The Stepmother

The course of true love never did run smooth…

Bea and Jimmy have a great relationship. They have three beautiful daughters ages 8, 9, and 14, and always seem to be there for each other. Also, they separated four years ago and divorced two years ago. Bea and Jimmy are the poster children for amicable divorce—that is until the day that Bea realizes that she’s fallen back in love with her ex-husband. Coincidentally, it’s the same day Jimmy tells her, “I’ve met someone.”

That someone is Tessa King. Now, can I just stop right here and say that this is the second book in a row that I’ve read, and haven’t realized it was a sequel until it was far too late to do anything about it. So, FYI, Tessa King is the protagonist of show more Adams’ debut novel, The Godmother. It might have been nice to have known of her single girl looking-for-love back story, but truthfully I don’t believe it’s necessary to have read the first novel.

As I was saying, Tessa is introduced more than 60 pages in, which gave us plenty of time to really get to know Bea and Jimmy and see all that is good about their relationship. The first four chapters are all told from Bea’s point of view, and I was rooting for her. Then, amazingly, the next several chapters were told from Tessa’s point of view and I truly empathized with her! The novel switched POV between the two women every several chapters, and my allegiances continued to switch back and forth throughout the novel—through not strictly based on who was currently narrating. Sometimes I felt the most for Jimmy (or James, as Tessa calls him) and sometimes for the kids.

The point is, Carrie Adams did a terrific job of making these characters seem real and empathetic. Love triangles and modern family life are painful. I could really appreciate this difficult situation from all sides. I don’t have to give a detailed synopsis of struggles with an unruly teenager, or family dysfunction, or second thoughts. I don’t want to tell you the ups and downs these people go through. You’ll want to experience that on your own. There’s a lot of drama—which might stretch some readers’ credulity—but it’s no worse than what I’ve heard from people in real life.

Adams’ writing is fine. I don’t know that the London setting was integral to the story, but American readers may experience slight confusion over some references or slang. It’s nothing too impenetrable. Overall, The Stepmother is an engaging family drama that occasionally veers towards melodrama. In a story like this not every character can live happily ever after, but as a man once said, “All’s well that ends well.” show less

After reading the above in the inside of the book jacket, I was expecting a rather predictable ‘chick lit’ offering. I was wrong.

The most interesting thing was that these two women were given equal attention. Despite the title of the book, it actually starts with Bea, the ex-wife, and neither are portrayed as the central character. It then switches between the two women, but unlike most other books, this isn’t done by switching after every chapter, something I often find frustrating. Instead, each woman has a few chapters, allowing a particular piece of the story to unfold fully.

The writing reflects the story, showing each woman to be equally important, which is what you would expect in a situation like this.

Carrie also manages to show more balance some very amusing moments (look out for the pink heart!), with the more serious and insightful. All are handled well.

As the story progresses, it’s obvious that Jimmy has to make a decision about all their futures. His final choice did seem a little predictable, but it also seemed right. For once, I enjoyed a happy (yet realistic) outcome!

http://bcfreviews.wordpress.com/2008/04/02/the-stepmother-by-carrie-adams/ show less

This book is written from two perspectives. A mother of three girls, Bea, and Tessa, the 'Stepmother'. It is a story of modern family life warts and all. Both women are deeply in love with the same man, James who ultimately has to choose between them.
Initially you are plunged into the everdyay turmoil of Bea's life with her children and small snippets are given as to what happened to the marriage of Jim and Bea which ended ultimately in divorce. We are then introduced to delightful Tessa who tries her absolute best to learn how to deal with other people's children full on. The author helps us to really see how difficult it can be to step into life with a man who has a ready made family.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is well show more written, interesting with plenty of twists and turns to keep you turning the pages. I was completely divided as to whom I thought James should end up with. Bea or Tessa? And the suspense continues right to the end. Recommended for all those who are considering taking on the role of Stepmother! show less

The summary alludes to Tessa and Bea finding out that they need each other. That, oddly enough, they understand where the other is coming from. However, this encounter does not happen until well past the halfway mark. And the encounter is nothing that I expected, and their future interactions are surprising as well. Yet we watch as Tessa and Bea both come to terms with themselves, with each other, and their love for James Kent.

Carrie Adams does an excellent job with capturing both women's perspectives to the extent where I sympathized with both of them. She delivers a wonderfully-written story that is totally believable and contains a touch of witty humor.

I wasn’t expecting the depth and seriousness of the topics brought forth in this book. I’m not sure why, since the book jacket spelled it out for me, but maybe I was surprised at the way Bea changed and the serious pitfall she fell into. I thought Carrie Adams painted a detailed picture of both characters, alternating between then through various chapters. I was able to hear both their voices and understand their problems. I don’t know if I would say I particularly liked the story, I found it to be a very sad story (albeit true to form for life), but Bea was able to pull herself out of her depressing and addiction and become stronger (one of my requirements for a good book!).

Just great! I am reading her two books backwards but I have The Godmother in my hands right this minute and am looking forward to another easy solution to getting myself through my Nordic Track efforts!! Getting a look at the same situation from both sides is a wonderful experience in Carrie Adams' hands.

This is a follow up to the Godmother which I thought was an excellent read. It takes up where the Godmother ended with some of the same characters you came to love. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a light read.