In this sequel to Housewife Down, we watch recent widow Helen come out of her shell with even more laughs. As her fortieth birthday creeps up on her, she navigates her newfound freedom with sister Julia and best friend Leoni at her side. As she moves into a beautiful new home, complete with outrageous neighbors, she attempts to restore her life to normal. First on her list of challenges is entering the workforce, something she's never done. Of course, the only job Helen is qualified for is one no one else can handle. Complete with a "boss from hell".

If you're in the mood for some hilarious British chick lit, you might enjoy this book. Reading it with a glass of wine, cozied up on the couch is highly recommended.

I liked seeing Helen grow and discover who she is after having her world turned upside down. Even though she makes some bad choices, Helen faces each situation with grace. Or as much grace as she can muster. Her character is extremely relatable and I think many women will see a bit of themselves there.

We also get a closer look into the chaotic life of neurotic Leoni. I like that the author has added another storyline to the plot.

The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the few instances where Harper had time pass more quickly than I expected. At one point, Helen began a six-week course. After a few sentences about her first few days, the next paragraph starts with Helen finishing. It didn't feel right to me. I would have like to have seen a chapter about this new venture instead of having it glossed over.

After reading this book, I immediately ordered the next three in the Housewife series.

Jealous.
I'm jealous of how easily Helen picked herself up and started anew.

Alison Penton Harper grew up in London and worked in advertising for twenty years before writing her first novel, Housewife Down.

Alison Penton Harper's Housewife series consists of:

Housewife Down
Housewife Up
Housewife on Top
Housewife in Love
Housewife in Trouble

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Created May 30, 2020 at 9:00pm • Submit your own review...