Ideal Husband

Another uplifting, wryly humorous family drama from Sunday Times bestselling author Erica James… After 30 years of marriage, and a wonderful family Christmas, Louisa is stunned when husband Kip asks for a divorce on Boxing Day. He’d never seemed unhappy – and they’ve raised three children together. For months, Kip has been secretly seeing a younger woman – and if that wasn’t bad enough – it’s the woman who broke their youngest son’s heart. Now Kip is moving out and embarking on a new life with Zoe, and Louisa is left to pick up the pieces. Their beloved family home, Charity Cottage, is up for sale, and tensions are running high. Yet, despite the betrayal and anger, when Louisa lays eyes on what might be a unique and welcoming new home, she feels a first glimmer of hope that life might be taking a turn for the better. And while Louisa is making exciting plans, Kip finds himself facing challenges of his own and begins to learn that living the dream may not be as simple as he thought… Sunday Times bestseller Erica James returns with a sparkling tale of new starts and second chances. Praise for An Ideal Husband: ‘So, so good… shades of dark and light in every character which are gloriously done. A deliciously satisfying story.’ Cathy Kelly ‘Navigating the breakdown of a relationship is never easy but this was so warm and kind in the face of betrayal. I can highly recommend.’ Fern Britton

Praise for Erica James: ‘A beautifully written story that examines the wonderful intimacy between mothers and daughters … a satisfying treat of a novel’ Adele Parks ‘A brilliant read. A compelling family drama, full of twists and turns. Completely absorbing’ Sarah Morgan ‘Wise and warm with plenty of twists and turns, you'll love this engrossing family story’ Rachel Hore, bestselling author of A Beautiful Spy ‘Glorious … a real treat’ Sunday Post ‘You’ll be swept away… in this beautiful portrait of a family and its multigenerational secrets. Emotional and uplifting, it unfolds in the most glorious coastal setting – delightful!’ Veronica Henry ‘A wonderfully compelling family drama that deftly touches upon some serious issues. Her characterisation is excellent, the setting beautiful and the slow reveals are delicately and sensitively handled. In this warm, escapist and utterly uplifting read, she’s on top form’ Sunday Express ‘Surprising and reassuringly wise, captivating and vivid, beautiful and authentic … Achingly wonderful, peerless storytelling with heart, soul and gentle wisdom – I adored this book’ Miranda Dickinson ‘A brilliant and gripping family drama … full of heart – and plenty of drama – … a brilliantly observational look at the complexities of family life’ My Weekly ‘Deliciously immersive … tracing the complex emotions and dangerous undercurrents that lie beneath the deceptively smooth surface of family life’ Iona Grey ‘A captivating read’ OK!

Erica James is the author of twenty-five internationally bestselling novels, including most recently A Secret Garden Affair, which was a Sunday Times Top Ten bestseller. Her books are loved by readers looking for beautifully drawn relationships, emotionally powerful storylines and evocative settings. A keen gardener, Erica lives in Suffolk and has a growing obsession for doll’s houses. She is also a keen follower of F1 motor racing and, when possible, loves travelling to Japan and the US to see her sons.