content: I did not even think of reading The Bridges of Madison County -- too syrupy for my taste and this novel is definitely in that vein. But, as a native of coastal North Carolina (the novel's locale) I was intrigued enough to read it. The writing is not the best -- some descriptions are too florid, some dialogue a bit contrived -- but it is a sweet, sentimental little story. Definitely something to read as a treat, like a piece of rich candy; a guilty pleasure and you know you shouldn't indulge because it isn't very (intellectualy) filling, but it leaves you with a taste in your mouth as pleasing as pralines or your Mama's best pecan pie