Good Husband Material by Trisha Ashley

 

 

The Blurb:

James is everything Tish has ever wanted in a husband – she’s married a man who even her mother approves of. He’s handsome, dependable, and will make an excellent father – unlike Tish’s first love, the disreputable Fergal. Her teenage sweetheart abandoned her for a music career and now lives a typical celebrity lifestyle. Fergal broke her heart – James helped mend it.

Now, they’ve bought a cottage in the country. The next step – kids and a lifetime of domestic bliss. Well, that’s the plan. And even if James has a slight tendency to view the village pub as a second home, their relationship is still in pretty good shape after seven years of marriage. So why is marriage to Mr Right making her long for Mr Wrong?

My review:
Right from the start of this book you know a great love story is going to develop. Main character Tish is looking forward to settling down, however it doesn't quite go to plan. Having taken the plunge of buying a new house things seem to take a turn for the worse. The story develops nicely and has snippets of another characters point of view which makes it more interesting to read and gives it an extra dimension.

Throughout the book we see loneliness with Trish having to adapt and keep positive through the dramatic events that occur. This is portrayed very well by author Trisha Ashley and you feel sorry for main character. Once the love story blossoms the story gets more exciting and moves on quickly as you really hope Tish goes for the right man. Definitely a book that makes you feel there are some good men out there and makes you want to find one for yourself! A bit of a slow start, but once you keep reading you get hooked on the love story.

Overall rating: 7/10 - A good steady read which picks up pace as you read on. Not too predictable and has a good balance of sadness and happiness to it. I would recommend to those on a single holiday hoping to find a new man as it gives you hope they do exist! Also for anyone who does love a traditional love story where a happy ending is what you are after. Also anyone who has made a mistake and spent too much time with a wrong man will enjoy this and be able to sympathise!

 



A Cottage by the Sea by Carole Matthews

The Blurb:
Grace has been best friends with Ella and Flick forever. The late-night chats, shared heartaches and good times have created a bond that has stood the test of time.

When Ella invites them to stay for a week in her cottage in South Wales, Grace jumps at the chance to see her old friends. She also hopes that the change of scenery will help her reconnect with her distant husband.

Then Flick arrives; loveable, bubbly, incorrigible Flick, accompanied by the handsome and charming Noah.

This is going to be one week which will change all their lives forever...

My review:
This is very much a British holiday book through and through. Set in South Wales it's a tale of friendships and holiday fun. A story about three best friends in their thirties who make time to get together on a trip to Wales with their partners. All the characters very much have different personalities, interests and ideas on what they want to be doing which bring different dimensions to the story. A lovely well-written book of compromise, holiday laughs and relationships. 

Just how eventful can one holiday be? A lot of life changing events happen in this book, yet not too many to be unrealistic or to be put off. A happy ending does happen for main character Grace, which is a good thing as you really warm to her character.

Overall rating: 7/10 - A good read with lots happening in one book. It captures the spirit of a holiday within the UK without going too far to make it unrealistic. A good contrast of bad and good events occur during the book with everything turning out for the best in the end. I would recommend to those going on a holiday in the UK, those who love a happy ending and those who like a fast-paced read.