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The Foster Husband
Kate left her seaside home town of Lyme Regis for the bright lights of London when she was eighteen, and never looked back. Why would she? She had it all: the glamorous media career, the gorgeous husband. Until her marriage failed and she found herself with nowhere else to go.
Now she's unemployed, separated, and holed up in her dead granny's bungalow while she works out what to do with the rest of her life. Worse, she's forced to share her new home with Ben, the clueless and domestically challenged fiance of her bossy sister Prue.
Ben is a man in need of simple instruction. And Kate is a woman in need of a project. Her own marriage may be beyond saving, but perhaps she can stop her sister's husband-to-be from making all of the mistakes that doomed her own relationship. Kate decides that she will secretly train Ben, her foster husband, as a selfless pre-wedding gift to her sister.
But Kate may be about to learn a few lessons of her own about what makes a good marriage.
Now she's unemployed, separated, and holed up in her dead granny's bungalow while she works out what to do with the rest of her life. Worse, she's forced to share her new home with Ben, the clueless and domestically challenged fiance of her bossy sister Prue.
Ben is a man in need of simple instruction. And Kate is a woman in need of a project. Her own marriage may be beyond saving, but perhaps she can stop her sister's husband-to-be from making all of the mistakes that doomed her own relationship. Kate decides that she will secretly train Ben, her foster husband, as a selfless pre-wedding gift to her sister.
But Kate may be about to learn a few lessons of her own about what makes a good marriage.
430 pages, Paperback
First published May 9, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
February 10, 2014
Kate Martell finds herself returning to her hometown of Lyme Regis in difficult circumstances; nor does it help that its quite the last place she ever envisaged finding herself. After all she left Lyme at the first chance she had and hadn't looked back since; and with a glamorous career, gorgeous husband and busy life in London why should she have? However, Kate's lost everything, and wanting nothing more than to hide herself away, Lyme Regis suddenly seems the perfect place to retreat and lick her wounds. Unfortunately it does mean having to share her granny's old bungalow with her soon to be brother-in-law, however, Kate soon sees this as an opportunity to present her sister with the perfect wedding present; why not train up Ben to be the perfect husband, ironing out the flaws that her experience of her own failed marriage has taught her. As such Kate sets to work, though in the process she may just learn a few lessons of her own.
I have to say that this story did not quite match my preconceptions from the title; though not unpleasantly so. I was expecting more standard chicklit (probably something along the lines of Kate falling for her foster husband), however, what I actually got was a far maturer and realistic story, which made for a refreshing and engaging read.
The main focus of the story is on Kate herself, the story of her failed marriage to Matt related through flashbacks from beginning to end, and also flashbacks to stages of her earlier life in Lyme. The Kate at the start of the story is clearly damaged, and it is through the flashbacks that we slowly start to learn how she has ended up like this, how she has been shaped by events in the past, events that up till now she perhaps has always ran away from. Indeed running away from things when the going gets tough is a reoccurring theme with Kate, and the story is really about her learning to face her past demons in order to move on.
Wright tells her story at a gentle pace that suits its reflective tone; a lot of the key events not actually being revealed until quite late in the story; and I have to say there were a few twists that I hadn't expected, all not being quite as it had seemed. Also for the most part of the story I actually wasn't sure how it was going to end, unlike a lot of chicklit, there could actually have been several plausible endings.
Kate as the central character is easy to relate to; she's far from perfect, but the sort of character that you're rooting for despite her faults and whose actions you can understand.
Although the book covers some darker themes than the average chicklit, it is by no means a depressing read; and the foster husband aspect to the story in particular gives some light relief to contrast. I would say this part of the story is very much a sub-plot, although it does tie in well with the main themes.
Overall this makes for an insightful and refreshing modern read, covering the day to day trials and difficulties of marriage, as well as facing up to one's past. I also thought it dealt well with some difficult subjects,(that I shan't name in order to avoid plot spoilers).
Perhaps my only criticism would be that I thought the ending was a little too easily resolved, and I might have liked a little more exploration between the characters involved at this stage, although the actual ending itself was just as I wished.
I have to say that this story did not quite match my preconceptions from the title; though not unpleasantly so. I was expecting more standard chicklit (probably something along the lines of Kate falling for her foster husband), however, what I actually got was a far maturer and realistic story, which made for a refreshing and engaging read.
The main focus of the story is on Kate herself, the story of her failed marriage to Matt related through flashbacks from beginning to end, and also flashbacks to stages of her earlier life in Lyme. The Kate at the start of the story is clearly damaged, and it is through the flashbacks that we slowly start to learn how she has ended up like this, how she has been shaped by events in the past, events that up till now she perhaps has always ran away from. Indeed running away from things when the going gets tough is a reoccurring theme with Kate, and the story is really about her learning to face her past demons in order to move on.
Wright tells her story at a gentle pace that suits its reflective tone; a lot of the key events not actually being revealed until quite late in the story; and I have to say there were a few twists that I hadn't expected, all not being quite as it had seemed. Also for the most part of the story I actually wasn't sure how it was going to end, unlike a lot of chicklit, there could actually have been several plausible endings.
Kate as the central character is easy to relate to; she's far from perfect, but the sort of character that you're rooting for despite her faults and whose actions you can understand.
Although the book covers some darker themes than the average chicklit, it is by no means a depressing read; and the foster husband aspect to the story in particular gives some light relief to contrast. I would say this part of the story is very much a sub-plot, although it does tie in well with the main themes.
Overall this makes for an insightful and refreshing modern read, covering the day to day trials and difficulties of marriage, as well as facing up to one's past. I also thought it dealt well with some difficult subjects,(that I shan't name in order to avoid plot spoilers).
Perhaps my only criticism would be that I thought the ending was a little too easily resolved, and I might have liked a little more exploration between the characters involved at this stage, although the actual ending itself was just as I wished.
October 18, 2022
This book was my "in the background" book, so I read it while I was reading my other main reads. It took me a while to finish, partly because it has so many pages and partly because I barely read this one.
I found the plotline quite fascinating although as the book progressed I started to dislike the main character but I think it shows how all the other characters felt during the story.
I liked how there was 2 different plotlines which helped to understand the situation and the characters better.
3.5☆
18/10/22
I found the plotline quite fascinating although as the book progressed I started to dislike the main character but I think it shows how all the other characters felt during the story.
I liked how there was 2 different plotlines which helped to understand the situation and the characters better.
3.5☆
18/10/22
February 13, 2021
This should have been 2 books not one. Also, this book was crap. All she did was think about herself and I found myself disliking the strong overtones of slutshaming in this book. Plus I hate the trend for books to have men on the brink of rage to be romanticised it's just baffling to me.
Also there's mention of sexual assault.
Also there's mention of sexual assault.
May 8, 2013
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It is third Pippa's book and for me her every book is better and better. I liked the idea of this book, the "foster" husband, I was very curious about the training going to take place. I must admit that it was the synopsis that allowed me to expect the plot to develop only around Ben and Kate, who wanted to teach him some lessons in domesticity. But instead I've got much more about Kate herself and her private life, with all its ups and downs, problems with her marriage and in work. And although I have expected much more of Ben and his cluelessness around the house, I am not disappointed in the way the plot evolves. The bits when Kate tries to "train" Ben are funny and give lightness to the book and - in my opinion - what was actually so bad that she wanted to prepare him a little for marriage with her sister? It's not that she took him to live with her because she wanted it. So, a girl must have a little fun in life, mustn't she?:)
Kate's life is very interesting, there is something happening all the time and she as a book character is for me not so straightforward as many other chick lit heroines. She is a ball - breaker at work, but out of work she is a vulnerable woman. It was in a way interesting to see how she adapt to the new situation and how she tries to cope with her new life in the old town of hers.
But I must confess that I didn't really know where is the book leading to. We have chapters set in the present and we have chapters set in the past, so we can clearly see what has happened, but all the time I was looking for this "foster husband". Instead I've got an interesting story about Kate, her work, her private life, how she met Matt, her marriage.
Kate is a leading character in the book and she is nicely written, I liked her and actually I understood her. Matt was not my favourite one I must admit but the most I hated Prue. The whole book, every mention of Prue, every word that Prue said were for me like red colour for a bull. No. Never in a hundred years will I like Prue. She was such a negative character, for me full of spite and in my opinion there is nothing that can justify the way she has treated Kate. Ben was a teddy bear and I can tell you in secret that I have actually expected totally different plot, you know, Kate leaving Matt, training Ben to be a good husband to her sister, but in the meantime falling in love with Ben, Ben falling in love with Kate etc. :) This was my idea.
Well, I was wrong, the story is totally different and although I was expected something different, the book had me hooked and kept me interested in reading. The writing is easy and it's flowing, there are no awkward moments and although I have expected a little more I really liked the book.
It is third Pippa's book and for me her every book is better and better. I liked the idea of this book, the "foster" husband, I was very curious about the training going to take place. I must admit that it was the synopsis that allowed me to expect the plot to develop only around Ben and Kate, who wanted to teach him some lessons in domesticity. But instead I've got much more about Kate herself and her private life, with all its ups and downs, problems with her marriage and in work. And although I have expected much more of Ben and his cluelessness around the house, I am not disappointed in the way the plot evolves. The bits when Kate tries to "train" Ben are funny and give lightness to the book and - in my opinion - what was actually so bad that she wanted to prepare him a little for marriage with her sister? It's not that she took him to live with her because she wanted it. So, a girl must have a little fun in life, mustn't she?:)
Kate's life is very interesting, there is something happening all the time and she as a book character is for me not so straightforward as many other chick lit heroines. She is a ball - breaker at work, but out of work she is a vulnerable woman. It was in a way interesting to see how she adapt to the new situation and how she tries to cope with her new life in the old town of hers.
But I must confess that I didn't really know where is the book leading to. We have chapters set in the present and we have chapters set in the past, so we can clearly see what has happened, but all the time I was looking for this "foster husband". Instead I've got an interesting story about Kate, her work, her private life, how she met Matt, her marriage.
Kate is a leading character in the book and she is nicely written, I liked her and actually I understood her. Matt was not my favourite one I must admit but the most I hated Prue. The whole book, every mention of Prue, every word that Prue said were for me like red colour for a bull. No. Never in a hundred years will I like Prue. She was such a negative character, for me full of spite and in my opinion there is nothing that can justify the way she has treated Kate. Ben was a teddy bear and I can tell you in secret that I have actually expected totally different plot, you know, Kate leaving Matt, training Ben to be a good husband to her sister, but in the meantime falling in love with Ben, Ben falling in love with Kate etc. :) This was my idea.
Well, I was wrong, the story is totally different and although I was expected something different, the book had me hooked and kept me interested in reading. The writing is easy and it's flowing, there are no awkward moments and although I have expected a little more I really liked the book.
March 7, 2020
My thoughts on Foster Husband CONTAINS SPOILERS
Kate, a girl from ‘Lyme f**king Regis’, (nice bit of tmesis there!) rejects a husband who is Neanderthal In his contribution to household tasks, even though she doesn’t work. Then there is Eddy, A boy from school: The signs are there from the start: he wears a soft grey scarf, and he cares about the environment. Will Kate finally finds what we are all looking for: someone who helps around the house. Every prediction seems to point at her falling for Eddy. But no! What ACTUALLY happens is that Eddy turns out to be a red herring and a bit part player, and Kate realises SHE is the one who’s been selfish and difficult, and she begs forgiveness from her husband in a surprise twist to the narrative.
I found actually that although the first 390 pages were tedious, the plot twist was quite cleverly done, and I was kept reading to the end to find out who she eventually got it together with.
Not my usual sort of read; a bit too commercial for me - I’d give it a generous 5/10
Kate, a girl from ‘Lyme f**king Regis’, (nice bit of tmesis there!) rejects a husband who is Neanderthal In his contribution to household tasks, even though she doesn’t work. Then there is Eddy, A boy from school: The signs are there from the start: he wears a soft grey scarf, and he cares about the environment. Will Kate finally finds what we are all looking for: someone who helps around the house. Every prediction seems to point at her falling for Eddy. But no! What ACTUALLY happens is that Eddy turns out to be a red herring and a bit part player, and Kate realises SHE is the one who’s been selfish and difficult, and she begs forgiveness from her husband in a surprise twist to the narrative.
I found actually that although the first 390 pages were tedious, the plot twist was quite cleverly done, and I was kept reading to the end to find out who she eventually got it together with.
Not my usual sort of read; a bit too commercial for me - I’d give it a generous 5/10
September 15, 2014
I've read a Pippa Wright novel before so thought I'd try this one,but it didn't really hit the mark. Although I did enjoy the back story of Kate and Matt,I don't think the author gave enough focus on the present day story line of 'training up' her sister's husband to be. It could have been so much more funny and interesting if she had done.
Ok,but nothing special.
Ok,but nothing special.
March 2, 2019
The text on the back says this book will definitely make you giggle. It did not make me giggle. I thought it was quite joyless and lacked direction. A main character that is in relationship and career limbo, side-characters that are unlikable and a predictable ending don't make for the fun read I was expecting.
March 24, 2013
Really enjoyed this story. I thought the characters were great, really likeable and it was well written. Found myself laughing quite a bit too!
November 23, 2013
I couldn't warn to the main character and was quite disappointed by the reason of the break up... Was happy to finish it
February 23, 2016
Een boek wat je door blijft lezen zoals je een zak chips (of een reep chocola) naar binnen kan werken. Na afloop ben je niet veel beter, maar je hebt je wel vermaakt. En nu een beetje misselijk. ;-)
March 10, 2014
Disappointingly predictable :/
May 13, 2022
Rather than do a pun on the book title, I think I’ll just completely disregard it, quite like the author.
This book was terrible in more ways than one: terrible plot, terrible characters, and terribly long.
The protagonist, Kate, has a significant amount of trauma as a teenager that you would think would be a rather large plot point. You would be wrong. While it is mentioned occasionally, the author ultimately blows right past it, with no intention of ever revisiting or addressing the trauma again. The author will lead you to believe that Kate has learned from her mistakes and is bettering herself. Except, there is no concept of how long it’s taken her to learn from said mistakes, or any personal development she’s done to come to the realization that she has control issues and she is the one who needs to change.
And just as an added critique: why does Kate always address people by name in every conversation? I feel like when she was talking to her husband she said his name WAY more than would be considered acceptable in a typical one on one conversation. There is no other person in your conversation, why would you say his name every time it is your turn to speak? You think the reader is going to forget who she’s talking to?
This book was terrible in more ways than one: terrible plot, terrible characters, and terribly long.
The protagonist, Kate, has a significant amount of trauma as a teenager that you would think would be a rather large plot point. You would be wrong. While it is mentioned occasionally, the author ultimately blows right past it, with no intention of ever revisiting or addressing the trauma again. The author will lead you to believe that Kate has learned from her mistakes and is bettering herself. Except, there is no concept of how long it’s taken her to learn from said mistakes, or any personal development she’s done to come to the realization that she has control issues and she is the one who needs to change.
And just as an added critique: why does Kate always address people by name in every conversation? I feel like when she was talking to her husband she said his name WAY more than would be considered acceptable in a typical one on one conversation. There is no other person in your conversation, why would you say his name every time it is your turn to speak? You think the reader is going to forget who she’s talking to?
June 10, 2019
The title of the book seem promising. But as i read and finished the book, i felt utterly disappointed. I feel like the title has almost nothing to do with what the story is all about... the 'foster husband' it was referring to was just a tiny part of the actual story. And the story itself covers too much topics,... trauma, grief, infidelity, infertility, marriage, siblings relationship, ... and yet i feel that the author just dip into all these topics briefly to make up this book. I hate it. It feels like going to buffet dinner with false advertising.
August 16, 2019
I thought the beginning of the book was directed at someone and this was dedicated to the someone "I know she told you everything, im sorry" that made me sad until I realised it was part of the book. i can see this as a netflix series tbh - Beth from good dirls as the main charcater, even tho the main character is short. I loved the happy ending, she deserved a BIG break. this book reminded me there are two sides to every story. I hate Prue she reminds me of Summer, rude for no reason.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2021
A nice easy read when Kate lost her high flying job she went a bit loopy and threw herself into being a domestic goddess but didn’t remember everything else in her life and ended up making some mistakes it was a good story and well thought out pretty believable to and not completely soppy which I loved and enjoyed the story unfolding it wasn’t all her fault either but they managed to work through it which was good
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2018
I just did not enjoy it and I could not force myself to finish it hence I listed it as DNF because life is just too short to stick to one book that you are not enjoying. It’s a girlie book and sort of fun but I can’t say it totally gripped me till the end. It’s predictable and I did not find the jokes funny. Maybe it’s just not for me but hey you might like it.
April 23, 2020
Mixed feelings, an enjoyable read with actually lots of unanswered questions at the end, wanting to know what happens next.
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book where I’ve really disliked the main character who’s perspective it was from. I found myself annoyed along the way that I didn’t agree with her thinking.
Would definitely read more from this author!
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book where I’ve really disliked the main character who’s perspective it was from. I found myself annoyed along the way that I didn’t agree with her thinking.
Would definitely read more from this author!
did-not-finish
July 20, 2022DNF@36%
I probably could have forced myself to finish this, but a third of the way into the book, I realized I don’t care about a single one of these characters. It’s not even that they’re unlikeable - they’re just so boring and inspire no emotional reaction, positive or negative. I could slog through to the end, but why bother?
I probably could have forced myself to finish this, but a third of the way into the book, I realized I don’t care about a single one of these characters. It’s not even that they’re unlikeable - they’re just so boring and inspire no emotional reaction, positive or negative. I could slog through to the end, but why bother?
May 17, 2017
I have to admit that The Foster Husband is a kind of chic-lit book. its story, conflict, and even written words are light. reminds me of Shopaholic series by Kinsela. But, I unexpectedly happened to enjoy every pages of it! really! found myself giggling quite a bit, too. hehehe.
March 12, 2019
Chicklit with a twist. This book came at the time when I’m looking into the whole idea of trauma and how our body and our brain remembers the essence of our trauma and how it affects every decision we may make. Momentous.
May 14, 2017
Started out really well and extremely funny but the twist was hugely disappointing. Her behaviour was never really explained.
September 5, 2017
Uiteindelijk gegrepen door het boek, maar echt gord of leuk of grappig was het niet.
October 19, 2018
3,5 stars
April 6, 2019
Predictable but lovely
March 2, 2020
A new author for me and I loved this book will be looking out for more of her writing in the future.
February 12, 2021
Kate was a bitch. I almost DNFed it.
August 15, 2021
It was alright, bit predictable at times.
December 7, 2023
Op zich een goed verhaal maar de uiteenzetting was een beetje cringe.
Hij miste persoonlijk de interesse in meer.
Je kon hem makkelijk aan de kant houden.
Hij miste persoonlijk de interesse in meer.
Je kon hem makkelijk aan de kant houden.
July 20, 2024
this book was relatable and thoughtful. was thrilling in so many ways and the ending made me sooo sooo happy it was worth it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews