It's 1930 and the effects of the depression are being keenly felt. If you were looking to marry, and most women had to, choices were limited, mostly to men who lived nearby.

The book is the second is a series - although it can be read as a stand alone book - and tracks the lives of the four ladies from the little town of Prospect, for which Bombala was the inspiration, and who first appeared in 'Four respectable Ladies Seek Part-Time Husband'.

It is 10 years on and this is the period between the end of WWl and the depression. Toner explores the nature of attraction, love, married life and the many ways reality differs from the ideal.

"The chances for married bliss are slight when life intervenes at every opportunity, say when attraction fades, or when you put your children before your husband. What happens when priorities collide or when marrying for need makes better sense than marrying for love?" Toner said.

Although the subject matter is serious Toner applies her trademark wit to the problems of marriage. These are women she has lived with over a couple of years now.

"I love these women and I know them really well. If you were to ask me whether one of them would do a certain thing, of course I could answer straight away," Toner said of her relationship with the women in her book.

"When I'm writing a scene it's like I'm reporting it; I see the scene in my head. I just know these characters so well. Each of them has a problem, each of them is at war with the others, and at war with the world but overarchingly they must come together to work out a solution," she said.

The book is a witty and heartwarming exploration of relationships, understanding a partner's limitations, and your own, and loving them despite everything else. 

The book will be launched locally at Booktique, Merimbula on Friday, April 5 at 5.30pm where Toner will give a talk and be available to sign copies.

It is also available as an audiobook via Audible.