About the Book
Bess is happy and in love with her new husband Edward, a recent widow. However, when she plans a big celebration for Edward’s birthday, this May-December romance goes into a tailspin. She quickly realizes that joining a family isn’t going to be as easy as she thought. Especially when it comes to getting along with her step-daughter, Jojo who can’t seem to come to terms with her fathers new marriage, all the while battling inner-demons of her own. Jojo relies on her cousin Cari a fierce career-woman who isn’t unnerved by anything except for facing the man who left her at the alter–the man who Bess invited to the party.
Thanks to laughter, tears and a big surprise, the Brannigans might just discover the secrets of a happy marriage. . . But will they find out before it’s too late?
My Review
When I first started this book and read the prologue, I have to say I was a little confused. I had read the synopsis but that snippet didn’t seem to match up with what I was reading. I kept on, and the pieces quickly started to fall into place, thankfully. Set in Ireland, Secrets of a Happy Marriage is somewhat of a family drama that involves a lot of different characters. Again, in the beginning I felt a little overwhelmed when I realized just how many characters we were going to follow and also get their point of view from, but I’m glad I stuck with the story. This is a long novel and we have several different plot points – death, remarriage, infertility, infidelity – and even though it was longer, I was able to stay invested. It became quite entertaining, emotional at times, and I was eager to see how the end would wrap up for all the characters. I would recommend this novel, and I just suggest being aware the beginning might start off slow, but to stick with it.
4 stars
