Friend of the Family. Lisa Jewell. 2003.

Brothers Tony, Sean and Ned had the perfect upbringing

They adore their parents and actually look forward to coming home for Sunday lunch. But now they've grown up and real life's starting to get in the way.

Tony's dealing with divorce and a weight problem. Novelist Sean is up against a serious case of writer's block and a shock announcement from his perfect' new girlfriend. And their parents have a new lodger, Gerase But why is Bernie, their mum, so keen to give this unsavoury wail a home? And what is the real reason for kid brother Ned's surprise return from his travels in Australia?