Despite some hard hitting content in places, which depicts domestic abuse and violence and is sensitively dealt with, the underlying theme of this beautifully written, engaging, heartwarming read is about finding a lasting love that satisfies and makes you feel safe, while developing a greater measure of awareness, compassion and understanding toward yourself and others.

In the idyllic setting of the Cornish coast, Naomi, a fairly recent widow in her 60s, discovers her new neighbour, Ellis, is someone significant from her past. As their relationship grows and becomes more important to her, Naomi finds herself worried about how her two daughters might react once she breaks the news to them.

Martha, the elder, eminently practical and bossy daughter, is in the throes of planning her mother’s retirement for her. Her high hopes of becoming pregnant, which is far trickier than she imagined it might be, encourages her to decide that her mother should move closer to her home to be handier for her future grandchild.

Her sister Willow, a gentle, sensitive, people pleasing and free spirited soul, has a new boyfriend called Rick who appears to be perfect on the surface. Her family approves of him but his conflicting, often bullying behaviour toward her gives her cause for concern, especially when she accidentally gets pregnant. It gives rise to higher protective instincts toward herself and her unborn child.

The daughters might well have their own agenda for Naomi but she’s developed greater determination to please herself more than she could when her husband Colin was alive. Anchor House is where she wants to stay. But will her daughters or new relationship get in the way, or will things change as they become mothers themselves? And will the sisters discover there is more that unites them than divides? Grateful thanks to NetGalley and HQ for the eARC.

Since the sudden death of her husband, Naomi has steadily rebuilt the life they shared in the village of Tilsham by the sea.

Her eldest daughter, Martha, is sensible and determined – just like her father was – and very much in control of where her life is going. If she could just get pregnant with her husband, life would be perfect.

Willow, the youngest, was always more sunny and easy-going, yet drifted through life, much to her father’s frustration. But now, with charming new boyfriend, Rick, she has a very good reason to settle down.

The three women are as close as can be. But there are things Naomi has kept from her daughters. Like the arrival of Ellis, a long-lost friend from way back, now bringing the fun and spark back into her life. And she’s certainly never told them that her marriage to their father wasn’t quite what it seemed

Whilst the story was an easy enjoyable read it was very predictable in parts and I found that everything was neatly tidied up without too much drama.

I'm not sure how often that would actually happen in real life. I enjoyed the writing style and thought the characters were well written. I'd be happy to read more of Erica James's books to see how they compare to this one.

4 stars

Many thanks to NetGalley and HQ General Fiction for an advance copy in return for a fair review

My first Erica James novel and after this I will certainly be seeking out her others.
I loved reading Mother's and Daughter's, I knew before going in I was heading into a complex family drama and that's exactly what I got.

This story had alot going on from a few different perspectives meaning you got the best of everyone, it was powerful, emotional and raw - I was gripped.

Tough subjects were broached here I can tell you ie Rape, Miscarriage and Domestic Abuse which may be triggering for some but I felt James dealt with it all in a sensitive way.

My only tiny thing I would say is that the outcome for one of the characters wasn't as satisfying as I was hoping for and felt it was a little rushed along to finish the book but this, like i say, is only a small thing and in no way influenced my enjoyment of the book on a whole.

Great story, looking forward to reading more from Erica James.

Thank you #Netgalley and #HQStories

I was so lucky to be sent this ARC of the new Erica James novel due to be published on 17 March ❤️❤️ so a huge thank you to the author, @netgalley and the publisher @hqstories

Even happy families have their secrets…
Since the sudden death of her husband, Naomi has steadily rebuilt the life they shared in the village of Tilsham by the sea.

Her eldest daughter, Martha, is sensible and determined – just like her father was – and very much in control of where her life is going. If she could just get pregnant with her husband, life would be perfect.

Willow, the youngest, was always more sunny and easy-going, yet drifted through life, much to her father’s frustration. But now, with charming new boyfriend, Rick, she has a very good reason to settle down.

The three women are as close as can be. But there are things Naomi has kept from her daughters. Like the arrival of Ellis, a long-lost friend from way back, now bringing the fun and spark back into her life. And she’s certainly never told them that her marriage to their father wasn’t quite what it seemed…

Ah I just loved this book! I’ve long been a fan of Erica James, starting with The Holiday, many years ago….. This is just a delightful read, showing how complex families can really be…. Secrets hidden for decades and how they ripple down the generations. The author covered some difficult subjects with sensitivity and I felt a real affinity in particular with Willow and her story..

I highly recommend you go ahead and pre-order your copy of this wonderful book, particularly if you enjoy a good family drama 😘

This book had everything I enjoy reading. There is a powerful storyline, great characters and the author is not afraid to write about difficult situations. I literally could not put this down and was sad when it was finished. I wholeheartedly recommend reading this book.

Family adventures with secrets unfolding. A heartening read. Easy to read with relateable characters with sibling rivalry at its heart.

I have always loved books by Erica James. This new title does not disappoint. It is right up to date with reference to the current pandemic.
A mother and her two daughters who all appear to have, or have had perfect relationships, but much is hidden from those they hold most dear.
Several difficult issues around relationships are explored and this offers insight into how some women can be controlled by their partners. This was to me quite powerful reading.
As the story progresses, everything eventually falls into place for Naomi, Martha and Willow and love prevails.
Strong characters and a happy ending made this an enjoyable, if thought provoking read.

Covering some quite deep topics this is a great story of family, love and secrets. I really felt for the characters and would recommend this book to everyone!

As the title suggests, a book about a family. Naomi has two daughters, both very different characters and both living in London. Martha is married and trying to get pregnant, Willow has a boyfriend and is, at the start of the book, house sitting for friends. Willow falls pregnant first, not really what she wanted at this time in her life. As the book progresses, it is revealed why this is not such a good idea. Meanwhile, mother Naomi's new neighbour turns out to be an old flame (and the fires are still burning !) Martha also gets pregnant not far into the book.
Mostly a book, as this sort of books often are, about communication .Some of the family members think they know what is best for the others and there are a lot of secrets about the past and present . Not sure if it is always realistic but by the end I think it has been a good read and all loose ends are tied up.
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4531248907

Erica James at her very best! Being a similar age to Naomi, I readily identified with her and some aspects of her relationships with her daughters. This is head and shoulders above many novels based on family relationships. The descriptions of the coastal home, Anchor House, are beautiful. The storyline also takes some unforeseen swerves. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and feel sad to have finished it. I feel as though I got to really know the characters.

Naomi has two daughters, Martha and Willow. She lost her husband suddenly but loves her life in an idyllic village by the sea in Sussex.
Martha is trying to get her to move nearer her but Naomi has a new neighbour who turns out to be an old flame and feelings are soon rekindled.
Naomi now has to tell girls. They have always been close but she is not sure how they are going to take the news.
But then the girls have problems of their own!
An absorbing family drama with twists along the way.

This is a nice relatively gentle read - ideal for packing to take on holiday. The story is straightforward - a widowed mother and two daughters who ultimately become mothers themselves, with trials, tribulations and lessons learned along the way. No great surprises or plot twists but it is an enjoyable read nonetheless.

A book about relationships set on the Sussex coast. I was expecting more from it. It’s an easy read but very predictable.

Amazing story of a families love. Naomi has met a old flame following the loss of her husband. She is finally truly happy. Her daughters Willow and Martha are worried about her in different ways, but maybe both should be more concerned about their own lives. A lovely story of mothers and daughters and the love between them.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.

This is my first read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought this was such a beautifully written book that flowed so very well and I was drawn in right from the start. I liked the three main characters who are very believable, flawed and realistically portrayed. They all have their own secrets and fears which slowly come out as the book progresses. I loved reading of the family dynamics between the characters and could really empathise with them at times. The author has, in my opinion, captured and wrote of their feelings, emotions and thoughts so eloquently. It was one of those reads where I became very invested in the characters, their lives and was rooting for them all and hoping things would go their way and work out well for them. Overall a lovely, heartwarming read that was very engaging and had my attention all the way through. I will definitely be looking at the authors other books and if you like books that are full of family drama, that are uplifting with great characters then this is for you.

When Naomi meets an old flame, things quickly get complicated, due to her thoughtless, selfish (yet well meaning) elder daughter.
As a widow of a similar age, I could definitely identify with Naomi, but couldn’t really understand her dilemma - yes, her daughter was treating her like a child, but she herself was treating Martha as a child too, and a spoilt, overbearing one at that!
The story carries on into a much darker, more complicated one, one which I enjoyed very much.

I think my almost twenty year love affair with Erica James might be coming to an end, I wolfed down her previous books in my early teens and twenties but have struggled with the last few. I am not sure if this is because of James' more modern plots/characters or the change in my reading taste.

Mothers and Daughters did not grip me the way I hoped but James' writing style is as reliable as always, if you have read her more recent releases and enjoyed then this one is most certainly for you.

What a fantastic read!, I was gripped from the very beginning, I loved the storyline, complex in parts, following the family on their journeys coming together in the family home at the seaside.

I throughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to all my friends.

Oh I do love Erica James and she just keeps getting better. This was a gorgeous book. I loved the setting, the characters, the story - everything. I was completely caught up and didn't want it to end! Thank you.

Not my usual genre of read but I thoroughly enjoyed the story line, mothers, daughters, secrets and a bit of suspense thrown in. Very well written, good characters and a thoroughly good read which I can recommend.

Thank you to Netgalley and HQ Publishers for allowing me to read this book.