Whitethorn Woods by Maeve Binchy is a heartwarming, character-driven novel (structured as interconnected stories) centered on the small Irish town of Rossmore. The community is deeply divided over a proposed highway bypass that threatens to destroy St. Ann’s Well, a beloved local shrine known for its spiritual, healing reputation. The key aspects of the story are:

1. The Conflict: the town is split between embracing modern progress (the highway) and preserving tradition (the well).
2. Core Setting: the narrative focuses on the lives, secrets and hopes of residents and visitors, all linked to the well and its significance to the town.
3. The Characters: the story is told through the perspectives of various locals, including the concerned Father Flynn who listens to the stories of the community.
4. Themes: the book explores themes of love, faith, superstition, and the changing nature of rural Ireland
5. Style: is described as a collection of linked short stories rather than a single novel. The story concludes with the resolution of the proposal, but the focus remains on the personal journeys of the characters.