The Right Thing

by Judy Astley

Let bestselling author Judy Astley sweep you away with this insightful and uplifting gem of a novel about the important things in life. Perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan, Milly Johnson and Trisha Ashley."Astley writes with humour and insight about the stresses and strains of family life" - THE TIMES"A most absorbing and revealing read" - WOMAN'S WEEKLY"Judy Astley's books are always a joy to read." -- ***** Reader review"Judy Astley is a brilliant writer, you get lost in her books. They are all brilliant in my opinion." -- ***** Reader review *********************************************************HER LIFE SEEMS COMPLETE, BUT THERE'S ONE THING SHE HAS TO FIND...Funerals are strange things. Kitty hadn't really wanted to go to this one - a old school friend she hadn't seen for years - and she hadn't bargained for the way it made her think of the past. In particular, it made her think of the baby she had given birth to when she was eighteen and been forced to give away for adoption. She'd called her Madeleine, and she remembered her every day, wondered what she was like, if she was happy. Now, reminded of how cruelly short life can be, she has to see her - just to make sure she'd done the right thing.Life has turned out pretty well for a secure marriage, two teenage children and a house within sound and sight of the Cornish surf... But the hole left by that first baby isn't getting any smaller, and she decides to make the first, tentative steps towards filling it - although she, and all her family, are quite unprepared for what this means...

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 9, 1999

About the author

Judy Astley started writing in 1990 following several years of working as a dressmaker, illustrator, painter and parent. Her sixteen novels, the most recent of which are Laying The Ghost and Other People¹s Husbands, are all published by Transworld/Black Swan. Judy¹s specialist areas, based on many years of hectic personal experience, are domestic disharmony and family chaos with a good mix of love-and-passion and plenty of humour thrown in. Judy has been a regular columnist on magazines and enjoys writing journalism pieces on just about any subject, usually from a fun viewpoint. She lives in London and Cornwall, loves plants, books, hot sunshine and rock music (all at once, preferably) and would happily claim that listening in to other people¹s conversations is both a top hobby and an absolute career-necessity

Reviews

[Carol North · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story begins with Kitty attending a friends funeral. She is accompanied by another school friend and they recall how as children and teenagers they had bullied the dead woman, Antonia, quite horribly. The bullying theme is brought up several times throughout the book but no one ever seems to feel real remorse for their bullying behaviour. Kitty gave up a baby for adoption at a time when it was seen as socially unacceptable to be a single parent and although Kitty's life has moved on and now she is married with two children and a good husband she has always wondered what had happened to the baby she gave away. Antonia's death prompts Kitty to begin searching for her baby, who she had called Madeleine. When Madeleine turns up at the family home one day there are many bumps in the road to be negotiated. As the story unfolds it seems that the wonderful reunion that Kitty had been imagining is not about to become a reality any time soon.

[Stephanie Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very gentle story, exploring adoption from a mother’s perspective initially and then bringing in the adopted child. It’s not dealt with in a predictable way which makes it more interesting.

However, whilst the characters are all well rounded, they’re not particularly likeable, in the main, and I didn’t find myself constantly drawn back to find out what happens next. That said, I usually read thrillers or series of books, rather than one-off novels, so that maybe why! I’ve just not had time to bond with these characters!

It’s an enjoyable book which isn’t predictable and worth a read on a rainy day.

[Julie Dunnett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book about not very nice people. It starts with Kitty attending the funeral of an old school mate Antonia who had been bullied by Kitty and her friends. The book is purportedly about Kitty finding her adopted daughter but I honestly never forgave the bullying. There was never really any explanation or apology for this and it just left a nasty taste in the mouth

[RJC · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit complex about family relationships getting involved unnecessarily. Tackled adoption well.

[Nicola Price-Herbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the mid to end of this story- found it very slow to start. Haven’t read Judy Astley for several years and thought I’d re visit her.

[Rosemarye Ryan · Rating 1 out of 5]

For some reason I just couldn't get into this book. Maybe will try again at another time.

[Rachel Brand · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember reading this years ago but can't recall a single thing about the plot!

[LindyLouMac · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read in 1999

[Shamusjenn · Rating 1 out of 5]

A very slow, boring read....drab characters, no real plot. I would not recommend this book!