Expect little, forgive much?
After a whirlwind courtship, Brittany Beresford married her Prince Charming and looked forward to living happily ever after. Five years later, she’s been reduced to a not-quite-desperate housewife, with a husband who spends more time flossing his teeth than holding meaningful conversations with her.
She braves his disapproval by turning working mother and, other than feeling far more drawn to a handsome baker she works with than him, things seem to be looking up. But then Brittany discovers that her husband’s “hobbies” include something even worse than golf – and he expects her to put up and shut up.
Fairy tale illusions shattered, but still believing marriage is for life and wanting the best for her son, Brittany has a choice to make: should she follow her heart, or her conscience?
Review
I read this book after receiving an advanced review copy from the author in return for an honest review. This is the first of JGR’s books that I have written and I can honestly say that I really enjoyed it.
The book follows the story of Brittany Beresford who always believed that her path in life was to be a wife and mother. She married young and was brought up to believe that marriage lasts forever. After several years of marriage, Brittany finds herself playing the part of the dutiful wife, with a small child and a husband who has become a virtual stranger to her and who takes her for granted. Brittany is slowly coming to the realisation that she needs more in her life, however she is conflicted between her duties towards her family and her own dreams. The discovery of a nasty little secret that her husband has been keeping spurs Brittany into action and she resolves to make big changes in her life.
Throughout the book, we see Brittany transform from a down-trodden unhappy housewife to a confident and independent woman. Against her husband’s wishes, she takes a job in a bakery where she flourishes and starts to find her own path in life, realising that whilst her marriage vows are important, happiness is more so. I enjoyed watching Brittany develop and grow into her new self, throwing off her previous shackles and planning her future.
Whilst the story focuses on Brittany, the supporting characters are well thought-out and believable, with the dependable Carly, interfering Lauren, attractive Luke and, adding a real element of humour into the story, ditzy Abby and her love interest, Tom.
This was a story about love, marriage, happiness and second chances.
‘But I Said Forever’ is an enjoyable chick lit book and I would be happy to recommend it to other readers.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
The paperback book was released on 7 November 2014 and is currently priced at £4.50 on Amazon UK.
About the Author
Jennifer Gilby Roberts has a degree in physics and a postgraduate certificate in computing, so a career as a chick lit author was inevitable really. She was born and grew up in Surrey/Greater London, but now lives in Richmond, North Yorkshire with her husband, small daughter, two middle-aged cats and a lot of dust bunnies.
Taking care of her daughter is now her main job, but previously she worked many thrilling jobs in administration. In these she learned the real truth of business: that every successful executive would be lost without their PA.
She can also be found getting red-faced at zumba class, reading historical porn (as her husband calls it – Regency romance to the rest of us) and humming nursery rhymes while going round Tesco. Her current obsessions include toffee crisp bars, Costa fruit coolers and the TV show Torchwood.
JGR writes chick lit novels and short stories featuring sweet (occasionally sexy) romance, dry humour and things going tits-up. They will especially appeal to fans of Sophie Kinsella, Marian Keyes and Jane Costello.
The Curious Ginger Cat 