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Married with Baggage
She'd never dreamt she'd wind up being a mum before she had a baby.' When Annie was swept off her feet by handsome widower Simon, she willingly promised to have and to hold all that he held dear, including his daughter, Lydia. Lydia's mother died years before in a sailing accident and it's clear from the off that the young girl doesn't welcome her new stepmother.As a lucrative job offer for Simon forces them all to decamp to America, Annie has a lot to learn. How do you fit in in a close-knit US town? What makes her daughter tick? And how do you try to convince your new husband that he's done the right thing in marrying in haste? For every woman who's had to juggle the complexities of step-parenting, this sharp and funny look at the world of modern famililes will ring very true indeed.
- GenresChick Lit
311 pages, Paperback
First published October 24, 2009
4 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Elise Chidley
2 books34 followersI'm a mother, writer and avid reader, currently living in Connecticut, USA. I grew up in Swaziland and South Africa, and studied in Durban, Edinburgh and Pennsylvania. My taste in books is varied, and I would read the dictionary if I was stranded with it on a desert island. I have this vague ambition to catalogue all the books I've ever read, but I think I've forgotten more than half of them. That's the joy of goodreads--you come across titles you would never otherwise remember.
I'm working on my debut Young Adult novel: such a freeing genre!
My second novel, Married With Baggage is now on shelves!
My first novel, Your Roots Are Showing is a finalist in two categories of the 2009 RITAs: Best First Book and Best Single Title Contemporary Romance.
"Chidley hits it out of the park with her debut novel. She finds humor in the mundane and absolutely nails Lizzie's character arc. With spot-on writing, Chidley has created a heroine readers will care about."
--Romantic Times BOOKreviews on YOUR ROOTS ARE SHOWING
This book will strike a chord with anyone who ever struggled to lose her baby weight, anyone who ever neglected her hair-do--or her husband--in those fraught years of early motherhood.
In this funny, uplifting novel Lizzie Buckley, mother of toddler twins, fantasizes about chucking in her picture-perfect life for a box of chocolates and an uninterrupted bath. But when she vents her frustrations with married life in an email--and sends it to her husband by mistake--her 'happy ending' begins to unravel with a vengeance. All too soon, Lizzie finds herself uprooting her children to start over in a ramshackle cottage with an overgrown garden, where she struggles to re-invent herself and forget about her soon-to-be ex.
MORE PRAISE FOR Your Roots Are Showing
"Look no further for a delicious, romantic story, written with wit and a light touch." --Elizabeth Buchan, New York Times bestselling author of Revenge of the Middle-Aged Woman.
"Toe-curlingly observant and wonderfully heartwarming--I loved it!" --Gemma Townley, author of The Importance of Being Married.
"Absolutely wonderful. . . a charming debut, not to be missed." --Jane Porter, author of Flirting with Forty.
Check out Elise Chidley's blog at www.elisechidley.wordpress.com
I'm working on my debut Young Adult novel: such a freeing genre!
My second novel, Married With Baggage is now on shelves!
My first novel, Your Roots Are Showing is a finalist in two categories of the 2009 RITAs: Best First Book and Best Single Title Contemporary Romance.
"Chidley hits it out of the park with her debut novel. She finds humor in the mundane and absolutely nails Lizzie's character arc. With spot-on writing, Chidley has created a heroine readers will care about."
--Romantic Times BOOKreviews on YOUR ROOTS ARE SHOWING
This book will strike a chord with anyone who ever struggled to lose her baby weight, anyone who ever neglected her hair-do--or her husband--in those fraught years of early motherhood.
In this funny, uplifting novel Lizzie Buckley, mother of toddler twins, fantasizes about chucking in her picture-perfect life for a box of chocolates and an uninterrupted bath. But when she vents her frustrations with married life in an email--and sends it to her husband by mistake--her 'happy ending' begins to unravel with a vengeance. All too soon, Lizzie finds herself uprooting her children to start over in a ramshackle cottage with an overgrown garden, where she struggles to re-invent herself and forget about her soon-to-be ex.
MORE PRAISE FOR Your Roots Are Showing
"Look no further for a delicious, romantic story, written with wit and a light touch." --Elizabeth Buchan, New York Times bestselling author of Revenge of the Middle-Aged Woman.
"Toe-curlingly observant and wonderfully heartwarming--I loved it!" --Gemma Townley, author of The Importance of Being Married.
"Absolutely wonderful. . . a charming debut, not to be missed." --Jane Porter, author of Flirting with Forty.
Check out Elise Chidley's blog at www.elisechidley.wordpress.com
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 31, 2009
I really loved this book. It's a heartwarming story of a woman suddenly thrust into motherhood. I kept on wondering what was going to happen next in their lives, while hoping for the best, and just generally enjoying the ride!
This book kept me smiling and left me wanting more!
This book kept me smiling and left me wanting more!
April 14, 2010
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were very likable! I really liked Annie, and her frugal mom was great too!
Annie marries Simon. She becomes Lydia's stepmother. Lydia isn't really happy about that. Annie needs to learn how to be a parent. She needs to do this in a new country as Simon is transferred to the USA from England. We follow Annie as she learns to be a parent, tries to fit in in Connecticut, and makes new friends.
There were times when I sympathized with Annie, for a few minutes, until I had to chuckle!
This book actually made me laugh out loud a few times. A great read!
Annie marries Simon. She becomes Lydia's stepmother. Lydia isn't really happy about that. Annie needs to learn how to be a parent. She needs to do this in a new country as Simon is transferred to the USA from England. We follow Annie as she learns to be a parent, tries to fit in in Connecticut, and makes new friends.
There were times when I sympathized with Annie, for a few minutes, until I had to chuckle!
This book actually made me laugh out loud a few times. A great read!
July 22, 2020
It is a story about a woman who marries a widower who has a 7 year old daughter and the moves to America with them. It could have been a biography. It was okay to read but it didn't make me laugh out loud. It's just an okay book.
Chidley also wrote "the wrong sort of wife" which did make me laugh out loud 😊
Chidley also wrote "the wrong sort of wife" which did make me laugh out loud 😊
December 10, 2025
Easy to read story. Great characters, and portrays the problems of step-parenting well. The transition Annie had to make moving to America from London were described well, especially the new neighbourhood she lived in.
November 1, 2010
I felt quiet emotional after finishing this book. It doesn't render the reader into a weeping state of melancholy but provides a positive “aaawww” vibe. Its escapism at its best. Not a silly, fluffy read, but not hardcore controversy and emotional strife.
Its not the most well written chick-lit I've ever read, but it was funny, charming, sweet with depth.
Most of the characters were an absolute joy to read about. Occasionally, Annie was irritating but eventually her character is incredibly endearing, which makes this book so much more realistic. But my favourite was Annie's mother Gladys.
The characters:
Annie – was a believable character. She tries hard but is unsure of herself. Like many women she isn't ashamed to admit to being ambitious but she's not an utter success (although you can tell that she has potential). She's also very warm hearted. Many authors endeavour to portray their heroine's as warm hearted (but the bitchy element always rears its head), but Elise Chidley really managed to capture the goodness within Annie without making her sound saintly.
Gladys – she's very much a mother figure. The author manages to manifest this without her sounding like a cliché. We begin to know her more towards the end of the book but she's an absolute joy and has definitely promoted this book from a 4 star to a 5 out of 5 star.
Lydia – she appears to be a brat but she's been through so much. To begin with I thought Simon (her father) was selfish to marry so soon to a woman he barely knows, but when you meet Annie you'll understand that she's worth the trouble. And that Lydia has managed to bag herself a brilliant stepmum.
Simon – he's not a dashing, ultra wealthy debonair dark haired cliché. He has many responsibilities, a lot of stress in his life and he and Annie make a gorgeous couple.
Dan Morgan – a wannabe cowboy and an almost comical contemporary smooth talking John Wayne who's the only single man in a well-to-do suburb full of “happy” families. As another character described him “you're extinct, too, cowboy, but you don't know that either”
Heather – an older mum, she's down to earth and gets straight to the point. Reading about her efforts with botox, her efforts in trying for another baby, her bizarre marriage to Rob is interesting and brings colour to the book.
Rob – he's a character and his “charm” affect applied on the ladies is worth reading about...
Ther are so many other characters who are worth a mention but you'll read about them soon. I highly recommend you read this book. Some things might fall into place too easily, a bit too pat at times. But considering the issues Annie has to deal with as it is, its only fair we give her a break on some other things.
But he best bit of the book is the ending (or rather towards the ending). Its incredibly emotional. The glimpse into Lydia's actual feelings is beautiful to witness.
There are also (within this genre) these 2 gems below which I enjoyed reading regarding children and relationships that were brilliant to read about:
“Kissing Mr Wrong” by Sarah Duncan
"What Alice Forget" by Liane Moriarty
"The Trouble with Marriage" by Debby Holt
Its not the most well written chick-lit I've ever read, but it was funny, charming, sweet with depth.
Most of the characters were an absolute joy to read about. Occasionally, Annie was irritating but eventually her character is incredibly endearing, which makes this book so much more realistic. But my favourite was Annie's mother Gladys.
The characters:
Annie – was a believable character. She tries hard but is unsure of herself. Like many women she isn't ashamed to admit to being ambitious but she's not an utter success (although you can tell that she has potential). She's also very warm hearted. Many authors endeavour to portray their heroine's as warm hearted (but the bitchy element always rears its head), but Elise Chidley really managed to capture the goodness within Annie without making her sound saintly.
Gladys – she's very much a mother figure. The author manages to manifest this without her sounding like a cliché. We begin to know her more towards the end of the book but she's an absolute joy and has definitely promoted this book from a 4 star to a 5 out of 5 star.
Lydia – she appears to be a brat but she's been through so much. To begin with I thought Simon (her father) was selfish to marry so soon to a woman he barely knows, but when you meet Annie you'll understand that she's worth the trouble. And that Lydia has managed to bag herself a brilliant stepmum.
Simon – he's not a dashing, ultra wealthy debonair dark haired cliché. He has many responsibilities, a lot of stress in his life and he and Annie make a gorgeous couple.
Dan Morgan – a wannabe cowboy and an almost comical contemporary smooth talking John Wayne who's the only single man in a well-to-do suburb full of “happy” families. As another character described him “you're extinct, too, cowboy, but you don't know that either”
Heather – an older mum, she's down to earth and gets straight to the point. Reading about her efforts with botox, her efforts in trying for another baby, her bizarre marriage to Rob is interesting and brings colour to the book.
Rob – he's a character and his “charm” affect applied on the ladies is worth reading about...
Ther are so many other characters who are worth a mention but you'll read about them soon. I highly recommend you read this book. Some things might fall into place too easily, a bit too pat at times. But considering the issues Annie has to deal with as it is, its only fair we give her a break on some other things.
But he best bit of the book is the ending (or rather towards the ending). Its incredibly emotional. The glimpse into Lydia's actual feelings is beautiful to witness.
There are also (within this genre) these 2 gems below which I enjoyed reading regarding children and relationships that were brilliant to read about:
“Kissing Mr Wrong” by Sarah Duncan
"What Alice Forget" by Liane Moriarty
"The Trouble with Marriage" by Debby Holt
December 28, 2009
This is not the types of books I usually read. In fact, this book basically starts where most of the books I read end (with the HEA where 2 people are clearly headed towards the alter).
I put this under my shelf "fun-lifestyle-reads" because I became really absorbed in Annie's new life and her challenges and insecurities as she tries to adjust. It's sometimes difficult to authors to properly write characters so that you feel like you know them, but Chidley really pulls this off with Annie. Moreover, this book was really well written and extremely witty (which is what you call it when you read with a smile plastered on your face in between giggles, right? My cheeks would start to hurt. I am not even kidding you!).
It's very easy to like Annie and to relate to her (even though I am husband and step-childless ... don't even have a yard) but I wanted Annie to be my friend and for Simon to be my big brother.
This book had me on page one (How could it not? She forgets Lydia!) and that rarely happens. This book will not disappoint. Read it and you'll love it and then (like me) you will be looking for "A wrong sort of wife" another one of Chidley's books to read after wards.
I put this under my shelf "fun-lifestyle-reads" because I became really absorbed in Annie's new life and her challenges and insecurities as she tries to adjust. It's sometimes difficult to authors to properly write characters so that you feel like you know them, but Chidley really pulls this off with Annie. Moreover, this book was really well written and extremely witty (which is what you call it when you read with a smile plastered on your face in between giggles, right? My cheeks would start to hurt. I am not even kidding you!).
It's very easy to like Annie and to relate to her (even though I am husband and step-childless ... don't even have a yard) but I wanted Annie to be my friend and for Simon to be my big brother.
This book had me on page one (How could it not? She forgets Lydia!) and that rarely happens. This book will not disappoint. Read it and you'll love it and then (like me) you will be looking for "A wrong sort of wife" another one of Chidley's books to read after wards.
May 19, 2011
Don't let the cover and title fool you--this is not just a fluffy chic-lit novel! The characters are believable and easy to relate to. This is the story of a young English woman, Annie, who falls in love and marries Simon, who has a seven year old daughter, Lydia. Because of a job opportunity for Simon in Connecticut, there is not the normal "getting-to-know-you" period. In a very short time, Annie finds herself trying to adjust to life in an upscale American suburb, a new husband who works long hours, and a stepdaughter who doesn't want to be mothered. As Annie struggles with each new challenge, I never doubted her love for her husband nor her desire to love her stepdaughter.
I'm glad that I won this book and I did enjoy reading a selection that I probably wouldn't have chosen off the shelf!
I'm glad that I won this book and I did enjoy reading a selection that I probably wouldn't have chosen off the shelf!
March 25, 2013
Really enjoyed this book. I was in need of a light, easy read and this fit the bill perfectly. I can't help but feel the story began where most stories end.... ie. the heroine had already found her hero {who came with child in tow} and was just embarking on married life and motherhood. This was a refeshing take on the average romance.
Loved the beginning of the book- the reader is totally thrown into the story as Annie struggles to adjust to the fact that she is now a mother ... and makes mistakes along the way. And what mother is perfect anyway? It's evident she cares deeply for her stepdaughter, she would move mountains for her. And, that's what motherhood is all about.
A great read, fun characters, a happily ever after with a twist.
Loved the beginning of the book- the reader is totally thrown into the story as Annie struggles to adjust to the fact that she is now a mother ... and makes mistakes along the way. And what mother is perfect anyway? It's evident she cares deeply for her stepdaughter, she would move mountains for her. And, that's what motherhood is all about.
A great read, fun characters, a happily ever after with a twist.
July 5, 2020
An entertaining, intelligent "chick lit" as Annie come to terms not only with a whirlwind marriage to widower Simon and a young step daughter,Lydia but a transatlantic move to upmarket Connecticut and life as a stay at home Mum. The characters are likeable and believable and there are amusing moments, such as Annie's first dinner party and trying to help a friend out at the riding stables. The story developed not quite as I expected, which kept me guessing to the end. A good light holiday read.
December 31, 2009
An enjoyable, light book, the characters are relatable and the story well-written.
As a single woman who has moved from London to rural southern Maryland, I loved the scene where the main character Annie makes it into NYC (having moved from London to suburbian Connecticut) and revels in the feeling of being in the city again! I do the same every time I make it into Washington DC!
I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a light, but pleasantly absorbing, read!
As a single woman who has moved from London to rural southern Maryland, I loved the scene where the main character Annie makes it into NYC (having moved from London to suburbian Connecticut) and revels in the feeling of being in the city again! I do the same every time I make it into Washington DC!
I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a light, but pleasantly absorbing, read!
April 19, 2013
finally finished. this book has slow pace, so can't really finish it faster. and also the concert and club took most of my free time.
it's quiet boring actually, but i like it when it comes to middle.
it's about a young woman got married with a widower who has a daughter. his daughter doesn't like her, but i think the daughter is only a tsundere (look it up in Wikipedia)
so it ends happily but too fast for me. hahaha.
it's quiet boring actually, but i like it when it comes to middle.
it's about a young woman got married with a widower who has a daughter. his daughter doesn't like her, but i think the daughter is only a tsundere (look it up in Wikipedia)
so it ends happily but too fast for me. hahaha.
August 3, 2011
won on first-reads...interesting book about how one woman jumps into a marriage where her new husband already has a child. We see her not only adjust to her whirlwind romance marriage, but to life with a elementary school aged child. There were moments were I was bored of the story, however it was a quick and easy read. Good for the beach.
January 7, 2010
I really enjoyed this book! The characters were likable and often comical, particularly the main character Annie, and I found myself laughing out loud at several points. It was also interesting to see America through the eyes of a Brit..passages on American daytime television and Costco was particularly amusing. Overall, it was a very enjoyable book!
May 5, 2016
The book is about Annie who mets Simon a widower and they marry after 4 months as he's moving to America for work. Annie is now a new wife , a new mum to Simon's daughter Lydia in a new country. Lydia doesn't take to Annie at first so the book shows all the issues that happen becoming a step mum.
This book is a good read for light reading. Takes abit to get into.
I give it 3 stars
This book is a good read for light reading. Takes abit to get into.
I give it 3 stars
January 3, 2010
I won this from FirstReads. It's about a woman who's going through big changes. She got married quickly, moved from England to America and is now a stepmom not used to being a mom never mind a stay at home mom.
April 7, 2012
Good chicklit.
Annie
Married to widower Simon
Stepdaughter Lydia age 7 who doesn't like her very much
They've recently moved to richy suburban Connecticut from Britain.
New friend Heather who likes horses.
Annie
Married to widower Simon
Stepdaughter Lydia age 7 who doesn't like her very much
They've recently moved to richy suburban Connecticut from Britain.
New friend Heather who likes horses.
July 31, 2012
Hit a little close to home...
July 23, 2012
Excellent light read. Very entertaining!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews