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Never Marry a Politician
‘Never, under any circumstances, marry a politician … ‘
In trying to be the model wife to Ralph, a fiercely ambitious politician, Emily has betrayed her heart and her principles. Once she was a promising journalist, but now reluctant domestic goddess is more her scene.
When unexpected events lead to Ralph becoming a candidate for Prime Minster, Emily finds maintaining the façade of picture-perfect family life an increasing struggle –especially when her romantic past comes back to haunt her in the form of tough-talking journalist, Matt Morley.
Matt is highly skilled at ‘digging the dirt’ and, sure enough, Ralph has a sordid secret that is soon uncovered. In the aftermath of the discovery, will Emily finally find the courage to be true to herself, or is she stuck in the world of PR tactics and photo opportunities for good?
In trying to be the model wife to Ralph, a fiercely ambitious politician, Emily has betrayed her heart and her principles. Once she was a promising journalist, but now reluctant domestic goddess is more her scene.
When unexpected events lead to Ralph becoming a candidate for Prime Minster, Emily finds maintaining the façade of picture-perfect family life an increasing struggle –especially when her romantic past comes back to haunt her in the form of tough-talking journalist, Matt Morley.
Matt is highly skilled at ‘digging the dirt’ and, sure enough, Ralph has a sordid secret that is soon uncovered. In the aftermath of the discovery, will Emily finally find the courage to be true to herself, or is she stuck in the world of PR tactics and photo opportunities for good?
- GenresChick Lit
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2014
3 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Waights
1 book3 followersHi there lovely reader,
Thanks for dropping by, but I AM NO LONGER SARAH WAIGHTS!
More accurately, I am still actually me but - as a writer - I am now Poppy Alexander AND Rosie Howard (long story) and you can find my most recent books here:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Do please explore my other books and then let me know what you think?
Thanks for dropping by, but I AM NO LONGER SARAH WAIGHTS!
More accurately, I am still actually me but - as a writer - I am now Poppy Alexander AND Rosie Howard (long story) and you can find my most recent books here:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Do please explore my other books and then let me know what you think?
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
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February 2, 2015The unusually named Emily Pemily has spent many years becoming the model wife. Married to a junior politician, she has allowed a political party to shape the way she lives her life, and now, as her husband's profile grows, she finds that she is having to make bigger changes, and sacrifice more and more, in order to remain the wife she is expected to be.
I can't say that I am ordinarily a fan of out and out romance novels. I prefer my romance to come as a side to adventure, or comedy, or history. So when I am presented with the chance to read a book like this, I sometimes have to think twice, but it does present the possibility for me to be pleasantly surprised, and that's what happened with Never Marry a Politician.
The story was engaging, and the characters easy to identify with. Emily is a heroine that the reader can quickly empathise with; she married Ralph (pronounced 'Raph') after a whirlwind romance, and as the book progresses, it becomes clear that she was on the rebound from a love affair that she never quite gets over, despite settling down to a happy life with Ralph. For his part, her husband is quickly established as the villain of the piece, but he's not a one-note antagonist. He's an ambitious man, who, through a series of events, progresses through the ranks of his party very quickly. His ambition doesn't leave room for Emily's doubts, so she is left to deal with the whirlwind changes on her own.
Part of the fun of reading a story like this, is knowing where it is going. I don't read books like this to be surprised by the twists and turns of the story. I enjoy reading a story where I know the eventual outcome within a couple of chapters, and the fun comes from seeing how the characters reach that point.
I read Never Marry a Politician in one sitting, last month, when I was trying to reach my yearly goal. A lazy afternoon between Christmas and New Year is the perfect time to read a book like this; without expectation that it is a literary masterpiece, it is able to pleasantly surprise.
I can't say that I am ordinarily a fan of out and out romance novels. I prefer my romance to come as a side to adventure, or comedy, or history. So when I am presented with the chance to read a book like this, I sometimes have to think twice, but it does present the possibility for me to be pleasantly surprised, and that's what happened with Never Marry a Politician.
The story was engaging, and the characters easy to identify with. Emily is a heroine that the reader can quickly empathise with; she married Ralph (pronounced 'Raph') after a whirlwind romance, and as the book progresses, it becomes clear that she was on the rebound from a love affair that she never quite gets over, despite settling down to a happy life with Ralph. For his part, her husband is quickly established as the villain of the piece, but he's not a one-note antagonist. He's an ambitious man, who, through a series of events, progresses through the ranks of his party very quickly. His ambition doesn't leave room for Emily's doubts, so she is left to deal with the whirlwind changes on her own.
Part of the fun of reading a story like this, is knowing where it is going. I don't read books like this to be surprised by the twists and turns of the story. I enjoy reading a story where I know the eventual outcome within a couple of chapters, and the fun comes from seeing how the characters reach that point.
I read Never Marry a Politician in one sitting, last month, when I was trying to reach my yearly goal. A lazy afternoon between Christmas and New Year is the perfect time to read a book like this; without expectation that it is a literary masterpiece, it is able to pleasantly surprise.
December 18, 2014
Emily is trying to be the perfect wife for Ralph, who is an important politician with high ambitions. In doing so she's losing the Emily she used to be. She's changed her style and has quit her job as a journalist to be with their children and to do the work Ralph is too busy to do himself. She's slowly changing into being only a servant of the man she's married. Emily's already struggling, but her situation becomes even more complicated when her greatest love, Matt, who's also a journalist, comes back into her life. He has to write a piece about Ralph and his political career. Unfortunately Matt is very good at uncovering secrets and he discovers something that will change Emily's world. When Ralph suddenly is a candidate to become Prime Minister Emily finds herself being stuck in tough circumstances she can't easily get out of. Will she be able to fight for herself to get her life back or will she be lost forever in politics and the correctness that comes with it?
Never Marry a Politician is an interesting read. It was great to get a look behind the scenes. Being a politician isn't easy and being the wife of a politician demands a lot of sacrifices. Emily has so many tough choices to make and she can't always do what's best for her. There are still old wounds when it comes to Matt. He's a kind man, but he's still a journalist and he has to do his job. That means Emily will be hurt. I felt so bad for her at times, but I also admired her courage and her attempts to make the best of it and to stand by her man. Even though he doesn't deserve it she puts the happiness of others first and decides to help him. That was admirable, but also quite difficult to see. Emily is brave and she deserves to get a lot more than she receives. I loved to read about her thoughts, the way she fights back and about how she manages to solve her problems in the end. This novel is romantic, but it's so much more, it's also intelligent, captivating and very fascinating.
Never Marry a Politician is an interesting read. It was great to get a look behind the scenes. Being a politician isn't easy and being the wife of a politician demands a lot of sacrifices. Emily has so many tough choices to make and she can't always do what's best for her. There are still old wounds when it comes to Matt. He's a kind man, but he's still a journalist and he has to do his job. That means Emily will be hurt. I felt so bad for her at times, but I also admired her courage and her attempts to make the best of it and to stand by her man. Even though he doesn't deserve it she puts the happiness of others first and decides to help him. That was admirable, but also quite difficult to see. Emily is brave and she deserves to get a lot more than she receives. I loved to read about her thoughts, the way she fights back and about how she manages to solve her problems in the end. This novel is romantic, but it's so much more, it's also intelligent, captivating and very fascinating.
August 9, 2015
This fun trip through a year for a Westminster politician's wife reminds me of The Women's Room, as well as The Rector's Wife.
A young journalist, Emily, got married and as her husband's career took off she had to drop her own to take care of him, his family and his image. As an upcoming politician his image was hugely important so she could not do anything other than what the party handlers approved. While she loves her kids, a looming election puts her on the spot and the cracks in the marriage begin to show.
Emily is well realised and her conversation has dwindled to what the kids need, constituency clinics with complainers and her household problems. When an old flame who is a freelance journalist gets hired by the Sunday Times to write a profile of the family, Emily is determined to show that she is not some Stepford Wife. Only - what if she is?
Emily has issues with the journalist Matt which they have not settled during the past ten years, while her husband has developed some side issues of his own despite risking his image.
There's a good spread of characters, all very English rather than a mix of cultures but maybe that's what you find on the inside of a political party. I would have liked a discussion about actual policies and social needs, as in The Mummyfesto, but instead there's somewhat too much housewifey stuff which shows how the political and career debates are now going on over Emily's head, her co-operation in everything taken for granted. Well, her husband is mostly absent, always busy and talking to one of his team. She's given a blog account and told not to use it, one of the spin team will write a blog for her. All she has to do is keep the children behaving well and gaze adoringly at her man in front of cameras.
How much would you have to love this man, and would you ever get your life back? With lots of laughs and many serious reflections, Sara Waights has given us a first novel that's off to a great start.
A young journalist, Emily, got married and as her husband's career took off she had to drop her own to take care of him, his family and his image. As an upcoming politician his image was hugely important so she could not do anything other than what the party handlers approved. While she loves her kids, a looming election puts her on the spot and the cracks in the marriage begin to show.
Emily is well realised and her conversation has dwindled to what the kids need, constituency clinics with complainers and her household problems. When an old flame who is a freelance journalist gets hired by the Sunday Times to write a profile of the family, Emily is determined to show that she is not some Stepford Wife. Only - what if she is?
Emily has issues with the journalist Matt which they have not settled during the past ten years, while her husband has developed some side issues of his own despite risking his image.
There's a good spread of characters, all very English rather than a mix of cultures but maybe that's what you find on the inside of a political party. I would have liked a discussion about actual policies and social needs, as in The Mummyfesto, but instead there's somewhat too much housewifey stuff which shows how the political and career debates are now going on over Emily's head, her co-operation in everything taken for granted. Well, her husband is mostly absent, always busy and talking to one of his team. She's given a blog account and told not to use it, one of the spin team will write a blog for her. All she has to do is keep the children behaving well and gaze adoringly at her man in front of cameras.
How much would you have to love this man, and would you ever get your life back? With lots of laughs and many serious reflections, Sara Waights has given us a first novel that's off to a great start.
December 13, 2014
Review from my blog: http://vanilla-reads.blogspot.com/201...
I was expecting something different from this book. I thought it will be light, easy to read chic-lit, full of steamy love making and shallow phrases that we can read in almost every love story. Instead I got a book that made me think, that led me to deep reflections about life, love, relationships and caring about ourselves.
This is the first book of Sarah Waights I've ever read but it made me want to read more. She has unique and very good writing style that made the book pleasant to read and it didn't feel like reading yet-another-romance. "Never marry a Politician" is a story about relationship problems, feeling neglected by the significant other, feeling lost as a woman, longing for love and support, trying to make a family stable and secure. Finally it is a story about making tough life decisions.
Problems that Emily has to overcome are not absurd and a lot of women can identify with this character. It is very important to me as a reader that characters are realistic. The biggest strenght of this novel is that it is something different from affair-oriented chic lits, yet it is enjoyable and engaging read.
I'd recommend it to those who are looking for something refreshing and giving a lot to think about.
I was expecting something different from this book. I thought it will be light, easy to read chic-lit, full of steamy love making and shallow phrases that we can read in almost every love story. Instead I got a book that made me think, that led me to deep reflections about life, love, relationships and caring about ourselves.
This is the first book of Sarah Waights I've ever read but it made me want to read more. She has unique and very good writing style that made the book pleasant to read and it didn't feel like reading yet-another-romance. "Never marry a Politician" is a story about relationship problems, feeling neglected by the significant other, feeling lost as a woman, longing for love and support, trying to make a family stable and secure. Finally it is a story about making tough life decisions.
Problems that Emily has to overcome are not absurd and a lot of women can identify with this character. It is very important to me as a reader that characters are realistic. The biggest strenght of this novel is that it is something different from affair-oriented chic lits, yet it is enjoyable and engaging read.
I'd recommend it to those who are looking for something refreshing and giving a lot to think about.
July 4, 2019
Not my cup of tea in terms of the genre.
There are some great insights into politics.
However, when I got to the part where Matt tells Emily she will no longer need her anxiety medication because she now has him, well I'm afraid that was the last straw for me. A man in your life does not mean you no longer need medication for serious and life long medical conditions. Yes, I know it's fiction, but let's make our female characters strong and able to manage any illnesses with proper medication and medical advice.
There are some great insights into politics.
However, when I got to the part where Matt tells Emily she will no longer need her anxiety medication because she now has him, well I'm afraid that was the last straw for me. A man in your life does not mean you no longer need medication for serious and life long medical conditions. Yes, I know it's fiction, but let's make our female characters strong and able to manage any illnesses with proper medication and medical advice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2019
Every politicians wife should read this book, to look out for the pitfalls ahead, very enjoyable read.
March 11, 2016
Never Marry a Politician. It's so politically incorrect ... Sarah Waights
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, Women’s Fiction
What a great fun read this was, and a treat to find a book set in the UK. As a Brit myself brought up in a political, very strongly socialist home I know the UK system fairly well, and this book mirrors what I suspect happens much of the time, where its not doing the deed that's wrong, its getting caught!
We see it all the while, the wife and kids trotted out, platitudes spoken and the impression it was just a minor aberration. His c ock just happened to slip in the wrong direction due to pressures of work, worries about health, family problems..... No-one is too precious to be sacrificed to a politician’s ambition. It always amazes me how they think they are going to get away with it but it happens time and time again.
That makes me sound horribly cynical doesn’t it? I wanted to be an MP when I was a teenager, to change things for the good, to make a difference to people’s lives – that or a jockey...in the 70 ‘s careers for girls were still something of an oxymoron, and as there were few female MPs and no female jockeys our careers teacher was pretty sharp with me, told me to be a Nanny or something!
Back in the 80’ s there were two TV sit-coms about politics, the very funny Yes (Prime) Minister and The New Statesman, a much more sharp and cynical show. There’s shades of them in this book, with The Party being everything and nothing too great a sacrifice.
The characters are very good, feel very real. I adore Emily, and how she’s tried so hard to be the wife Ralph needs, and over time subjugated all her own needs and ambition. That's really sad, and when we learn more about what happened to her and how she met Ralph, its easier to understand how this confident, competent journalist could compromise her ideals this way.
Matt, what a great man, he was so understanding, as time had passed he’d seen where he let Emily down, and really them parting should never had happened, if time and circumstances had been different...but she met Ralph, older, confident and ambitious, in need of a wife as he wanted to move more into politics, and before she knew it almost daughter Tash was about to arrive and they were married.
Now they’ve Alfie too and live in a lovely rambling home in the heart of Ralph's constituency. He seems to spend more and more time in London though, and the plans they’d made for him to balance work and home seem to have been lost. He’s swiftly risen up the pole, now shadow Home Secretary, in no small part due to the work Emily does in the constituency and providing the right family image. I really didn’t like Ralph, found him a selfish individual, one of those married to his career. Nothing was too small or too private to use as political advantage, he never seemed to worry about how others felt, only if it could benefit him.
When he gets the chance to stand as PM very suddenly – well, all the discussions he’d promised Emily got pushed aside and I so felt for her. She’s got pushed more and more into a mould that just doesn't fit her. Then someone from her past comes back, Matt, the guy she was in love with til it all went wrong. She hasn't realised how much she still feels for him, and its clear he still loves her. He’s a political journalist and shadowing Ralph, who of course thinks its a wonderful opportunity. When some big secrets come out that could scupper his chances at PM Emily has some decisions to make.
The kids were great too, just how children are, and felt well written for their age group. Sometimes kids are written as some kind of little adult, and it just doesn't feel right, but these two are spot on. Nessa, Emily’s friend is a great addition, as is TJ the local party agent. Its a good mix of people, a great story, and one that I could imagine happening only too well – that old “don’t get caught” adage certainly came into play, and once everything is out then the way its spun to present things in a way that is acceptable to the electorate Eurghh!! But so very real.
As well as the everyday issues that affect the family, there’s the Matt issue and he was such a great guy, a journalist with integrity, and one who valued Emily for what she was and not just what she could do for him, as Ralph seemed to. Its a great read, one I really enjoyed and has a perfect ending.
Stars: five, a fabulous read, very true to life in UK politics.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, Women’s Fiction
What a great fun read this was, and a treat to find a book set in the UK. As a Brit myself brought up in a political, very strongly socialist home I know the UK system fairly well, and this book mirrors what I suspect happens much of the time, where its not doing the deed that's wrong, its getting caught!
We see it all the while, the wife and kids trotted out, platitudes spoken and the impression it was just a minor aberration. His c ock just happened to slip in the wrong direction due to pressures of work, worries about health, family problems..... No-one is too precious to be sacrificed to a politician’s ambition. It always amazes me how they think they are going to get away with it but it happens time and time again.
That makes me sound horribly cynical doesn’t it? I wanted to be an MP when I was a teenager, to change things for the good, to make a difference to people’s lives – that or a jockey...in the 70 ‘s careers for girls were still something of an oxymoron, and as there were few female MPs and no female jockeys our careers teacher was pretty sharp with me, told me to be a Nanny or something!
Back in the 80’ s there were two TV sit-coms about politics, the very funny Yes (Prime) Minister and The New Statesman, a much more sharp and cynical show. There’s shades of them in this book, with The Party being everything and nothing too great a sacrifice.
The characters are very good, feel very real. I adore Emily, and how she’s tried so hard to be the wife Ralph needs, and over time subjugated all her own needs and ambition. That's really sad, and when we learn more about what happened to her and how she met Ralph, its easier to understand how this confident, competent journalist could compromise her ideals this way.
Matt, what a great man, he was so understanding, as time had passed he’d seen where he let Emily down, and really them parting should never had happened, if time and circumstances had been different...but she met Ralph, older, confident and ambitious, in need of a wife as he wanted to move more into politics, and before she knew it almost daughter Tash was about to arrive and they were married.
Now they’ve Alfie too and live in a lovely rambling home in the heart of Ralph's constituency. He seems to spend more and more time in London though, and the plans they’d made for him to balance work and home seem to have been lost. He’s swiftly risen up the pole, now shadow Home Secretary, in no small part due to the work Emily does in the constituency and providing the right family image. I really didn’t like Ralph, found him a selfish individual, one of those married to his career. Nothing was too small or too private to use as political advantage, he never seemed to worry about how others felt, only if it could benefit him.
When he gets the chance to stand as PM very suddenly – well, all the discussions he’d promised Emily got pushed aside and I so felt for her. She’s got pushed more and more into a mould that just doesn't fit her. Then someone from her past comes back, Matt, the guy she was in love with til it all went wrong. She hasn't realised how much she still feels for him, and its clear he still loves her. He’s a political journalist and shadowing Ralph, who of course thinks its a wonderful opportunity. When some big secrets come out that could scupper his chances at PM Emily has some decisions to make.
The kids were great too, just how children are, and felt well written for their age group. Sometimes kids are written as some kind of little adult, and it just doesn't feel right, but these two are spot on. Nessa, Emily’s friend is a great addition, as is TJ the local party agent. Its a good mix of people, a great story, and one that I could imagine happening only too well – that old “don’t get caught” adage certainly came into play, and once everything is out then the way its spun to present things in a way that is acceptable to the electorate Eurghh!! But so very real.
As well as the everyday issues that affect the family, there’s the Matt issue and he was such a great guy, a journalist with integrity, and one who valued Emily for what she was and not just what she could do for him, as Ralph seemed to. Its a great read, one I really enjoyed and has a perfect ending.
Stars: five, a fabulous read, very true to life in UK politics.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
March 7, 2016
In Never Marry a Politician by Sarah Waights we meet Emily Pemily (yes really) a young woman who was on the verge of a successful career in journalism, until she hastily married ambitious and older man Ralph Pemily. Ten years on and Emily’s lost most of her individuality, given up her career and spends her days supporting her husband. But when her husband suddenly becomes a candidate for the next Prime Minister she begins to question exactly how happy she is with her life. Enter journalist and love of Emily’s life Matt Morley, who’s come to write about Ralph. Matt being the excellent journalist that he is uncovers a few secrets Ralph is hoping to keep out of the public eye. With her marriage not being what it seems and unfinished business with Matt, Emily has to decide to keep quiet for the sake of the country or to follow her heart to what really makes her happy.
I found Emily to be a really interesting character. She seemed to be really struggling with being the ‘perfect’ wife for Ralph as she is beginning to realise she’s just not cut out for a life of Politics. She doesn’t want to leave their idyllic home in Suffolk for a life at Number 10. When Matt comes back into her life she really struggles as he’s the one she’s always loved and the one she should have married. Reading how Emily begins to work out what she wants and how to get it without causing too much of an uproar was fascinating. I loved how she experienced such a wide range of emotions internally but on the outside remained the perfect docile wife.
I even liked Ralph to an extent. Yes he’s arrogant, power hungry and doesn’t seem to take any interest in his family’s well-being but he seems genuinely oblivious to everything but the power he craves and I don’t really think that makes him that bad. All the other characters added to the very realistic portrayal of political life. All doing what they could to represent a stable united party to the media.
This is a novel which gives us a glimpse into everyday political life and how it effects people on a more personal level, it’s a novel which I found to be full of varying emotions guilt, anger, remorse, embarrassment, sadness and even a little humour. I think Sarah Waights has done a brilliant job with the book as I couldn’t put it down as I was so engrossed in what Emily was going to do next. I am looking forward to see what she writes next as I’m sure it will be as equally compelling.
Thank you to the publishers Choc Lit UK and Netgalley for this review copy. I would like to rate Never Marry a Politician by Sarah Waights 5 out of 5.
I found Emily to be a really interesting character. She seemed to be really struggling with being the ‘perfect’ wife for Ralph as she is beginning to realise she’s just not cut out for a life of Politics. She doesn’t want to leave their idyllic home in Suffolk for a life at Number 10. When Matt comes back into her life she really struggles as he’s the one she’s always loved and the one she should have married. Reading how Emily begins to work out what she wants and how to get it without causing too much of an uproar was fascinating. I loved how she experienced such a wide range of emotions internally but on the outside remained the perfect docile wife.
I even liked Ralph to an extent. Yes he’s arrogant, power hungry and doesn’t seem to take any interest in his family’s well-being but he seems genuinely oblivious to everything but the power he craves and I don’t really think that makes him that bad. All the other characters added to the very realistic portrayal of political life. All doing what they could to represent a stable united party to the media.
This is a novel which gives us a glimpse into everyday political life and how it effects people on a more personal level, it’s a novel which I found to be full of varying emotions guilt, anger, remorse, embarrassment, sadness and even a little humour. I think Sarah Waights has done a brilliant job with the book as I couldn’t put it down as I was so engrossed in what Emily was going to do next. I am looking forward to see what she writes next as I’m sure it will be as equally compelling.
Thank you to the publishers Choc Lit UK and Netgalley for this review copy. I would like to rate Never Marry a Politician by Sarah Waights 5 out of 5.
March 3, 2016
'Never, under any circumstances, marry a politician...'
This was the first line in the description, and I have to admit, it got my attention. A book about love and politics, and I knew I was about to read a great book! This was such an interesting read, and although this is the first book that I've read by Sarah Waights, it will not be my last.
Emily had a career as a journalist, but gave it up to be with her family. Her husband, Ralph, is a politician with big dreams...and is a candidate for Prime Minister. Emily tries so hard to be a great wife to Ralph, and Ralph wants that perfect family image every politician strives to portray. Portraying the perfect family does by no means mean that you have the perfect family. What is shown on the outside does not always show what is happening on the inside. Emily is trying so hard to live up to her husband's expectations that she soon forgets who she truly is. She continues to sacrifice her own happiness in order to play the politician's wife. To make matters even worse, a man from her past enters the story, and this is not a good thing. Matt is a political journalist and a man that knows how to write a story, and in this case, he has uncovered some things that could ruin Ralph's reputation and possibly even his career and marriage. Even though Emily and Matt share a past, at the end of the day, he still has a job to do. Emily is forced to make some difficult choices. She has unresolved feelings for Matt, which of course, complicates things even further.
I loved this story on so many levels! The writing is amazing and it was so easy to relate to Emily and the struggles she is facing. I also enjoyed the inside look on being a politician's wife, and the things expected when you are one. Emily is such an amazing character, one who deeply wants her family to remain intact, but she also knows she will be paying the ultimate price to do so. I felt the author was able to keep my attention throughout the book, and wrapped the story up in a way that left me happy when I finished reading it. I would highly recommend reading this book! I am looking forward to reading more by Sarah Waights.
I was given a digital copy of this book by Choc Lit and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was the first line in the description, and I have to admit, it got my attention. A book about love and politics, and I knew I was about to read a great book! This was such an interesting read, and although this is the first book that I've read by Sarah Waights, it will not be my last.
Emily had a career as a journalist, but gave it up to be with her family. Her husband, Ralph, is a politician with big dreams...and is a candidate for Prime Minister. Emily tries so hard to be a great wife to Ralph, and Ralph wants that perfect family image every politician strives to portray. Portraying the perfect family does by no means mean that you have the perfect family. What is shown on the outside does not always show what is happening on the inside. Emily is trying so hard to live up to her husband's expectations that she soon forgets who she truly is. She continues to sacrifice her own happiness in order to play the politician's wife. To make matters even worse, a man from her past enters the story, and this is not a good thing. Matt is a political journalist and a man that knows how to write a story, and in this case, he has uncovered some things that could ruin Ralph's reputation and possibly even his career and marriage. Even though Emily and Matt share a past, at the end of the day, he still has a job to do. Emily is forced to make some difficult choices. She has unresolved feelings for Matt, which of course, complicates things even further.
I loved this story on so many levels! The writing is amazing and it was so easy to relate to Emily and the struggles she is facing. I also enjoyed the inside look on being a politician's wife, and the things expected when you are one. Emily is such an amazing character, one who deeply wants her family to remain intact, but she also knows she will be paying the ultimate price to do so. I felt the author was able to keep my attention throughout the book, and wrapped the story up in a way that left me happy when I finished reading it. I would highly recommend reading this book! I am looking forward to reading more by Sarah Waights.
I was given a digital copy of this book by Choc Lit and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 7, 2015
Endearing and down-to-earth Emily Pemilly inherited a funny-sounding name when she married rising political star Ralph. As Ralph climbs the ladder, Emily and her beloved children must deal with a sudden shift in government power that whisks them from their cozy sheltered existence in Sussex to a larger, harsher spotlight in London.
Ralph has ten years on not-quite-thirty Emily and he is ready for the big time in ways she has not anticipated. She’s given up her career as a journalist to become a political wife and a hands-on mom to her two little ones. In all, they present a perfect family portrait. But Emily’s life is far from the pretty picture her husband and his handlers work to present to the public eye. First there’s the question of where Ralph has been spending his nights…and with whom. Next, there’s that little thing Emily has been carrying around since her quick rebound marriage to Ralph: a broken heart.
Matt Morley is a political journalist hot on the trail of the newest rising star and he just happens to be the guy Emily left behind. Or so he believes. There’s a slight communication problem between these two supposed professional communicators, but as that gets quickly sorted, other things stand in their way. Like that marriage Emily is trying very hard to hold together.
This captivating but difficult to categorize novel has elements of romance, drama, and frothy chick lit. At it’s heart, it is simply a fascinating read about a highly relatable woman going through a particularly difficult and exhilarating time of life. Readers will root for Emily Pemilly, silly name and all.
Ralph has ten years on not-quite-thirty Emily and he is ready for the big time in ways she has not anticipated. She’s given up her career as a journalist to become a political wife and a hands-on mom to her two little ones. In all, they present a perfect family portrait. But Emily’s life is far from the pretty picture her husband and his handlers work to present to the public eye. First there’s the question of where Ralph has been spending his nights…and with whom. Next, there’s that little thing Emily has been carrying around since her quick rebound marriage to Ralph: a broken heart.
Matt Morley is a political journalist hot on the trail of the newest rising star and he just happens to be the guy Emily left behind. Or so he believes. There’s a slight communication problem between these two supposed professional communicators, but as that gets quickly sorted, other things stand in their way. Like that marriage Emily is trying very hard to hold together.
This captivating but difficult to categorize novel has elements of romance, drama, and frothy chick lit. At it’s heart, it is simply a fascinating read about a highly relatable woman going through a particularly difficult and exhilarating time of life. Readers will root for Emily Pemilly, silly name and all.
February 13, 2016
I was given a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest and independent review.
Emily gives up her journalist career to marry Ralph a rising star politician ten years older than herself. She becomes the "ideal wife", slightly neglected and down trodden.
When Matt a political journalist comes to do an article on Ralph things become more interesting. He is a former boyfriend of Emily's, a fact not known by her husband or his advisers. There is obviously some history and feelings still between them.
I really liked the way each chapter has a preface comment from a 1950s housewife. Totally outdated for the current modern woman but seemingly the sort of wife a politician should have.
An eye opening reflection of public life, which I can only imagine has strong elements of truth. The dialogue is crisp, The portrayal of the individual characters insightful and very credible. I particularly liked the way Ralph is portrayed -an arrogant, insincere person to whom power seems to be all important. The book develops well with secrets being revealed. At times humorous, at times sad this book was a great read.
4.5****
Emily gives up her journalist career to marry Ralph a rising star politician ten years older than herself. She becomes the "ideal wife", slightly neglected and down trodden.
When Matt a political journalist comes to do an article on Ralph things become more interesting. He is a former boyfriend of Emily's, a fact not known by her husband or his advisers. There is obviously some history and feelings still between them.
I really liked the way each chapter has a preface comment from a 1950s housewife. Totally outdated for the current modern woman but seemingly the sort of wife a politician should have.
An eye opening reflection of public life, which I can only imagine has strong elements of truth. The dialogue is crisp, The portrayal of the individual characters insightful and very credible. I particularly liked the way Ralph is portrayed -an arrogant, insincere person to whom power seems to be all important. The book develops well with secrets being revealed. At times humorous, at times sad this book was a great read.
4.5****
June 30, 2016
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**I was given an electronic copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Pros - great writing, it captures your attention and holds it. The story has pretty good flow, and there are surprises. Sarah also feeds you details slowly as you make your way through the story. Some authors can ruin their tale by doing this, Sarah shows promise.
Cons - terrible story with even more terrible characters. You want to like the main lady, the one who married a politician. The basic premise and many of the characters are just frustrating, and it gets hard to muddle through, even with all the pros.
So would I recommend this? I think if you don't mind being frustrated with the characters, then go for it. Sarah Waights really did a good job with her writing, and I will definitely give her another go if she writes a 2nd book. This one just didn't do it for me.
**I was given an electronic copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Pros - great writing, it captures your attention and holds it. The story has pretty good flow, and there are surprises. Sarah also feeds you details slowly as you make your way through the story. Some authors can ruin their tale by doing this, Sarah shows promise.
Cons - terrible story with even more terrible characters. You want to like the main lady, the one who married a politician. The basic premise and many of the characters are just frustrating, and it gets hard to muddle through, even with all the pros.
So would I recommend this? I think if you don't mind being frustrated with the characters, then go for it. Sarah Waights really did a good job with her writing, and I will definitely give her another go if she writes a 2nd book. This one just didn't do it for me.
February 17, 2017
I decided I need to read something lighter in-between two rather heavier books. And this one was a great choice. It is built on a typical canvas of a rom com, with rather one-dimensional characters. Putting this very well-known romantic comedy setup in a political world was a nice differentiation from all the other books that are similar. I really enjoyed this book, but I’m afraid I will forget soon that I read it. If you are looking for a rom com book, with an interesting set of characters, that is set in unusual world (here is a world of a politician’s family) this book is for you!
May 16, 2015
I deliberately waited until after the election to read this. Felt I couldn't anymore political spin and fake promises!
I am so very glad I did. This is a lovely book and looks in depth at relationships, family, loyalty and unexpected support.
It was much deeper and far more complicated than I had anticipated. There were some very funny lines, some incredibly sad parts and the tension built nicely through the book. It's amazing what we will do for the sake of someone else - to the point of ceasing to exist as ourselves. And an eye opener about the huge machine that is PR!
Loved it and look forward to Sarah's next book.
I am so very glad I did. This is a lovely book and looks in depth at relationships, family, loyalty and unexpected support.
It was much deeper and far more complicated than I had anticipated. There were some very funny lines, some incredibly sad parts and the tension built nicely through the book. It's amazing what we will do for the sake of someone else - to the point of ceasing to exist as ourselves. And an eye opener about the huge machine that is PR!
Loved it and look forward to Sarah's next book.
April 8, 2016
This book was different to many I have read and was quite an interesting story. Emily is married to Ralph. He is a politician who has a hectic life and is rarely home. She spends her time looking after their two young children. Ralph becomes Prime Minister and Emily finds out he is having an affair. She is expected to carry on with normal life, as he is Prime Minister, even when the story of the affair is made public. The love of Emily's life is Matt who is a journalist and she hasn't seen him for ten years. When he comes back into her life and still loves her, does she have the strength to leave Ralph, for Matt, and have happiness for herself and the children?
June 16, 2016
**I received a copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review**
3 stars
Never marry a politician by Sarah Waights
This book wasn’t what I expected, at first I thought it was a chick-lit but NO this book was totally different none less interesting. Keep your tissues close while reading this book!
3 stars
Never marry a politician by Sarah Waights
This book wasn’t what I expected, at first I thought it was a chick-lit but NO this book was totally different none less interesting. Keep your tissues close while reading this book!
June 3, 2015
I enjoyed this book as it follows the life of Emily Pemilly and her marriage to Ralph, a politician. All in all, a good read, with elements of comedy and a surprising insight into the pressures faced by politicians' families. Very entertaining and surprisingly thought-provoking.
March 30, 2015
I loved this book. It was a good read from beginning to end. It was a lovely mix of laugh out loud funny, sad, poignant and thought provoking. Highly recommended.
August 4, 2015
Great contemporary story, setting felt very real as if the author had lived in the world of politics and knew it inside out. Very likeable heroine and a delicious hero!
July 15, 2016
a very light cheerful read
November 10, 2016
I read this as it was recommended by Kay and written by Clive's niece. An easy, predictable chick lit read that doesn't encourage a repeat of this author. Not my sort of book at all.
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