The Copper Beech, Binchy develops Inthe lives of the people of Shancarrig through seven interacting characters.

The Copper Beech addresses the difficulty of celibacy, within the priesthood and before marriage among the Catholic Church's parishioners. The relationship between Madeline Ross and Father Barry never develops past friendship, even though Madeline wants a deeper, intimate relationship with the priest.

Maura Brennan gives in to a sexual relationship in hopes of finding love.

In a roundabout way, the relationship does bring her love through her son Michael, conceived out-of-wedlock but born in wedlock. Nessa Ryan debates having a sexual relationship with Richard Hayes, but decides the danger involved with such a relationship outweighs the possible pleasure. She decides love and marriage are more important to wait for. Richard Hayes has many sexual relationships, most without love. He finally finds love in his affair with Gloria Darcy, but it...