Clare Ashton

The lovely doctor Abby Hart lives in her dream cottage in the quintessential English border town of Ludbury, home to the Goodmans.Maggie Goodman, all fire and passion, is like another mother to her, amiable Richard a rock and 60s-child Celia is the grandmother she never had.But Abby has a secret. Best friend Jude Goodman is the love of her life, and very, very straight. Even if Jude had ever given a woman a second glance, there'd also be the small problem of Maggie – she would definitely not approve.But secrets have a habit of sneaking out, and Abby's not the only one with something to hide. Life is just about to get very interesting for the Goodmans.Things are not what they used to be, but could they be even better?"If you ever wanted to know how straight women become lesbians, how lesbians fall in love, make love and almost ruin love, The Goodmans is the book for you!" – TT Thomas.

The Goodmans

Renee

Woooooow! Reading the author's books always makes me feel as if she is sitting in front of me telling the story.
 
What an enjoyable read. The Goodmans undoubtedly has a place on my reread shelf. Having read both Poppy Jenkins and After Mrs Hamilton, I agree with other reviewers; The Goodmans has elements of both stories. This contemporary romance has a good balance of humor and drama. Self-discovery, friendship, and family are important themes throughout the story, but the emotional growth and development of Maggie interested me the most. She's such a complex character-­­feisty and cantankerous on one hand, but trustworthy, reflective, and compassionate to the core. She had the most to gain and lose from the events that transpired. There are multiple POVs, but they are necessary in telling this sweet love story.

Susanna Robinson

** spoiler alert **
           *not VERY spoilery but just in case*


This book, man. It wasn't perfect, it made me grimace a few times but all that fell away when I read that line about break ups hurting the person who leaves too. I think Clare Ashton helped me finally let go of the resentment I felt (deep, deep, deep down) towards my very first girlfriend - who broke my heart more completely than anything in my life so far. This author's ability to capture complex emotions, and the tragedy of heartbreak and betrayal, is insane.

I adored Maggie. I loved Juliette. Abby and Jude were awesome. I must admit, however, I have more of a soft spot for older couples. Richard was a sweetheart and Celia needs to pay me a visit sometime. What a great read.

Agus

The lovely doctor Abby Hart lives in her dream cottage in the quintessential English border town of Ludbury, home to the Goodmans. Maggie Goodman, all fire and passion, is like another mother to her, amiable Richard a rock and 60s-child Celia is the grandmother she never had. But Abby has a secret. Best friend Jude Goodman is the love of her life, and very, very straight. Even if Jude had ever given a woman a second glance, there'd also be the small problem of Maggie - she would definitely not approve. But secrets have a habit of sneaking out, and Abby's not the only one with something to hide. Life is just about to get very interesting for the Goodmans. Things are not what they used to be, but could they be even better? "If you ever wanted to know how straight women become lesbians, how lesbians fall in love, make love and almost ruin love, The Goodmans is the book for you!" - TT Thomas

The Goodmans

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