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Urgently Required: Rewriting The Book Of Love
No one takes advantage of Emma’s good nature more than her demanding mother.
She’d be lost without the love and support of her close friends at the library. But when speed-dater, Mark, enters her life, she grows in confidence as their romance blooms.
However, before long, alarm bells sound when Mark displays similar traits to those of her mother. His urgent need to settle down and start a family becomes so overbearing that Emma finds herself succumbing.
In her heart, she knows the pace of change in her life is happening too fast. And despite being in her late thirties, she hasn’t yet figured out exactly what she wants.
When she dares to dream of alternative possibilities for her future, her choices are limited due to Mark’s doggedness. The question is, will Emma’s desperate attempts to fulfil her neglected desires prove too little too late?
(*stand-alone)
She’d be lost without the love and support of her close friends at the library. But when speed-dater, Mark, enters her life, she grows in confidence as their romance blooms.
However, before long, alarm bells sound when Mark displays similar traits to those of her mother. His urgent need to settle down and start a family becomes so overbearing that Emma finds herself succumbing.
In her heart, she knows the pace of change in her life is happening too fast. And despite being in her late thirties, she hasn’t yet figured out exactly what she wants.
When she dares to dream of alternative possibilities for her future, her choices are limited due to Mark’s doggedness. The question is, will Emma’s desperate attempts to fulfil her neglected desires prove too little too late?
(*stand-alone)
227 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2023
3 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Rafferty
9 books14 followersRachel Rafferty writes contemporary women's fiction set in Ireland. Her stories contain female protagonists in their thirties and forties facing life challenges with varying degrees of success. The books are lighthearted and accessible, often sprinkled with humour.
Rachel fell in love with writing during a career break when her children were young. If she could stop for one second to tidy her house, she would, but those blank pages get filled quicker than the mop bucket every time!
She lives in Dublin, Ireland, with her family of five and big dreams.
Rachel fell in love with writing during a career break when her children were young. If she could stop for one second to tidy her house, she would, but those blank pages get filled quicker than the mop bucket every time!
She lives in Dublin, Ireland, with her family of five and big dreams.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 14, 2023
This is a charming book. I really enjoyed how the author pulled Dublin lifestyle into the plot line.
The characters were well crafted a very relatable to me a 73-year-old. The reason for that comment is that it is truly a work of female fiction. So, the author has written this genre so they can be enjoyed by all people.
So, I give this book a full recommendation, and , I think it will be enjoyed by many people.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The characters were well crafted a very relatable to me a 73-year-old. The reason for that comment is that it is truly a work of female fiction. So, the author has written this genre so they can be enjoyed by all people.
So, I give this book a full recommendation, and , I think it will be enjoyed by many people.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 5, 2026
A Dysfunctional Life . . .
Emma Ward watched her mother throw a loaf of bread at her father for buying wholemeal bread and not wholegrain. Emma offered him a tissue even though he wasn't bleeding and really didn't need one... and that made her feel guilty as it proved (somehow?) she was a terrible daughter. She wrapped up the torn bread package and put it in the breadbox since there wasn't any difference when you toasted and buttered the bread, so someone would eat it. The next day, the bread was gone, replaced by wholegrain. She didn't have many memories of her dad aside from the daily bickering and yelling he engaged in with her mother. At his grave, she only thought of the tissue she gave him and wondered if she had already used it herself? It is quite obvious she won't learn how to love with a cold, selfish mother to provide an example. She criticized all of Emma's decisions, if she even dared to make one. And Emma was always wrong. Unfortunately, when she meets Mark, he is a poor choice as he eventually starts acting similarly to her mother. He wants what he wants and doesn't consider her choices. And Emma falls back into the pattern her life had been. Will she ignore her own needs and do what Mark expects? Or will she ever decide that this isn't what she wants and have even a small bit of confidence to live her own life without feeling worthless?
I am grateful that I never had to deal with a mother like that. Part of growing up is to be loved and encouraged as we become confident and independent, ready to learn how to make good choices. Emma's mother stifled her development. Is it too late to change the direction her life was heading and gain the confidence needed to grow into the person she was meant to become? I shudder to imagine her raising a child of her own if she doesn't figure it out...
Emma Ward watched her mother throw a loaf of bread at her father for buying wholemeal bread and not wholegrain. Emma offered him a tissue even though he wasn't bleeding and really didn't need one... and that made her feel guilty as it proved (somehow?) she was a terrible daughter. She wrapped up the torn bread package and put it in the breadbox since there wasn't any difference when you toasted and buttered the bread, so someone would eat it. The next day, the bread was gone, replaced by wholegrain. She didn't have many memories of her dad aside from the daily bickering and yelling he engaged in with her mother. At his grave, she only thought of the tissue she gave him and wondered if she had already used it herself? It is quite obvious she won't learn how to love with a cold, selfish mother to provide an example. She criticized all of Emma's decisions, if she even dared to make one. And Emma was always wrong. Unfortunately, when she meets Mark, he is a poor choice as he eventually starts acting similarly to her mother. He wants what he wants and doesn't consider her choices. And Emma falls back into the pattern her life had been. Will she ignore her own needs and do what Mark expects? Or will she ever decide that this isn't what she wants and have even a small bit of confidence to live her own life without feeling worthless?
I am grateful that I never had to deal with a mother like that. Part of growing up is to be loved and encouraged as we become confident and independent, ready to learn how to make good choices. Emma's mother stifled her development. Is it too late to change the direction her life was heading and gain the confidence needed to grow into the person she was meant to become? I shudder to imagine her raising a child of her own if she doesn't figure it out...
February 28, 2023
This was a really good book about a woman surviving through life and taking a hold of her own life. Her friends fell by the wayside, her baby's father was figured out with his motives, losing one of her life cheerleaders, and working through her mother and upbringing. The story moved along quite quickly and it was inspiring to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 15, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Liked all the characters except the Mother. She was a piece of work.! ! Storyline going along nicely with a happy ever after situation envisaged but a twist towards the end brought a very different ending to what I expected. Would definitely recommend it as a good read. Looking forward to the next book from Rachel O Rafferty!
March 27, 2023
A captivating life story
A thought-provoking story about an incredibly independent, intelligent and capable woman who learns the hard way to stand up for herself, and when she does, everything falls into place!
A thought-provoking story about an incredibly independent, intelligent and capable woman who learns the hard way to stand up for herself, and when she does, everything falls into place!
March 23, 2023
Another crowd pleaser from Rachel Rafferty!
Couldn't put it down read it in one day!
The main character Emma steals your heart from the get go and to see her evolve into a confident independent woman who finally knows her worth is inspiring.
Thanks Rachel can't wait for the next one.
Couldn't put it down read it in one day!
The main character Emma steals your heart from the get go and to see her evolve into a confident independent woman who finally knows her worth is inspiring.
Thanks Rachel can't wait for the next one.
August 29, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Rachel Rafferty's "Urgently Required" takes readers on an insightful journey through the life of Emma, a young woman whose path to self-discovery is hindered by the demanding presence of her mother. The novel beautifully portrays Emma's struggle to break free from the shackles of people-pleasing and find the courage to prioritize her own desires.
The story introduces us to Emma, who finds solace and friendship in Patricia, a fellow book lover she meets at the library. Patricia becomes Emma's pillar of support, offering her a safe haven away from the overbearing influence of her mother. However, it's not until Emma crosses paths with Mark that she begins to glimpse the possibility of a life where her needs and aspirations come first.
Mark's whirlwind entrance into Emma's life seems like a breath of fresh air, providing her with a newfound sense of confidence and empowerment. As their relationship deepens, though, Emma begins to grapple with the realization that Mark might not be the unwavering support she yearns for. When she faces a crucial moment of vulnerability and seeks comfort, she finds herself alone, left to question the strength of their connection.
Rafferty's narrative captures the internal turmoil of a woman torn between her deeply ingrained people-pleasing tendencies and the urgent need for self-care. Emma's journey resonates with readers as she navigates the delicate balance between seeking validation from others and recognizing her own self-worth. The novel's emotional depth is further enriched by Emma's struggle to redefine her priorities and cultivate the courage to stand up for herself.
I recommend the book to all women who feel stuck at times owing to their circumstances and fear of hurting the ones they love. It is time to step up for ourselves.
Rachel Rafferty's "Urgently Required" takes readers on an insightful journey through the life of Emma, a young woman whose path to self-discovery is hindered by the demanding presence of her mother. The novel beautifully portrays Emma's struggle to break free from the shackles of people-pleasing and find the courage to prioritize her own desires.
The story introduces us to Emma, who finds solace and friendship in Patricia, a fellow book lover she meets at the library. Patricia becomes Emma's pillar of support, offering her a safe haven away from the overbearing influence of her mother. However, it's not until Emma crosses paths with Mark that she begins to glimpse the possibility of a life where her needs and aspirations come first.
Mark's whirlwind entrance into Emma's life seems like a breath of fresh air, providing her with a newfound sense of confidence and empowerment. As their relationship deepens, though, Emma begins to grapple with the realization that Mark might not be the unwavering support she yearns for. When she faces a crucial moment of vulnerability and seeks comfort, she finds herself alone, left to question the strength of their connection.
Rafferty's narrative captures the internal turmoil of a woman torn between her deeply ingrained people-pleasing tendencies and the urgent need for self-care. Emma's journey resonates with readers as she navigates the delicate balance between seeking validation from others and recognizing her own self-worth. The novel's emotional depth is further enriched by Emma's struggle to redefine her priorities and cultivate the courage to stand up for herself.
I recommend the book to all women who feel stuck at times owing to their circumstances and fear of hurting the ones they love. It is time to step up for ourselves.
February 22, 2023
I received an advanced review copy of Urgently Required by Rachel Rafferty (Part of her Midlife Secrets Series).
Rafferty's easy style comes through again in this new offering. Urgently Required touches on several topics; family relationships (toxic and healthy), romance, loss, and the meaning of friendship.
There's a fair bit going on, but Rafferty breezes her readers through it, sometimes with humour and sometimes with heartache.
Emma has much to deal with. And, when her friend dies, one feels that this has come at the wrong time for her. Not that there is a good time. Emma realises this. However, the heartbreak she feels doesn't help with what's going on with her life, especially with her mother, with whom she has a complex relationship.
Emma's brother is an interesting character, and Rafferty's skill comes through in making him seem human with his flaws, but fundamentally a good person. For me, he was a a safe port in the story and an excellent contrast to the mother he shares with the protagonist.
Other characters also shine through, including Ronnie, with his musical skills and his ability to get on with everyone.
The reader is never quite settled in this book, and that's what I enjoyed about it. We are left wondering what will happen next. Will Emma's mother come through for her and show redemption? Or will she revert to type?
There are things I don't want to give away, but the epilogue wraps up the story in a way which leaves open the possibility of a future sequel. I think there is more to learn from Emma, her family and friends.
I would recommend Urgently Required to readers of this genre, and look forward to the author's next work.
Rafferty's easy style comes through again in this new offering. Urgently Required touches on several topics; family relationships (toxic and healthy), romance, loss, and the meaning of friendship.
There's a fair bit going on, but Rafferty breezes her readers through it, sometimes with humour and sometimes with heartache.
Emma has much to deal with. And, when her friend dies, one feels that this has come at the wrong time for her. Not that there is a good time. Emma realises this. However, the heartbreak she feels doesn't help with what's going on with her life, especially with her mother, with whom she has a complex relationship.
Emma's brother is an interesting character, and Rafferty's skill comes through in making him seem human with his flaws, but fundamentally a good person. For me, he was a a safe port in the story and an excellent contrast to the mother he shares with the protagonist.
Other characters also shine through, including Ronnie, with his musical skills and his ability to get on with everyone.
The reader is never quite settled in this book, and that's what I enjoyed about it. We are left wondering what will happen next. Will Emma's mother come through for her and show redemption? Or will she revert to type?
There are things I don't want to give away, but the epilogue wraps up the story in a way which leaves open the possibility of a future sequel. I think there is more to learn from Emma, her family and friends.
I would recommend Urgently Required to readers of this genre, and look forward to the author's next work.
February 3, 2023
The synopsis of the book had me thinking this may be a great fit for me. But day 3 of trying to read that left me wondering.
It felt a bit bland for me. Not much happening for it to be a midlife crisis book. But it did pick up a little. I still felt that some of 4he writing was just too... clinical... not a whole lot of emotion.
One thing was present throughout the book for me and it was my absolute disgust in the main character. Each event that happens that pit of dislike grew and grew.
It wasnt until the end that I stop disliking her as much.
I was able to read 78% of the book in a couple hours- but it was not a book I enjoyed.
It felt a bit bland for me. Not much happening for it to be a midlife crisis book. But it did pick up a little. I still felt that some of 4he writing was just too... clinical... not a whole lot of emotion.
One thing was present throughout the book for me and it was my absolute disgust in the main character. Each event that happens that pit of dislike grew and grew.
It wasnt until the end that I stop disliking her as much.
I was able to read 78% of the book in a couple hours- but it was not a book I enjoyed.
February 28, 2026
Sometimes hitting a midlife crisis can be challenging to try to figure out where your life is headed. Especially growing up and having a difficult childhood situation makes you wonder if you can have a relationship but when that relationship is similar to how you grow up you wonder if love is always like that. There is a lot of soul searching and contemplating how the character should look at love and her life. Interesting book and very entertaining read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 3, 2023
A great read, heartfelt, uplifting and inspiring
I read this book in a single day. Just couldn't put it down. I was fully invested in Emma's journey, and was willing her to make the right choices for her, and her life. The book is beautifully written, and captures the complexities of insecurities, toxic relationships and personal growth perfectly. The storyline flies along. I love the Rachel Rafferty books and can't wait for her next one!
I read this book in a single day. Just couldn't put it down. I was fully invested in Emma's journey, and was willing her to make the right choices for her, and her life. The book is beautifully written, and captures the complexities of insecurities, toxic relationships and personal growth perfectly. The storyline flies along. I love the Rachel Rafferty books and can't wait for her next one!
February 15, 2023
I've enjoyed all of Rachel Rafferty's books so far and this one didn't dissapoint!
Emma is in midlife and learning how to navigate balancing all the complicated aspects of life from family to romance to what we really want for ourselves for our lives and having the confidence to obtain it. The author is very good at bringing us into the world she has created and I am happy to spend time there.
I recommend this and Rafferty's other books as well.
Emma is in midlife and learning how to navigate balancing all the complicated aspects of life from family to romance to what we really want for ourselves for our lives and having the confidence to obtain it. The author is very good at bringing us into the world she has created and I am happy to spend time there.
I recommend this and Rafferty's other books as well.
February 9, 2023
Thank you to the publishers and BookSirens for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
Emma is 38 and has never been in a committed relationship, although she'd been looking. She works at the library with her beloved friend Patricia, and co-worker Ronnie. She meets Mark upon the recommendation of a friend, and they hit it off. Before you know it, Emma is pregnant, Mark is overjoyed, and her life is about to change in a big way. This is not a fast paced book, and there is not a lot of action or drama; it's a rainy afternoon type of book.
I will say I thought Emma's mother was a horrible shrew and don't understand why she tried so hard to please her. I'd have cut someone that toxic out of my life at an early age! Most of my frustration with the book was with Emma's lack of confidence and lack of direction. Happily, by the end she was beginning to assert herself.
Emma is 38 and has never been in a committed relationship, although she'd been looking. She works at the library with her beloved friend Patricia, and co-worker Ronnie. She meets Mark upon the recommendation of a friend, and they hit it off. Before you know it, Emma is pregnant, Mark is overjoyed, and her life is about to change in a big way. This is not a fast paced book, and there is not a lot of action or drama; it's a rainy afternoon type of book.
I will say I thought Emma's mother was a horrible shrew and don't understand why she tried so hard to please her. I'd have cut someone that toxic out of my life at an early age! Most of my frustration with the book was with Emma's lack of confidence and lack of direction. Happily, by the end she was beginning to assert herself.
February 8, 2023
Emma's life is slow until she meets Mark. This is a short and quick read looking into Emma's change of speed and direction. This is a pleasant read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 15, 2023
a bit depressing
Not sure what I expected but I just couldn’t get into this one. Perhaps the mother-daughter relationship was too triggering or maybe I just couldn’t get on board with a main character who just let life take her in directions she didn’t want to go in.
Not sure what I expected but I just couldn’t get into this one. Perhaps the mother-daughter relationship was too triggering or maybe I just couldn’t get on board with a main character who just let life take her in directions she didn’t want to go in.
November 1, 2025
Easy nice read work some enjoyable twists, liked reading but didn’t grab me
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews