The Trouble With Marriage is more Joanna Trollope than Sophie Kinsella, but there is nothing wrong with that.
It's subtitled 'What happens after the 'happy ever after'?' and I was looking forward to astute observations on marriage, love and parenthood... And I wasn't disappointed.
When Robin - popular, handsome and confident - asked Tilly to marry him, it was the happiest day of her life. Ten years later and, although still utterly besoted with Robin, Tilly feels the sparkle has gone out of their relationship.
Robin is stressed at work, while at home the household bills, chores, two small children and a disobedient dog are adding to the strain.
When Tilly's holier-than-thou mother-in-law moves nearby and begins interfering, and Robin's glamorous ex-girlfriend shows up, Tilly's marriage hits crisis point.
About halfway through the book, I had predicted exactly how things were going to unfold. However, Holt's writing is very engaging and I thoroughly enjoyed Tilly's journey. It's always fun to cheer on a likeable character as she learns to stand on her own two feet.
A gentle, warm read and perfect for a rainy afternoon.
Rating: 4/5
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