'Natalie and Carl are newlyweds, but the honeymoon period is over already. Carl has just announced he has bought their first home at auction without telling Natalie where it is, never mind showing her a picture of it.
Natalie is horrified to discover that the dream home is in Little Wyford, mere minutes away from Carl’s ex-wife Antonia. And to make matters worse, Antonia’s palatial country mansion has a fully-functioning roof (and a heated swimming pool!), unlike the ramshackle cottage Carl has bought for them…
Antonia is Little Wyford’s Queen Bee, mistress of the book club, organiser of the Christmas Fair and leader of the ladies-who-lunch. No matter how hard she tries, Natalie just doesn’t fit in, and when Antonia insists on referring to Carl as ‘Our Husband’, Natalie’s dreams of happily-ever-after take another nose dive.
Second-hand furniture has much to recommend it, especially when doing up a country cottage, second-hand clothes can be ever-so chic, but second-hand husbands are proving to be a very bad idea indeed… Can Natalie ever escape the label of Wife Number Two or is she destined to share her husband forever?'
This is the story of Carl and Natalie, whose story involves some ups as well as downs. The story is told over 45 Chapters, which seem to fly by when you read it. One minute you are on Chapter 10 then the next time you look you have read 8 or more chapters.
Now from the very beginning of this story it is intriguing and captivates the reader. Part of the intriguing factor can be put down to the very different characters that appear throughout this story. Take Carl and Natalie, these two are quite opposite in their personalities causing their interactions to be absolutely captivating.
The character interactions throughout the book are relatable as well as funny. Whether Natalie is talking to her Sister, her husband or even the ex-wife. All these interactions grip the reader and makes them more intrigued in the story. Readers start to question how things will end up but also how Natalie will solve her issues.
One of the great things about this book is that not everything is shown as perfect. Not the conversations, not the relationships and not the dream house. These moments when true reality is seen makes the book more relatable. Which just means that readers emotions will get involved as they can picture themselves as Natalie.
Now let me tell you about the Author Claire Calman, a writer and broadcaster known for her novels that combine wit and pathos, including the bestseller Love is a Four-Letter Word. She has appeared on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour and Loose Ends. Her first book for Boldwood was published in June 2020.
Overall this book is well written and keeps readers on there toes. Though tissues at the ready as readers will either be sad crying, happy crying or crying with laughter. All of which leave you with the urge to find other works by the Author. You can get your copy HERE
Until Next Time
Emma
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