It was good but not great- nothing super standout about it. I didn’t really like any of the characters or cared about any of their problems. Some of the scenes were pretty though and I still read it fast!

I’ve been a fan of Plum Sykes ever since “Bergdorf Blondes”. I’m happy to say that this book is a great addition to her repertoire of rich people stories. Recommended for readers of women’s fiction.

Such a great read! Highly recommend this one.

Many thanks to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

This is an entertaining rich people story. It's refreshing that instead of it being strictly focused on "rich people doing bad things", it's really quite a bit sweeter with people having genuine friendships, connecting in relationships, and helping each other. For this American reader, the characters felt charmingly British.

Wives Like Us is a great entry into the Kevin Kwan-style comedy of manners, where the reader is allowed a view into the highest echelons of society and their unique set of problems from an insider. Plum Sykes's Wives Like Us is a perfect summer read!

This one was a lot of fun, and a perfect summer beach read. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book read like a breath of fresh air, in the English countryside, of course! Thoroughly enjoyed this fictional escape!

Several wealthy families living in the Cotswolds area of England try to one-up each other and live their fabulous lives. The glue holding them together is super-butler Ian. This book is satire, but like an SNL skit that goes on too long, so did this book. After a while I grew tired of the ladies (who reminded me a bit of the Real Housewives) and all of the descriptions of their parties and outfits. There were a few funny moments, like “Josh” the dog, but not enough. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either..

I thought this was a frothy and delightful romp through the well to do English countryside. I think it would work well for anyone disappointed by Kevin Kwan’s newest—similar subjects but shorter and better paced. Great summer book!

Three well to do English wives find themselves in difficult circumstances in this very funny look at English country living.

Tata, Sophie and Fernanda have been friends for years. Now a new American Divorcee has moved in nearby and Tata especially wants to befriend her. Everyone is facing some challenges, especially Tata who has moved out of her manor and into the gate house to punish her husband. Overseeing it all is Ian, Tata's butler, confidant and advisor. Nothing is as it seems, nothing goes as planned and hilarity ensues. This is a fast, fun read.

A very fun English romp that deals with high drama, gossip, and simple misunderstandings that basic communication would have solved.

Tata finds a jewelry receipt, jumps to conclusions and sets off a chain of events that keeps butler Ian Palmer on his toes to try to direct his beloved employer toward a reconciliation. Add in Tata's friend Sophie who is dealing with a jerk of a husband, and Fernanda who is trying to protect her beloved son against school bullies to round out the foibles of the Uber-wealthy and their mis-attempts at solving problems. All three are competing with the Pennybacker-Hoare sisters for the attention of the glamorous American who has taken residence in one of the biggest homes in the village: Selby Fairfax.

I loved this book - it was a fun, easy read with a lot of humor. It reminded me of Patrick Dennis's "Genius," "Paradise," and "How Firm a Foundation" titles. I was delighted to learn Plum Sykes has written others! I will definitely be grabbing those.

Another gem for my Smarter Than Your Average Beach Read collection.

Plum Sykes is always a delight to read, and I really loved this updated comedy of manners that spoofs English country house culture. Equal parts funny and sweet, this is perfect poolside reading if you like your fluff books to have just a touch more substance and a whole lot more humor and sharp writing.

I love a story centered on a butler as central character, and Ian is terrific and an excellent focal point for the story that allows the other characters to exist (somewhat hilariously, since he’s technically their servant) as extensions of his orbit.

Just terrific stuff all around. Highly recommend.

"Wives Like Us" by Plum Sykes offers a whimsical and satirical peek into the English countryside, far removed from the typical image of tweeds and wellies. Set in the idyllic yet eccentric Cotswold villages with names like Little Bottom and Monkton Bottom, the novel introduces a new class of inhabitants, the "Country Princesses," who bring their unique flair and high drama to these traditional settings.

The story centers around Tata Hawkins, a prominent figure among these glittering newcomers, who storms out of her luxurious home following a dispute over a missing suite of diamonds. Along with her daughter Minty and her Executive Butler Ian Palmer, Tata retreats to The Old Coach House, intent on teaching her husband Bryan a lesson. However, her plans quickly unravel as Bryan jets off to Venice with a bikini designer, and Tata faces unexpected social snubs and intrigues from neighbors, including the glamorous American divorcée Selby Fairfax.

As friendships are tested and rivalries intensify, the narrative unfolds with a series of comedic yet poignant trials for the characters. Each person's story is interwoven with delightful absurdity, from Ian's dilemma over storing his vintage Gucci loafers to the rural escapades of a pig farmer moonlighting as a personal assistant.

Plum Sykes crafts a vibrant tableau of upper-class life with a twist, infusing the narrative with sharp wit and a keen eye for the ridiculous. "Wives Like Us" is a light-hearted, engaging read that delights in upending traditional country life tropes, making it perfect for those who enjoy a good chuckle with their drama. Whether it’s the quest for reconciliation or the antics of the quirky locals, this novel promises a delightful journey through the trials and tribulations of the Bottoms’ most colorful residents.

This latest book by Plum Sykes which this longtime fan has been anxiously waiting a long time for is everything readers hoped it would be. Satire, rich drama, and country princesses at its best!!!!!!!!!! This book is absolute delight to read. I laughed my way through the whole thing.

I have loved Plum Sykes since Bergdorf Blondes and nothing will give you a heartier laugh than seeing how the other half lives! If you're looking for some light frothy fun, this book is it!
Set in the English countryside, the story is about "country princesses" and one very special butler. This book isn't really about anything substantial, but it is an excellent escape into the rarer air of the filthy rich. I can't wait for her Sykes' next novel!

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Harper for this e-arc.*

I thoroughly enjoyed ‘Wives Like Us’, it is witty, wry and often cringe worthy (in the best way). The wives (ex included) are a heartwarming bunch who are spoiled, rich and as paranoid as the rest of us!
The glue which holds them all together is Tata’s valuable butler Ian, he can take charge of any situation and is always there to step in when needed, which is very often among the ladies of The Bottoms.
The story rolls along and includes wives, husbands, dogs, horses and children as we become totally invested in the well being of this group of hilarious friends.
I will be recommending as a great vacation read!

In the county of Oxfordshire in the fancy villages known collectively as “the Bottoms” there’s a grand country house inhabited by socialite Tata Hawkins, husband Bryan, daughter Minty and best butler on Earth, Ian Palmer (seriously. I would trade my husband for an Ian. Not my dogs, but my husband? Definitely.) Tata gets into a big fight with Bryan so she decamps for their coach house, but instead of begging for forgiveness Bryan takes off with a young bikini designer….a bikini designer!

Beautiful divorcee Shelby Fairfax, from America, has moved into the largest house around and Tata is frantic to be the first to make her acquaintance. Tata’s two best friends, Sophie Thompson and Fernanda Ovington-Williams have their own problems. Oh, the trials of the moneyed class.

This book was like a breath of fresh air for me - I read lots about dead people and it was nice to have something totally frivolous and fun for a change, and this was both. I did not love this author’s BERGDORF BLONDES as I recall, but quite enjoyed the heck out of this. Fun for the beach, the pool or when you don’t want to think too hard. Recommended if you like this sort of thing. You’ll know if it’s for you, and if it is, you’ll like this one. Oh, and Ian? Everyone’s dream!

What a charming read!
For those of us that love a bit of neighborhood gossip, reality tv shows and fashion trends, this is the book you must pick up this spring! A well to do woman and her butler, Ian, make a glorious pair in this captivating book. If this isn’t on your book club shelves come May, you’re doing it wrong!

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC and many rounds of applause to Plum for this hit of a novel! Can we please go live with Ian and Tata?! An eclectic cast of characters truly makes this novel pop, and I was reading as fast as I could to see what would happen with all the drama. Written like a perfect episode of Real Housewives, Wives Like Us is surely to make a splash.

This book is total fun escapism which so many readers will enjoy! There's romance, intrigue, and plenty of atmosphere in the English countryside setting. It is all about an ultra rich group of socialites and one very funny and distinguished butler. The author keeps us turning the pages, because we quickly grow to care about these offbeat characters and definitely want to know how it all turns out. I look forward to recommending this title.