This story is a humorous and satisfying read for both sexes. In my opinion, when you strip away the genre, there are three types of fiction: bad, good, and believable. Heather Hill has created here one of the most believable, funny and heart-warming tales I’ve read in a long time.
As a writer, I read a wide range of genre, and I am critical of various aspects of the writing. In this uplifting tale, the reader is treated to good imagery, natural dialogue, superb characterisation, sense of place, and a plot that will make many honest men and women do some soul-searching.
We get to know the main character Bernice through excellent first-person point of view narrative. She is attractive, but isn’t gorgeous, and she is witty, but doesn’t do a stand-up routine. She is a mother. She is honest to a fault and has hang-ups about her personality and body as she goes into her 40’s.
It’s natural to think of characters like ‘Shirley Valentine’ and ‘Bridget Jones’, but Bernice is a combination of those two – on a particularly good day.
I use email and telephone calls for added depth in my own work, so for me, the inclusion of Facebook entries was insightful, and they are hilarious. Although porn is the poison in the relationship, it is dealt with tastefully – no pun intended.
Bernice’s love for her husband knows no bounds – or does it? That is the question posed early on, but through great writing, it isn’t answered until the end.
For me, this tale ticked all the boxes, and I rate it five-star.
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