I’ve not read any of Plum Sykes’s previous books – but I liked the sound of this on Net Galley and was granted an advance review copy as Net Galley said it was to be published in June 2025 – however it would appear that it’s actually already out! (I suspect it might be a geographical issue and I’ve read a version destined for another territory??)

The book has real ‘Rivals’ vibes (one of THE TV shows of 2024, based upon the classic 1980s novel by Jilly Cooper) although this is set in current times in the Cotswolds rather than 40 years ago. Initially there are a lot of different characters and I found it a little bit confusing as to who was connected to whom – but after a while I got into the swing of it.

I really liked Ian from the start, he reminded me of Gary the bag man in the TV show VEEP, always one step ahead of knowing what his client needs. Tata was a bit of a drama queen – but not dislikeable.

I have kids who move in horsey circles, and some of the descriptions of that set were perfectly written – and similarly the private school sports activities! (Although my experiences are over the border in Worcestershire rather than Gloucestershire)

There was lots of name dropping and label dropping – and the storyline doesn’t have a huge amount of substance but this is a fun and fluffy, escapist read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it for all of those reasons. A huge thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for my review copy – be it advanced or not!

Unfortunately, it's a DNF for me. I tried this in multiple formats and it felt like wading through treacle. The author attempts a Kevin Kwan-esque 'decorate every single item and line with a dozen brand names' style of writing that, where it works for the aforementioned writer, it just doesn't here. Just getting through a page felt like it threw my brain into complete overdrive. I love rich people doing bad things in the countryside, it's one of my favourite subgenres, but this just wasn't particularly well-written.

Absolutely brilliant, loved it. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me an advance copy, I will definitely be recommending.

About a wide span of characters in Cotswold and a socialite life.
Tata hits rock bottom, Ian, the butler, tries his best, and matchmaking goes wrong, rich people act weird.
There was a lot love about this.

3,5 to be fair.
I wanted to love this book.
I liked it plenty, but it took me a while to engage with it.
What I am about to say is mostly down to matters of taste;
The social commentary did not work 100% for me, although I love satire and the head-on with silly things people do. The writing style was a little on the obvious side in my opinion. I wished it were more subtle and we could be let to deduce what the characters think and want via their actions most of the time.

The plot and characterisation 3.5 stars
Mood and setting 3.5 stars
Commentary 3 stars
Concept 3.5 stars
Writing style 3 stars

With the above being said, I genuinely believe this will be a 4-5 star read for a large number of readers, the most ideal reader being 30-45 yo women.

I did enjoy this book overall it's well written and very Jilly Cooper-esque with the posh Cotswold wives/country princesses. It was definitely very "other worldly" so great for escapism if that's your thing! Tata annoyed me as a character, I would not want to be her friend!! But I liked Ian, Selby and Sophie and thought there was a good amount of interest in terms of different story lines going on which kept my interest. Thanks for the copy!

This book was such fun.. I loved the setting of the Cotswolds and the residents who all are depicted as self absorbed and riotous beings.

You get a lot of story everytime with this author. I loved her writing style and the way she brings the story together.

It's as though you get a look in at how the other half live and it isn't always what you think it might.

Superbly brilliant..

Plum Sykes has always been such a fun author to read! Her books are light fun and full of social climbing but in such a fun light way you can’t help but get invested in the story. This book has a historical twist to it which is fun. I really enjoyed it and I know Ogs as well as new fans of Plums will be made after finishing this book!