Mhairi McFarlane is one of my favourite authors, I love the witty style of her writing and would always purchase her latest book without even reading the synopsis. Mad about You is the story of wedding photographer Harriet, who is pressured into accepting a wedding proposal from her long-term “safe” partner in front of his quite frankly dreadful family. To the relief of her friends, as fast as she can Harriet withdraws her acceptance and ends her relationship resulting in a new home, new housemate and also a visit from a ghost from the past. This is pinnacle to the storyline and helps the reader understand and empathise with Harriet’s life decisions. The coercive, controlling and emotional abuse aspect of the story was completely unexpected for me and sent shivers up my spine thinking of what the outcome for Harriet may have been. This raises such an important topic which isn’t discussed enough, the impact that an emotional abuser can have on their partner and how isolated they can become from friends and family. Fortunately our Harriet found the strength and courage to face her abuser, with the help and support from some friends both old and new along the way. The solidarity, support and love between Harriet and Lorna is the kind of friendship that women aspire to have. Hilariously, the same cannot quite be said for Roxanne.. I didn’t predict her new tinder shag/lover!
If you have read any of Mhairi’s previous books you’ll certainly enjoy Mad about You. Fans of Lindsey Kelk, Paige Toon and Sarah Morgan will also not be disappointed, Mad about You is the type of book you can lose yourself in and will be a fantastic summer read.
ARC received from NetGalley.
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