The Forgotten Wife

I knew from the very beginning that this novel was going to be a brilliant read. Emma Robinson writes beautiful, vivid and interesting stories that pull on your heartstrings, and this one is a real corker. I have always awaited her new novels with excited anticipation and have never, even once, felt disappointed. In fact I would go so far as to say, her storyboards seem to be getting better and better with each poignant, thought-provoking and emotional story.
Meet Shelly, who was married to Greg for ten years before he left her. She has now retreated into herself. She so badly wants him back, but she knows they can never be a couple again, or at least only in the treasured memories she holds on to in her broken heart. She is angry, lonely and isolated. She misses him every day of her life. She is paralyzed in a time warp. Work has become her total lifeline: when she is there she thinks about other matters and her mind is taken off her brooding, lonely situation. Greg used to be her absolute soulmate; he paid all the bills and arranged every household matter. She just loved his constancy and was grateful for the way he treasured her and looked after her. At work she had respite from all the responsibility, bills and thoughts of what she should be doing. Her friends are all gone. Greg was always the sophisticated, sociable rock she depended on for everything, even her social life. Without him she is bitter, desperately unhappy and unfulfilled, left only with what ifs?
Meet Lara, who is married to Matthew and who is just moving into the house next door to Shelly. Straight away Shelly notices that she is heavily pregnant. Lara introduces herself with a cheerful smile and her big, warm personality. She is a bit like Greg in many ways; kind, friendly and a brilliant organiser. When they meet, Shelly gradually rediscovers her joy in friendship and quickly the two women build a very strong relationship. Lara is staying at home, well away from her stressful job as a solicitor. She must be careful in her late pregnancy and Matt checks up on her from his workplace multiple times a day with phone calls and texts, so she really welcomes Shelly’s friendship. She is used to being in the hub of a busy office, being kept busy and amongst friends and she too, is lonely on her own when Matt is at work. It’s a friendship both of them welcome with open arms. It was a relationship made in heaven. It was meant to be and they relished their growing mutual support.
But both of these ladies are harbouring heart-breaking secrets from the past, which still govern their present-day lives. This novel is about their friendship and how they build up trust in each other, helping them to sort out what has gone so tragically wrong with their individual lives. I fell in love with them both, becoming more and more involved in their story, so gradually unfolding. I really rooted for each of them; full of compassion, empathy and understanding. I loved their mutual support and growing love for each other and I loved the thrilling ending of the story as well. Believe me this story was absolutely stunning and so well worth reading. I drank it in and was further rewarded with each and every page.
I received this book through my membership of NetGalley and from publisher Bookouture in return for an honest review. Thank you most sincerely for my copy. I recommend this novel most highly. I think it is unmissable and I know you will be very glad you read my review.