Her Husband's Mistake

by Sheila O'Flanagan

Should a woman be ready to forgive and forget to save her marriage? Roxy's not so sure... The riveting new novel from No. 1 bestselling author Sheila O'Flanagan. Perfect for readers of Marian Keyes and Kerry Fisher. Roxy's marriage has always been rock solid.After twenty years, and with two carefree kids, she and Dave are still the perfect couple.Until the day she comes home unexpectedly, and finds Dave in bed with their attractive, single neighbour.Suddenly Roxy isn't sure about anything - her past, the business she's taken over from her dad, or what her family's future might be. She's spent so long caring about everyone else that she's forgotten what she actually wants. But something has changed. And Roxy has a decision to make.Whether it's with Dave, or without him, it's time for Roxy to start living for herself . . .

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

464 pages, Paperback

First published May 30, 2019

About the author

As you can see, a Dubliner all my life. My parents owned a grocery shop in the Iveagh Markets, in the Liberties area of the city and I guess city blood runs through my veins.

As a child I enjoyed reading and telling stories and everyone thought that I end up in a job which had something to do with books and literature. But though I applied for a job in the library all of the job offers I got were in commerce.

I turned down lots of them before my mother accepted one for me (I was on holiday at the time). It was in the Central Bank of Ireland and that’s how my career in financial services began.

I started out in administration and then moved jobs until finally I was working as a dealer in a commercial bank. Eventually I was promoted to Chief Dealer (the first female CD in the country). I traded lots of different things – foreign exchange, swaps, options, bonds…all of the kind of things you read about in the papers and that sound very technical and difficult. Of course once you’re doing it, it’s not half as technical as it sounds.

But I still loved reading and writing (which I did in my spare time) and I desperately wanted to write my own book. I guess I never quite got over the fact that I was never offered the library job! In my thirties I decided that it was now or never and I sat down, stuck Chapter 1 on a page, and started. I wrote the whole thing before sending it off.

I was offered a publishing deal (with no advance) by an Irish company but only if I wrote a different book! So back to the drawing board, I started again. It was another two years before it was published. It wasn’t until I’d written a few books and was offered a contract (this time with an advance!) from another publisher that I felt able to give up my trading job and write full time. So, even though it took a long time, I eventually realised my dream of being a full-time writer.

And now I also write a business column for the Irish Times.

When I’m writing a book I want to do three things:

* Tell a good story
* Make the reader feel like they know the characters
* Make each book better than the last

I don’t write for any particular audience but I suppose I must have people like me in mind – people who have busy lives and who like to escape into someone else’s for a while.

I love writing books. I hope you enjoy reading them.

Reviews

[Irena BookDustMagic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again I am guilty for not reviewing a book as soon as I finished it. It has been quite some time since I read Her Husband’s Mistake, so I do apologize for having only brief and short review.
The book is still (kind of) fresh in my mind when it comes to main points of the story, but, as I already stated, it has been some time so I don’t feel comfortable writing a full in depth review.

The story follows Roxy who one day finds her husband in their bed with their hot neighbor.
Her husband wasn’t supportive of her when she took care of her ill father, and now when he passed away Dave (husband) made this big mistake that is so hard to forgive and forget.

I would say that the story talks about a woman who is torn apart between her husband’s infidelity and the two possible decisions it brings: to forgive and try to work it out as a couple, or to leave and move on while she can.
She is also grieving her late father and the situation is not easy, especially when people around her also have their opinions.

I would also call this coming of age story because it talks about a woman finding her voice and her own strenght.

I think every woman should read this novel because it talks about the capability of a woman to support herself even though that was not something she has done for her whole marriage life, and also how sometimes husbands like for women to depend on them.
Even though it officially does not belong to that kind of genre, I dare to say that this also talks about feminism.

The writing style is amazing. The book does not read quickly but it has so many beautiful sentences and thoughts that it is worth to spend time with.
It is written in first person. from Roxy’s POV.

Sheila O’Flangan is well known author with many books written and this book reminded me how much I loved her novel Suddenly Single that I still remember today, even though it has been years (we talk here about cca 14 years) since I read it.
I kind of regret now for not reading more of her work, but at least I know it is not too late to keep up with them.

I loved everything about this book and the only think that bothered me, and it is personal pet peeve of mine, is that the sentence “I released the breath I didn’t know I was holding” was in there three times (and if you ask me even one is too many), but I have to stress out that I read an ARC, so maybe that was change in the finished copy.
As I said, it is my own personal pet peeve, so please don’t take it seriously.

To wrap up, I want to recommend this book to readers (especially women) who enjoy reading general and women’s fiction, and to those who love beautiful writing in their books.

Read this and more reviews on my blog https://bookdustmagic.com

[Berit☀️✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The morning after my father’s funeral, I came home and found my husband in bed with the next-door neighbor.”

This was the first sentence in this book and it sure caught my attention and started my inner dialogue. I have a strong opinion on infidelity, like I think if a person cheats you should leave and never look back! Now I do realize this is not everyone’s choice and I’ve had friends choose to stay and I’ve had to respect their choice, but I will never truly understand it. This book gave a real and raw look at Roxy and her choices in the aftermath of her husband‘s infidelity. Things aren’t always black-and-white and this book made me see the gray in this situation a little clearerer.

This is my first book by Sheila O’Flanagan, but it most certainly will not be my last. Her writing style was so engaging and readable, I was completely invested in the story and these characters. The story was told with so much heart and humor. Roxy was such a genuine character, a character I truly cared about by the end of this book. The chauffeur business was interesting and I really liked how she really took charge. My favorite part of the book however was the bond between mother and daughter, I loved how there for one another these ladies were. Each of them was grieving their own loss and it just really brought home how important family is in our lives.

This just was a well told engrossing story that made me think, laugh, and even shed a tear. A perfect summer read for those who love some substance with their fluff!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The day after my father's funeral I caught my husband in bed with the neighbor."

I knew from the first line that this book was exactly what I was looking for.

I've read a couple of books by Sheila O'Flannagan in the past and they are just so damn readable. I can't say I loved the main character; I couldn't particularly relate to her but at the same time I couldn't quite let her go either, it's like I had to get to end and hope she turned into someone I could potentially like. And having now reached the end, I'm not sure I like her, but I'm proud of her.

This is a perfect book for sunny poolside days or if like me you find yourself in the middle of War and Peace and just want to read something engaging and fluffy.

Four stars.

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roxy's world is shaken once she finds her husband sleeping with the next door neighbour, worst still it was the day after her father's funeral.

The title of the novel alludes to Dave having made a mistake - but seriously what husband would play away in them circumstances?!? What an arsehole!

Roxy refers to the deed as rodeo night and surprisingly happily to try and patch things up, Dave's only defence is the fact that she'd been neglecting him.
The truth was she'd but her heart and soul trying to continue the family fun private taxi firm business during her father's illness.

She's faced with the dilemma of choosing if that one night of rodeo will be the end of their 20 years of marriage.
Whilst her and Dave try to restore the relationship, Roxy finds herself taking a liking to one of her latest clients who she frequently needs to take to the airport.

As much as I hated Dave, I grew a real fondness towards Roxy - inheriting the business was doing wonders for her self esteem.
Her gradually charged friendship with Ivo really is enticing to read, if Roxy is presented with some revenge sex - would she take it?

This book really hooked me from the first chapter and was pleasantly satisfied with the choices Roxy made during the latter half of this riveting read.

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely book to read, very easy and enjoyable, I’ve never read any of this author’s books before but I will in future and the good news is that she’s written loads so I can dip into them for awhile. Plus, she has a new one coming out soon so, that’s even better.
The story was a little bit predictable but, it is a chick lit and as far as I’m concern it was just what I needed, a form of light escapism. Wonderful.

[Lu Bielefeld · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐⭐⭐ - OK decent reads.
=======================

Our heroine, in a painful moment of her life, is cheated by her husband.
The story goes through all the stages of mourning, in addition to mourning the loss of her father, she loses her marriage and life as she knew it.
The reader gradually learns about her life, the aspirations and desires that are no longer the same as before the cheating. She begins to take a different view of herself and her life.
It's different and we get hooked to find out the directions she will choose for her and her children's lives.

I am a vengeful bitch and would not be so complacent with the cheater husband. I would not have thought twice about kicking his ass out of the house. But she takes her time and decides what's best for her in the end.

"The day after my father's funeral I caught my husband in bed with the neighbour"

I don’t think Dave is unhappy with himself. In fact, when I saw him with Julie, he looked far too self-satisfied for my liking. No – he saw an opportunity and took it. And he’s broken my heart.

‘Sweetheart, I’m sorry,’ he said. ‘I didn’t mean this to happen.’ ‘Which?’ I asked. ‘You didn’t mean to shag someone else in our home, or you didn’t mean me to find you at it in our bed?’

‘You’re blaming me ?’ I stared at him. ‘You slept with Julie Halpin and you’re blaming me ?’ ‘No. You needed to be with your mum. But I needed someone too. These last few weeks have been tough.’

Forgive and forget. Or walk away. The pendulum keeps swinging between the two. One of these days it’ll have to stop. I still don’t know where.

‘Come home,’ said Dave. ‘I miss you and I miss the kids. I wouldn’t have gone near Julie if I hadn’t been missing you.’

But why should I simply forgive him? He’s broken my heart, after all.

‘Like Dave, you mean?’ I ask. ‘The good husband who slept with the neighbour? Or like Dad, who used your money to pay off a woman he might have got pregnant?’

‘I’m not going to encourage you to cheat on Dave,’ Debs says. ‘But what happens on the road stays on the road.’

‘Anyway, Roxy can find something else to do,’ says Dave. ‘She was happy enough before.’ I nearly say ‘Before what?’ but I don’t.

‘With men, a lot of it is making sure they don’t feel neglected,’ says Kerry.

‘He’s deflecting all the wrong he did by sleeping with that woman onto you and the car,’ she says. ‘The more he can make you feel guilty about driving, the less guilt he has to carry about cheating on you.’

With a sudden jolt, I realise that I don’t care about fixing it. I look at him without speaking. I’ve loved him for most of my life. I don’t love him any more.

The next day, Dave moves out. He moves next door.

Dave is coming to the party. I’ve no problem with that, but I’ve told him that I don’t want Julie in the house.

I wonder how it was he was able to move in with her so quickly.

[Belita · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolute drivel - could have been written in the 50s - chauvinistic as hell

[Nila (digitalcreativepages)]

A husband’s infidelity breaks a woman, but then slowly and surely, it re-joins her into a stronger version of herself, a woman she is meant to be.

Roxy came back home on Rodeo Night and found her neighbor riding her husband Dave. An irony!! A marriage, which was solid with 2 kids, broke apart. She shifted out to her mum’s place, took over her father’s chauffeur business, for the sake of children and twenty years of marriage, returned home to try to forgive (a bad decision, I tell ya) her husband and make a go of her marriage. But could a cracked mirror ever be as good as new?

I have read many books by author Sheila O’Flanagan and have quite enjoyed them. The premise of this had me eager to read it at one go. Women empowerment, women discovering themselves, finding their inner strength and independence has always been one of my favorite reads in this genre. And the book certainly did not disappoint.

Roxy had been etched very carefully by the author. There was an air of genuine goodness about her. I loved the way the vibe of her inner discontent came through. Her character grew from strength to strength. Her decisions were supported by her kids and mum. Only the archaic husband Dave was a moss covered boulder on her path, slimy and slippery, trying to control his wife. I wanted Roxy to stand up strong and tall, and she did. My girl made me proud.

Too many unnecessary details and slow paced sections did niggle me and ask me to skim read. But I did not. I read the whole book from beginning to end.

A line from the book which touched me

You have to work at happiness, it doesn’t simply land in your lap!!

This was so true. Simple but poignant words taught me so much. Overall, a fun read!

[Cc · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good, but way too long for how little I felt for each character. There were flashes of great storytelling but the burned out fast. I did like the recurring theme that a woman can and should (if she wants to) find purpose and economic stability outside the marriage.

[Trish at Between My Lines · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can always depend on Sheila O’Flanagan to deliver a book that will both entertain me and make me think. I love that while her book’s are light reads, they are not fluff. I find they present issues to debate over in my mind, as I’m always wondering just what I would do if I were in the characters shoes.

First Line

"The morning after my father's funeral, I came home and found my husband in bed with the next-door neighbour."

My Thoughts

Well that first line pretty much sums up the setting for the book. Roxy catches her husband out, and realises that something has to change in her life. While she was once rebellious and competitive, now she is just putting herself second place to everyone in her family. And she realises that isn't good enough. Not as an example to her children, and not for herself.

I loved watching her grow, and re-find herself. I think every woman loses a bit of themselves as they take on grown up responsibilites and it made the theme a very relatable one.

There is a side story about Roxy's father who recently died. Roxy finds out something about her father that she never knew, and it feels like another blow to her. Roxy's mother features heavily too, and I enjoyed watching her step into a new chapter of her life. With sadness, and fear, but also with a belief that life is for living. I loved her courage and willingness to put herself out there.

This is a true family driven tale, and family is at the heart of the book. All the different stages of life, and learning how to cope with set backs, make tough decisions and rise to new challenges. Told with humour and emotion, I was engrossed and totally admit to ignoring everyone around me until I finished this book.

Overall it's a lovely read, with engaging realistic characters, coping with true-life problems. A typical Sheila O'Flanagan book, and I mean that in the best possible way. As seeing Sheila's name on the cover is like a guaranteed quality stamp to me.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheila O’Flanagan’s, Her Husband’s Mistake, has one of the most eye-catching opening paragraphs I’ve seen for a while. It very cleverly drew me right into the story from the start.

This book was a look at what can happen and the choices that need to be made when your husband commits an act of infidelity that you are unfortunate enough to witness first-hand, purely by chance.

It was written in the first person and the reader was given a fascinating insight into what was going on in the mind of the protagonist, throughout the story.

I loved the character of Roxy and to my mind, she was thoughtful, caring and very astute.

Sheila O’Flanagan’s writing style helped to make this novel a joy to read and I liked how she managed to make the relatively mundane minutiae of life sound interesting. The pacing of the story was absolutely perfect and although there were no huge surprises, I wasn’t expecting any with this type of novel.

I thought I had read some of this author’s work before but none of her previous titles sounded familiar to me, so I will definitely be reading some of them in the future.

All in all, this was a beautifully told story that I highly recommend.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Headline via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

[Kerry · Rating 1 out of 5]

I use KU... but paid for this!! I'd have had more enjoyment rereading my shopping list!


NOTE TO ME:- Do not even think about picking up another book by this author, regardless of the 5 star reviews. Remember how much you hate books that stretch a 5 minute read into a 4 hour read by filling it with complete nonsense... You added the boring tag for this book!!

[Cathy Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Roxy needed the day after her father’s funeral was to find her husband in bed with their next door neighbour when she got home. She’d been the one to hold everything together throughout the months of her dad’s illness, her mother and brother barely able to cope. Roxy had sorted out the hospital visits so her dad wasn’t alone for too long, dealt with the nurses and kept her dad’s chauffeur business running. But this was a step too far. She couldn’t cope with her husband of twenty years cheating on her.

It was a real wake up call for Roxy. She hadn’t realised just how often she put everyone’s needs before her own. Things had to change. She and the children stayed at her mother’s where she’s been for the last few days, to all intents and purposes keeping her company and offering support. She couldn’t go home. Inheriting her dad’s business is a life line for Roxy. She finds working and interacting with the clients enjoyable and is excited at the thought of having her own business, making her own money.

This is a story about two women, due to differing circumstances, having to reevaluate, dig deep and move forward with their lives. Roxy and Dave were childhood sweethearts and twenty years and two children later their seemingly solid foundation was cracked. Some cracks can be mended, some can’t. Roxy has a decision to make—forgive and forget or forge her own path.

The writing is engaging, the characters realistic. I enjoyed Roxy’s character and how we were privy to her thoughts and reasonings, although it was a little long drawn out in places. She’s realistic and once she realises what’s important in life and her own worth she finds the Roxy that got lost along the way, together with her self esteem and confidence. The story focusses on relationships—mother and daughter, husband and wife, parents and children. Despite bouts of uncertainty Roxy worked through her situation at her own pace without being swayed by the opinion of others. She and her mother had a lovely relationship and supported each other completely. The mystery thread that runs through involving Roxy’s father gives the story another layer.

Excellent narration from Aoife McMahon as always.

[Frenchorchidea · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brilliant book! I already knew that I like Sheila O'Flanagan's book and writing style but with this book "Her Husband's Mistake", I can say that Sheila O'Flanagan now counts among my top favorite authors! "Her Husband's Mistake" is a powerful book about adulteries, forgiveness, trust but also about feminism and machism in our today's society, this book is also about working mum and working women in general. This book is for all women out there. It raises a tons of questions that we women can ask ourselves at some point in our lives. And this book is so well written. There is not a boring moment. I am so in love with this book! A new favorite of mine! 5 stars out of 5!!!!!

[Gillian · Rating 1 out of 5]

No! I’m done with ridiculous husbands having affairs because their wives were busy for 2 minutes.

[Joanna Park · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a huge fan of this author so I was hugely excited to be invited onto the blog tour for her latest book, Her Husband’s Mistake. The thing I always love about Sheila’s books is how absorbing they are but also how easy to read. For this reason they are normally my go to holiday read as they are perfect for relaxing with.

I liked the main character Roxy, although it did initially take me a while to warm to her. She seemed a very realistic character and I liked the way her indecision was described in the book and how the reader had access to all her reasoning about what she should do. She’s was definitely a fighter and didn’t immediate go running back to her husband which showed a strength that I thought very admirable. I enjoyed watching her develop throughout the book and come into her own. Her husband on the other hand had me seething regularly. He was an arrogant, sexist pig that I wished I could go into the book and give him a piece of my mind. The way he acts, despite being plainly in the wrong, made my blood boil and I hated how he twisted everything and tried to make Sheila doubt herself. He made me keep reading as I wanted to see what would happen in the end and hopefully see him get his just deserts!

As with most of Sheila’s books there is a serious theme running through the story and this time it is about the changing roles and attitudes towards women. This is starkly shown through the opportunity Roxy has to find out who she can be outside the family and her husband’s, mistaken belief that she should do what he says. I found it very interesting to watch the story play out because of this and found myself very grateful that such attitudes are slowly changing.

This was an absorbing read that I found I could sink into at the end of a long day. There was plenty of stuff happening to keep my interest and I enjoyed watching everything unfold. The author manages to fit in some fantastic descriptions of Dublin which has always been one of my favourite cities. It has definitely made me more determined to visit again.

Huge thanks to Anne Cater for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Headline for my copy of this book.

[Lorilin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roxy and Dave have been married for over twenty years. They love each other and have seen each other through all the ups and downs of life, even through the death of Roxy’s dad just recently.

Or at least that’s what Roxy thought before she walked in on her husband having sex with the bimbo divorcee next door.

In an instant, Roxy’s life is turned upside down. She takes the kids to her mother’s house and finds solace in her job as a chauffeur while she decides whether to forgive and forget, or ditch Dave completely.

If this were American chick lit, Roxy would completely lose herself in the mess of her husband’s affair and have countless weepy conversations with her sarcastic, feisty friends, while Dave eventually got what was coming to him. But this is the Irish version, so, instead, Roxy solidly keeps her ish together and takes a much more calm and balanced approach. She goes to work every day and cares for her children. She tries to relieve the emotional and financial burdens of her recently-widowed mother. She remains thoughtful while she processes her feelings and considers her options. It’s all very grown up.

Infidelity isn’t treated in black and white terms here. Dave isn’t all evil just because he cheats—and neither are the other characters who we eventually discover have some major secrets of their own. Everything is nuanced, a grey area, with no one “right” way to handle any of it. It’s all so very British.

I thought it was especially interesting that despite infidelity being the central conflict, the main focus of the book is actually family relationships—and especially the importance of a strong mother-daughter relationship. There will be no knight in shining armor to come save Roxy—instead, it will be her dedication to her family and her willingness to discover her true self within that system that will see her through.

Ultimately, I loved that this is a book about a woman who can handle her business, who is calm and clearheaded, even while struggling with major drama. Her Husband’s Mistake is a solidly enjoyable read.

Thank you to Amazon Vine for the ARC!

[Mairead Hearne (swirlandthread.com) · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Should a woman be ready to forgive and forget to save her marriage? Roxy’s not so sure…'

Her Husband’s Mistake is the latest novel from Irish writer Sheila O’ Flanagan. Due for publication on 30th May with Headline Review, it is described as a ‘riveting new novel …..perfect for readers of Marian Keyes and Amanda Prowse.’ Having never read a book by Sheila O’ Flanagan I was really looking forward to this.

Her Husband’s Mistake is a highly entertaining read from the opening line….

‘The morning after my father’s funeral, I came home and found my husband in bed with the next-door neighbour’

So sets the scene for the remainder of the book. Roxy and Dave. Dave and Roxy. Childhood sweethearts, now married with two wonderful children. Roxy is a housewife and Dave is a plumber with a successful business. They have been together from the beginning, facing many challenges over the years and, up to now, their life was solid, their life was good, Roxy and Dave were happy.

Roxy’s Dad had a chauffeuring business based in Dublin. When he first became ill, Roxy helped out with the occasional client but, as her Dad’s condition deteriorated, Roxy’s services were increasingly required. With the passing of her father, Roxy became the owner of his Mercedes, his business and his client list to do as she wishes. She decided to continue as was, until she had the head space to figure out what to do next. But the day she walks in the door of her bedroom to find Dave in bed with the neighbour, throws Roxy’s life in a spin. Distraught after losing her father, Roxy cannot bear to look at Dave, so she packs her bags, takes the kids and heads to her Mum’s place….her home.

Roxy has some very important decisions to make about moving forward. Can she forgive Dave for his actions or has she found herself in a place where she can never forget? Roxy is stressed out and confused but she soon comes to realise that the one place where she finds peace and solace is at the wheel of her Dad’s car. Driving her clients to various locations provides just the distraction Roxy needs, with her incredible and supportive Mum behind her all the way.

Roxy rediscovers herself and likes what she finds. When she puts on her suit, fixes her hair and sets her makeup, Roxy begins to remember who she was before Dave and the kids took over all her time. Her eyes are open to a new possibility that her working life is most certainly not behind her. She is excited at the prospects opening up to her and is hopeful that Dave can see the positive side to all this too. But Dave liked his life before, Dave liked having Roxy at home. Dave provided for the family, never leaving them short, with Roxy looking after the household.

Roxy and Dave have, up to now, been happy but has Dave taken one step too far and has Roxy succumbed to the sweetness of her own success?

Sheila O’ Flanagan writes with such an engaging style. Her characters are warm and loving, with real-life problems and difficulties. Roxy represents many women in society today who have stifled ambitions and dreams that life just trampled on over the years. Roxy gives hope to these aspirations. Roxy was very happy in her life but Dave’s actions rocked the boat, allowing Roxy to step outside her bubble and see another world, a place teeming with possibilities and encouraging in it’s support. Is it too late for Roxy and Dave? Can their marriage survive? Can Roxy forgive and forget?

Her Husband’s Mistake is a charismatic read that sweeps the reader along as you root for Roxy and encourage her on this thrilling new adventure that awaits. Packed with empathy and insight, Her Husband’s Mistake has a very genuine feel to it, the perfect book to pack in the suitcase this summer!

[Tripfiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

Novel set in IRELAND



Roxy is mourning the death of her father Christy. During the last period of his illness, she has been managing his company, driving the Mercedes as a chauffeur and just recently has been supporting her mother through the final stages of his life.

Her husband Dave has been at their marital home and upon her return – earlier than anticipated – she discovers him in their marital bed with their neighbour. She returns to her mother’s house for some thinking time and has a great dealing of sorting to do. The one-night stand, as it has been billed by her rather feckless husband, is a catalyst for upheaval in the marriage and there has to be quite some soul-searching.

This is the story of Roxy in the aftermath and her fight to keep her sense of self, exploring her role as wife and as mother to two young children, Mica and Tom.

She uses her driving time to think. She is also good at building on the very solid business which her father has built. She even brings the business into the 21st century with the support of some of her rather famous clients, who advise her on Social Media engagement. Dave, however, after a graceful period of allowing her space, soon reverts to the behaviour of a querulous child, pouting and demanding her return. His hypocrisy is blatant, that he, as a male, has a freedom that he is not prepared to bestow on his wife. The author is clearly passionate about social commentary, whether it is about coercive control within an adult intimate relationship or the societal roles of men and women that seem very unjust.

Roxy finds a photo in the car and cannot find the owner. But somehow it may link to her father and perhaps even to a mooted child that he may or may not have had with a very early girlfriend. Yet more issues for Roxy to worry about.

The dapper Ivo Lehane becomes a regular client, he is very respectful of her and they find a level of connectedness that individually steers them away from their entrenched positions in their personal lives. Dave naturally thinks the worst and when she chauffeurs Ivo, staying overnight at the Castlemartyr Resort (luxury, with spa and golf), he is jettisoned into a fitful outburst and further tries to control her activities.

To find out what ultimately happens to Roxy, her relationship and her life, you will need to buy the book!

I enjoyed the writing and found the novel very readable. It creatively explores what it means to be in a relationship where control is out of kilter between husband and wife, and where the age old roles of the sexes are a real bugbear. The author has a good eye for detail and observes people well, but I felt there was just a little too much slogging around in the car and detail about the characters’ lives that made it feel a little ‘spun out’, when, in actual fact there is a good, meaty story at the heart that is sufficient to be compelling.

This is the first novel I have read by this author and it won’t be the last!

[booksofallkinds · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the tour organiser

I'm a huge fan of Sheila O'Flanagan's books and when I picked up HER HUSBAND'S MISTAKE I was pretty confident that this would be another wonderful, multi-faceted story that would grip me to the end, and I'm happy to say I was right!

Roxy has just lost her dad whom she was really close to when she arrives home early one morning to find her husband shagging the next door neighbour. Distraught, she grabs some things for her and her two lovely children and heads back to stay with her mum. Determined to keep herself busy while she figures out what to do next, Roxy continues to run her dad's business which he has left to her, as a chauffeur for private clients some of whom are even celebrities. As the business grows, Roxy starts to remember who she was before she was a wife and a mother, and enjoys driving and the professional service she provides. But she has always loved her husband and as he wages a war to win her back, Roxy is wavering over whether they can move past it. But Roxy isn't the same woman anymore. She is more independent, feisty, and determined than ever and maybe there is a different future waiting for her and her family ...

I loved HER HUSBAND'S MISTAKE by Sheila O'Flanagan and I loved the main character, Roxy. In the beginning, I was shouting at her to chuck her husband out of the door and never look back but as I got to know her I could see why she has to figure out her situation slowly. This is the man whom she has always loved, a good father and she wants a happy home for her children. So it becomes easier to understand Roxy as she weighs up the pros and cons of her marriage even if it isn't what you would do yourself.
Watching Roxy develop self-confidence as her business begins to take on a life of its own and her mutually supportive relationship with her mother were the best moments in this book for me, and as always when reading a Sheila O'Flanagan novel I found myself finishing it at 2am as I just couldn't go to bed without seeing how it would all fare out for everyone.
The topics of cheating, grief, and family drama are all excellently handled and there is never a dull moment in HER HUSBAND'S MISTAKE from start to finish. And the old saying 'A blessing in disguise' really comes to mind while reading this wonderful story.

So what are you waiting for? Buy it now and get lost in the exquisite words of one of Ireland's finest writers. Happy reading!

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheila has long been one of my most favourite authors; I’ve read all her books and they always have me hooked from the first few pages.

Roxy thinks that her marriage to Dave is solid. They have a house and two children, and life runs along smoothly. Then Roxy’s father dies, and she also walks in on Dave in her bed with their next-door neighbour.

Roxy’s dad has left her his quality car which he used for his private chauffeuring business, so she starts to take over his clients. Should she keep working or should she sell the car to provide a lump sum for her family?

Should she stay with Dave, or should she go?

A beautiful book that I didn’t want to put down, had warmth, humour, and real-life situations, and really didn’t want it to end!

Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.

[Alyssa Henderson · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you don’t have something nice to say don’t say it…

I will anyway because rules are meant to be broken.
I couldn’t get into the story or the characters at all and ended up skim reading the entire book. I hated Dave with a passion and didn’t like her mother, her brother or her friends. Everyone was so awful about the whole situation and it’s really not very nice at all.

Like seriously was this book written in the 1950s, the sexism crap I got over it really quick.
What was with everyone telling her that her husband cheated because she wasn’t devoted enough to him?

I’m glad I am finally finished.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...

Catching her cheating husband in the act sows a seed of doubt in Roxy’s mind. Temporarily moving to her mother’s house with the children, Roxy strives to continue on as before. However, she is also grieving the recent loss of her father and, arguably, throwing herself into his chauffeuring business is an opportunity to feel close to him.

[Jo Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first O'Flanagan book and I really enjoyed it. The characters were so utterly real and relatable. The book is an emotional and insightful look into what happens when a marriage falls apart. A hopeful read too as we watch Roxy blossom into the women she was probably always meant to be.

[Agi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roxy has recently lost her father and has been spending more time at her mother's house. The day after the funeral she comes home to surprise her husband, however what she sees when she walks in to their bedroom is going to change their lives. Roxy immediately moves out with the children and stays with her mother to work out what to do next. She has started to run her father's chauffer business when he was taken ill, and now she feels it is only right to continue it, especially as he left her his Mercedes to do with it what she wants. She starts to feel confident again, loves meeting the clients and enjoys the driving, but also she needs to decide what to do with her marriage - forgive and forget? Come back to Dave? Trust him again?

Now, Roxy. Yes, there were moments that I felt desperate with her, or more likely I felt desperate with her husband, because I really rooted for her and kept everything crossed for her. I think the author has so brilliantly captured her indecisions, uncertainty, being torn between the feeling that she has to stay loyal and putting all others before herself - this is the way we work, we dream of things but we still don't find the courage to reach for them, and in my opinion Sheila O'Flanagan has done a great job with picturing Roxy like this, making her a living and breathing character. I might have not always agreed with her decisions but I respected them because it's so easy to say something but much more difficult to do it when you're not sure what's good - and Roxy felt so true that all she did or didn't do simply felt realistic, and her problems and struggles will for sure resonate with many women.
Dave is another story. I wanted to bang his head on the wall every time he tried to get his own way and carry on making Roxy feel as though she's the one in the wrong, as though everything was her fault, and as he was doing it instantly, this wall would get a nice hollow in it really quickly. It's one thing when married people are not always able to settle their differences but Dave took it to another level and I hated how he made Roxy feel.

I had a feeling that the pace is rather on the slow side, and I could have lived without some of the passages, and I've missed some more action but altogether I enjoyed this novel and I find that it was incredibly easy to read - you know this kind of books when you start to read, five minutes later look at the clock and see that actually it is more than few hours but you simply didn't notice it, so engrossed you are in the story. "Her Husband's Mistake" was such a book, I really liked the writing style, it was so natural and easy to follow.

Altogether, it was a down - to - earth, realistic novel about family relationships and dynamics, about second chances and taking things in your hands. I really liked seeing the main character growing in confidence, becoming self - confident, knowing her value and strength. Story that is relatable on many levels, that I really enjoyed and highly recommend.

Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.

[Grace J Reviewerlady · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging and very satisfying read - one for every woman to relish and enjoy!

Roxy is married to Dave, the love of her life and the only man she's been with. Looking after her husband and their two children fills her days, but when her father is terminally ill, she offers her mother all the support she can. Popping home unexpectedly she is shocked and stunned to find Dave in bed with their buxom neighbour and her life stops. Suddenly, Roxy has to consider her own feelings ahead of everyone else's and that comes as a real eye-opener to her husband.

I've been a fan of Sheila O'Flanagan's writing for a long time, and have probably devoured every book she has produced. As with all other Irish writers, there's something special about her novels, and Her Husband's Mistake is no exception. A wonderful read, totally absorbing and completely rewarding. It's not easy to imagine being in Roxy's position but the skilled writing draws the reader into the story, and before long I was completely involved. I have sighed, tutted, smiled, laughed, almost cried and cheered all the way through! A very touching and honest novel about a woman - wife and mother - struggling to find her place in the modern world and a very observant and page turning read. A powerful, ponderous read which I've loved everything about so definitely a full five stars for this one!

[Jeanniehay64 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a fantastic book.!!! I couldn’t put it down and could relate to all the wonderful characters.

Roxy has been happily married to her childhood sweetheart for 20 years and they have 2 children, but that all changes when she comes home unexpectedly to a life changing discovery.

With her life in turmoil Roxy throws herself into her late dads business hoping time will give her more perspective on the way ahead.

I felt so much for Roxy and understood how she had changed even though it wasn’t something she had wanted to happen. The decisions that are inevitable after trust has been broken are unimaginable difficult ! The understanding of Roxys situation was so accurate that it took my breath away.

I loved the ending of the book which left me hoping that Roxy will find the happiness she deserves. Brilliant empathetic writing from Sheila O Flanagan , definitely one not to miss!!

Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for my chance to read this page turner.

[Nicole Harney · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not one of my usual reads but it was given to me and I needed an easy read. Not for me. Couldn’t cope with the stereotyping and Dave was a pathetic character who made me want to burn the book 😂

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roxy and Dave have been happily married for twenty years. They have two gorgeous children and everyone knows that they are rock solid.

After the recent death of her father, Roxy has been spending time at her mother’s house. Supporting her through her grief and doing her best to keep the chauffeuring business she’s inherited from her father afloat until she decides what to do with it.

Desperately missing Dave, Roxy returns home earlier than expected and discovers that Dave has not been missing her. She finds him in bed with their neighbour.

Roxy and the children return to her mother’s house and she throws herself into her business.

However, she’s still in love with Dave and cannot stop blaming herself for his indiscretion. As Roxy tortures herself more and more about what has happened, Dave only reinforces her feelings.

Accepting no responsibility and blaming Roxy for neglecting him whilst she supported her parents.
Roxy is a great character; she’s witty and strong, despite her sometimes self-deprecating behaviour. Dave, on the other hand is a study in denial and abnegation. As Roxy’s business grows and she begins to find a new self-confidence and is noticed by other men, so does Dave’s total unacceptance of any responsibility for their situation.

Her Husband’s Mistakes is an emotionally intelligent and thoughtful story. Engagingly written, witty and filled with strikingly realistic characters.

A page-turning saga of drama, love and betrayal; perfect for summer reading.

[Maria]

Typically I really like angsty marriage in trouble books with or without cheating so I didnt hesitate to buy this one. However maybe 20 percent in I couldnt get into the story and could npt really relate to the fmc in her thoughts or actions. I skipped ahead and read the last 50 pages to find out the outcome. It just seemed rushed and unfinished at the end in comparisonto the rest of the storyline. I think the author has an interesting writing style but this book just wasnt for me.

I wont rate this onw since I didn't finish it.