In the last fortnight I’ve devoured two of Jessica Dettmann’s books, after seeing a post by my agent and friend Danielle Binks, singing Jessica’s praises.
The first book I read was “This Has Been Absolutely Lovely” – about the Jones family coming together after the death of the patriarch, and uncovering and unraveling some hidden truths about each family member. Fifty-something former semi-famous singer Annie Jones tries to get a break from mothering after all her children have left home, but the mothering never stops.
Then I moved onto “How to be Second Best“, which explored a different family dynamic – Emma juggles parenting her two kids; and also the child that was a result of her husband’s affair, while trying to be less of a pushover.
Both books share the theme of women losing their identity through motherhood, and wanting to find themselves again. They also reveal the inequitable mental load a woman so often carnies in a heterosexual relationship, as well as the way women hold it all together while men do bare minimum, and so much more.
It’s so good having a sticky beak into the intricacies of other families and relationships. And Jessica’s writing is so funny – so many LOL moments!
I’ve read the audiobooks and loved Michala Banas’ narration of both – so engaging. lit feels like getting engrossed in a really great show on Netflix, desperately wanting to get back to binge the show when I stop listening. The characters and dialogue are just so real and entertaining.
Jessica has a new book out this week – “Without Further Ado”, and I am teetering between wanting to read it now, and wanting to wait a while so there won’t be so long until I can read her fourth book!
Five stars for each. Jessica’s books are published through HarperCollins.
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Find Jessica Dettmann’s books here.
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