An Ideal Husband

by Erica James

The Langfords are a perfectly happy family. Louisa and Kip, happily married for nearly forty years, have raised their children and are now just settling into a new phase of life where they’ll have more time for themselves. Everything seems perfect. But then, one Boxing Day after a lovely family Christmas, Kip tells Louisa that their marriage is over. It’s not something Louisa saw coming. And what he tells her next is even more he’s fallen in love with their son’s ex-girlfriend, Zoe, the woman who broke Angus’ heart. So just like that, Louisa’s marriage is over… and her new life can begin. A gorgeous, gossipy family drama of a couple navigating a divorce, a woman on a journey of self-discovery, and an older man getting his just deserts.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Audiobook, Chick Lit, Family, Womens Fiction, Ebooks

431 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 29, 2024

About the author

With an insatiable appetite for other people's business, Erica James will readily strike up conversation with strangers in the hope of unearthing a useful gem for her writing. She finds it the best way to write authentic characters for her novels, although her two grown-up sons claim they will never recover from a childhood spent in a perpetual state of embarrassment at their mother's compulsion.

The author of nineteen bestselling novels, and the winner of the 2006 Romantic Novel of the Year Award, Erica divides her time between Suffolk and Lake Como in Italy.

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 1 out of 5]

An infuriating read with a sappy end where everything magically worked out. Any legitimate hurt or anger was swept away by other characters, and the cheating husband was forgiven by everyone and able to have his perfect family, including his self sacrificing ex wife who fixed the mess he made. I wish I’d stopped reading.

[Tracey · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a book by Erica James and I think I'm in the minority in saying it wasn't my cup of tea.

The premise of the novel is the breakup of a forty year marriage and how the whole family deal with the emotions and inevitable change in dynamics this betrayal brings. Not only does Kip ask Louisa for a divorce on Boxing Day but announces that he's leaving Louisa for their son's ex girlfriend, Zoe.

With an opening like that I was expecting fireworks, however, for me this didn't happen. I think the story gets lost with too many POVs, and too many subplots. I would have liked more focus on Louisa and her journey from feeling secure in her marriage and home to having to sell up and start afresh on her own. But instead of the anger and grief you'd expect someone to feel during a marriage breakup, Louisa just seems to accept and forgive far too easily. She even helps Kip when he makes some horrendous decisions in his new relationship with Zoe. I found this unbelievable and unrealistic.

The ending of the book is saccharine and I feel its completely far fetched to have everything resolved in the space of just twelve months.

Thank you to Netgalley and HQ for providing me with a copy to read and review.

[Natalie M · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 rounded up.

I really could not get over the artificial sweetness of this book. It did not reflect the reality of what would’ve been a monumental disaster for any family.

The adult children came across as pompous and entitled. Thank goodness for Caro but she only appears occasionally.

As for the ending - it makes Disney look cruel! Not my cup of tea at all.

[Sewster · Rating 1 out of 5]

Kip is the most selfish, pathetic man ever, and yet he everyone babies him and takes care of him. The cheaters get zero comeuppance— no satisfaction for the reader at all. I hate that Kip basically claims he never loved Louisa and his “soul mate” is a woman 30 years younger. Yeah, ok 👌.

[Ellie Edwards · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually love Erica James but this was utterly unrealistic and actually it made me angry. To trivialise such a monumental initial betrayal and have it resolved so perfectly and leave a second betrayal completely forgotten- this isn’t real life and it’s actually offensive for those who have suffered similar situations and not managed to sit down for a perfect family Christmas together. Erica, what on earth? As for the brief journey into therapy- this was beyond a joke. So ludicrous it was painful! Erica where have you gone?! Who is this imposter?!

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 2 out of 5]

So disappointed in this one I always look forward to reading Erica's books but, this one just didn't hit the mark for me. Too much bickering between husband , wife and children which made this book depressing. Such a shame as I love her books usually. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Jacqueline · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don’t think a character has ever made me angrier than the MC in this. Cheating, snivelling, pathetic manchild git. His his doormat ex wife also comes a close second for improbable and rage inducing behaviour.

He cheats on her after 40 years of marriage with a woman younger than his own daughter, forces his ex wife to sell their beautiful marital home, immediately gets his mistress pregnant with twins and then also cheats on his pregnant mistress. What a prince. His saintly ex wife gets all worried about her ex and his side piece and becomes besties with the mistress and surrogate gran to his new kids.

I honestly couldn’t believe what I was reading, that made me more ragey than the part where he tells his wife he’s been cheating on her for months and is leaving her - all on Boxing Day. I needed him to get his comeuppance for this to be satisfying but, nope. Absolute bollocks.

[Jane Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually love Erica James novels but this one didn’t have the same appeal. I listened to it on Audiobooks and kept checking how much longer I had to listen to the perfect Ashley and Caro and sanctimonious Louisa before something exciting happened. It never did

[Tamara Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

That was looooong. Definitely had to force myself to sit down and finish this, not great. So much rambling that didn’t add to the story at all and it was not reflective of how something like that would completely shatter a family. A happy family storyline doesn’t align with the plot of the story?

[Susan Potts · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable light hearted read, as always from this author, although the inevitable happy ending was slightly too unbelievable given the events that lead to the family breakdown that is the subject of the book.

[Zelda FeatzReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you reach for this book you can expect a captivating portrayal of the intricacies of family dynamics, love, and betrayal. At its heart, the novel delves into the aftermath of an unexpected revelation that shatters the seemingly idyllic life of the Langfords.
Louisa and Kip Langford, a couple emblematic of enduring love and stability, find their world upended when Kip drops a bombshell on Louisa: their decades-long marriage is over. The aftermath of this declaration sends shockwaves through the family, leaving Louisa reeling and forced to confront a reality she never imagined. James navigates the emotional turmoil that follows such a revelation, delving deep into the psyche of her characters as they struggle with betrayal, heartbreak, and the prospect of starting anew.
Central to the narrative is the exploration of self-discovery amidst chaos. As Louisa navigates the aftermath of her shattered marriage, she embarks on a journey of introspection and reinvention. James paints an expressive picture of resilience as Louisa confronts the challenges of rebuilding her life and rediscovering her sense of identity in the wake of betrayal.
The novel also explores the complexities of love and desire, particularly as it pertains to age and societal expectations. Kip's infatuation with Zoe, his son's ex-girlfriend, serves as a catalyst for the unravelling of his marriage to Louisa. The author explores the intricacies of intergenerational relationships and the consequences of pursuing forbidden desires.
What makes this book special is James' ability to craft multifaceted characters that resonate with authenticity. From Louisa's quiet strength to Kip's flawed vulnerability, each character is filled with depth, inviting you to empathize with their struggles and triumphs.
The prose is richly atmospheric, transporting you to the quaint English countryside where the Langfords' drama unfolds. Through vivid descriptions and evocative imagery, James creates a world that feels both familiar and immersive, drawing you deeper into the narrative with each turn of the page.
This is a compelling family drama that resonates on a deeply emotional level. With its gripping storyline, colourful characters, and evocative prose, Erica James has crafted a novel that explores the complexities of love, betrayal, and self-discovery with both sensitivity and depth.
https://featzreviews.com/an-ideal-hus...

[EmG ReadsDaily · Rating 3 out of 5]

An uplifting and artificially sweet story of second chances and fresh starts.

[PlotTwistQueen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Man betrays loving wife of 40 years by cheating with his son’s ex-girlfriend who broke said son’s heart. Man moves on with new girlfriend only to cheat on her too and blames his poor ability of willpower and lack of self-control on wanting space and excessive alcohol intake. When problems arise in new relationship, said man runs away and doesn’t even tell new girlfriend about his spate of panic attacks and him seeing a therapist. His son (his new gf’s ex bf) tells her everything about said man.

Man believes that the reason he left his wife was because he needed to be selfish for once in his life (no idea what that means) but at the end of the book he suddenly has an epiphany the reason that he feels terrible cheating on his gf is because he loves her and he admits to feeling more terrible about him cheating on gf than the time he cheated on his wife (we led to believe that he never loved his wife enough to feel the way he’s feeling now with gf after cheating).

Even he knows that he’s a terrible person deep down despite his ex wife and gf telling him differently. Well we’ll pretend a piece of turd is a chocolate truffle, shall we?

Btw: he was tempted to cheat on his wife earlier in their marriage because she was too focused on being a mother to his new born twins and sex was the last thing on her mind…so yeah, too much happened with this man being responsible for looking after his family and mother that he was entitled to be selfish just for once. He comes across as having a drinking issue since whenever alcohol is involved that leads him to being tempted to cheat or actually cheating.

Yeah, I hated this book. Wrap the turd in a candy wrapper and a pretty bow. We’ll call it a bon bon!

P.S this book should’ve been called An Ideal C*nt!

[Aria 88 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dull heteronormative tale of a perfect wife, shit on by her previously perfect husband and the reactions of their perfect grownup kids. Cardboard characters drinking merlot, yawn

[Gill T · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting view of what happens when relationships break up. I found some of the characters a bit too good to be true and the happy ever after ending was a bit hard to accept.

[gen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmmm this book was an odd one! The first fifty percent you’re like what and pissed the second half you’re just like what?

Arabella the daughter really annoyed me like girl how you meet them is how you lose them so of course your husband wasn’t that into you when you took him from his wife. I’m not saying g he’s a good person I’m just saying Arabella was living some delusion

And I’m sorry but Kip no matter how much therapy you go to you ain’t a good person and this book was way tooo sympathetic towards him and Zoe like sorry you’re pregnant with twins girl but CONSEQUENCES but anyway and then angus idgaf about his gf and the ending was like okay so everyone just got over it! No forking way would you ever be truly truly over a betrayal like this tbh!

Like no way
Anyway meh
I guess I’m mostly just mad I spent 11 dollars on this book sighhh

[Carol Sheppard · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good story interwined with different family members' point of view. Found it not so easy at the start with all the family members and each chapter jumping from one voice to another. But as the story went on it became easier. Thought the main protagonist was abit too nice and forgiving though which seemed unrealistic

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this gentle family drama. I thought that the female characters were the stronger ones and more attractive. I liked the setting which was local to me , good to read some familiar names.
The only parts which I did not enjoy were the ones on counselling which just felt too self indulgent.

[Hanna El Shorbagy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ i enjoyed this, an easy read with some very complicated and very awkward family dynamics

[Sophie]

DNF @ 40% because everything about the main character absolutely sucked.

[Hannah · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 🌟 (rounded down)

Urghhhh! This book was awful! 🫠
The family was so horribly written... they had awful views and opinions on people outside the family. The husband of 40 years of marriage left his wife for a younger woman who gets pregnant and then freaks out about it. It has a happy ending in the end, and I gave it an extra .5 stars because I am glad that the older husband and wife didn't get back together.

[Sammy Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well what can I say, but one of those nice fluffy family ones I like

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Firstly, I should say this is not my usual genre but I need a break from murder and psychological thrillers every now and again, so I chose to read this.
Louisa and Kip are a couple who’ve been married for a very long time, they have three grown up kids, twins who are both married and have a daughter each and Angus the youngest. Kip announces on Boxing Day that he’s leaving Louisa for Angus’ ex-girlfriend. The book then follows the turmoil of the next year.
I was invested in the story and did keep page turning but it was all a bit too much too quickly. Having been through a divorce myself, things can move quite quickly if you want them too and you can both be amicable but I’m not sure I would be as ‘saintly’ as Louisa if my husband had done to me what hers had done to, not just her, but her son as well. Maybe when everyone has plenty of money it makes a big difference? But the reality of divorce rarely leaves everyone satisfied, financially stable and on good terms with everyone within a year!
However, having said that, I did enjoy the book even though I found myself rolling my eyes at how perfect everything turned out. It’s a light hearted read if you like family dramas/chic lit. I just wouldn’t be in a hurry to read another.
My thanks go to the author, the publishers and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Susan in Perthshire · Rating 3 out of 5]

As one would expect, this is very well written. There is a large cast of characters and we see the events through many different eyes.

After thirty years of marriage, Kip tells his wife Louisa that he’s leaving her and setting up home with their son’s ex girlfriend. He does this at the most insensitive moment.

This was a great premise and one can only enjoy the fallout and the developments that ensue. I would have given this more stars but for Louisa who was almost ready for sainthood as she behaved so perfectly and unselfishly for most of the book. Sorry I just couldn’t buy into this sentimentalised view. The final scene at Christmas was just so over the top saccharine-sweet as to make me want to throw my book at the wall. It’s a tribute to the writer’s skill that I actually got so involved. An enjoyable read nonetheless.

[Shona · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn’t really like some of the characters.

[Daisy Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The queen of family sagas returns with another gem.

Kip and Louisa have been together for forty years. They have three adults children together, a beautiful home and grandchildren they adore. So it comes as a bolt out of the blue when Kip announces on Boxing Day that he's fallen in love with someone else, and wants a divorce.

The someone else happens to be their youngest sons ex girlfriend. Just to add another insult to injury.

The repercussions of Kip's decision reach far and affect everyone. It has all the hallmarks of a mid-life crisis, and for a good part of the book, I really didn't like Kip at all.

Whereas Louisa was a badass and navigated her new life with dignity and even excitement for having full autonomy over her life, Kip finds himself falling apart and breaking down.

An intricate portrait of family and human complexity this was a truly enjoyable read with a heartwarming feel throughout.

[Samiyha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I give 2 stars because I was really enjoying until 3/4 of the way through. Unfortunately, around that mark it started feeling dragged out and repetitive, and the author had out-dated methods of support for mental health issues, like breathing into paper bags for panic attacks! Quite ignorant to not put proper information in this book. Personally (not medical advice), I’d recommend the “5-4-3-2-1” grounding technique as it helps with distracting yourself with what’s around you thus calming yourself down. A search online can help anyone who wants to know more.

Also, why the super duper happy ending? Especially since the author didn’t work through Kip cheating on Zoe - Zoe is never informed and lives unaware of something that should have been a big issue!

Last note is that the book has many errors with missing quotation marks and misplaced words, which sometimes makes you lose where you were.

[Alana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not enjoy. It was not my writing style, found it way too descriptive in parts, too much background history on people or places that never became relevant. Very soap opera ish, like Episode. Repetitive themes and thoughts throughout, and not enough individuality between characters. A lot of characters lacked depth. Louisa was strong at start but became too stoic to still be relatable anymore near the end and even though the morals and messages were nice which she gave (which is why this is 2 stars) it was too obvious and on the nose. Very cliche in a lot of spots and a couple loose ends here and there. I was very unhappy with the choice of who was the last speaker.

[Mitsie Holtshausen · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can I say about this book.
The writing was very good, and the story was disturbing that's why I give it a 4.
BUT did I find the book enjoyable NO. The agegap 34/64, pregnant with twins. Leaving your GOOD wife of 40 years, because you need to find the new carefree exciting life you missed out on because you were a husband and father.
You find this fantastic new exciting life with your sons ex girlfriend 30 years younger then you NO. Then you knock the girlfriend up with twins HELL NO. After you chuck your beautiful faithful wife out of her home telling her she's boring and you dont love her anymore, that she should basically take the last 40years and forget about it and move on ( the day after Christmas). YOU ARE SCUM. And to find out, the reason for you cheating on your wife destroying your family and sleeping with a stranger, was because you were to responsible all your life.
WHAT ABSOLUTE bull.

[Jennifer Carson · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time reading a book by Erica James, I really enjoyed this book, I like the way Erica writes. I would definitely pick up another one of her books. Loved how this book follows the emotions of everyone involved in a divorce and how it affects everyone around them. But also how families can pull together!