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No Greater Strength #4
My Husband's Wife
Once a week, Rosie Tipcott counts her blessings.
She goes to sit on her favourite bench on the north Devon cliffs, and thanks her lucky stars for her wonderful husband, her mischievous young daughters, and her neat little house by the sea. She vows to dedicate every waking hour to making her family happy.
But then her husband unexpectedly leaves her for another woman and takes the children. Now she must ask the question: what is left in her life? Can Rosie find the strength to rebuild herself? More importantly, does she even want to?
She goes to sit on her favourite bench on the north Devon cliffs, and thanks her lucky stars for her wonderful husband, her mischievous young daughters, and her neat little house by the sea. She vows to dedicate every waking hour to making her family happy.
But then her husband unexpectedly leaves her for another woman and takes the children. Now she must ask the question: what is left in her life? Can Rosie find the strength to rebuild herself? More importantly, does she even want to?
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2016
1540 people are currently reading
2003 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Prowse
83 books1,942 followersPrevious Book: 'Swimming to Lundy', published th August 2024'.
Latest Book: 'This One Life', published 7th January 2025.
Next Book: 'Ever After' published 7th August 2025.
Amanda Prowse is an International Bestselling author whose thirty-two novels, two non-fiction titles and ten novellas have been published in dozens of languages around the world. Published by Lake Union, Amanda is the most prolific writer of bestselling contemporary fiction in the UK today; her titles also consistently score the highest online review approval ratings across several genres. Her books, including the chart topping No.1 titles 'What Have I Done?', 'Perfect Daughter', 'My Husband's Wife', 'The Girl in the Corner' and ‘The Things I Know’ have sold millions of copies across the globe.
A popular TV and radio personality, Amanda has appeared on numerous shows where her views on family and social issues strike a chord with viewers. She also makes countless guest appearances on BBC national and independent Radio stations including LBC, Times Radio and Talk FM, where she is well known for her insightful observations and her infectious humour. Described by the Daily Mail as ‘The queen of family drama’ Amanda’s novel, 'A Mother's Story' won the coveted Sainsbury's eBook of the year Award and she has had two books selected as World Book Night titles, 'Perfect Daughter' in 2016 and 'The Boy Between' in 2022.
Amanda is a huge supporter of libraries and having become a proud ambassador for The Reading Agency, works tirelessly to promote reading, especially in disadvantaged areas. Amanda's ambition is to create stories that keep people from turning the bedside lamp off at night, great characters that ensure you take every step with them and tales that fill your head so you can't possibly read another book until the memory fades...
Praise for Amanda Prowse:
'A powerful and emotional work of fiction' - Piers Morgan
'Deeply moving and emotional, Amanda Prowse handles her explosive subjects with delicate skill' - Daily Mail
'Uplifting and positive, but you will still need a box of tissues' - Hello!
'A gut-wrenching and absolutely brilliant read' - The Irish Sun
'You'll fall in love with this...' - Cosmopolitan
'Deeply moving and eye opening. Powerful and emotional drama that packs a real punch.' - Heat
'Magical' - Now magazine
Latest Book: 'This One Life', published 7th January 2025.
Next Book: 'Ever After' published 7th August 2025.
Amanda Prowse is an International Bestselling author whose thirty-two novels, two non-fiction titles and ten novellas have been published in dozens of languages around the world. Published by Lake Union, Amanda is the most prolific writer of bestselling contemporary fiction in the UK today; her titles also consistently score the highest online review approval ratings across several genres. Her books, including the chart topping No.1 titles 'What Have I Done?', 'Perfect Daughter', 'My Husband's Wife', 'The Girl in the Corner' and ‘The Things I Know’ have sold millions of copies across the globe.
A popular TV and radio personality, Amanda has appeared on numerous shows where her views on family and social issues strike a chord with viewers. She also makes countless guest appearances on BBC national and independent Radio stations including LBC, Times Radio and Talk FM, where she is well known for her insightful observations and her infectious humour. Described by the Daily Mail as ‘The queen of family drama’ Amanda’s novel, 'A Mother's Story' won the coveted Sainsbury's eBook of the year Award and she has had two books selected as World Book Night titles, 'Perfect Daughter' in 2016 and 'The Boy Between' in 2022.
Amanda is a huge supporter of libraries and having become a proud ambassador for The Reading Agency, works tirelessly to promote reading, especially in disadvantaged areas. Amanda's ambition is to create stories that keep people from turning the bedside lamp off at night, great characters that ensure you take every step with them and tales that fill your head so you can't possibly read another book until the memory fades...
Praise for Amanda Prowse:
'A powerful and emotional work of fiction' - Piers Morgan
'Deeply moving and emotional, Amanda Prowse handles her explosive subjects with delicate skill' - Daily Mail
'Uplifting and positive, but you will still need a box of tissues' - Hello!
'A gut-wrenching and absolutely brilliant read' - The Irish Sun
'You'll fall in love with this...' - Cosmopolitan
'Deeply moving and eye opening. Powerful and emotional drama that packs a real punch.' - Heat
'Magical' - Now magazine
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 386 reviews
January 12, 2019
I read this book because I wanted a break from the usual, something devoid of smex and whatnot. This certainly fit the bill except it was quite predictable.
The story was inordinately linear; a woman loses the love of her life to the evil other woman. We then follow Rosie-our female protagonist- through the devastating turn of events as her grief turns into self-pity, then inertia. I was most appalled when she insinuated wanting to end it all. Because a man left? Seriously?
Honestly, it was difficult to sympathise with Rosie, a woman whose identity was intricately linked to being Phil's wife. Don't get me wrong, My Husband's Wife painted a realistic picture of a woman scorned, one who had neglected to work at achieving her own dreams and life goals. But here's the thing: A woman must ALWAYS have a plan b. Always. Marriage, imo, is not the apex of living a fulfilling life.
Eventually, she starts the process of moving on, but mind you it wasn't a conscious decision, more like she allowed the currents of life determine her destiny. This woman did everything but own up to her contribution in the demise of her marriage.
There's a happy ending of sorts and that further irked me because the reader never got to experience the development of an intimate relationship between her and the new man. That, I think, was what made this a less than satisfying read.
October 3, 2016
What a book! It really pulled at my heartstrings! Rosie and Phil have two young daughters and have been married for twelve years. Their life is like any other couple with a young family..hectic and full of routine. One day Phil surprises Rosie. He's fallen in love with someone else and leaving her. Eventually he takes the children with him. Phil does not actually leave until almost half-way through the book. When I first began reading this book I liked it. It was a 3 star. Once Phil left from then on it was a straight 4 star. Very good writing! I felt all of Rosie's emotions as if it was happening to me. At times this was a heartbreaking read especially if you have children. Have a box of tissues next to you. You will need it!
Thank-you to Netgalley and Trafalgar Square Publishing for this opportunity to read this Advanced Reader's Copy.
Thank-you to Netgalley and Trafalgar Square Publishing for this opportunity to read this Advanced Reader's Copy.
July 9, 2016
Amanda Prowse has constructed a true to life family centred drama that makes for compelling reading. It rings true in that I could recognise scenarios and characters amongst my friends and family. The story is centred around Rosie whose world disintegrates when the husband she loves, Phil, leaves her and takes their daughters, Naomi and Leona with him. As Rosie reflects on her life, she feels that she has absolutely nothing. She has been so centred and focused on her family, she wonders who she is. She is utterly bereft and in such emotional pain.
She is having to learn the hard way how to pick herself up and begin again. Thankfully she has support from friends. The heartbreak and loss is portrayed well by the author, as well as the evolving development of a sense of identity for Rosie, which she had lost in the preceding years bringing up a family. Amanda Prowse writes fluently and has a real handle on the despairing human emotions as well as the moments when things go well. Thanks to Head of Zeus for an ARC.
She is having to learn the hard way how to pick herself up and begin again. Thankfully she has support from friends. The heartbreak and loss is portrayed well by the author, as well as the evolving development of a sense of identity for Rosie, which she had lost in the preceding years bringing up a family. Amanda Prowse writes fluently and has a real handle on the despairing human emotions as well as the moments when things go well. Thanks to Head of Zeus for an ARC.
August 11, 2024
EXCERPT: She pictured the early morning the previous year when she'd woken to the sound of her girls' laughter. Happy that they were playing nicely, she'd taken her time, coming to leisurely, finding her slippers and checking for chin hairs in the magnifying mirror she kept in her make-up bag by the side of the bed. She also checked before she went to sleep but knew that, unlike regular hairs, they could sprout overnight and take hold. It was only when she crept out onto the landing that she saw the kids peeling condoms from their fine foil wrappers, stretching them to their full length and flinging them down the stairs with a pencil.
'Aaaaagh,' she screeched, her hands outstretched, carefully trying to find the right words that would neither alarm nor interest the kids too much.
'Where . . . where did you find those?' she asked tentatively.
'They were just in the bathroom.'
'Just in the bathroom?' She couldn't believe that her husband, Phil, could be that careless.
'Yes,' Naomi confirmed. 'In the bathroom. In the cabinet. In Dad's washbag. In the side pocket. Wrapped in a flannel . . .'
Rosie smiled at the memory of how she'd gingerly scooped up the slippery, rubbery nest from the bottom of the stairs and begun offering breakfast options, as if her hands weren't full of discarded prophylactics.
ABOUT 'MY HUSBAND'S WIFE': Once a week, Rosie Tipcott counts her blessings.
She goes to sit on her favourite bench on the north Devon cliffs, and thanks her lucky stars for her wonderful husband, her mischievous young daughters, and her neat little house by the sea. She vows to dedicate every waking hour to making her family happy.
But then her husband unexpectedly leaves her for another woman and takes the children. Now she must ask the question: what is left in her life? Can Rosie find the strength to rebuild herself? More importantly, does she even want to?
MY THOUGHTS: My Husband's Wife is Amanda Prowse at her best. This is a realistic family drama that had me laughing and crying, often at the same time!
This is such realistic story, except that none of the men of my acquaintance who have left their wives for other women have left them for very rich other women, as Phil does. (Oops! That might be a wee bit of a spoiler! Forget I said that.)
Rosie is not a career woman. She is primarily a home maker, and a very good one, with a side job of cleaning at the local caravan park to earn a bit of extra money. Phil is a builder in business with his Dad, Keith. She loves her husband, their daughters, their whole family unit - it is everything she has ever wanted, and she never minds at all that they can't afford overseas holidays, flash cars or a fancy house. She is content. She is happy. She thinks Phil is too. Until he blindsides her.
I rooted for Rosie and the girls. My heart broke for them. I had my claws out for Geraldine, Phil's lover. And for Phil himself. Stupid man!
The characters in My Husband's Wife are realistically depicted. Rosie could be my friend, your friend. Her daughter's Naomi and Leona are lovely little imps and the cause of much hilarity. Phil's wider family is lovely and continue to support Rosie who has very little family of her own although, as they love their son Phil, they also have to accept Geraldine into the family unit which, to Rosie, feels like a betrayal.
Her heartbreak and grief are beautifully and realistically depicted. I felt Rosie's despair and sorrow as slowly she loses everything that is important to her: her husband, her best friend, her home, her daughters. I admit to losing patience with Rosie at one point, urging her to get up and fight back, but honestly if I were in her position I don't know if I would have had the strength either.
If you are looking for an emotional family drama, they don't come much better than My Husband's Wife.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.3
#MyHusbandsWifeAmandaProwse #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: A popular TV and radio personality, Amanda is a huge supporter of libraries and having become a proud ambassador for The Reading Agency, works tirelessly to promote reading, especially in disadvantaged areas. Amanda's ambition is to create stories that keep people from turning the bedside lamp off at night, great characters that ensure you take every step with them and tales that fill your head so you can't possibly read another book until the memory fades...
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Head of Zeus via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of My Husband's Wife by Amanda Prowse for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
'Aaaaagh,' she screeched, her hands outstretched, carefully trying to find the right words that would neither alarm nor interest the kids too much.
'Where . . . where did you find those?' she asked tentatively.
'They were just in the bathroom.'
'Just in the bathroom?' She couldn't believe that her husband, Phil, could be that careless.
'Yes,' Naomi confirmed. 'In the bathroom. In the cabinet. In Dad's washbag. In the side pocket. Wrapped in a flannel . . .'
Rosie smiled at the memory of how she'd gingerly scooped up the slippery, rubbery nest from the bottom of the stairs and begun offering breakfast options, as if her hands weren't full of discarded prophylactics.
ABOUT 'MY HUSBAND'S WIFE': Once a week, Rosie Tipcott counts her blessings.
She goes to sit on her favourite bench on the north Devon cliffs, and thanks her lucky stars for her wonderful husband, her mischievous young daughters, and her neat little house by the sea. She vows to dedicate every waking hour to making her family happy.
But then her husband unexpectedly leaves her for another woman and takes the children. Now she must ask the question: what is left in her life? Can Rosie find the strength to rebuild herself? More importantly, does she even want to?
MY THOUGHTS: My Husband's Wife is Amanda Prowse at her best. This is a realistic family drama that had me laughing and crying, often at the same time!
This is such realistic story, except that none of the men of my acquaintance who have left their wives for other women have left them for very rich other women, as Phil does. (Oops! That might be a wee bit of a spoiler! Forget I said that.)
Rosie is not a career woman. She is primarily a home maker, and a very good one, with a side job of cleaning at the local caravan park to earn a bit of extra money. Phil is a builder in business with his Dad, Keith. She loves her husband, their daughters, their whole family unit - it is everything she has ever wanted, and she never minds at all that they can't afford overseas holidays, flash cars or a fancy house. She is content. She is happy. She thinks Phil is too. Until he blindsides her.
I rooted for Rosie and the girls. My heart broke for them. I had my claws out for Geraldine, Phil's lover. And for Phil himself. Stupid man!
The characters in My Husband's Wife are realistically depicted. Rosie could be my friend, your friend. Her daughter's Naomi and Leona are lovely little imps and the cause of much hilarity. Phil's wider family is lovely and continue to support Rosie who has very little family of her own although, as they love their son Phil, they also have to accept Geraldine into the family unit which, to Rosie, feels like a betrayal.
Her heartbreak and grief are beautifully and realistically depicted. I felt Rosie's despair and sorrow as slowly she loses everything that is important to her: her husband, her best friend, her home, her daughters. I admit to losing patience with Rosie at one point, urging her to get up and fight back, but honestly if I were in her position I don't know if I would have had the strength either.
If you are looking for an emotional family drama, they don't come much better than My Husband's Wife.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.3
#MyHusbandsWifeAmandaProwse #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: A popular TV and radio personality, Amanda is a huge supporter of libraries and having become a proud ambassador for The Reading Agency, works tirelessly to promote reading, especially in disadvantaged areas. Amanda's ambition is to create stories that keep people from turning the bedside lamp off at night, great characters that ensure you take every step with them and tales that fill your head so you can't possibly read another book until the memory fades...
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Head of Zeus via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of My Husband's Wife by Amanda Prowse for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
June 27, 2019
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Rosie Tipcott is married with two young daughters, Naomi and Leona. She works part time as a hotel housekeeper but her main role in life is taking care of her family. She’s pretty content with her life until one day her husband, Phil, suddenly announces he’s leaving as he’s met someone else. The “other woman” is wealthy, beautiful and can still wear skinny jeans. In that moment, Rosie’s comfortable world is turned inside out along with her identity. Who is she if she’s not her husband’s wife?
Such an authentic story! I really liked Rosie, even though she’s quite different from the enlightened woman with whom I normally identify. She loved taking care of her girls and making a home for her husband, even though it often meant putting her needs and dreams on the back burner and there’s something a little bit noble about that. Her reaction to the breakup of her marriage was heartbreaking and realistic even when I thought she should develop a spine. But, the grieving process isn’t something you can dictate and Rosie went through the stages appropriate for her.
The narrator (the author) did a wonderful job in capturing the personalities of most of the characters but particularly Rosie and her daughters. She created vivid images in my head for these three. Loved her performance.
I really enjoyed this story and seeing this endearing woman work through a devasting event and come out on the other side more whole than when she began. Her daughters were hilarious and brought much needed levity. It was also interesting to see how other important people in her life handled her breakup, just like real life...those who remained her friend, those on the periphery who stepped up and those who abandoned her when she lost her identity as a wife. It’s a poignant story that realistically illustrated the emotional folly of making your dreams secondary to others. I liked the ending, even if it was a little too happily ever after. However, Rosie earned it.
(I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review)
Rosie Tipcott is married with two young daughters, Naomi and Leona. She works part time as a hotel housekeeper but her main role in life is taking care of her family. She’s pretty content with her life until one day her husband, Phil, suddenly announces he’s leaving as he’s met someone else. The “other woman” is wealthy, beautiful and can still wear skinny jeans. In that moment, Rosie’s comfortable world is turned inside out along with her identity. Who is she if she’s not her husband’s wife?
Such an authentic story! I really liked Rosie, even though she’s quite different from the enlightened woman with whom I normally identify. She loved taking care of her girls and making a home for her husband, even though it often meant putting her needs and dreams on the back burner and there’s something a little bit noble about that. Her reaction to the breakup of her marriage was heartbreaking and realistic even when I thought she should develop a spine. But, the grieving process isn’t something you can dictate and Rosie went through the stages appropriate for her.
The narrator (the author) did a wonderful job in capturing the personalities of most of the characters but particularly Rosie and her daughters. She created vivid images in my head for these three. Loved her performance.
I really enjoyed this story and seeing this endearing woman work through a devasting event and come out on the other side more whole than when she began. Her daughters were hilarious and brought much needed levity. It was also interesting to see how other important people in her life handled her breakup, just like real life...those who remained her friend, those on the periphery who stepped up and those who abandoned her when she lost her identity as a wife. It’s a poignant story that realistically illustrated the emotional folly of making your dreams secondary to others. I liked the ending, even if it was a little too happily ever after. However, Rosie earned it.
(I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review)
June 26, 2019
Well.....
When I read one of Amanda Prowse books I know I’m in deep.
This one was no exception.
She writes about realistic things with such depth that it’s as powerful as a punch to the stomach (emotionally).
I’m one of those women.
Married, my child are grown, my husband and my kids mean the world to me. They are my life, the ones that keep me going and I’m there for them. That makes me happy, just like Rosie in this book.
But there our similarities end thank goodness because one day her husband Phil comes home and tells her he’s leaving her for another woman.
She’s utterly devastated, she had no clue.
In all of this she tries to keep her girls protected emotionally from all what’s going on. Very difficult to do when you’re a broken woman.
She suffers isolation from friends and other things bring her to her knees.
It’s not all suffering though, in between are some really laugh out loud moments just like life. No matter what you are going through there’s always something to smile about somewhere or unexpectedly.
And although you may shed tears, you will end up closing this book with a smile on your face.
Good on Rosie! It’s the rough times that make us emotionally stronger.
When I read one of Amanda Prowse books I know I’m in deep.
This one was no exception.
She writes about realistic things with such depth that it’s as powerful as a punch to the stomach (emotionally).
I’m one of those women.
Married, my child are grown, my husband and my kids mean the world to me. They are my life, the ones that keep me going and I’m there for them. That makes me happy, just like Rosie in this book.
But there our similarities end thank goodness because one day her husband Phil comes home and tells her he’s leaving her for another woman.
She’s utterly devastated, she had no clue.
In all of this she tries to keep her girls protected emotionally from all what’s going on. Very difficult to do when you’re a broken woman.
She suffers isolation from friends and other things bring her to her knees.
It’s not all suffering though, in between are some really laugh out loud moments just like life. No matter what you are going through there’s always something to smile about somewhere or unexpectedly.
And although you may shed tears, you will end up closing this book with a smile on your face.
Good on Rosie! It’s the rough times that make us emotionally stronger.
December 21, 2018
Amanda Prowse is one of my favourite authors that always adds such brilliant page turning emotional stories. My Husband's Secret. You can believe in the scenes some women have been there. Being a devoted wife and mother giving all your love to your husband and children, doing all the cooking and cleaning. Then your husband leaves you. Then your children leave home. Every thing leaves you emotionally drained and heart broken. How do you rebuild your life if there's nothing left? I hope many readers enjoy ready this deep emotional unputdownable novel as much as what I did.
July 2, 2023
My relationship with this author is all over the place. Some books I love, others are an eye roll. This was an eye roll for me.
I wish there was more character depth here. The bones of this story are there, but it just doesn't come together well.
The plot whizzes by incredible fast, packing so much trauma into the pages, but with the characters being one dimensional, I didn't have empathy for any of them.
Rosie is a sad run-down wife whose dream is fish and chips sitting on a bench in a drizzly little town no one has heard of. When her husband leaves, it all gets increasingly more miserable. She felt so flat that I couldn't help but feel like her husband should leave. She has no drive or motivation.
It's a shame there wasn't more exploration around feelings and mental health, and what could have been an opportunity for some body positivity was swept away, instead a flat tanned stomach seemed to be the goal to keep a man.
I don't like the messaging in these kinds of books, I think us female readers deserve better.
Two stars.
I wish there was more character depth here. The bones of this story are there, but it just doesn't come together well.
The plot whizzes by incredible fast, packing so much trauma into the pages, but with the characters being one dimensional, I didn't have empathy for any of them.
Rosie is a sad run-down wife whose dream is fish and chips sitting on a bench in a drizzly little town no one has heard of. When her husband leaves, it all gets increasingly more miserable. She felt so flat that I couldn't help but feel like her husband should leave. She has no drive or motivation.
It's a shame there wasn't more exploration around feelings and mental health, and what could have been an opportunity for some body positivity was swept away, instead a flat tanned stomach seemed to be the goal to keep a man.
I don't like the messaging in these kinds of books, I think us female readers deserve better.
Two stars.
July 14, 2016
Nobody, and I mean NOBODY, does domestic drama like Amanda Prowse and with My Husband's Wife she has given us an emotional but life affirming journey into the aftermath of a collapsed marriage.
Rosie could be anyone that you know-your sister, your friend or your neighbour. She is married, she's a mum, she's happy. Yes things can be difficult but that's just life isn't it? She knows that sometimes couples are too tired for sex and we all have money problems sometimes, don't we? But Rosie's world and all her quiet contentment is about to come crashing down on her when her husband reveals he is leaving her for another woman. And I just want to say that I loved the way that Rosie handled this because it was real!! She cried, she begged, she promised she would change (she didn't need to we all know that!!!) She did what any one of us would do, she went to pieces and then all those little pieces collapsed around her when one by one she starts to lose everything and everyone else that she hold dear as well....but surely not her girls?!
I just hoovered up every single word of this wonderfully tense and heartbreaking journey for Rosie. I just wanted to be there for her, to be that mother that she didn't have and never even knew. In fact, I spent most of this book in a high state of indignant rage, how dare they all treat Rosie like that! I felt utterly helpless!
Every character is well drawn here and the whole scenario well written and thought through. Amanda Prowse really does understand what real people do and feel. Her insights into family life are just so on point that I actually felt as if I was reading about a real family. There are just little phrases and sayings dotted about in there that are brilliantly descriptive in their very normality, like trying to cheer someone up at Christmas by letting them have first pick in the Quality Street tin! And everyone laughs when my girls and I describe people's hair as "bouffy" so I'm glad to see I'm not alone in using that description!
I have always loved Amanda's books but this one really did speak to me more than others, probably as I AM Rosie, or the Rosie at the start of the book at least. And I think most women will find something here that plays a personal chord within them too. Hopefully, like me, they will also find My Husband's Wife a thought-provoking, insightful look into modern day extended family relationships brilliantly written and ultimately uplifting. I physically couldn't put it down!
Many thanks to Simeon Prowse for providing an advanced review copy of My Husband's Wife in return for an unbiased review.
Rosie could be anyone that you know-your sister, your friend or your neighbour. She is married, she's a mum, she's happy. Yes things can be difficult but that's just life isn't it? She knows that sometimes couples are too tired for sex and we all have money problems sometimes, don't we? But Rosie's world and all her quiet contentment is about to come crashing down on her when her husband reveals he is leaving her for another woman. And I just want to say that I loved the way that Rosie handled this because it was real!! She cried, she begged, she promised she would change (she didn't need to we all know that!!!) She did what any one of us would do, she went to pieces and then all those little pieces collapsed around her when one by one she starts to lose everything and everyone else that she hold dear as well....but surely not her girls?!
I just hoovered up every single word of this wonderfully tense and heartbreaking journey for Rosie. I just wanted to be there for her, to be that mother that she didn't have and never even knew. In fact, I spent most of this book in a high state of indignant rage, how dare they all treat Rosie like that! I felt utterly helpless!
Every character is well drawn here and the whole scenario well written and thought through. Amanda Prowse really does understand what real people do and feel. Her insights into family life are just so on point that I actually felt as if I was reading about a real family. There are just little phrases and sayings dotted about in there that are brilliantly descriptive in their very normality, like trying to cheer someone up at Christmas by letting them have first pick in the Quality Street tin! And everyone laughs when my girls and I describe people's hair as "bouffy" so I'm glad to see I'm not alone in using that description!
I have always loved Amanda's books but this one really did speak to me more than others, probably as I AM Rosie, or the Rosie at the start of the book at least. And I think most women will find something here that plays a personal chord within them too. Hopefully, like me, they will also find My Husband's Wife a thought-provoking, insightful look into modern day extended family relationships brilliantly written and ultimately uplifting. I physically couldn't put it down!
Many thanks to Simeon Prowse for providing an advanced review copy of My Husband's Wife in return for an unbiased review.
July 14, 2024
Marriage in Trouble books are moth-to-flame for me. And I try to get my hands on as many as I can. And rarely do any of these appease my appetite for revenge/ retribution/ payback or even a good smother-his-nose-in-it grovel.
So, no surprise that this books too fails to satisfy my such cravings.
It has the right ingredients all set to be added in the pot - one by one.
A marriage gone dull and sour - for the guy.
The selfish, ungrateful, cheating t*rd of a husband cheats on the marriage.
The poor sweet supportive wife has no idea what hit her. She was fairly living in marital utopia till then.
A wealthy, accomplished, dazzling (everyone), petite/delicate ow whose layers slowly unfurl.
(What the fin-wiz ow sees in the blue collar guy, I've no idea (or at least not until later).)
A pair of cute plot moppets caught in between two worlds.
A BIL/ex-bff dropping by now and then from his foreign travels.
Friends and family whose solid support is ... well.
And our poor h who's supposed to shoulder all this, girdle up, reinvent herself and fight back.
And we are all set for a satisfying book, right?
*Major spoilers*
So, no surprise that this books too fails to satisfy my such cravings.
It has the right ingredients all set to be added in the pot - one by one.
A marriage gone dull and sour - for the guy.
The selfish, ungrateful, cheating t*rd of a husband cheats on the marriage.
The poor sweet supportive wife has no idea what hit her. She was fairly living in marital utopia till then.
A wealthy, accomplished, dazzling (everyone), petite/delicate ow whose layers slowly unfurl.
(What the fin-wiz ow sees in the blue collar guy, I've no idea (or at least not until later).)
A pair of cute plot moppets caught in between two worlds.
A BIL/ex-bff dropping by now and then from his foreign travels.
Friends and family whose solid support is ... well.
And our poor h who's supposed to shoulder all this, girdle up, reinvent herself and fight back.
And we are all set for a satisfying book, right?
*Major spoilers*
December 28, 2016
Rosie Tipcott is a contented woman. She has a husband who she is certain loves her, two young children, Naomi and Leona, who make life interesting at times with their antics and a job which may not suit everyone but it suits her. She has no need for a career but is content just to clean caravans to help with the finances and spend the rest of the time with her family and be there for them. She makes a habit of sitting on a particular bench on the North Devon cliffs and thinking how blessed she is. She doesn’t have a mansion, just a little house by the sea but that is all Rosie needs. Life is good. Until Phil, her husband announces he is leaving her. This is not a spoiler as it is announced on the cover and blurb of the book. In my opinion it actually gives away too much information so you are better off not reading it but just letting the story unfold.
Rosie cannot believe it when her husband, leaves her for someone else. She feels like her world has caved in. But worse is to come, till it seems she has lost everything. How can she survive without all that means most to her? I was there with Rosie through every heartbreaking moment, getting outraged and teary. There are a couple of totally unlikable and selfish characters in this novel that make life hard for Rosie. Even those she thought she could count on, appear to turn against her. But there is one person who loves her unreservedly and always has.
An emotional read, this story absolutely got me in. There is a bit of use of the f word but given the circumstances, perhaps that it is understandable. Rosie had plenty of reasons to be angry and feel betrayed. I’d also suggest you don’t attempt to read it without the tissues nearby.
Rosie cannot believe it when her husband, leaves her for someone else. She feels like her world has caved in. But worse is to come, till it seems she has lost everything. How can she survive without all that means most to her? I was there with Rosie through every heartbreaking moment, getting outraged and teary. There are a couple of totally unlikable and selfish characters in this novel that make life hard for Rosie. Even those she thought she could count on, appear to turn against her. But there is one person who loves her unreservedly and always has.
An emotional read, this story absolutely got me in. There is a bit of use of the f word but given the circumstances, perhaps that it is understandable. Rosie had plenty of reasons to be angry and feel betrayed. I’d also suggest you don’t attempt to read it without the tissues nearby.
September 16, 2025
*Be careful what you wish for*
This is book 4 of 6 in the *No Greater Strength Series*. I think Amanda Prowse is fantastic at pulling at your heartstrings! This story follows Rosie, who’s in her mid-30s and absolutely loves her husband and two little girls. She grew up without her mother, who left after giving birth, so her Dad raised her. Rosie always felt like her father might have done something to push her mother away, and she always made sure to have a place at the table for her mother, dreaming of the perfect picture of her.
We see Rosie growing up and now as a mother with a bit of distant relationship with her Dad. She used to visit her favourite bench and always felt grateful that her best friend Kev, who introduced her to her husband.
Then, out of nowhere, all her dreams are crushed. Her husband swaps her for a glamorous, wealthy woman who is the complete opposite of Rosie.
Rosie is heartbroken, and you can just feel the pain as her heart is torn apart. Living in a small town, everyone knows what’s going on, and things get even worse when a near tragedy strikes, leaving her with nowhere to turn. So, it means her husband and girlfriend take the children, and Rosie has no choice but to move back in with her dad.
We see Rosie discovering the truth through a letter from her mother, which makes her see her father in a new light. We also see how Rosie reacts when she needs to fight for herself and her by her children.
The epilogue, for me, was just what I needed—satisfying!
The story is set in North Devon, in Woolacombe, which sounds absolutely beautiful. I must add that are some comical moments too, Rosie’s daughter’s were hilarious
This is book 4 of 6 in the *No Greater Strength Series*. I think Amanda Prowse is fantastic at pulling at your heartstrings! This story follows Rosie, who’s in her mid-30s and absolutely loves her husband and two little girls. She grew up without her mother, who left after giving birth, so her Dad raised her. Rosie always felt like her father might have done something to push her mother away, and she always made sure to have a place at the table for her mother, dreaming of the perfect picture of her.
We see Rosie growing up and now as a mother with a bit of distant relationship with her Dad. She used to visit her favourite bench and always felt grateful that her best friend Kev, who introduced her to her husband.
Then, out of nowhere, all her dreams are crushed. Her husband swaps her for a glamorous, wealthy woman who is the complete opposite of Rosie.
Rosie is heartbroken, and you can just feel the pain as her heart is torn apart. Living in a small town, everyone knows what’s going on, and things get even worse when a near tragedy strikes, leaving her with nowhere to turn. So, it means her husband and girlfriend take the children, and Rosie has no choice but to move back in with her dad.
We see Rosie discovering the truth through a letter from her mother, which makes her see her father in a new light. We also see how Rosie reacts when she needs to fight for herself and her by her children.
The epilogue, for me, was just what I needed—satisfying!
The story is set in North Devon, in Woolacombe, which sounds absolutely beautiful. I must add that are some comical moments too, Rosie’s daughter’s were hilarious
March 7, 2017
This is the first novel of Amanda Prowse’s I’ve ever read, but I guarantee you it won’t be the last. My Husband’s Wife is the very definition of a page-turner: once I started, I didn’t want to put it down. I was consumed with the need to read as much as possible, only stopping when my Kindle powered down, or when I was so tired I couldn’t keep my eyes open for one more second. I’m no stranger to getting caught up in a story, but I can honestly say it was the first time in many, many years that I fell asleep with a book (or rather, Kindle) slipping out of my hand. But who needs plenty of sleep when you’re in the middle of reading such a fantastic story?
Before I get into any of the more solemn aspects of the story, I have to say I absolutely adored Naomi and Leona! To say they’re “mischievous” is putting it mildly sometimes. I had more than one laugh out loud moment when it came to those two, and I could so easily picture them in my mind. They were truly delightful to read about.
Having read the cover and the synopsis, I knew from the start that Rosie’s husband was going to leave her; it was just a matter of when it would happen. So I had an attitude towards Phil from the beginning, even more so after seeing that Rosie was so likable and loving towards her family. I felt very protective of Rosie early on, for reasons I won’t spoil in this review, and I despised Phil for leaving her. (Even more so for his timing, but I won’t go into that, either.)
Rosie’s heartbreak and disillusionment are painful to read about. She’s completely shattered and struggling to cope. Rosie is grieving and longs for things to be like they used to be. None of it feels over the top, or too dramatic. Prowse wrote these passages beautifully; the emotions are raw, conflicted, and always feel very true-to-life. Just when you think nothing else can happen to make things worse for her, something happens to make her feel even more alone. Without going into any details, there are few key devastating moments Rosie goes through that really riled me up, and a few more names were added to the list of characters who disgusted me by doing Rosie wrong. She also had her champions—more than one that surprised me in some way— and found out some much-needed truths along the way.
As for the ending? Let’s just say I was very happy with it, and finished reading with a smile on my face.
If you’ve never read Amanda Prowse before, treat yourself to a copy of this book. I think you’ll be glad you did. It will likely cause you to stay up too late reading it, but it’s definitely worth the lost sleep—this is a Book Worth Reading.
I received an advance review copy of this book courtesy of Netgalley and Head of Zeus in exchange for an honest review.
Before I get into any of the more solemn aspects of the story, I have to say I absolutely adored Naomi and Leona! To say they’re “mischievous” is putting it mildly sometimes. I had more than one laugh out loud moment when it came to those two, and I could so easily picture them in my mind. They were truly delightful to read about.
Having read the cover and the synopsis, I knew from the start that Rosie’s husband was going to leave her; it was just a matter of when it would happen. So I had an attitude towards Phil from the beginning, even more so after seeing that Rosie was so likable and loving towards her family. I felt very protective of Rosie early on, for reasons I won’t spoil in this review, and I despised Phil for leaving her. (Even more so for his timing, but I won’t go into that, either.)
Rosie’s heartbreak and disillusionment are painful to read about. She’s completely shattered and struggling to cope. Rosie is grieving and longs for things to be like they used to be. None of it feels over the top, or too dramatic. Prowse wrote these passages beautifully; the emotions are raw, conflicted, and always feel very true-to-life. Just when you think nothing else can happen to make things worse for her, something happens to make her feel even more alone. Without going into any details, there are few key devastating moments Rosie goes through that really riled me up, and a few more names were added to the list of characters who disgusted me by doing Rosie wrong. She also had her champions—more than one that surprised me in some way— and found out some much-needed truths along the way.
As for the ending? Let’s just say I was very happy with it, and finished reading with a smile on my face.
If you’ve never read Amanda Prowse before, treat yourself to a copy of this book. I think you’ll be glad you did. It will likely cause you to stay up too late reading it, but it’s definitely worth the lost sleep—this is a Book Worth Reading.
I received an advance review copy of this book courtesy of Netgalley and Head of Zeus in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2017
Reading through some of the reviews on Amazon for Amanda Prowse – someone has said that Nobody does domestic drama like Amanda Prowse! and honestly I couldn’t agree more. Amanda has an incredible talent for not only writing gripping and emotional stories, but bringing the characters to life and making you feel their every emotion. My Husband’s Wife is a heartbreaking account of a marriage breaking down and the feelings of loss, grief and being replaced.
August 21, 2016
Originally reviewed on Becca's Books.
Once in a while, a novel comes along that holds within it so much emotion and so much heart that it completely undoes you, and for me, that novel has to be My Husband's Wife by Amanda Prowse. I haven't actually, if I'm going to be honest with you, read that many books by Prowse. In fact, My Husband's Wife happens to be only the third book by this author that I've read. My first was The Christmas Café, and my second was the all-consuming Another Love, both of which I adored. It has quickly become clear to me, even after the completion of only three novels, that Amanda is an author I can trust. One of those authors whose book I'd spot in the supermarket and, without hesitation, pop into my basket without needing to think twice, because I know that she will deliver.
In Amanda's latest novel, My Husband's Wife, readers are taken to the small seaside town of Woolacombe, North Devon, peppered with sandy dunes, surfers, and shops selling sticks of rock and buckets and spades for the tourists. Prowse brings the setting of Woolacombe to life beautifully. With the author's vivid imagery and spectacular detail, I could imagine myself sat on Rosie's favourite bench, overlooking the sea beside her, taking it all in and lost to my thoughts, as Rosie often was too. It was the sort of place families spent their summers and children chased the waves up and down the shore. From the majestic cliffs to the rocky footpaths, it all worked together to create the most gorgeous setting for Rosie's story to unravel within.
In My Husband's Wife, Rosie Tipcott is faced with a devastating revelation. Her husband, Phil, who she adores and thanks her lucky stars for every single day, has met someone new and is leaving her. Not only her, but their two beautiful girls. In a shattering moment, all that Rosie thought she knew about her husband and their happily married life crumbles to nothing and she is left questioning who she is and, more frighteningly, what she is supposed to do now without him by her side. Alongside the breakdown of her married life, Rosie also receives a years-old letter from her long-lost mother Laurel, who left Rosie and her father when she was only a baby. The letter delivers some heart-breaking truths for Rosie, truths that she isn't quite ready to accept but truths that also seem to be repeating themselves in the present day, in strikingly similar circumstances.
From beginning to end, I was utterly absorbed in this novel. It was compelling, shocking and heartbreakingly raw in the most stunning and breath-taking of ways. Amanda manages to take real life and display it perfectly on the page, complete with realness, believability and with enough emotion to have you gasping for breath as you try to continue reading through the onslaught of tears that will no doubt come. Rosie, as warm and as homely as she may have been, is truly put through her paces by life in this book. Everything is thrown at her, and I couldn't help but to think to myself, "what on earth is she going to have to deal with next?". Not only are the foundations of her life, home and family rocked to their very core, but Amanda ensures that readers are privy to the aftermath of this, and the gut-wrenching consequences that follow. There were moments of rage on my part, moments of tears and frustration and pure, pure despair, because Prowse manages to capture so strikingly the emotional rollercoaster that Rosie was forced upon. Prowse takes apart the lives of her characters and allows readers an undiluted, unfiltered view at what it's really like to face life when all hope is gone. It struck a chord within me and I found it impossible to put Rosie's story down once I had begun.
In terms of characterisation, Prowse couldn't have been any more spot-on. From the first moment I met Rosie and her daughters, Naomi and Leona, who caused me to laugh out loud repeatedly throughout my reading of this novel, I knew I'd found a family unit I'd grow to love. Rosie was down-to-earth, genuine and had a pure heart that was only ever full of good intentions. Her love of her family shone through repeatedly, and it was clear as day to me that this was a woman entirely happy with her lot in life. It was the simple things that made Rosie's heart lift with joy, from cooking supper for her family to packing Phil's lunch before he headed off to work. Rosie had no desire to live a life different to the one she called her own. Cleaning caravans may not have been the most glamorous of careers but knowing that she had her little family to go home to once finished was more than enough to her. Rosie was the sort of woman who, if I were to meet her in real life, I know I'd love. She was perfectly content and this only made me love her more. When Phil announced his plans to Rosie, with the added, 'I've had a change of heart,' I swear I felt my heart break right alongside Rosie's. I couldn't believe it. It was gutting. Everything that she'd ever known was snatched away from her in a second. I found it hard to comprehend Phil's words, and the emotional effect was overwhelming to say the least.
Throughout the duration of this novel, I'm sure I experienced every single emotion that's out there. I cried, I laughed, I ran my fingers through my hair in frustration. I just couldn't believe how quickly and shockingly Rosie's life was turned upside down, and I wanted more than anything for something good to come her way. It moved me immeasurably and I felt as if I knew these characters myself. I became wrapped up entirely in Rosie's world, and as the pages continued to turn, I only fell deeper and deeper into it. With so much heartache, sadness, loss of hope and despair, I found myself waiting for that one 'good thing' to take place that would perhaps bring Rosie back to life. Prowse delivered again and again, taking me on a journey not only of self-discovery and love, but of learning to live again and realising that life continues, whether you like it or not, and no matter what's happened to you previously. It's about taking back the reigns and deciding that no, that is not how you want your story to end. With the added sparkle of a few surprise visitors along the way, this was such a devastatingly beautiful story that turned my emotions inside out.
My Husband's Wife by Amanda Prowse is receiving the highest rating from Becca's Books. This is, without a doubt, my favourite novel of Amanda's yet. The sheer volume of emotion was incredible. The characters and pace superb. I feel like I lived the entire story alongside Rosie and was so sad to let her go at the end. All in all, a masterpiece of emotions and real life handled by Amanda in the most stunning of ways.
Once in a while, a novel comes along that holds within it so much emotion and so much heart that it completely undoes you, and for me, that novel has to be My Husband's Wife by Amanda Prowse. I haven't actually, if I'm going to be honest with you, read that many books by Prowse. In fact, My Husband's Wife happens to be only the third book by this author that I've read. My first was The Christmas Café, and my second was the all-consuming Another Love, both of which I adored. It has quickly become clear to me, even after the completion of only three novels, that Amanda is an author I can trust. One of those authors whose book I'd spot in the supermarket and, without hesitation, pop into my basket without needing to think twice, because I know that she will deliver.
In Amanda's latest novel, My Husband's Wife, readers are taken to the small seaside town of Woolacombe, North Devon, peppered with sandy dunes, surfers, and shops selling sticks of rock and buckets and spades for the tourists. Prowse brings the setting of Woolacombe to life beautifully. With the author's vivid imagery and spectacular detail, I could imagine myself sat on Rosie's favourite bench, overlooking the sea beside her, taking it all in and lost to my thoughts, as Rosie often was too. It was the sort of place families spent their summers and children chased the waves up and down the shore. From the majestic cliffs to the rocky footpaths, it all worked together to create the most gorgeous setting for Rosie's story to unravel within.
In My Husband's Wife, Rosie Tipcott is faced with a devastating revelation. Her husband, Phil, who she adores and thanks her lucky stars for every single day, has met someone new and is leaving her. Not only her, but their two beautiful girls. In a shattering moment, all that Rosie thought she knew about her husband and their happily married life crumbles to nothing and she is left questioning who she is and, more frighteningly, what she is supposed to do now without him by her side. Alongside the breakdown of her married life, Rosie also receives a years-old letter from her long-lost mother Laurel, who left Rosie and her father when she was only a baby. The letter delivers some heart-breaking truths for Rosie, truths that she isn't quite ready to accept but truths that also seem to be repeating themselves in the present day, in strikingly similar circumstances.
From beginning to end, I was utterly absorbed in this novel. It was compelling, shocking and heartbreakingly raw in the most stunning and breath-taking of ways. Amanda manages to take real life and display it perfectly on the page, complete with realness, believability and with enough emotion to have you gasping for breath as you try to continue reading through the onslaught of tears that will no doubt come. Rosie, as warm and as homely as she may have been, is truly put through her paces by life in this book. Everything is thrown at her, and I couldn't help but to think to myself, "what on earth is she going to have to deal with next?". Not only are the foundations of her life, home and family rocked to their very core, but Amanda ensures that readers are privy to the aftermath of this, and the gut-wrenching consequences that follow. There were moments of rage on my part, moments of tears and frustration and pure, pure despair, because Prowse manages to capture so strikingly the emotional rollercoaster that Rosie was forced upon. Prowse takes apart the lives of her characters and allows readers an undiluted, unfiltered view at what it's really like to face life when all hope is gone. It struck a chord within me and I found it impossible to put Rosie's story down once I had begun.
In terms of characterisation, Prowse couldn't have been any more spot-on. From the first moment I met Rosie and her daughters, Naomi and Leona, who caused me to laugh out loud repeatedly throughout my reading of this novel, I knew I'd found a family unit I'd grow to love. Rosie was down-to-earth, genuine and had a pure heart that was only ever full of good intentions. Her love of her family shone through repeatedly, and it was clear as day to me that this was a woman entirely happy with her lot in life. It was the simple things that made Rosie's heart lift with joy, from cooking supper for her family to packing Phil's lunch before he headed off to work. Rosie had no desire to live a life different to the one she called her own. Cleaning caravans may not have been the most glamorous of careers but knowing that she had her little family to go home to once finished was more than enough to her. Rosie was the sort of woman who, if I were to meet her in real life, I know I'd love. She was perfectly content and this only made me love her more. When Phil announced his plans to Rosie, with the added, 'I've had a change of heart,' I swear I felt my heart break right alongside Rosie's. I couldn't believe it. It was gutting. Everything that she'd ever known was snatched away from her in a second. I found it hard to comprehend Phil's words, and the emotional effect was overwhelming to say the least.
Throughout the duration of this novel, I'm sure I experienced every single emotion that's out there. I cried, I laughed, I ran my fingers through my hair in frustration. I just couldn't believe how quickly and shockingly Rosie's life was turned upside down, and I wanted more than anything for something good to come her way. It moved me immeasurably and I felt as if I knew these characters myself. I became wrapped up entirely in Rosie's world, and as the pages continued to turn, I only fell deeper and deeper into it. With so much heartache, sadness, loss of hope and despair, I found myself waiting for that one 'good thing' to take place that would perhaps bring Rosie back to life. Prowse delivered again and again, taking me on a journey not only of self-discovery and love, but of learning to live again and realising that life continues, whether you like it or not, and no matter what's happened to you previously. It's about taking back the reigns and deciding that no, that is not how you want your story to end. With the added sparkle of a few surprise visitors along the way, this was such a devastatingly beautiful story that turned my emotions inside out.
My Husband's Wife by Amanda Prowse is receiving the highest rating from Becca's Books. This is, without a doubt, my favourite novel of Amanda's yet. The sheer volume of emotion was incredible. The characters and pace superb. I feel like I lived the entire story alongside Rosie and was so sad to let her go at the end. All in all, a masterpiece of emotions and real life handled by Amanda in the most stunning of ways.
July 24, 2016
I have only discovered author Amanda Prowse over the last year or so and yet as I am making my way through her back catalogue of books she fast becoming one of my favourite authors. Her latest release My Husband's Wife left me going off to bed heartbroken and it is the first book in a very long time that has touched my heart in such a powerful way.
After a troubled start in life Rosie now is very thankful for the perfect life she has with her two beautiful and comical little girls and her loving and supportive husband and they live in their lovely home by the sea, who could ask for more?
Rosie's picture perfect life comes shattering around her when unexpectedly one day her husband Phil tells her he is leaving her for another woman. Rosie is heartbroken for her and her daughters, the girls are her life and she is determined to keep them close and happy despite the upheaval that surrounds them.
My heart broke for Rosie we see her battle through such an emotional storm going from having her heart broken losing the love of her life, to feeling the gradual isolation from friends and family who have been such a big part of her life almost like she is the one being punished when she has done nothing wrong. But the part that really brought the tears to my eyes and the lump to my throat was watching her feel so powerless as much as she was desperate and determined to do right by her girls everything was falling from her fingers and because this actually happens so often in the real world I think this is what made it such emotional reading to think of parents go through the same situation.
Although this is a emotional read the two daughters Naomi and Leona bring a great sense of humour to the storyline which was welcoming and uplifting. Naomi was a real cheeky character who was full of life and is like an energiser bunny. You always knew when Naomi popped up in a chapter that there was going to be some kind of drama or funny questions.
The storyline was totally captivating and extremely moving which is helped by the authors beautiful and skilled writing style. This is a storyline that will always stay in my mind and my heart.
After a troubled start in life Rosie now is very thankful for the perfect life she has with her two beautiful and comical little girls and her loving and supportive husband and they live in their lovely home by the sea, who could ask for more?
Rosie's picture perfect life comes shattering around her when unexpectedly one day her husband Phil tells her he is leaving her for another woman. Rosie is heartbroken for her and her daughters, the girls are her life and she is determined to keep them close and happy despite the upheaval that surrounds them.
My heart broke for Rosie we see her battle through such an emotional storm going from having her heart broken losing the love of her life, to feeling the gradual isolation from friends and family who have been such a big part of her life almost like she is the one being punished when she has done nothing wrong. But the part that really brought the tears to my eyes and the lump to my throat was watching her feel so powerless as much as she was desperate and determined to do right by her girls everything was falling from her fingers and because this actually happens so often in the real world I think this is what made it such emotional reading to think of parents go through the same situation.
Although this is a emotional read the two daughters Naomi and Leona bring a great sense of humour to the storyline which was welcoming and uplifting. Naomi was a real cheeky character who was full of life and is like an energiser bunny. You always knew when Naomi popped up in a chapter that there was going to be some kind of drama or funny questions.
The storyline was totally captivating and extremely moving which is helped by the authors beautiful and skilled writing style. This is a storyline that will always stay in my mind and my heart.
September 20, 2019
3 ⭐⭐⭐ - OK decent reads.
July 22, 2016
There’s no doubt about it, author Amanda Prowse has a very specific talent for creating the most utterly believable characters. She introduces you to people that you cannot help but feel an affinity and kinship with and in this her latest book in creating Rosie Tipcott she has really excelled herself…
Rosie is your typical everyday happily married Mum of 2 very lively daughters Leona and Naomi. Her life is great, she has everything she ever wanted – a cosy home, husband Phil whom she adores, a great best mate Mel, even her in-laws are wonderful. Who can boast a loving mother in law who completely fills the gap of not even having known your own Mum. OK her job cleaning caravans isn’t the exciting life of a travel agent she once dreamt of, but her boss is fair, her best mate works there too and she certainly isn’t unhappy in her work.
Living by the seaside in Woolacombe we are invited along to sit with her on her favourite bench overlooking the sea where she goes when she needs a little “me time” time to think, and I swear I sat beside her on that bench and felt the sea breeze caress my face as I joined Rosie inhaling the faint aroma of apples which to her signify that the Mother she never knew is close by.
Wouldn’t we be fortunate if we could claim such contentment and completeness?
Wouldn’t we crumble if it were all ripped away from us?
Well it is, and she does!
I’m not giving away any spoilers here when I reveal that Rosie’s comfortable and satisfying life is about to be blown to smithereens by a totally selfish and unbelievably callous act, when her lovely caring husband suddenly announces that he’s off, leaving Rosie, the girls and the family home for another woman.
I don’t think I’ll be alone when I say that from this point on I went through the emotional wringer with Rosie. Really, I mean honestly, I experienced such a gamut of emotions I was quite exhausted by the time I’d finished the book! Because when things go wrong they go from bad to worse – I’m welling up here even writing this because Rosie was REAL, I loved her, I wanted to be her friend and BOY did she need one. When people all around her let her down, and hurt her and frankly treated her like shit, I went from deep indignation to feeling incandescent with rage I was SO angry.
I had to keep putting the book down and having a break from reading it as I became so emotionally involved the storyline kept inducing near panic attacks in me. I genuinely had palpitations and began to shake. I won’t say any more about what and how many things go wrong and what horrible spineless creatures some characters turn out to be you can find all that out when you read My Husband’s wife.
This is a FANTASTIC book, but don’t go into it expecting a light and fluffy chick lit romance. It’s a deeply emotive and pretty dark look at a woman’s descent into despair and eventual breakdown and it’s NOT easy to watch. It’s about family and friends and never really knowing what goes on in other people’s minds and how fickle and feckless some folk can be. It is enlivened by the girls who are wonderfully refreshing and their antics brought many a smile to my face. They are completely innocently caught up in the backwash of this breakdown of a marriage and I was saddened by their involvement.
Rosie is your typical everyday happily married Mum of 2 very lively daughters Leona and Naomi. Her life is great, she has everything she ever wanted – a cosy home, husband Phil whom she adores, a great best mate Mel, even her in-laws are wonderful. Who can boast a loving mother in law who completely fills the gap of not even having known your own Mum. OK her job cleaning caravans isn’t the exciting life of a travel agent she once dreamt of, but her boss is fair, her best mate works there too and she certainly isn’t unhappy in her work.
Living by the seaside in Woolacombe we are invited along to sit with her on her favourite bench overlooking the sea where she goes when she needs a little “me time” time to think, and I swear I sat beside her on that bench and felt the sea breeze caress my face as I joined Rosie inhaling the faint aroma of apples which to her signify that the Mother she never knew is close by.
Wouldn’t we be fortunate if we could claim such contentment and completeness?
Wouldn’t we crumble if it were all ripped away from us?
Well it is, and she does!
I’m not giving away any spoilers here when I reveal that Rosie’s comfortable and satisfying life is about to be blown to smithereens by a totally selfish and unbelievably callous act, when her lovely caring husband suddenly announces that he’s off, leaving Rosie, the girls and the family home for another woman.
I don’t think I’ll be alone when I say that from this point on I went through the emotional wringer with Rosie. Really, I mean honestly, I experienced such a gamut of emotions I was quite exhausted by the time I’d finished the book! Because when things go wrong they go from bad to worse – I’m welling up here even writing this because Rosie was REAL, I loved her, I wanted to be her friend and BOY did she need one. When people all around her let her down, and hurt her and frankly treated her like shit, I went from deep indignation to feeling incandescent with rage I was SO angry.
I had to keep putting the book down and having a break from reading it as I became so emotionally involved the storyline kept inducing near panic attacks in me. I genuinely had palpitations and began to shake. I won’t say any more about what and how many things go wrong and what horrible spineless creatures some characters turn out to be you can find all that out when you read My Husband’s wife.
This is a FANTASTIC book, but don’t go into it expecting a light and fluffy chick lit romance. It’s a deeply emotive and pretty dark look at a woman’s descent into despair and eventual breakdown and it’s NOT easy to watch. It’s about family and friends and never really knowing what goes on in other people’s minds and how fickle and feckless some folk can be. It is enlivened by the girls who are wonderfully refreshing and their antics brought many a smile to my face. They are completely innocently caught up in the backwash of this breakdown of a marriage and I was saddened by their involvement.
December 22, 2016
Being with her family makes Rosie happy. She has everything she wants, two beautiful daughters, a husband she adores, a great best friend, parents-in-law she's close to and a cozy house in a seaside town. She thinks her life is perfect, but apparently she's missed something vital. The signs were there, but she didn't pick up on them. All of a sudden Phil is moving in with another woman, someone he's been seeing for quite some time. Rosie is crushed and while she's grieving she slowly loses everything she holds dear. Nothing feels right anymore and the situation only seems to get worse. Will she be able to bounce back and move on eventually?
My Husband's Wife is a heartbreaking story. Rosie is such a happy and cheerful person who is content with what she has an who deeply loves her husband and daughters. Her life is exactly the way she wants it to be. It was so sad to watch it being taken away from her. I shed plenty of tears while reading this book, as some of the scenes are painful to read. I'm always impressed when I feel so many different things when I'm reading a novel, which is where the beauty of this story lies for me.
Amanda Prowse always writes books that are deeply moving. Rosie is wonderful. She's sweet, caring and easy to like. She's an excellent mother and she's always making sure that her daughters feel loved. She has her bad moments and sheds plenty of tears, but she's strong. I love how Amanda Prowse describes unconditional love, finding the one and deep affection. She knows how to write about emotion and that's what makes her stories so good.
My Husband's Wife is a gripping book that kept me glued to my seat from the start, I couldn't put it down. It's a story that has a great number of layers and is deep on many different levels. Amanda Prowse writes about sensitive topics in a caring and empathetic way. She thoroughly explores the hearts and souls of her characters and makes sure that the reader will get to know them through and through. Reading their stories is like being inside their minds. I love that about her work. I've read several of her books and enjoyed all of them. I highly recommend this amazing novel as well, it's another brilliant Amanda Prowse story.
My Husband's Wife is a heartbreaking story. Rosie is such a happy and cheerful person who is content with what she has an who deeply loves her husband and daughters. Her life is exactly the way she wants it to be. It was so sad to watch it being taken away from her. I shed plenty of tears while reading this book, as some of the scenes are painful to read. I'm always impressed when I feel so many different things when I'm reading a novel, which is where the beauty of this story lies for me.
Amanda Prowse always writes books that are deeply moving. Rosie is wonderful. She's sweet, caring and easy to like. She's an excellent mother and she's always making sure that her daughters feel loved. She has her bad moments and sheds plenty of tears, but she's strong. I love how Amanda Prowse describes unconditional love, finding the one and deep affection. She knows how to write about emotion and that's what makes her stories so good.
My Husband's Wife is a gripping book that kept me glued to my seat from the start, I couldn't put it down. It's a story that has a great number of layers and is deep on many different levels. Amanda Prowse writes about sensitive topics in a caring and empathetic way. She thoroughly explores the hearts and souls of her characters and makes sure that the reader will get to know them through and through. Reading their stories is like being inside their minds. I love that about her work. I've read several of her books and enjoyed all of them. I highly recommend this amazing novel as well, it's another brilliant Amanda Prowse story.
August 16, 2016
What do you do when everything you thought you had, gets ripped from you?
Amanda Prowse never disappoints me in the slightest. I could easily sit and read anything by her any day of the week, with a nice cup of hot chocolate (marshmallows included!)
Rosie Tipcoat, lived an ordinary life, happy with her husband Phil and their two kids Naomi and Leona, after a troubled childhood, this life was everything she could have hoped for and more.
But she has noticed little cracks in their marriage, but it was just growing pains, and they'd work on it or so Rosie thought...
Until the day Phil spoke those words....those words that changed Rosie's whole universe.
"Rosie, I've met someone else."
How do you try to fathom a reason or does one even exist? For Rosie, there was no reason for him to have done this, to her or their girls. What did she do wrong? Where did she go wrong? How could she not see it?
And more importantly, how do you find a way to live again?
Rosie breaks my heart throughout the book - she feels so desperate and alone, and you feel it for her and the kids.
The only person who has always been there is her best friend, Kev and Phil's brother; he may be the only person that truly knows her and has truly loved her.
He could be the person that fills her life with new happiness again?
Amanda Prowse, I loved it - once again you brought all the feelings whirling off the page and the characters were so real. And I can honestly say I'm so happy with the ending.
And correct me if I'm wrong but Rosie is related to Jo, Martin's wife after Poppy from Will you Remember Me?
Loved the little connection there! :)
Amanda Prowse never disappoints me in the slightest. I could easily sit and read anything by her any day of the week, with a nice cup of hot chocolate (marshmallows included!)
Rosie Tipcoat, lived an ordinary life, happy with her husband Phil and their two kids Naomi and Leona, after a troubled childhood, this life was everything she could have hoped for and more.
But she has noticed little cracks in their marriage, but it was just growing pains, and they'd work on it or so Rosie thought...
Until the day Phil spoke those words....those words that changed Rosie's whole universe.
"Rosie, I've met someone else."
How do you try to fathom a reason or does one even exist? For Rosie, there was no reason for him to have done this, to her or their girls. What did she do wrong? Where did she go wrong? How could she not see it?
And more importantly, how do you find a way to live again?
Rosie breaks my heart throughout the book - she feels so desperate and alone, and you feel it for her and the kids.
The only person who has always been there is her best friend, Kev and Phil's brother; he may be the only person that truly knows her and has truly loved her.
He could be the person that fills her life with new happiness again?
Amanda Prowse, I loved it - once again you brought all the feelings whirling off the page and the characters were so real. And I can honestly say I'm so happy with the ending.
And correct me if I'm wrong but Rosie is related to Jo, Martin's wife after Poppy from Will you Remember Me?
Loved the little connection there! :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2016
Wow!
This is a gripping, emotional, page-turning read that I devoured over a weekend.
Rosie is a wife and mother; that’s how she sees herself. That’s what makes her happy. I could identify with this because being a wife and mum comes before everything else in my life. I love my family and I care about their happiness and well-being. So does Rosie. But then her life starts to change…
I was quickly immersed in the world of Rosie and her family because of Ms Prowse’s seamless narrative style. I laughed with Rosie, cried with Rosie and found myself angry, no, make that furious, on her behalf. How dare people treat her like that! She deserved so much better. I was rooting for her all the way!
This is a story about being a woman, being a wife, being a mother, being a friend and about all the other roles that women play in their lives. It’s about thinking you have everything you’ve ever wanted, then seeing it torn to shreds in front of your eyes. It’s about knowing people, but not really knowing them at all. It’s about getting to know yourself and learning who you can be when everything you had is stripped away.
My Husband’s Wife is absolutely perfect for lovers of women’s fiction - with its ups and downs, its joys and sorrows, and with that heart wrenching quality that comes from a truly talented author. This is a five star read!!!
This is a gripping, emotional, page-turning read that I devoured over a weekend.
Rosie is a wife and mother; that’s how she sees herself. That’s what makes her happy. I could identify with this because being a wife and mum comes before everything else in my life. I love my family and I care about their happiness and well-being. So does Rosie. But then her life starts to change…
I was quickly immersed in the world of Rosie and her family because of Ms Prowse’s seamless narrative style. I laughed with Rosie, cried with Rosie and found myself angry, no, make that furious, on her behalf. How dare people treat her like that! She deserved so much better. I was rooting for her all the way!
This is a story about being a woman, being a wife, being a mother, being a friend and about all the other roles that women play in their lives. It’s about thinking you have everything you’ve ever wanted, then seeing it torn to shreds in front of your eyes. It’s about knowing people, but not really knowing them at all. It’s about getting to know yourself and learning who you can be when everything you had is stripped away.
My Husband’s Wife is absolutely perfect for lovers of women’s fiction - with its ups and downs, its joys and sorrows, and with that heart wrenching quality that comes from a truly talented author. This is a five star read!!!
August 16, 2018
Every now and again, I’m tempted by fiction aimed specifically at women. A lot of “chick lit” I find rather repetitive and dumbed down, but Amanda Prowse’s writing flows so beautifully that I can’t help but feel drawn into her stories from the very first page.
Although this is a rather common theme in women’s fiction - man cheats, man leaves wife, wife has to pick up the remaining pieces of her shattered life - the depictions of the lead character, Rosie, are painfully true to life of what many women think and feel. There are some flaws to this book and some parts that didn’t add much to the story, and I thought the ending felt a bit too rushed but actually, I have to say I did enjoy reading this book.
As a self proclaimed feminist, the idea that a woman’s life is held together by her identify as a wife is something I struggled with as a theme to this book. However, taking it at face value, I did also think the book was rather sweet at times and comforting to read at the end of the day.
This book is not groundbreaking but it does exactly what it says on the tin, and sometimes thats enough for me.
Although this is a rather common theme in women’s fiction - man cheats, man leaves wife, wife has to pick up the remaining pieces of her shattered life - the depictions of the lead character, Rosie, are painfully true to life of what many women think and feel. There are some flaws to this book and some parts that didn’t add much to the story, and I thought the ending felt a bit too rushed but actually, I have to say I did enjoy reading this book.
As a self proclaimed feminist, the idea that a woman’s life is held together by her identify as a wife is something I struggled with as a theme to this book. However, taking it at face value, I did also think the book was rather sweet at times and comforting to read at the end of the day.
This book is not groundbreaking but it does exactly what it says on the tin, and sometimes thats enough for me.
October 12, 2016
I read this in one sitting late at night with a very large cup of tea and I thought that was the perfect way. It really draws you in and doesn't let go until the story is told.
Rosie has what most would consider a good life. Two beautiful and voracious children, a marriage that's made it for twelve years, and a lovely house by the sea. It's not necessarily exciting, but she's content. Having no mother of her own while she was growing up, this is exactly what she wanted: to be the loving mother she never had. We begin with Rosie seeking five minutes of peace from her children in the bathroom. She's taken a pregnancy test and is hopeful that she'll be able to have a son. No time for disappointment at one blue line though, one child is beating at the door and the other is hiding under a table after sticking some small items up her little nose. After a brief and not unusual trip to the emergency room, she tells her husband about the negative test. He's relieved to her disappointed. That's when we start to suspect something is amiss. While his reasoning for not having more children is logical, it begins to becomes obvious over the next couple months that he is drifting away. His idea of a happy ending seems to be different from his wife's. While it's obvious to the reader, he never speaks to Rosie about it. She realises he's been irritable and standoffish, but nothing prepared her for him telling her one night that it's over. No discussion, he's made up his mind. He's found someone else... which happens to be one of his demanding clients he's previously expressed frustration about. Rosie is broken. All she ever wanted to be was a wife and a mother, taking a job that was purely for money. When she can no longer be a wife and Phil wants to move to a bigger city with the children, she has to reevaluate her life and figure out where she lost her non familial dreams along the way.
A great story with a very relatable main character. The kid's antics never fail to amuse! It's a cute, mostly realistic story about finding yourself when you no longer have a man to define you. I enjoyed it very much.
I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and Head of Zeus in exchange for my honest review, thank you!
Rosie has what most would consider a good life. Two beautiful and voracious children, a marriage that's made it for twelve years, and a lovely house by the sea. It's not necessarily exciting, but she's content. Having no mother of her own while she was growing up, this is exactly what she wanted: to be the loving mother she never had. We begin with Rosie seeking five minutes of peace from her children in the bathroom. She's taken a pregnancy test and is hopeful that she'll be able to have a son. No time for disappointment at one blue line though, one child is beating at the door and the other is hiding under a table after sticking some small items up her little nose. After a brief and not unusual trip to the emergency room, she tells her husband about the negative test. He's relieved to her disappointed. That's when we start to suspect something is amiss. While his reasoning for not having more children is logical, it begins to becomes obvious over the next couple months that he is drifting away. His idea of a happy ending seems to be different from his wife's. While it's obvious to the reader, he never speaks to Rosie about it. She realises he's been irritable and standoffish, but nothing prepared her for him telling her one night that it's over. No discussion, he's made up his mind. He's found someone else... which happens to be one of his demanding clients he's previously expressed frustration about. Rosie is broken. All she ever wanted to be was a wife and a mother, taking a job that was purely for money. When she can no longer be a wife and Phil wants to move to a bigger city with the children, she has to reevaluate her life and figure out where she lost her non familial dreams along the way.
A great story with a very relatable main character. The kid's antics never fail to amuse! It's a cute, mostly realistic story about finding yourself when you no longer have a man to define you. I enjoyed it very much.
I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and Head of Zeus in exchange for my honest review, thank you!
August 24, 2016
I'm sitting here in disbelief at how one author can make a reader experience a whole gamut of emotions, in just one cleverly crafted novel. I've gone from laughter, to anger, to disbelief at some of the decisions made, to almost being in tears due to my depth of feelings for the family at the centre of the book, back to laughter. I have gone full circle, as has this book, which deals with the aftermath of one man walking out on his family.
I had purposely waiting until I knew I had a day without distraction in order to read My Husband's Wife, purely as I know from experience just how gripping Amanda Prowse's books can be. She is a natural born storyteller, just telling the story of a reasonably ordinary family, but in such a way that you feel as though you know them. So their highs are your highs, and their lows are your lows.
At no point did the story go where I may have expected it to, which made it even more of a pleasure to read. I like things not to be utterly predictable. There is a lot of depth in this book, dealing with growing up without a mother, depression, adultery and what really is best for your children.
I was so absorbed in the writing, that I devoured this book on a day off in a manner of hours. If you take nothing else from this review, take this - make sure you can read the book, or as much of it as possible in one sitting. Free up some time and you won't be disappointed.
My Husband's Wife is yet another superb book from Amanda Prowse, and yet again its an honour to have been able to read it.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Head of Zeus for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
January 10, 2017
This was the first book I have read from this author and it will probably be the last.
It was an awful book
I had two false starts because I found Rosie to be the dullest person ever, it's great that she was so content with her life but gosh she was dull, if I was her husband I would have left!
I have no idea where the 'no greater courage' in the title came from as Rosie showed no courage whatsoever, quite the opposite, she literally curled up and waited to be rescued and don't get me started on the trite ending, that was just ridiculous! And that was my real issue with the book, the title was misleading as I was expecting her to eventually pick herself up, dust herself down and carry on but she didn't and more importantly didn't want to.
horrible things happen in life - husbands leave, loved ones die, I was expecting a little more from Rosie, she had no resilience whatsoever and the entire story just made me a bit cross.
The book itself was written well enough but it was a truly horrible book and I would have given it no stars if I could
It was an awful book
I had two false starts because I found Rosie to be the dullest person ever, it's great that she was so content with her life but gosh she was dull, if I was her husband I would have left!
I have no idea where the 'no greater courage' in the title came from as Rosie showed no courage whatsoever, quite the opposite, she literally curled up and waited to be rescued and don't get me started on the trite ending, that was just ridiculous! And that was my real issue with the book, the title was misleading as I was expecting her to eventually pick herself up, dust herself down and carry on but she didn't and more importantly didn't want to.
horrible things happen in life - husbands leave, loved ones die, I was expecting a little more from Rosie, she had no resilience whatsoever and the entire story just made me a bit cross.
The book itself was written well enough but it was a truly horrible book and I would have given it no stars if I could
April 7, 2021
Rosie has always dreamed of being someone's wife and mother, so when she marries Phil and has 2 children she thinks she is set up for life... Until he has a change of heart and meets someone else! I absolutely adored this book, having been in the same situation myself over 10 years ago i could totally empathize with Rosie and found myself crying with her when her ex husband takes the children for the weekend for the first time and she slumps down the inside of the front door howling, just as i did all those years ago. Beautifully written with some snippets of wit in there too and i raced through it in only a few days. The ending was a lovely surprise and i now cannot wait to read ALL of Amanda Prowse's books! Recommend it to everyone.
September 14, 2016
Amanda Prowse writes believable characters but for me this book was spoiled by the title and blurb. I knew before I opened it that the husband was going to leave his family but it didn't happen until nearly half-way through the story. That's like watching a train crash in very slow motion ~ depressing and frustrating. I also felt the motivation of the "evil" character was very overplayed. I can't imagine a woman in her position would care one way or another about the people she hurt, wouldn't bother to scheme and work so hard to alienate everyone against poor, pathetic Rosie.
August 6, 2017
Massive massive potential that just didn't follow through. Beautiful writing at times but felt odd amongst the otherwise typical writing. Rosie was a bit too pathetic for 90% of the book - the ending really should have been longer & more developed than it was. I never felt she really found her strength. Gerri could have been a total psycho, felt that was developed or played on enough.
November 25, 2023
Wow, this is some mesmerizing angsty content. The h just keeps getting kicked and kicked and kicked by everyone she knows, including her beloved MIL. No real comeuppance for the ex and none at all for the OW.
There are many characters who have done the h wrong, and I’m going to rank them in order of villainy.
OW, who decides to target the h and break up her family for no good reason and taunts the h in her hospital bed that she has stolen her husband and her children.
H, Who caved to the rich OW’s every whim, ultimately euthanizing a puppy because the OW doesn’t want it making noise and a mess around the house.
Her neighboring BFF who consistently backs the OW and whose form of banter with the h is abusive, if you ask me.
Her MIL, who runs hot and cold and manipulates the h who views her as a mother figure.
Her father, who has been distant with her for many years, but who ultimately comes through for her in the end.
There are many characters who have done the h wrong, and I’m going to rank them in order of villainy.
OW, who decides to target the h and break up her family for no good reason and taunts the h in her hospital bed that she has stolen her husband and her children.
H, Who caved to the rich OW’s every whim, ultimately euthanizing a puppy because the OW doesn’t want it making noise and a mess around the house.
Her neighboring BFF who consistently backs the OW and whose form of banter with the h is abusive, if you ask me.
Her MIL, who runs hot and cold and manipulates the h who views her as a mother figure.
Her father, who has been distant with her for many years, but who ultimately comes through for her in the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2016
Amanda Prowse has written yet another beautiful, moving and heartfelt novel with My Husband's Wife, making me once again think, laugh and shed a tear.
With the most wonderful main character, Rosie Tipcott, we are taken on a true journey of the heart. I have to say, Rosie is one of my most favourite characters from any book. I loved her wholeheartedly. She is so happy with her lot in life, even though she doesn't have massive riches or a fantastic glamourous job, she loves what she has and in her eyes her world is just where is should be. How lovely and refreshing to meet anyone like that, real or fictitious!
When the love of her life, husband and father of her two adored daughters, Phil, leaves her for a rich and highly successful women (who, of course, we hate), Rosie thinks she should question her outlook on life. But ultimately she can't question what she loves and that was the life she had, as her husband's wife and mother to her children. That was her dream and she achieved it. Amanda has managed to really capture the true feelings of anguish and torment that Rosie endures in the months and all that transpires with Phil and his new mistress, with real finesse.
Many might question why this would be enough for a person, being a wife and mother - is it realistic someone would be like that? But Rosie didn't have that life growing up. Her mother left when she was born and she was raised by a good and decent single parent father. After her husband leaves, and she finds herself in receipt of a letter her mother wrote when she left, Rosie starts to see similarities in her mother and fathers relationship and her own with Phil and she is forced to re-evaluate the way she has always viewed her past, and look at her childhood more closely.
The relationship Rosie has with her father and step-mother is an amicable one and it is quite moving how the revelation of some truths helps to rebuild it to something more between them all. One particular gesture by her step-mother at the end of the book did actually make me cry.
Although a deeply emotion book it was never too intense or hard going and had some brilliant scenes of comedy - particularly the opening scene with her daughters, Naomi and Leona. It has been written with a light hand and I flew through it, enjoying every minute I spent with Rosie in her world. Even in some of the most dramatic scenes for Rosie, there was a hint of humour (I will never carry a bowl of coleslaw to a party...) and that made her even more relatable and real. The other characters within the book were also well portrayed and I loved how some of them behaved in the complete opposite way to which I was expecting them too.
All of this goes on in the small sea-side town of Woolacombe. With brilliant and vivid imagery I could practically taste the salt on my lips and the wind blustering through my hair up on Rosie's bench. I felt the location matched the character of Rosie perfectly. Sitting snuggled in the coast line of Devon is it unassuming and content, like Rosie, and blossoms in the summer with the influx of tourists, it lighting up with excitement when it has people to entertain. For Rosie, her world lit up whenever she was with her family, they are her tourists. During the cold season the town still sits and waits, the beauty the same, waiting, waiting for the tourists again to arrive.
Rosie was a character I really rooted for and I was so happy with the ending, it was a perfect fit for her.
(This review was originally published on my book blog www.theverypinknotebook.blogspot.com)
With the most wonderful main character, Rosie Tipcott, we are taken on a true journey of the heart. I have to say, Rosie is one of my most favourite characters from any book. I loved her wholeheartedly. She is so happy with her lot in life, even though she doesn't have massive riches or a fantastic glamourous job, she loves what she has and in her eyes her world is just where is should be. How lovely and refreshing to meet anyone like that, real or fictitious!
When the love of her life, husband and father of her two adored daughters, Phil, leaves her for a rich and highly successful women (who, of course, we hate), Rosie thinks she should question her outlook on life. But ultimately she can't question what she loves and that was the life she had, as her husband's wife and mother to her children. That was her dream and she achieved it. Amanda has managed to really capture the true feelings of anguish and torment that Rosie endures in the months and all that transpires with Phil and his new mistress, with real finesse.
Many might question why this would be enough for a person, being a wife and mother - is it realistic someone would be like that? But Rosie didn't have that life growing up. Her mother left when she was born and she was raised by a good and decent single parent father. After her husband leaves, and she finds herself in receipt of a letter her mother wrote when she left, Rosie starts to see similarities in her mother and fathers relationship and her own with Phil and she is forced to re-evaluate the way she has always viewed her past, and look at her childhood more closely.
The relationship Rosie has with her father and step-mother is an amicable one and it is quite moving how the revelation of some truths helps to rebuild it to something more between them all. One particular gesture by her step-mother at the end of the book did actually make me cry.
Although a deeply emotion book it was never too intense or hard going and had some brilliant scenes of comedy - particularly the opening scene with her daughters, Naomi and Leona. It has been written with a light hand and I flew through it, enjoying every minute I spent with Rosie in her world. Even in some of the most dramatic scenes for Rosie, there was a hint of humour (I will never carry a bowl of coleslaw to a party...) and that made her even more relatable and real. The other characters within the book were also well portrayed and I loved how some of them behaved in the complete opposite way to which I was expecting them too.
All of this goes on in the small sea-side town of Woolacombe. With brilliant and vivid imagery I could practically taste the salt on my lips and the wind blustering through my hair up on Rosie's bench. I felt the location matched the character of Rosie perfectly. Sitting snuggled in the coast line of Devon is it unassuming and content, like Rosie, and blossoms in the summer with the influx of tourists, it lighting up with excitement when it has people to entertain. For Rosie, her world lit up whenever she was with her family, they are her tourists. During the cold season the town still sits and waits, the beauty the same, waiting, waiting for the tourists again to arrive.
Rosie was a character I really rooted for and I was so happy with the ending, it was a perfect fit for her.
(This review was originally published on my book blog www.theverypinknotebook.blogspot.com)
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