The Manual for Good Wives

by Lola Jaye

Everything about Adeline Copplefield is a lie . . .

To the world Mrs Copplefield is the epitome of Victorian propriety: an exemplary society lady who writes a weekly column advising young ladies on how to be better wives.

Only Adeline has never been a good wife or mother; she has no claim to the Copplefield name, nor is she an English lady . . .

Now a black woman, born in Africa, who dared to pretend to be something she was not, is on trial in the English courts with all of London society baying for her blood. And she is ready to tell her story . . .

From the author of The Attic Child, Lola Jaye, comes The Manual for Good Wives, a dual narrative historical novel about love, generational trauma, second chances and hope.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Audiobook, African Literature, Book Club, Black Historical Fiction

400 pages, Paperback

First published May 6, 2025

About the author

Lola Jaye is an author, registered psychotherapist and speaker who has penned six novels and a self-help book.
She was born and raised in London, England and has lived in Nigeria and the United States. She currently works as a psychotherapist. She has written for, CNN, HuffPost, Essence and the BBC and also speaks on issues of mental health and racism. She has also appeared on national television, most recently discussing Covid 19 and mental wellbeing. Lola once gave a presentation on imposter syndrome – a subject close to her heart, because at times she’s unable to believe she’s an actual writer!
The Attic Child (Macmillan) is her first epic historical novel.


Find out more about Lola and what she’s been up to by visiting her website; www.lolajaye.com, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook.

Reviews

[Laura Lovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS IS WHY I LOVE HISTORICAL FICTION NOVELS!

Adeline Copplefield is going to let you know the correct and etiquette way to be the best wife to your husband. But Adeline is a frauuuud! She herself doesn’t execute none of the words she writes about, and she is now on trail in the English courts. We follow the story of Adeline born in Africa and how she ended up pretending to be someone she is not.

MS JAYEEEEEEEEEEE! Please I beg of you do not EVER stop writing historical fiction! Again, like her phenomenon The Attic Child, I was swept away by the two main characters in the story. On bated breath most of the time reading the heartbreaking but courageous story of women just trying to live their lives.

The book is told in two different timelines with a dual narrative, one in the present day and the other in old England Victorian times.

Following the story of ‘Adeline’ from the beginning right to end was so bittersweet. I felt all the emotions she went through, and it read so cinematic in my head.

I would love to see this played out on the big screen or as a limited series.

If you want to read a book about a woman who in the words of Landri is:

✔️ Pioneer
✔️ Trailblazing
✔️ Audacious
✔️ Bold
✔️ Courageous


THEN PICK THIS BOOK UP!!!!






---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
pre read
Eeeek when this author reached out to me my Gob was Smacked!
I love the Attic Child and when she asked if i wanted to read her newest release, I've never said yes so quick!
I am so excited to see delve into this story!
P.S. My favourite colour is pink and this cover is GAWJUSSSSS!
🩷🩷🩷

[Dab · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy Release Day!

This book was heartbreaking and very different from the usual light stuff I read. It was also incredibly well written and very captivating.

It’s is a dual timeline with Temi in Victorian times and Landri in the present. The main story is about Temi, an African princess, who left behind her much older, abusive husband, and baby daughter, and fled her home country to be with her beloved Olu.

This book reminded me of the Lessons in Chemistry, it is a similar setup of an independent, strong-minded woman who loses the love of her life and has to fend for herself and her family. This was however less depressing and I enjoyed it a lot more.
Don’t get me wrong, Temi’s life was full of pain and hardship, but there was strength in the way she dealt with it, which made this book one about hope rather than misery.
She was a Black woman in Victorian England, but she navigated that world like a true badass and it was a delight to read. She knew her worth and didn’t allow anybody to treat her like anything less.

The ending made me cry a little but it was absolutely perfect for both, Temi and Landri.

If you enjoy poignant, well paced historical fiction and dual timelines, this is definitely worth a try.

TW: forced marriage, sexual assault, loss of a loved one, grief, racism

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

——

NetGalley filling my tbr to the brim 😌

Thanks Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for the arc! ❤️

[ABCme · Rating 5 out of 5]

This deeply moving novel switches between Temi, an African princess in the 1890's, and Landri, a young woman in present day England.
It opens with Temi's life in Africa, before she and her childhood boyfriend Olu move to Britain. Here the reader is introduced to the connection between Temi and Landri, their lives and loves. Two fierce women in a story of independance, friendship, family, betrayal, loss and survival. Beautifully crafted and fast paced.
The last chapter is exquisite and truly pulled my heartstrings. An impressive read, hard to put down.

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan for the ARC.

[Lee Collier · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all I want to thank Lola for kindly sending me this novel to read after reaching out graciously on TikTok.

Lola is exceptionally talented. I will probably read anything she produces from here on. The Attic Child was one of my first reads of the year and I adored it. Will probably sit atop my best of the year when 25 comes to a close and this book is damn close to the same caliber.

Lola follows a similar format of storytelling as she did in the Attic Child with a storyline both based in the past and the present of which they intertwine seamlessly in every way. Part of the charm in this novel is the ease of reading. The chapter breaks are perfect and the flow in timeline is honestly some of the best you will ever witness. Lola is honestly proving her mastery of this dynamic in a way that other authors can only desire. Her prose is on the simpler side which is not a bad thing at all. This is highly accessible in every facet and a reason you should reach for this novel during your upcoming vacation.

I have only positives to say about this novel and think others that read will agree, Long Live Temi!

[Kristine]

Just saw this. Loved The Attic Child. Looking forward to Lola Jaye’s latest novel 💕📚

[Denae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical Fiction fans- read this book! This was my first read from this author and I loved it! I’ll definitely go back and read Attic Child.

The story and the overall the writing was beautiful! Manual for Good Wives is a dual timeline, dual POV, it bounces between 18th century Victorian Era with Temi and present day with her great great great granddaughter, Landri.

Temi is an African princess who fled from her country and left her abusive, much older husband behind, as well as her daughter. She flees to London with the love of her life, Olo. Olo and Temi create a beautiful life together, until unfortunately tragedy hits. Temi was smart, ambitious, poised, and had a spirit of perseverance, courageous, and she knew her worth. She didn’t allow men to mistreat her just because she was a woman. She spoke up with herself, not only in her love life, but professionally as well. I adored her character!

Temi, is a black woman in 18th century but is also Mrs. Adeline Copperfield! She writes a weekly column on “how to be a good wife” under this pseudonym and unfortunately finds herself on trial for Fraud! She is bold and courageous and a black woman in 18th century London who dared to be different!

Then we have Landri, who decades later, goes back to her ancestral home and finds a notebook. She begins to read this notebook and it takes her on a journey of legacy and history. Landri is at a turning point in life, figuring out her next career move and her relationship. It was beautiful to see their stories collide and how Tami’s life ultimately ended up helping Landri in moving her life forward!

Manual for Good Wives gives us love, loss, grief, betrayal, legacy, honor, friendship and so much more! There were also unexpected plot twists, that I enjoyed and didn’t see coming! I also loved the pacing. It kept my attention from the first page down to the very last page! Also, I did this as an immersive read and I HIGHLY recommend the audio!

[ReadnliftwithShar · Rating 5 out of 5]

🥹audiobook

The storytelling was impressive! The dual timelines and complex storyline kept me interested. My heart was torn for Temi but I also found her bravery to be inspiring. I felt I learned what true love means.. ❤️‍🩹

[Jayslibrary_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lola Jaye has done it again! After The Attic Child, I was so excited for her next book and The Manual for Good Wives did NOT disappoint.

This dual-timeline historical fiction follows Temi, an African princess who flees her village with her childhood friend (and love of her life), Olu, seeking freedom in Victorian England. But freedom comes at a cost. In the present day, Landri, a woman from England, learns more about Temi and her powerful story through their connection.

Both women are fighting to define their own lives, pushing against expectations placed on them. Temi’s story, in particular, was heartbreaking yet powerful—she didn’t just carve a path for herself but for generations to come.

Lola Jaye weaves these timelines together beautifully, creating an emotional, gripping, and empowering read. Also, each of Temi’s chapters starts with a little extracts from The Manual for Good Wives… and let’s just say, I would NOT have survived as a wife back then!

The Manual for Good Wives is out February 20—preorder your copy now!

Lola Jaye, your storytelling is phenomenal! This book may be fiction, but the impact it leaves is very real. Thank you for writing this! I need to add a physical copy to my shelf!

Thank you @panmacmillan for this ARC.✨

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rich, compelling, and alluring!

The Manual for Good Wives is predominately set in England during the 1800s, as well as present day, and is told from two different perspectives. Temi, an African woman born of noble blood who, after being forced to marry a man she does not love, flees to the UK to start a new life, leaving her husband and daughter behind, and Landri, a young woman who, after having doubts about her new fiancé, heads to her ancestral home where she discovers more about herself and her family history than she ever could have imagined.

The prose is eloquent and expressive. The characters are intelligent, determined, and independent. And the plot is a moving tale about life, loss, love, trauma, emotion, betrayal, family, friendship, heartbreak, resiliency, and courage.

Overall, The Manual for Good Wives is a heart-tugging, absorbing, empowering tale by Jaye that is a wonderful choice for anyone who enjoys a dual timeline historical story that also includes a sliver of mystery and a touch of romance.

[Lit_Vibrations · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second book by Lola Jaye and while Attic Child is my favorite she does not disappoint with The Manual for Good Wives‼️

The book unfolds across two lines during
the Victorian England era and modern day London. Both Temi and Landri deal with their own struggles yet have a similar connection when it comes to their passion for writing, dealing with unhappy relationships and discovering what it is they want out of life.

T͟e͟m͟i͟:
* Came from a family of wealth and royalty
* Forced to marry chief Medicare (twice her daddy’s age)
* In love with another man (Jasmine Sullivan) I loved Olu for her
* I love how Temi wasn’t afraid to leave behind all she’s known to follow the love of her life (yes forget the husband and child go be happy)
* Aunty Kike was a real one when she wanted to be
* The coaching from her mother and the older women on how to be a good wife to chief Medicare . . . side eye!
* The betrayal (you don’t even know the half)
* Had the city eating up every word she wrote until they found out the truth . . . (What it means to be Black) Crazy ain’t it?

L͟a͟n͟d͟r͟i͟:
* Newly engaged to Ross (she should’ve embarrassed him)
* She was never really happy and their relationship showed exactly what happens when you lose yourself in a man you don’t love plus he was narcissistic
* Never felt she was enough
* The way she thrived on her own 🙌🏽
* You see so much growth in her character by the end of the book. Some of that ancestral knowledge rubbed off on her when she found Temi’s notebook

There weren’t many moments of confusion for me until Adeline was introduced into the story. But the author made everything connect so well with the characters and the timelines. I also found alot of the suggestions from Adeline’s manual to be hilarious.

Lola Jaye masterfully crafts a story exploring the ups and downs of relationships, the scrutiny and pressures Black women face in society and their careers, never settling for less than what you deserve, and how the world loves everything Black in private but refuse to acknowledge publicly. If you love historical fiction I highly recommend this book.

Rating: 4.5/5⭐️

[Shakila (BooksandThemes) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

This story pulled me in right away just like Attic Child, Lola Jaye’s previous novel. This one is told through both past and present POVs, and I loved how the parallels between the two women’s lives kept me hooked. On one side, we see a woman with little choice, treated as nothing more than a vessel for marriage and tradition. On the other, we see a modern woman navigating love, independence, and the weight of family history.

What struck me most was the clash between expectation and desire — when you’re told who to marry, how to live, what to wear, or even when love should be enough. The author captured the frustration and pain of control, but also the strength it takes to resist, to carve your own path, and to fight for joy.

I especially connected to the theme of breaking cycles — how women across generations confront what’s been passed down to them, whether silence, sacrifice, or resilience. And I appreciated the role books and knowledge played in giving characters the courage to imagine something different.

I’ll admit, the ending felt a little milder than I expected compared to such an emotional journey, but the impact of the story overall was powerful.

[Tiphaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

|| Thank you to NetGalley and Pan McMillan for providing me this arc in exchange for an honest review ! ||

We're following Temi, aka Adeline Copplefield, in the end of the 1800's, but also Landri in present days. We're following both women's evolution, Temi since she's 15 years old, and Landri on a couple of months. Both having their own fight, their own research to finding what they want and how to get it as women, to be themselves. And oh I was so proud of them both!

I really wasn't expected to be so enthralled by their stories, their survival, their fight. I was disgusted, outraged, sad, angry, and happy for them. I was touched by Temi's strength and power to always getting up, to always fighting for herself and what she deserves. I was touched by Landri's revelations of her own life and her fight to getting it back in her own hands.

I loved this book so much, the way it was written and constructed with both POV, for Landri to finally giving Temi the visibility she deserved as a black woman in the Victorian England. It was amazing.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I loved the strength of the women within its pages, I loved how Landri was able to honour Temi as she deserved and I loved how itdidn't shy away from the racism in Victorian England. The ending was so beautiful and emotional and I really enjoyed how everything ended up.
The writing!!! I thought it was incredible.
I'm not articulating this review very well (it may end up edited when I can form better words to say!) but trust me when I say, this book is one you need to add to your tbr!

Thank you Pan Macmillan & Netgalley for the arc!

Pub date- 20th February 2025.

[Jessica Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only is this a powerful, traumatic and emotional tale of survival, it’s also a beautiful love story. These characters grabbed me from the first chapter until the end. In a time when women’s voices were seldom heard, this book breathes life into those who were silenced. Temi is the definition of a resilient, extraordinary woman who went THROUGH IT and still managed to make it to the top.

The chapter headings from the manual made me roll my eyes to the back of my head 🙄💀… for example,
“To ensure your own happiness, you must always put your husband’s first.” 😵‍💫 But then these entries get sassier and actually made me laugh:
“A good wife never complains. A large comfortable pillow in which to emit your screams is advised.”

THE MANUAL FOR GOOD WIVES is captivating in its storytelling; I always wanted to keep reading. And the short chapters 🙌🏽 made it so easy to continue. The final scene with Temi had me tearing up…it’s SO beautiful done and a perfect ending to her story.

While I thoroughly enjoyed this book, THE ATTIC CHILD (also by @lola.jaye ) still reigns supreme. If you haven’t read that one yet, definitely add it to your list, too.

4.5 stars rounded up

[ClaireJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it when a story comes along that grasps me by the heart strings, which this book certainly did. I read it in only a couple of sittings, I just could not put it down!

The Manual For Good Wives is told in a dual POV where you follow Temi in the 1800’s who flees her home with the man she loves to England. She was a princess back in Africa and was being forced into a marriage to a much older man. You follow her story as she tries to make a life for herself in a strange country. She overcomes tragedy and many terrible obstacles along the way.

The other POV is from Landri in the present time who is Temi’s granddaughter, times a few generations of course! She is feeling suffocated in a relationship with a man she appears to have the perfect life with. She moves to her ancestral home which Temi and her family used to live in and finds herself at peace there. She discovers a notebook of Temi’s and she ends up wanting to learn more about this mysterious woman.

This is a powerful story of resilience. Of women living in a man’s world and their fight to be seen and heard and to have control of their lives. I found the ending incredibly moving and shed a few tears! It was beautiful.

[Nae · Rating 5 out of 5]

ever start a book and wonder why it took you so long to get to it because you're immediately pulled in and loving it? that was me with this one. most of the book moves so fast, it's full of tension, emotion, and moments that kept me flipping the pages. i loved how the story showed women's strength and how heavy the rules of society can feel. i found myself rooting for both temi and landri in their timelines, and i was fully invested in what would happen to them. i especially appreciated the growth in their characters— landri in particular, at a moment where she could've settled, chose a different path that showed her strength. there was so much to discuss within this one and so much to be stressed over lol. shoutout to @booksandthemes for buddy reading this with me! & i def wanna thank @read.pray.read for gifting me this one for my bday earlier this summer!

i paired the audio with my physical copy and the narration was superb! the last 10% slowed down a lot compared to the rest, and i definitely noticed it. but even with that, the way the story wrapped up still felt emotional and meaningful.

i cannot wait for lola jaye to give us another powerful and emotional story!

[Becca | bookedwithbecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please let me introduce you to my favorite book of the year thus far. 🙌🏻

I knew after reading THE ATTIC CHILD last year that I would be in for another great story with THE MANUAL FOR GOOD WIVES, but I wasn’t prepared for just how much I would love this journey and how hard I would root for these characters.

You’re set up with intrigue from the first chapter, and from there you experience a journey through time and across continents to explore the nuances and intricacies of two women’s captivating stories. I know it’s natural to prefer one narrative over the other in dual-timeline HF, but I loved both Temi and Landri’s stories equally. They complemented each other so well.

Speaking of the characters, they are some of the most endearing characters I have read this year—both major and minor characters. They are shining examples of what it means to overcome adversity of the highest degree, and they truly jumped from the pages. I could picture them, hear them. They were so vivid in my mind as I read that I was certain I was reading about real people.

And then there is the overarching themes of the book centered on identity, generational trauma (and joy), and strength of self. These concepts are explored so expertly at various points of the story. Even though I have never experienced what these women did, the way Jaye sets the scene made me ponder the lessons the characters experienced in my own life.

✅ beautiful writing
✅ intriguing plot
✅ immersive setting details
✅ lovable, complex characters
✅ poignant lessons

Can’t ask for more than that! And don’t miss THE ATTIC CHILD, also by Lola Jaye.

💬 “What about the joy, my love? If we accept that pain passes through the generations, maybe joy can be passed down too.”

[RensBookishSpace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm still on a high from the incredible story of Temi, an African princess who dared to defy convention and build a new life in 19th-century England.

Lola Jaye's writing is beautiful, effortlessly moving between past and present to bring Temi's journey to life. Lola Jaye is hands down one of my go to authors— she knocks dual timelines out of the park everytime!

What I loved most was seeing a strong, resilient black woman like Temi navigate the complexities of British society while staying true to herself.

The modern-day chapters follows Landri. As Landri is navigating her own challenges, including a controlling relationship she finds solace in her ancestral home and discovers Temi's notebook, which becomes a catalyst for her own growth and self-discovery. While Temi's chapters were undeniably the heart of the story, Landri's journey was also compelling.

This book is an absolute must read especially if you’re big on women empowerment!

[Federica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Temi and Landri's journey is one of self knowledge and empowerment, although devided by more than a century. Their journeys of self-discovery and resistance against oppression are both empowering and heartbreaking.
The Manual for Good Wives is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged read. It’s perfect for fans of historical fiction and anyone interested in stories of resilience and empowerment. Jaye’s storytelling shines as she delivers a reminder of how far we’ve come—and how far we still have to go. I’d rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

[Helen Stölting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful storytelling by Lola Jaye! Just like the Attic Child, The Manual for Good Wives puts the characters and their development in the spotlight - not just their hardships. I loved the jumps between the different timelines as well and how the stories of our two heroines become more intertwined over time. Great character development and beautifully written, I would recommend this book to anyone. 4.5 stars rounded up

[Dani · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book but it fell flat for me. I feel it could’ve been at least 150 pages shorter - it seemed to drag on for a while without much to grab the reader. At first, I was more interested in Landri’s perspective than Temi’s but then Landri’s chapters weren’t really grabbing my attention and seemed repetitive. I wouldn’t not recommend it because I liked Temi’s perspective. But for the whole last half of the book I just was ready to be done so I could move on to my next book.

[Martha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Temi's story but got bored towards the end of Landri's story - it was just a bit too neatly wrapped up.

Also why do writers always make their characters want to be writers?

[Onyeka · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have picked this up, and put it down many times. After ‘Attic Child’, I had such high hopes for this, but it didn’t live up to those expectations, sadly.

‘A Manual for Good Wives’ is the title of the agony aunt / advice column articles by Adeline Copperfield - Temi’s pseudonym. Temi is a Princess from West Africa - now Nigeria - who fled an arranged marriage to a Chief, with the love of her life, Olu. They build a beautiful life in Nigeria, but she’s soon hit with adversity after adversity, surmounting them all to become an inspiring character in her own right.

The book has a dual timeline, so we learn more about Temi through her Great Great Grand daughter, Landri.

This is historical fiction, with more emphasis on the fiction. Lola Jaye explores feminism, marriage and womanhood across different eras in a beautiful & thought provoking way.

[Nisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can a woman of color be master of her destiny in late 19th century? Yes she can and this book is a testimony to all those women who fought against all odds, before us to get us to where we are.
Temi was born in Africa as a princess.Destined to be married off as a commodity and live her life as someone else will.But she chose to break free from the unseen shackles.She chose love life dignity and a free life.A woman who did not settle for what life gave and fought for more.Leaving her land to travel to London, where opportunities were present but as a woman of color you have to fight harder,sometimes even lie for survival.

[Kaila Metzger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you like Bridgerton? ✅
Do you enjoy duel POV ✅
Do you like family dramas spanning decades? ✅
Do you love a strong female protagonist making a life for herself? ✅
Do you love a romance that is beautiful and tender? ✅

I LOVED this book so much. I’m honestly surprised I haven’t seen it being featured more. It was so good.

[Darcy J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
I loved the lie she lived. Bravo. 👏🏾👏🏾

[Faloni © · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reunited and it feels so goooooood!

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had this on pre order because the Attic Child by Lola Jaye was one of the best books I had ever read. This was absolutely AMAZING! The feels I got reading this book. I was hooked from the very first page until the last. I hope Lola will continue to write many more books.

[Dez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although there were indeed some sad parts, this story ended beautifully …really enjoyed this book !

[Charlotte reads history · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Manual for Good Wives by Lola Jaye is a historical saga across generations that follows an African princess as she escapes an unhappy arranged marriage to emigrate to England with her childhood sweetheart. Her story unfurls within a dual timeline, with her great, great granddaughter discovering more about her life through a long-hidden journal in the family home.

I usually struggle with dual timeline stories, as I often find the contemporary counterparts a bit twee, unfortunately for me this was still the case with Good Wives.

Every single dual timeline story I’ve read follows the trope of a downtrodden woman escaping an abusive relationship and ‘finding herself’ and her power through finding out more about her ancestors. I realised this book followed the same pattern - it’s just not my cup of tea.

What was interesting about the book was the detail Jaye injected into the historical characters of Temi and her sweetheart Olu - the colonising of the coast of their homeland and the impact that had on their own political leaders was complex and interesting. Later, the treatment of Temi throughout the book by white people in England was understandably awful, with most people looking down upon her or fetishising her.

It’s no surprise that racism and sexism were rife in Victorian England - I was glad of the opportunity to have a story that dug into this more. I really appreciated that Jaye included the racist attitudes of leaders of the women’s suffrage movement, an important historical footnote that often gets washed out of the narrative.

I thought Jaye’s exploration of Temi’s beliefs and her complicated relationships with her daughters to be really emotive and well done too.

If you enjoy reading about strong women characters who keep fighting against significant adversity, you’re likely to enjoy this book.

Thank you to the author and @panmacmillan for an advanced copy of the book. The Manual for Good Wives is published on the 20th February!