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  • An Ideal Husband

  • By: Erica James
  • Narrated by: Lucy Scott
  • Length: 12 hrs and 2 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (62 ratings)

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An Ideal Husband

By: Erica James
Narrated by: Lucy Scott
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Summary

‘Wonderful on characterisation and family dynamics, and done very deftly, with that wry humour of hers. I was very entertained by her clever, tongue-in-cheek plotting.’ Marian Keyes

The uplifting new story of fresh starts and second chances from the Sunday Times bestselling author Erica James…

After a long and seemingly happy 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 an uplifting, wryly humorous new family drama

Praise for An Ideal Husband:

'Erica James explores the complexity of family relationships with skill and sympathy and her vividly drawn characters leap from the page. I couldn’t put it down!' Sarah Morgan

'We're certain you're going to love it' Glamour

‘So, so good… shades of dark and light in every character which are gloriously done. A deliciously satisfying story’ Cathy Kelly

'Erica James writes upliftingly and humorously about family life' My Weekly

‘So warm and kind in the face of betrayal. I can highly recommend’ Fern Britton

‘This compelling family drama puts a spotlight on how a family can evolve and re-invent itself… Effortlessly elegant storytelling from Erica, as ever’ Veronica Henry

©2024 Erica James (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers
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What listeners say about An Ideal Husband

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

a true reflection of modern day life

it's story of modern day life sometimes it dwell a little too much on one of the characters but overall it gave a good clear View and left you leaving want to go back to see what happened next to that character

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Emotional and well developed book

A beautifully crafted book. I liked getting to know the characters and their lives. Some of the storylines seemed a little far fetched, but perhaps that just reflects how I would have coped in their situations and after all it is a work of fiction.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Beautifully written

The story captured my interest immediately and didn’t disappoint. Loved all the characters and how the story unravelled.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Not many likeable characters but a really good story

Well, from Kip the selfish, to Louisa the self sacrificing and Zoe the self sabotaging selfish emotionless damaged and damaging person etc. A lot of them desperately need therapy. There were only two characters to really like! However the story was a good one and I did keep listening to the end.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great different story

It was a different storyline which was great the characters totally plausible and very quickly you became part of the story, a nice easy listen but a great story would thoroughly recommend.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

An absorbing listen.

Really enjoyed this book and felt invested in the story and the characters. Would recommend.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Hard to put down

Another good Erica James book. Very readable and entertaining. Already looking forward to the next one!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Brilliant

Loved the family ups and downs and how they dealt with such turmoil. A lovely read, as with all her books.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Fab book. Realistic and current

First time I’ve read Erica James book and it was great. Really spot on.
Off to find another

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Imagine life

Having experienced something similar in my own life, I know that forgiveness is the only way to inner peace. It was intresting to imagine what "the other side" could be going through, things are not always what they appear to be. Wonderful read, as always! Extra thanks to Lucy Scott for bringing the story alive!

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