Title: AN IDEAL HUSBAND
Author: Erica James
ISBN: 978-0-00-841381-1
Publisher: Haper Collins
Pages: 431
Source: Jonathan Ball Publishers
The Langfords are a perfectly happy family. Louisa and Kip, happily married for nearly forty years, have raised their children and are now just settling into a new phase of life where they’ll have more time for themselves. Everything seems perfect. But then, one Boxing Day after a lovely family Christmas, Kip tells Louisa that their marriage is over. It’s not something Louisa saw coming. And what he tells her next is even more he’s fallen in love with their son’s ex-girlfriend, Zoe, the woman who broke Angus’ heart. So just like that, Louisa’s marriage is over… and her new life can begin. A gorgeous, gossipy family drama of a couple navigating a divorce, a woman on a journey of self-discovery, and an older man getting his just deserts.
Official Summary
28 May 2024
Every once in a while, I though a contemporary fiction book into my TBR pile just to mix things up. I have spent a lot of time reading the Outlander series, and this review copy from Jonathan Ball Publishers was an enjoyable change.
When you reach for this book you can expect a captivating portrayal of the intricacies of family dynamics, love, and betrayal. At its heart, the novel delves into the aftermath of an unexpected revelation that shatters the seemingly idyllic life of the Langfords.
Louisa and Kip Langford, a couple emblematic of enduring love and stability, find their world upended when Kip drops a bombshell on Louisa: their decades-long marriage is over. The aftermath of this declaration sends shockwaves through the family, leaving Louisa reeling and forced to confront a reality she never imagined. James navigates the emotional turmoil that follows such a revelation, delving deep into the psyche of her characters as they struggle with betrayal, heartbreak, and the prospect of starting anew.
Central to the narrative is the exploration of self-discovery amidst chaos. As Louisa navigates the aftermath of her shattered marriage, she embarks on a journey of introspection and reinvention. James paints an expressive picture of resilience as Louisa confronts the challenges of rebuilding her life and rediscovering her sense of identity in the wake of betrayal.
The novel also explores the complexities of love and desire, particularly as it pertains to age and societal expectations. Kip’s infatuation with Zoe, his son’s ex-girlfriend, serves as a catalyst for the unravelling of his marriage to Louisa. The author explores the intricacies of intergenerational relationships and the consequences of pursuing forbidden desires.
What makes this book special is James’ ability to craft multifaceted characters that resonate with authenticity. From Louisa’s quiet strength to Kip’s flawed vulnerability, each character is filled with depth, inviting you to empathize with their struggles and triumphs.
The prose is richly atmospheric, transporting you to the quaint English countryside where the Langfords’ drama unfolds. Through vivid descriptions and evocative imagery, James creates a world that feels both familiar and immersive, drawing you deeper into the narrative with each turn of the page.
This is a compelling family drama that resonates on a deeply emotional level. With its gripping storyline, colourful characters, and evocative prose, Erica James has crafted a novel that explores the complexities of love, betrayal, and self-discovery with both sensitivity and depth.
Also by Erica James
A Secret Garden Affair
July 1981. As the country prepares to celebrate Prince Charles’ wedding to Lady Diana, Libby wants to be as far away from royal wedding fever as possible.
Having caught her own fiancé in bed with her best friend just weeks before they were due to marry, she’s fled London for the comfort of the Suffolk countryside.
At Larkspur House, with its magical garden created by renowned garden designer and one-time socialite Elfrida Ambrose, and its comfortingly familiar kitchen presided over by Libby’s great-aunt Bess, she hopes to find a way to put her life back together.
But for lifelong friends Bess and Elfrida, Libby’s arrival has stirred up the ghosts of the past. And before they can help her rebuild her shattered future, they must confront their own unspoken secrets, lost loves, and tragedies…
About the Author
Author bio from the author’s site
With an insatiable appetite for other people’s business, Erica James will readily strike up conversations with strangers in the hope of unearthing a useful gem for her writing. She finds it the best way to write authentic characters for her novels, although her two grown-up sons claim they will never recover from a childhood spent in a perpetual state of embarrassment at their mother’s compulsion.
The author of nineteen bestselling novels, and the winner of the 2006 Romantic Novel of the Year Award, Erica divides her time between Suffolk and Lake Como in Italy.
Thank you to Jonathan Ball Publishers for this review copy. It is not only a pretty addition to my bookshelf but a story that will stay with me as I regularly think back to Louisa. The woman has a strength that inspires. Thank you for visiting the blog and reading my review, your continued support is much appreciated. Until next time…. Happy Reading!
