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.