An engaging family saga that started with what could have been a tragedy. Maggie Alderson captures modern times perfectly with this gentle and caring exploration of grief and the whole damn thing. Starting from the tragic death of the husband just an hour after he has told his loving wife he’s leaving her. Would you rather indeed. We are then introduced to a fabulous range of characters -all of whome have their own stories to progress.
A very warm and satisfying read.

“Would You Rather” is a warm and engaging family drama which covers a fair bit of ground in the areas of love, grief, secrets, and family.

Sophie Crommelin is very happy with her life: a handsome and successful husband of thirty years, two grown sons, a successful career. Now their sons have moved on, she and Matt are about to sell their house in London and move to Hastings.

But the day after their house is sold, Matt tells Sophie that he’s leaving her for another woman. An hour later he’s dead in a dreadful accident. (This is no spoiler, it happens within the first few pages.) Sophie is left to start her new chapter as a grieving widow. This is complicated by the fact that no-one knows Matt was about to leave her – and Sophie can’t decide how she’s supposed to feel about his death in light of that.
Of course, secrets are rarely as closely held as we think, and complications emerge.

Alderson has a long career as an author, writing family dramas with a strong focus on women. She is a perceptive writer, who handles complicated feelings with deftness and sophistication. There are no easy answers to the way Sophie feels about her husband and her life, and Alderson doesn’t try to supply them. Sophie is a vivid character and we quickly not only empathise with her but begin to care about her.

Matt’s large family, children, and lover are all important characters. Matt himself is perhaps a little shadowy, but it’s interesting that the glimpses we get of him – through the eyes of the characters left behind – paint him as an appealing man with some truly atrocious character traits.

Still, Alderson doesn’t seem to want to attribute blame per se, which helps to make this novel surprisingly upbeat, despite the themes.
I enjoyed all the characters, and found them all realistic and well rounded. No-one’s perfect, but most are pretty decent people trying to live decent lives, and in some cases overcome past mistakes.

I keep coming back to the word “warm”. This is a really lovely novel to read, despite some tough themes. It’s well written and easily digestible, and despite being thought provoking and sad in places, the overall feeling is of warmth and a quiet happiness.

You can probably tell that I enjoyed this novel a great deal. I’ve read many of Alderson’s novels, and this might be my favorite yet. It touches on similar themes as her earlier novels, and those too tend to move her central characters to better places emotionally. But this one just seemed to have a little extra depth, a little extra kick, that made me feel particularly satisfied when I closed it. Highly recommended.

Sophie Crommelin is a food stylist and she’s married to Matt an artist, they have just sold their London home and plan on moving to Hastings for a sea change. The night before settlement Matt drops a bombshell, one that Sophie doesn’t see coming and he leaves. Sophie feels numb, shocked and it gets worse and luckily she has her adult sons Beau and Jack and four brother-in-law’s for support.

Beau takes after his father Matt, he has dark curly hair and is good-looking and he’s works part-time as a waiter and has ambitions to be a jewellery designer. Beau is a ladies man, he likes to love 'em and leave 'em and with no strings attached, until one of his conquests is unhappy and thinks he’s treated her badly and outs him publicly.

Sophie decides to still move to Hastings, here she meets her next door neighbours Olive and Agata and a winemaker Charlie and new client Tamar and her best friend Rey visits and so does Beau to escape the wrath of social media and she has her good and bad days.

I received a copy of Would You Rather by Maggie Alderson from HarperCollins Australia and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The narrative is about a woman finding out her husband of thirty years betrayed her, how she feels about him and dealing with the emotions and hurt.

At one stage I felt Beau was heading in the same direction as his father, but he had his own “light bulb” moment, and changes. A warm and humorous story about life and love, heartache and relationships, old and new friendships, second chances and fresh starts and you never know what the future holds.

A quick, a funny and thought provoking read, for those who enjoy romantic comedy fiction and with a hidden meaning and four stars from me and I'm keen to read other novels by Ms. Alderson.

A story of grief and moving on is always a difficult one specially after the passing of someone. this story explores the aftermath of a person passing away and their secrets coming to the forefront. Alderson’s latest novel explores this through the grief of our protagonist Sophie, the mistress Juliet, and one of the sons Beau.

Just before the passing of the husband Sophie discovers the affair and is devastated. Stories of infidelity usually end with the relationship breaking apart and both parties walking off in separate directions. This one, however, explorers what happens after. From moving to places getting back into work to discovering the truth about mistress and coming to terms with grief, loss, void, betrayal, and everything else that comes with being human in that situation. From bad decisions to feelings to just being in a state of limbo to try to move on.

Their son, Beau, also going through his own predicament and a scandal that causes him to take a backseat in his life and reassess his ways. Alderson’s writing starts off putting us right in the middle of the tragedy and the after effects of it, form the story. It is a mindful exploration of grief of both mother and son. I wish the other, the other son, would also be explored in terms of grief while living geographically much further away from his mother because we never know much about him except for a few scenes.

The other woman is usually villainised in the situations, however Alderson does not judge her for her choices nor does she endorses it. What she does is tell the story of this independent woman who wanted kids, and then had them. The writing flows and the plot moves attached slowly in the beginning but once things start moving the three pronged story between Sophie, Beau and Juliet shuttles between each other and how they cross each other’s spot as well as learn about each other.

The end seems a bit rushed, but it is satisfying without any over-the-top histrionics nor unnecessary drama. What it does is, allows the characters to be human , focusing on things that matter. It also showcases how a small community rallies behind you.

We all process grief in different ways, and it sometimes makes us make bad decisions with a mix of feelings that we don’t know what to do with. A definite read that that explores what happens after a major loss, a major betrayal, and how to cope with life and move on.

Grab your copy which is out this December for a cozy relaxed weekend

Thank you Net Galley and Harper Collins Australia for this ARC in exchange for an honest review

P.S. i love the Cover

Sophie and Matt share a loving marriage and 2 wonderful sons, however, right before they are due to settle on the sale of the house and begin a new adventure in a seaside village, Matt delivers explosive news then is tragically killed. Torn between grief for her lost love and anger over his betrayal, Sophie decides a new life is what she needs. Keeping the truth of Matt's secret from friends and family, she navigates her new life as a grieving widow. Struggling with the sudden loss of his father, Beau is burdened with the idea that his father was not the man he thought.
Juliet has worked to ensure that she never needs a man to look after her or her daughters.
This is a story of love, loss and secrets that keeps you reading. The characters come with flaws but Maggie Alderson brings them to life as people we want to spend time with and for whom we are wishing for a happy ending.

This is another great read for fans of Maggie Alderson.

Another weekend spent with the right book! Would You Rather by Maggie Alderson is not out until December but I couldn't resist sinking into my #arc sooner rather than later.

'He destroyed me emotionally and then he got killed. So I don't know what I am, Charlie. Am I an abandoned wife or am I a poor grieving widow?'

I really enjoyed this upcoming release by Maggie Alderson, it ticked all the right boxes for me. It's a great big book about life, love, marriage, family, grief, anger, and new beginnings.

Highly recommended for book clubs as there is A LOT to dish about with this one.

I’m going to preface this by saying I’m a huge fan of Maggie Alderson’s and have read and loved all her books. This one is no different.

An easy and compelling read that I couldn’t put down and didn’t want to end.

It was a pleasure to read about a main character in her 50s (Sophie), and the ups and downs of her life following the unexpected death of her husband Matt and the news he had been having an affair. Moral dilemmas abound, with Sophie and her two adult sons, and there are more than a few unexpected twists as we learn how Sophie, her sons and Matt’s mistress deal with the aftermath of his death.

Fans of Maggie Alderson’s should love this book.

Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins Publishers Australia for sending me an ARC of this book. It’s due out 4 December 2024.

The introduction grabbed me leading me to want to find answers. I enjoyed the multiple point of views from Sophie, Beau and Juliet. I felt the storyline with Seb was a little unfinished and I would have liked to learn more about Tamar. A very unique storyline. I was intrigued to find out the truth and how they all figure it out. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Sinopsis en español:

Viuda afligida o esposa agraviada... ¿cuál elegirías? La ingeniosa y conmovedora nueva novela del autor más vendido de The Scent of You
Sophie parpadeó y volvió a mirar hacia abajo rápidamente, aliviada de que todos pensaran que estaba abrumada ante la perspectiva de leer el elogio de su marido. No es que estuviera en estado de shock, dándose cuenta de que acababa de mirar directamente a los ojos de su amante.

La estilista de comida Sophie Crommelin tiene una vida hermosa. Ahora que sus dos hijos han crecido, ella y su esposo Matt, un aclamado artista, se van de Londres para un nuevo comienzo en la moderna costa sur boho de Inglaterra. Pero el día después de que se venda la casa, una serie de choques dejan a Sophie tambaleando, y de repente se dirige a Hastings por su cuenta.

Beau Crommelin siempre ha sido el hijo de su padre. Encantador, hermoso y creativo, se lleva bien con todo el mundo y se está haciendo un nombre como diseñador de joyas. Pero después de la repentina muerte de Matt, Beau se encuentra en el extremo equivocado de un escándalo y todo lo que creía saber sobre sí mismo se cuestiona.

Mientras Sophie y Beau intentan encontrar sus pies, aparecen nuevos amigos y oportunidades. Pero la mayor revelación aún está por llegar...

Una historia deliciosamente cálida, ingeniosa y conmovedora de amor, familia, segundas oportunidades y empezar de nuevo.



Reseña:

3.5⭐️

Es la historia de Sophie, una mujer felizmente casada o o menos eso creía hasta que su esposo le pide el divorcio para irse con otra mujer. Pero las cosas no salen tan bien para el marido porque ese mismo día sale a pasear y muere.


Disfrute el libro, no obstante tengo un gran pero que es como se manejó lo de la amante. Nunca podré sentir simpatía o empatía por los infieles.

I really enjoyed this book! It’s easy to read and entertaining, blending a touch of the glamorous lives of the rich and famous with relatable emotional dilemmas. The story has a mix of light-hearted moments and some genuine heartbreak. The near-misses in relationships and the quirky supporting characters added depth and vibrancy, while some cleverly hidden truths gave it extra layers. The pacing of the angst, tension, and hope felt just right, and though the ending was a bit rushed, it still wrapped up the story nicely. Overall, a delightful read!

An enjoyable light read. This is my first book by this author, and I enjoyed her writing style. Slightly unrealistic characters. Everyone is very together and understanding. Even the unsavoury characters recognize the errors of their ways and reform. Not real life, but an enjoyable romcom.

I liked this book. Easy to read, entertaining, with a bit of ‘lives of the rich and famous’. There were some real emotional conundrums, some light-hearted fun, and some heartbreak. The relationship near-misses and quirky support characters added colour and there were some nicely camouflaged home truths. I felt the angst, tension and hope were well paced. and a satisfying but maybe slightly rushed ending rounded off an enjoyable read.

Ash’s rating: 3/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Summed Up: Slow Burn Drama

- - -
Ok you had me at pretty cover and intriguing title. Let’s be honest,

Alright, you had me at the pretty cover and that intriguing title! I’ll admit it, that’s what hooks me every time on my book blind dates.. and it’s also sometimes what lets me down 🫠

With the title Would You Rather, I was ready for some sliding doors vibes and ‘what if?’ magic. But unfortunately that was not really to be.

While the story started off with some mystery, it quickly revolved around a secret life and whether or not the paths of the characters would cross. And honestly? It felt like a lot of pages just to get that one answer 🤔

There were a few side stories thrown in (family drama, new relationships), but nothing that really wowed me. Oh and spoiler alert ❗️adultery as a central theme? Yeah, not really my thing.

On the plus side, the writing was solid and the characters were well developed, but this chic-lit left me wanting a bit more punch.

Big thanks to Harper Collins and NetGalley for the sneak peek - look out for this one in December if you’re into slow burn dramas!

Prepare for a complete and utter deviation from my regularly scheduled programming - I told you I was going to try and give up the unholiest of the unholy shit and I have been as good as my word, ladies and gentlemen. This is some seriously closed door literature - nary a mention of panties dropped, much less any bloody minotaur milk (hold on. Bear with me. Trauma flashback… nausea has passed, I’m good).

It’s been seven (7!!) years but Magnificent Maggie is back and brilliant as ever.

I’ve been a fan of @maggiealderson since I was 17 (sixteen years… 😳) when I first discovered my perennial favourite, “Cents and Sensibility” - at which point I went and devoured her entire back catalogue.

One of my very few auto-buy authors, I will read ANYthing Maggie has to say, on any topic (I get giddy every time my inbox pings with an email from her Substack) - if she wants to write a 200k word thesis on boiling water I’ll pick it up with unparalleled enthusiasm. She has a magnificent way with words, oozing intelligence, wit, cool and glam… I’ve got a bit of a girl crush, can you tell?

“Would You Rather” follows Sophie who has been happily married to Matt for three decades when he wakes up one morning, announces he’s met someone else and is leaving her. He walks out their front door, gets hit by a bus and is killed instantly. What follows is an intriguing and utterly compelling look at grief, love, friendship and family dynamics.

Told from multiple perspectives, WYR’s short, snappy chapters keep the intricately woven plot moving along at a rapid fire pace and the full cast of characters were zany and lovable.

I loved watching everything fall into place and the way the story ended. Pure satisfaction.

Was it my favourite Maggie? No. Was I hooked on her every word? Eternally.

If you haven’t read any of her books before I always suggest starting with my favourite, but honestly if it’s got Maggie’s name on it, you can’t go wrong.

Food stylist Sophie Crommelin is excited about the next stage of her life. She and her famous artist husband, Matt, are leaving London and moving to the seaside town of Hastings. However, on the day their London house sale is finalised, Matt drops a bombshell: he is leaving Sophie for another woman. After telling Sophie their marriage of decades is over, he leaves her to go on a bike ride (as you do) and then dies in an accident. The would you rather of the title refers to Sophie's dilemma: would you rather be thought of as a grief-stricken widow or a wronged wife?

When I was younger I loved Maggie Alderson's rom com novels, so when I received an email from Netgalley saying a new Alderson book was available to request, I asked for that title faster that I have ever asked for a title before. It did not disappoint! I read this book in an afternoon on a rainy day while lying on the couch under a blanket - it was a very cosy experience.

But (and unfortunately there is a but) the coziness comes about because of the complete fantasy of the novel. Everyone is beautiful and rich and successful. After going through two incredibly traumatic events on the same day, Sophie is fine. She moves, renovates her kitchen, makes a bunch of new friends immediately and seems pretty okay with everything. She has not one but two new possible romantic partners, who know about each other but are fine with it because this book takes place in a fantasy land where all middle-aged men are in touch with their feelings and are able to articulate them well. No-one in this novel has an argument or throws a tantrum or yells at anyone else, although they really should have! This is not how humans behave.

So, I definitely recommend this book as a fun, escapist beach read but with the proviso that it also is one of the most unrealistic novels I have read for a while.

A really enjoyable read, my first of Maggie’s books. It won’t be my last.

A well written, engaging story with well developed and likeable characters. Told from several points of view, which added depth to the story.

We start with Sophie, as her husband tells her he is leaving her for his mistress and then he promptly dies in a freak accident. The mistress comes to his funeral and is asked to leave. Then we get to know Sophie’s son Beau.

The story developed over the chapters and came to a fulfilling end.

Throughly enjoyed and highly recommended..

I was initially intrigued by the blurb for this book, thinking I was going to be reading something juicy and gripping. A grieving widow out for revenge against the woman her husband was leaving her for just hours before his death.

But it kind of fell a bit flat.

That’s not to say it wasn’t enjoyable, I did enjoy this, but more for the characters rather than the story. I absolutely loved Olive, Agata, Tamar, Charlie and Beau were all characters I would enjoy spending time with.

Sophie and Juliette, I could take or leave as characters which is a shame since they are who the story mostly revolves around.

I found the ending a bit of a letdown, we build up to this moment of great revelation and then it just puffs away into nothing…

*Would You Rather* is the first book by Maggie Alderson that I’ve read, and while it was a pleasant enough introduction, it didn’t quite blow me away. I’m landing at a solid three out of five stars for this one.

The main characters, Sophie and her son Beau, were well fleshed out, which I appreciated. Sophie’s personal struggles and her relationship with Beau were central to the story, giving it some heart. That said, the supporting cast felt a bit overcrowded. There were so many secondary characters that I found myself wishing a few had been trimmed back to let the core story breathe a little more.

The plot, while not a full-on mystery, had enough intrigue to keep me turning the pages. Sophie’s (recently deceased) husband’s affair left some juicy unanswered questions. It wasn’t quite the edge-of-your-seat suspense, but it was enough to hold my interest.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collin’s for the ARC of this book 😊

I was very excited to receive this book as my first arc/preview; thanks so much to the author and publisher for this.

I enjoyed the overall plot to this book, it was clever. The absolute need to know the outcome kept me reading.

I didn’t enjoy the overall writing style, this could be due to the fact that i am not British (perhaps?), I found the main characters lacking the depth and emotion that I was really looking for in a plot like this. I would be devastated to have found myself in Sophie’s situation. Given this, and the overall language used by the characters, I personally found the main characters to be quite difficult to relate to. Had I not have received this book as a preview, I may not have finished it, but was determined to push on in order to provide an honest and complete review.

Very grateful for the opportunity to have previewed this story and I do hope that others find this to be a more enjoyable read than I did.

After reading the blurb I really wanted to like this novel but despite its rollicking pace and quirky characters I just couldn’t relate to any of them. I haven’t read a Maggie Anderson novel before as I am not a chick lit aficionado. However when the opportunity arose to read a preview copy via Netgalley I jumped at the chance as a change is as good as a holiday, right?
The writing was engaging, plot solid if if a bit over the top and characters navigated life’s highs and lows searching for resolution and happiness.
Maybe because my life is quiet and reserved I found everyone noisy, busy and far too extroverted. Happily the bed hopping, wild parties, adultery and betrayal settle into cosy relationships and understandings.
Thanks to Netgalley for the preview copy.