Book(s) review: This Has Been Absolutely Lovely and How to be Second Best by Jessica Dettmann

Image: two book covers, both by Jessica Dettmann, side by side. On the left is “This Has Been Absolutely Lovely”, which features an illustration of a blonde woman wearing a pink and yellow skirt, midway pulling a yellow top over her head, the background is teal. On the right is “How to be Second Best”, featuring a pink and yellow cake with a slice moved out of it, the book’s title written in the pink icing, the background is navy.

In the last fortnight I’ve devoured two of Jessica Dettmann’s books, after seeing a post by my agent and friend Danielle Binks, singing Jessica’s praises.

The first book I read was “This Has Been Absolutely Lovely” – about the Jones family coming together after the death of the patriarch, and uncovering and unraveling some hidden truths about each family member. Fifty-something former semi-famous singer Annie Jones tries to get a break from mothering after all her children have left home, but the mothering never stops.

Then I moved onto “How to be Second Best“, which explored a different family dynamic – Emma juggles parenting her two kids; and also the child that was a result of her husband’s affair, while trying to be less of a pushover.

Both books share the theme of women losing their identity through motherhood, and wanting to find themselves again – and so much more.

It’s so good having a sticky beak into the intricacies of other families and relationships. And Jessica’s writing is so funny – so many LOL moments!

I’ve read the audiobooks and loved Michala Banas’ narration of both – so engaging. lit feels like getting engrossed in a really great show on Netflix, desperately wanting to get back to binge the show when I stop listening. The characters and dialogue are just so real and entertaining.

Jessica has a new book out this week – “Without Further Ado”, and I am teetering between wanting to read it now, and wanting to wait a while so there won’t be so long until I can read her fourth book!

Five stars for each. Jessica’s books are published through HarperCollins.

Find Jessica Dettmann’s books here.