was lovely! I liked to way the story was told from each person's perspective each person having different links to each other. This would probably be my favourite Binchy so far, although the only others I've read are Tara Road and Quentins. A beautiful, light and engaging story. This will be on to gypsyrose02 next. 

Journal Entry 4 by gypsyrose02 from Byford, Western Australia Australia on Friday, November 05, 2004

received as part of bookring. excellant! another maeve binchy. looking forward to it. will get it moving asap. 

Journal Entry 5 by gypsyrose02 from Byford, Western Australia Australia on Monday, November 22, 2004

tried very hard to read this, but just couldnt get into it. it was ok, but not like her others. i have so much to read at the moment that im not going to hold it up. being posted today to vsimeone. 

Journal Entry 6 by vsimeone from Massillon, Ohio USA on Monday, November 29, 2004

Just received in the mail today. I have a couple of bookrings ahead of it but will get to it just as soon as possible. Thank you for allowing me to participate in the ring! 

Journal Entry 7 by vsimeone from Massillon, Ohio USA on Wednesday, March 23, 2005

I am so so so sorry that this book became swallowed up in the black hole that exists in my computer room. It has finally made its way to the surface and I have finished reading it. It was well worth it. I love Binchy's style of describing the same town and time frame from each character's point of view. You sure learn everything you wanted to know! I apologize again and am so sorry that I have had this for so long. I have PM'ed Rrrcaron and will mail this off just as soon as I have an address. Thanks for letting me be part of the ring! 

Journal Entry 8 by Rrrcaron from Lancaster, New Hampshire USA on Friday, April 01, 2005

I received this book in the mail yesterday. I have a few rings in front of it, but I will get to it as soon as I can.
Ruth 

Journal Entry 9 by Rrrcaron from Lancaster, New Hampshire USA on Thursday, October 13, 2005

Not one of the better Binchy novels I've read, but still a great read. I love her character development and small town settings. I always feel like I've made some great friends after I finish a Binchy novel. Sorry I held the book so long. Since I started reviewing books for Harper Collins, the books on my shelf have been delayed. Sending this back as soon as I have an address.
Ruth 

Journal Entry 10 by Zarylia from Saint Paul, Minnesota USA on Tuesday, November 01, 2005

St. Paul/MN/USA - The book is back! I just want to say thanks to everyone who participated in making this bookring successful. Thanks! :-D 

Journal Entry 11 by Czersk from Roscoe, Minnesota USA on Wednesday, June 21, 2006

I mentioned casually to Zarylia that I someday I would like to read a Maeve Binchy novel as I was keeping her company while she was re-organizing her bookshelf. I then found a book meeting this description flying through the air toward my head. So, now I have a Maeve Binchy novel to read. I hadn't planned on reading one so soon, so I'm not sure I'll be reading it Quite Yet, but I look forward to it--someday.