Phoebe Hudson was adopted by Greta, a single mom, soon after birth. When she is 17, Greta thinks it’s a good idea for Phoebe to visit her birth parents in rural Wisconsin. During the visit, Phoebe realizes she is the second of four daughters birthed by Bea and Gus Dahlgren, but she is the only child the couple put up for adoption. From that moment on, Phoebe’s peaceful, accomplished life will never be the same.

I liked The Phoebe Variations. Phoebe is a well-drawn character as are several of her friends and acquaintances. While I didn’t enjoy The Phoebe Variations as much as one of Jan Hamilton’s earlier novels, The Short History of a Prince, I found it a worthwhile read.