Mothers and Daughters, the latest novel by Erica James, is a contemporary family drama packed with plenty of secrets, lies and romantic misadventures. The story centres on three strong yet disparate female characters: recently widowed mother Naomi and her two daughters, the dependable Martha and the free-spirited Willow (there might well be some normative determinism at play there). While all three are close, they are all hiding things from the others, things that could potentially have devastating consequences.
Following the sudden death of her husband, Naomi has worked hard to adapt to the changes in her life, settling into her new role as a widow in the close-knit village of Tilsham by the Sea and cultivating a relationship of sorts with Ellis, a friend from years ago with whom she had lost contact. However, she’s not quite ready to make things official yet, particularly not if it involves telling her daughters that she has moved on after their father’s death.
Martha has always been steady and logical, but in recent times her desperation to become pregnant has been throwing her off balance in both her personal and professional lives. For her part, Willow has always drifted through life and been reluctant to settle, although her new relationship with the seemingly charming Rick might just change that. Both sisters are facing significant upheavals, and neither one knows quite how they feel about the coming changes.
Erica James has a real eye for the nitty-gritty of familial relationships and the associated dramas. Here, she presents engaging female characters who are struggling to cope with the various day-to-day struggles that many people experience over the course of their lives. Although they might not always be the most likeable bunch, they are very relatable, as a many of the supporting characters too.
Overall, Mothers and Daughters is a well-written and satisfying story that examines a series of intersecting relationships that all have the power to strengthen or damage each other. It’s sure to be a real winner for fans of Erica James.
Following the sudden death of her husband, Naomi has worked hard to adapt to the changes in her life, settling into her new role as a widow in the close-knit village of Tilsham by the Sea and cultivating a relationship of sorts with Ellis, a friend from years ago with whom she had lost contact. However, she’s not quite ready to make things official yet, particularly not if it involves telling her daughters that she has moved on after their father’s death.
Martha has always been steady and logical, but in recent times her desperation to become pregnant has been throwing her off balance in both her personal and professional lives. For her part, Willow has always drifted through life and been reluctant to settle, although her new relationship with the seemingly charming Rick might just change that. Both sisters are facing significant upheavals, and neither one knows quite how they feel about the coming changes.
Erica James has a real eye for the nitty-gritty of familial relationships and the associated dramas. Here, she presents engaging female characters who are struggling to cope with the various day-to-day struggles that many people experience over the course of their lives. Although they might not always be the most likeable bunch, they are very relatable, as a many of the supporting characters too.
Overall, Mothers and Daughters is a well-written and satisfying story that examines a series of intersecting relationships that all have the power to strengthen or damage each other. It’s sure to be a real winner for fans of Erica James.