A Desirable Residence: A Novel of Love and Real Estate

It's no secret that Madeline Wickham is Sophie Kinsella, author of the bestselling chick lit Shopaholic series. While this book contains the same charming prose, however, this is thankfully not chick lit. There is no desperate thirtysomething single girl addicted to wine here, but rather a whole cast of intriguing characters with intertwining lives all centered around a desirable residence. Liz and Jonathan Chambers were happy in their home, but when an opportunity to purchase a tutorial college comes along, they put it on the market to begin a new business venture. The house doesn't sell, though, and that leaves Liz and Jonathan in a tight financial situation, eased when it is suggested by estate agent Marcus Witherstone that they rent out the house instead. Liz has become rather impatient with Jonathan's passivity, and finds herself very attracted to wealthy Marcus Witherstone, so when they begin an affair, it doesn't take long for her to start losing her grip on reality. Meanwhile, Alice, their disgruntled teenage daughter, is lonely without her best friend, and miserable in the family's new flat located above the tutorial college. Missing her old life, Alice starts spending her free time at her family's old residence, and winds up making friends with Ginny and Piers Prentice when they rent the house. Ginny Prentice is almost afraid to hope that her mostly out-of-work actor husband Piers will land a plum soap opera role. She's tired of pinching pennies and waiting for Piers' big moment to come, and knows that both their lives will change forever if he becomes a TV star, so she works herself into a state hoping for the big moment to arrive. Marcus Witherstone is a successful estate agent grown bored. He decides to enter into a risky business venture at almost the same time he begins an affair with Liz Chambers. Marcus' wife Anthea rules her family with an iron fist and temper tantrums, and more often than not creates misery for her two sons, particularly when she decides one of them needs to win a prestigious scholarship. She finds herself appreciating Jonathan Chambers for his connections, and the wonders he works with her son while Marcus worries over his web of lies. This is a compelling story of interconnected people living out their lives. Once I got a few chapters in, I was hooked and could not put it down until I finished the last page. I have enjoyed the Shopaholic books, but this one is on a different level. It showcases the author's skill at creating charming, lifelike characters in almost everyday situations with their families, neighbors, and business associates while drawing us into their lives. I will definitely read Wickham's other titles.

I enjoyed "A Desirable Residence" most of the time that I was reading it, but the ending was missing something. The story moved along at a good pace and the characters were interesting (if not particularly likable), but the ending seemed abrupt. One of the main plot lines felt unresolved, and I was disappointed that many of the characters' "bad behavior" didn't result in real consequences, or personal growth/redemption. When I finished the book, I felt like there must be some pages missing - the situations in the book just didn't feel fully resolved to me.

check out Confessions of a Shopaholic, written under her pseudonym Sophie Kinsalla

This was a great read, well worth the money I spent, which I can't say for every book I buy. I wish this author had more available, because this is the kind of book I like to take on trips. It has interesting characters, a compelling story line that moves along quickly, intelligent writing, and lots of charm.

Madeleine Wickham describes her characters in such a manner that you are drawn to each one..although they all have human failings.There were so many twists and turns and I couldn't see how it all would get together..much less turn out well.But....everything came together in a very satisfying way. I loved this book and really was sorry to end it. If you're a fan of Rosamunde Pilcher, you will love this book too.