Mad About You by Mhairi McFarlane: Book Review

Mad About You is a beautifully-written romance that includes some serious topics. Another great book by Mhairi McFarlane.

[book-info]

From The Publisher:

International bestseller Mhairi McFarlane delivers a sharp, emotional new novel about a woman who calls off her engagement to “the perfect man” and moves in with a charming stranger who makes her question everything about her life, her past, and the secrets she’s kept for far too long…

Harriet Hatley is the most in-demand wedding photographer in town, but she doesn’t believe in romance, loathes the idea of marriage, and thinks chocolate fountains are an abomination. Which is why, when her long-time partner proposes, she panics. Suddenly Harriet is single… and living down the hall from her ex. She needs a new apartment, like, yesterday.

Enter Cal Clarke, a hopeless romantic who just experienced his own wedding-related disaster. Harriet and Cal are like chalk and cheese, but as they go from strangers to roommates to friends, it becomes clear they’re both running from something. When Harriet’s most heavily guarded secret comes to light, her world implodes. And Cal, with his witty humor and gentle advice, is a surprising source of calm at the center of the storm. 

With her career, friendships, and reputation on the line, Harriet must finally face her past in order to take control of her future. Because if she’s willing to stop playing it safe and risk everything to share her truth, real love and happiness may be waiting on the other side…

Book Review:

I appreciate it when an author isn’t afraid to write about difficult topics and Mhairi McFarlane does this well. Yes, this is a romance novel, but it is so much more.

Harriet Hatley is a strong woman – something I’ve come to look for when choosing a book to read. She is a wedding photographer who does not see marriage in her future. She has had a history of an emotionally abusive relationship which has soured her on long-term relationships. She’s been with the same man for quite a while and has been content enough living with him. But when he proposes she can’t help but run.

She finds a room to rent and on paper, it’s everything she needs. But when she sees her landlord she remembers how he escaped a wedding of his own. Without giving too much of the plot away, the two become friends and learn to trust one another.

This is a heartfelt story and full of emotion as we learn about Harriet’s previous relationship in a series of narratives. The story flows naturally and kept me engaged throughout. There is enough humour in the book to offset some of the more difficult discussions.

Without giving anything away, I appreciated Harriet’s sense of courage and determination to fight this abuser who reappears in her life. The decisions she makes for the well-being of others are admirable. The ending was very satisfying.

I recommend this book to those who enjoy Women’s Fiction or Romance with emotional subject matter.

I listened to the audiobook version of Mad About You which was narrated by Heather Long. I enjoyed her performance and found it to be articulate and full of expression. Those readers who enjoy audiobooks may wish to choose this format.

What I Liked:

• The strength and development of Harriet’s character
• The combination of more serious subject matter balanced with humour
• The satisfying conclusion

Acknowledgments:

I used an Audible credit to listen to this audiobook.

Similar Books I’ve Reviewed: