Mothers and Daughters

A great story from Erica James which does not disappoint. Mothers, daughters, secrets and relationships all blended together with a lovely ending. Having a daughter myself I can totally relate to this story.

Another brilliant read by Erica James. A story of her mother and two daughters . It covered some interesting topics. Controlling behaviour, motherhood and how we protect our children even as adults. Both Willow and Martha were interesting characters. Made you think as women we take the blame too often .A very good read.

Wow I’ve always loved Erica James books but mothers and daughters has surpassed them all and is now my favourite!
A lovely read that highlights the love a mother has for her daughters and the lengths she will go to in order to protect them even to the detriment of herself! A gorgeous seaside setting,mother daughter relationships,pregnancy, and second chances at love are all effortlessly intermingled with less savoury topics such as gas lighting and coercive controlling behaviour.
Naomi mother of Martha and Willow has been widowed for a few years and holds a secret re her marriage one that she is unwilling to voice! Her daughters are both settled and expecting babies and Naomi has recently rekindled her love for an old flame Ellis. Martha calls for a family meeting to discuss her mother’s relationship and to vet Ellis and from this point onwards family dynamics change, secrets are revealed and it appears history is repeating itself once more!
A brilliantly told read of family dynamics, history and an underlying sense of home and belonging, would love to read a sequel to this book as I’m sure there’s lots more to come!
Thank you netgalley for this early read.

An absolutely gorgeous family drama that really brings out all the feels! The story focuses on a mother and her daughters that are all in need of a change, psychologically or otherwise, and come together in time of crisis.

Mothers and Daughters is the recent compelling family tale from Erica James; centering around the story of two generations of the Miller family, matriarch Naomi, and her two daughters Martha and Willow. We follow these three women as they struggle with life, grief, secrets and hopefully learn to adapt their previous perceptions.

We first meet recent widow Naomi. Having lost her husband Colin a few years ago, she has encountered love again and is now finding a way beyond her grief. Of course life is not simple and we soon learn that Ellis and Naomi have a complicated history - a history that could lead Naomi's daughters to never accept Ellis in her life.

Meanwhile, eldest daughter Martha, is happily married to Tom and they are embarking on the journey to parenthood. Martha already has plans for mother, though Naomi might not approve!

And finally, we meet the youngest member of the Miller family, Willow - considered to be the family scatterbrain. In reality, a young with a carefree attitude that belies her deep scars. Settling down with the perfect Rick, her family are relieved that Willow is finally behaving like an adult but sadly there are some dark events ahead for Willow.

I found these three main characters to be hugely relatable and many of the scenarios raised are (sadly) commonplace in society today - we are only too familiar with domestic violence, gaslighting. While the author does deal compassionately with these topics, I do think that readers should be made aware of these potential triggers in the story. Also there are numerous references to the Covid-19 pandemic and the loss of a family member bit this is not a main focus of the tale and it quickly moves forward.

The characters are all well-drawn, with easily recognisable flaws. And the resolution towards the end did give a sense of 'tidying up' all of the loose ends but remained enjoyable and I guess that provides for a happier ending to the story.

Another enjoyable offering from Erica James and I enjoyed the characters and storylines, and could identify with some of the mother/daughter complexities of the storylines. The exploration of a relationship manifesting coercive control was excellent and challenging. Well written, good characterisation.

Erica James is one of my favourite authors and I was looking forward to
Reading the is. Mothers and daughters
Cleverly illustrates the bond between mother and daughter and sensitively portrays the relationship that
Mothers have with their daughters and how even when daughters grow up this bond is special and mothers still worry about them the story also explored a lot of other sensitive topics such as the death of a loved one and problems with fertility along with coercive control.

The story explores the relationship that Naomi has with her daughters Martha abs willow and her own relationship with her new found love Ellis and explores how she finds herself again following the death of her husband Colin. Her daughters partners also feature in the story as to how their relationships with her daughters and her develop and also delves into secrets from the past and how they affect the present day. This was one rollercoaster of a read with heartbreak and happiness mixed together and takes you on a journey of discovery with each and every one of the characters with a few twists and turns ans surprises along the way.

An absolutely wonderful read. Full of twists and turns. Naomi was a wonderful character and I loved the close relationship she had with her two daughters, It was a beautifully written book which captured my attention from the very beginning. I loved it.

If you've never read an Erica James book, then you are in for a treat. She has written great, insightful books & this one will not disappoint. I enjoyed it so much.

Naomi lives on her own in Anchor House after her husband Colin died suddenly, a prominent man in the village & her daughters Martha & Willow have left home to live their own lives. A face from the past moves in next door & this begins a major change in her life. Will her daughters agree with the changes in her life, or will more questions than answers be revealed?

Erica James's books, explore family life, gets to the difficulties that can arise & can hit a chord in our own lives. This book did this for me. So much research must have been done to get to the nuances in this book & it shows in her ability to bring out emotions & feelings whilst you are carried through Naomi's story.

Highly recommended read. Looking forward to her next book.

A fabulous read. A family drama exploring the issues of generational domestic abuse. Whilst the theme is a very serious one, the story is told in an uplifting way.

I couldn't put this book down. I love Erica James and was really excited to read her new novel and it did not disappoint.
It tracks the stories of a mother and her two daughters as they navigate a particular period in their lives.
Martha is desperate to have a baby and wants her mother to move closer to her and her sister Willow. Willow is in a relationship and suddenly finds herself in a situation she is not sure she is happy with. And Naomi is hiding a secret from her daughters - well, more than one!
As I got to know the characters I was completely hooked and had finished it in 3 nights. I loved the setting of the book as it was set on the coast which is always my favourite setting.
Great story, relatable characters and an ending I didnt see coming!
Cannot recommend highly enough

Thanks to Net Galley for granting me a copy of this book. First time I have read any books by Erica James and I can see her being one of my favourite authors if her other books are as good as this. The title is very apt and from page one I found myself totally absorbed in the story of Naomi and her two daughters Martha and Willow.. It was so easy to read and I felt totally involved in the plot, the characters and relationships. Loved every minute and in a strange way didn’t want to finish the book as it was so enjoyable.

Mothers and Daughters is Erica James at her best, this family drama deals with various relationships and authentically and sensitively weaves in abusive and coercive relationships both past and present. A thoroughly engaging novel where I am pleased to see that Ms James continues to underline the fact that even people in their sixties have enjoyable sex lives. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my copy.

Loved this book. Naomi is getting back her life since her husbands death. Martha and Willow her daughters are like chalk and cheese. The book is about the relationships they have with each other and their partners

Loved this book - read it in 2 sittings. Tackled domestic abuse in a sensitive manner but also more positive relationships alongside.
Particularly liked the settings as I know the areas well and as they traveled down the A3 I could sense the car passing my front door between Haslemere and Petersfield.

This is Erica James at her absolute best. Such an enjoyable story, of three strong women and the men in their lives.

Widow Naomi meets an old flame and is thrilled to let some romance into her life but her daughters aren’t so sure it’s a good idea - older daughter Martha in particular. Martha was a daddy’s girl, idolising Colin and while Willow had a different experience of his fathering, she does share some of Martha’s concerns.

Martha’s husband Tom tries to temper some of Martha’s more strident views and Willow (the younger daughter) is far more open to Naomi and Ellis’s relationship.

This story is simply the story of two sisters, their relationships with the men in their lives and with each other but it’s also the story of empowerment and the way in which they all deal with the behaviour of men in their lives.

Very early on I smelled a rat (or 2!) - and Erica’s writing draws you in and creates a palpable tension but with a light hand - I found it compelling and realistic but sensitively done.

I was so pleased to be able to read an early copy in exchange for a review through #netgalley and think fans of Erica’s writing will really enjoy #mothersanddaughters - if you haven’t read any books by this author before this is a cracking one to start with.

Once again Eric James provides an absorbing involved read. Unlike her other novels this is rather down beat but that just adds to the intrigue. She is a master at building believable characters, even those with smaller roles and the reader is drawn into the family goings on. Many themes are covered but they blend well in this riveting storyline. Only the demise of one character feels stilted and less realistic, more a convenience for the author than a power moment in the story. An most enjoyable read

Given free by Netgalley

What an absolutely well written and amazing book

The story is about Naomi who is the mother of grown daughters Martha and Willow.

Naomi is a widower who has recently ran into her old flame Ellis and starts changing her life.

Martha is a chip off the old block and very much like her father, who was controlling and determined. She is married to Tom and knows exactly where her life is going as it is all planned out, including what her mother is going to do now she is on her own.

Willow is much more like her mother, and more laid back and relaxed about her prospects. It absolutely infuriates her sister, and her father (before he died). He was always telling her that her life would amount t9 nothing if she didn't take responsibility "like Martha does".

These 3 women have to find a way to share each others lives without over ruling what the other person wants. Secrets and lies are revealed, and big changes happen. How will this family cope and evolve ?

I read this book in a matter of days, it was beautifully written, and I definitely want to go and stay at Anchor House.

I Recommend this book to everyone who likes Romance and family values, when it comes out.

I really enjoyed this heartwarming book centred around recently widowed Naomi and her two daughters, Willow and Martha.

Colin, who died 2 years earlier, was the dominant force in the marriage and was idolised by Martha and feared by Willow. Naomi links in again with an old university friend, Ellis, which brings to the fore questions about her past, the nature of her marriage and her future relationships with both girls.

The book deals very sensitively with some quite hard issues - spousal abuse, coercive control and the long term impact of witnessing physical abuse - but adversity brings out the best in the individuals involved and each finds a more positive way to life.

A highly readable and engaging story.

A perfect reason. Thoroughly enjoyed escaping into this book. Willow and Martha and very different sisters, Martha and her husband Tom are desperate to start a family, whilst Willow has just started a new relationship with Tom. Their mother, Naomi has been widowed for 2 years and rekindled a relationship with Ellis who has moved into the cottage next to her house. Over the course of a year we learn a lot about them all, and circumstances change for them all as well.

Erica James writes books with realistic and interesting characters and this one passes muster beautifully.

Naomi has recently rekindled a decades old love affair after the death of her husband. Her two daughters are adults, sensible Martha married to Tom and free spirited Willow, with her suitable new boyfriend. Martha in particular is very upset by Ellis’ arrival and feels sure that he is trying to take her beloved late father’s place. Willow is more pragmatic, but dealing with her own fledgling relationship takes up a lot of her time. Will this family ever be able to mend and come together?

This is a well written and paced book that kept me reading for the sheer pleasure of being immersed in a story. It was a little predictable at times but this really didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment. Sometimes it’s nice to read a nicely crafted story with characters you care about and while you know it’s going to end well, the joy is in the journey.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for my copy of this book.

I have read and enjoyed all of Erica James’ novels, and this one was no exception. Beautifully written, with an engaging plot and strongly drawn characters, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think Ms James must be a kind, compassionate person, as her novels radiate warmth and love. The characters are fallible, and far from stereotypes. They make mistakes, but they have an underlying goodness. When reading her novels I wish I were a slower reader, as I don’t want them to end. An uplifting and enjoyable read.

Erica James has been one of my favourite authors for many years and this one did not disappoint. Everyone's relationship with their mother is different , even between siblings, as this highlights. It's a big recommendation from me.

Mothers and Daughter is both a compelling and hugely relatable family drama centred around recently widowed sixty-three-year-old Naomi and her thirty-something adult daughters, Martha and Willow, as they move forward with their lives. Just over two years ago, Naomi’s husband, Colin, and the father of both her daughters, died suddenly leaving her a widow in the Tilsham cottage the family once shared. Having rebuilt her life and reconnected by random chance with Ellis, a friend from university, Naomi is ready to start afresh but worried about both her daughter’s reaction to a new man, especially that of Martha who idolised her father. The truth of the marriage and the real man behind Colin’s bonhomie is something that Naomi has kept from both her daughters, but as Martha and Naomi each meet Ellis, they are harbouring concerns of their own..

Martha is married to Tom and she is her father’s daughter; driven, determined and efficient with a master’s degree and a successful career. She was also her father’s clear favourite whilst younger and more empathetic sister, Willow, was happy to drift along. Having decided the time is right for a baby, Martha is dismayed that after ten months of trying she still hasn’t conceived and it’s starting to feel like failure to a woman driven by perfectionism. The arrival of Ellis has also put a spanner in the works of her plans for Naomi to move closer and be a hands-on grandparent. Easy-going drifter, Willow, has finally met a new boyfriend in Rick, whom her family seem to approve of, so why doesn’t she too feel convinced by his obvious overtures to settle down?

This was my first read of an Erica James book and I was impressed with the emotionally powerful storylines and how grounded in reality the whole story proved to be, along with how well-drawn and flawed the characters were. The stories of all three women are woven together superbly and although the overall tone of the novel is heartwarming, they each face plenty of adversity along the way which affect them at an individual level and change the dynamic between them all. Each chapter is written from the perspective of an individual character and this allows the reader to get to know, and understand, the dilemmas they are each facing and their opinions on the unfolding dramas. The novel never strayed into twee territory despite the reader feeling relatively safe in the knowledge of an ultimately happy ending, regardless of the upheaval along the way. I can’t say I was surprised by any of the outcomes but although I usually demand a little more intrigue I was happy to sit back and indulge in a very readable and engaging story. Although I had several minor niggles, one in particular relating to the far too convenient disposal of a nuisance character that felt lazy, I was impressed with the storytelling ability of Erica James and would happily read more about these characters or another of her books.

Another great book by Erica James, I really enjoyed this domestic drama focusing on Naomi snd her two daughters Martha and Willow.

The three are very close although As the book transpires it seems that everyone has their secrets…

I always enjoy Erica James novels, beautifully written, great characters and compelling storylines. It’s like a warm hug in a book!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A great read as the family history and secrets unravel and the dynamics and behaviour become entwined with the past.

All families have secrets and each member tends to play the role they are assigned and I liked how this book showed how this are often down to nurture rather than nature.

The characters were likeable and you wanted them to have their happy ending.

I have read all of Erica James books and enjoyed everyone. Her latest seems to have taken a step up in that it was a wonderfully flowing story that took you on a journey, with well thought out characters who jelled together beautifully and thus the dialogue flowed naturally from one person to the other. There was no disjointedness in the story either as it went from each sister and their mum. You really felt the connection that they had for each other. Erica dealt very sensitively with the underlying storyline of the book and you could really understand how people start to blame themselves for the situation they are in - even when it is not their fault. Each time I finished reading I was thinking about the characters and wanting to carry on their story. It was a book that you wanted to read quickly and slowly at the same time and now I have a wait until the next one! Thank you for a wonderful story.

Another fantastic read from Erica James. I didn’t even need to read the blurb to know I wanted to read it. A great journey though the mother and daughter relationship. Very relatable.

I found "Mothers and Daughters" difficult to put down, even though it includes domestic abuse (control and coercion), which seems to have featured in a number of recent books. Erica James is always very readable and has great characters and a lovely location near Bosham. Naomi and her daughters Martha and Willow are gradually getting over the death of their husband/father 2 years earlier when old university acquaintance Ellis moves in next door to Naomi. Martha and Willow are both in their 30s so live elsewhere but frequently visit the family home. Initially Ellis is kept a secret from the girls while Naomi works out what his role is to be in her life.

This is only one strand of the story which explores families, sibling relationships, friendships, age, bereavement, and a lot more. A book to get lost in.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this book.

I am a fan of Erica James and enjoy her books, which have warm and engaging characters and situations.
Mothers and Daughters deals with sibling rivalry and blended families to good effect.
The novel has multi layers with some serious issues which slowly weave into the chapters
I think towards the end it's becomes more of a narrative than a story and the outcome of
one unsavoury character seems contrary to past his behaviour and too conveniently ties up a loose end.
Overall a well received novel but am only giving it four stars because of how the main problem was resolved

A well written book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading and didn’t want it to end. Will definitely be looking out for more books by this author.

Erica James portrays so well the minutiae of family life. This is an absorbing story of a mother and two completely different daughters at a difficult time in their lives. It covers difficult subjects such as cohersive behavior in a wise and compelling way. No one knows what goes on in a family behind closed doors but this intelligent read goes into the heart of this family and shows how events can work out. A worthwhile read.
Thanks to HQ and NetGalley for the Arc in return for an honest review.

Firstly thank you for the ARC. I really enjoy Erica James books and this one didn't fault. Ericas books just get better and better

A really enjoyable read. Some of it is a little predictable but that doesn't detract from the excellent story telling and well formed characters. I loved the way Naomi gradually finds her voice. Wa and insightful.

I received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Erica James has always been an author I’ve enjoyed reading. She creates credible and sympathetic characters and her plot lines are truly captivating.

This book about a widow and her two daughters, offers a multi-layered and challenging story. Personally, I am no longer happy to read stories which focus on the dark side of human behaviour - especially in families.

The dark secrets which emerge during this story are important and the author handles them well but it’s not what I would normally choose to read. Nowadays, I prefer escapist, fun fiction. So, it’s not my cup of tea bit it’s a really well written story.

Naomi's two adult daughters are very different from each other but they are quite a close family unit following the sudden death of her husband two years ago. However secrets were at the heart of this family unit and affected them in different ways and as patterns are in danger of being repeated, truths emerge. After misunderstandings and painful interludes the novel reaches a satisfying conclusion.

*****

An involving and compelling family drama that looks at the relationships between a mother and her daughters and the secrets that families keep. Naomi was widowed 2 years ago and the chance meeting with an old friend, Ellis, leads to a new relationship. Naomi's daughters, sensible Martha and more laid back Willow have their own challenges and the news of their mother's new relationship leads to the uncovering of family tensions and secrets. This is a beautifully written novel that sensitively explores family relationships and issues around domestic abuse, coercive control and conception. I've read a few Erica James novels and this is one of the best. Recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.

Naomi's husband died two years ago very suddenly. She has recently met an old friend and fallen in love but she has still to tell her two grown up daughters who she suspects will not be very happy and will see it as her betraying their father.
But no one knows what goes on between closed doors in a relationship and Naomi has kept secrets from her girls about their father. Will she have to break their hearts to find hers ?
Martha is desperate for a baby but it's taking so long and her and her husband are not used to their plans not going the way they want them.
Willow seems to be becoming more remote from he family as her boyfriend becomes more demanding of her time.
This was such a good read. Naomi is a good mother and even although her girls are grown up they still need her help and advice. I enjoyed reading this and it kept me guessing about things all the way through.

With grateful thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest opinion.
Having read a good few of this authors other books I was delighted to have an early read, what a fabulous down to earth book full of love and promise and a few twists here and there I really enjoyed this and can highly recommend.

I always look forward to a new Erica James book and this did not disappoint. A lovely story of family relationships with a mother and her two daughters, new partners and new babies . A lot happens throughout, not too much dwelling on any sad bits and a lovely ending. I really enjoyed reading this and highly recommend.

I always look forward to a new book from Erica James and was excited to read this one.

Naomi has found love again after her husband’s death. While Martha, married to Tom, is desperate for a baby and Willow has finally found a boyfriend who loves and adores her. But when deeply hidden secrets come to light, will the revelations bring the women closer together or cause a rift in their relationship?

An excellent story of life, love and family relationships which is an interesting and engaging read.

The Mother in this novel is called Naomi and as our story starts she has been widowed for a few years. It is a lonely life for single ladies in the quiet village of Tilsham by the sea and she has met up with her former friend from years ago when he moved in next door to her family home. They have lots of catching up to do. He is a widower and lonely as well. She soon realises that their friendship is growing into other emotions; she is in love with Ellis and he has the same feelings for her. She dreads telling her two daughters but soon it will be time to make the introductions.
Her firstborn Daughter is called Martha. Her Father was so proud of her and without any doubt she was his favourite. She is both practical and driven, a clone of her father really. She is very bright and has a good job. She loves her work and is very keen to get on. She and her husband have been trying to start their family but, after almost a year, nothing has happened. She is feeling the pressure and so is her husband.
Her second Daughter is called Willow. She is a real ‘people person’, full of empathy, very kind hearted but is without any real focus or ambition. She drove her father mad. She has never really settled down and dug in. However her new boyfriend Rick is grounded has a responsible job and a lovely home. What’s more he idolises Willow. It is time for Willow to settle down and she knows Rick will always cherish her and look after her.
Then comes the day that these three women come together to meet Ellis. Martha is horrified and prickly at first, but chilled out Willow is open minded and happy for her Mother. The jury is out, Naomi hoping she will not have to choose between them: Daughters or Ellis. Everyone is harbouring secrets, even though they are a tightly bound trio. Ellis will have to convince them that he will be the rolling diamond who can adapt to their family.
Although the story is slow to begin with, it picks up and becomes a page turning family drama with a very satisfying ending. The storytelling and storyboard are compelling and the eclectic characters are skilfully envisaged and carefully developed. I really liked Willow best of all the females and Ellis was a splendid role model who was level headed and noble. He was generous and caring; in fact everything that Naomi needed. I loved the times when each secret was divulged. The character I did not like at all was Rick. He was determined to come between Naomi, Martha and his fiancée Willow. He was jealous of their solid and loving relationships. I also enjoyed how the story was turned around so that the family became even stronger than before.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from publisher HQ through my membership of NetGalley. These are my own honest and considered opinions that are uninfluenced by any other reviews or publicity. This is a multi-layered and engaging story filled with interesting and diverse characters, all hiding behind their secrets and for very good reasons.

As a fan of Erica James’ writing, I started this book with high expectations which were surpassed as I continued reading. This story was an excellent tale with romance and family relationships aplenty. Good to read of romance between older characters too. All in all an unmissable book for anyone who enjoys this genre.

Yet another excellent read by Erica James.

Naomi is 63 and widowed with two daughters ...who,are polar opposites of each other.

Marcia the oldest is married to Tom ... both with high profile jobs and are trying for a baby. Willow comes across as the scatty one.

Naomi meets an old flame and starts a relationship with Ellis, Marcia particularly is offended that Naomi can consider a life with another man,

The story tells of the abuse Naomi suffered from her late husband and Willow's abusive relationship with her new partner.

A good read , highlighting coercive abuse, and gas lighting where the perpetrator tries to take control of another persons life.

As usual Erica James never disappoints.
Mothers and daughters explores relationships within a family setting whilst uncovering long buried secrets.
A fabulous story of life, love and family.
One of my favourite books of hers.
Highly recommended

Immersive….
A tale of life, loves, mothers and daughters told through this seemingly happy family in which each member has their own secrets to hide. Characters are entirely credible and engaging and the sweeping storyline seamlessly glides along with the reader. A tale entirely in keeping with this authors’ canon and a wholly immersive read.

Mother's and Daughters by Erica James

Even happy families have their secrets…A sweeping family drama of old secrets and new beginnings from the Sunday Times bestselling author Erica James…
Since the sudden death of her husband, Naomi has steadily rebuilt the life they shared in the village of Tilsham by the sea.
Another great book by Erica James . I've read most of her books and have never read one I didn't enjoy.
She somehow manages to capture the very essence of family life , with it's ups and downs and peculiarities .
Loved the character Naomi .

Another absolutely superb read from Erica James. A book that I didn't want to end. A realistic and captivating tale of family dynamics and how sometimes the past gas an uncanny way of repeating itself. Each family member had a different story to tell which in turn impinged on all the other family members. Loved all the characters, totally believable.. in particular Naomi, who had struggled with a difficult marriage in order to do the best for her family.. A really great read. Already looking forward to her next book! Highly recommend.