Books Read: Emma Hannigan - Perfect Wives

When actress Jodi Ludlum returns to the Dublin village of Bakers Valley to raise her young son, she's determined to shield him from the media glare that follows her in LA. But coming home means leaving her husband behind - and waking old ghosts... Francine Hennessy was born and raised in Bakers Valley. To all appearances, she is the model wife, mother, home-maker and career woman. But, behind closed doors, Francine's life is crumbling around her. As Jodi struggles to conceal her secrets and Francine faces some shocking news, the two become unlikely confidants. Suddenly having the perfect life seems less important than finding friendship, and the perfect place to belong...

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As the synopsis says Perfect Wives is a story about two very different women, Jodi, an actress, and Francine, a mum of four, who couldn't be more different if they tried.       

Jodi has turned her back on the film business for a while and has returned home to Ireland to bring up her young son Saul away from the media spotlight, whereas Francine is a busy workaholic who is determined to be the perfect wife and mother. But life is not quite as perfect as it seems for either of them as they both have secrets that they're desperately trying to hide. 

From the start it's clear that there's more to Jodi's story than meets the eye and as the story progresses and you discover more about her past you get an understanding as to why she has chosen the life she has and what she has to lose.  Whilst Francine's 'Stepford Wife' image was a front and life was nowhere near as perfect as she wants people to think and she's now at breaking point...     

Emma Hannigan is a wonderful storyteller and this is certainly the case in Perfect Wives as she draws us into the lives of Jodi and Francine.  I found myself picking up this book at all times of the day even if I only had five minutes to spare, my only wish was that it was a little longer as I didn't want it to end.  I loved it and cannot wait to read more books from her in the future, infact I have a copy of two of her previous books The Pink Ladies Club and Keeping Mum still in my TBR pile to read, and love the sound of her next book The Summer Guest which is due out later in the Summer.

I'd like to thank Emily at Headline for sending me a copy of this book to review.