"Heartwarming" was the word used on the cover to describe this book - that is not the word I would use at all. "Depressing with a small dash of hope" would be more appropriate.
Generally speaking, the writing is well-done and the plot is simple but believable. As mentioned by other reviews, it does seem a bit anachronistic at times, but it could have to do with aspects of Irish culture with which I am not familiar.
The story is a tale of women trying to get by in the world. It focuses mostly on love lives and how they affect the women. I found the message to be a bit muddled, mostly coming away with, "there are very few people you can trust." Overall, I'm not much of a fan.