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Happy Families
Sunday Times bestseller Adele Parks writes novels that real women want to read. With her trademark tell-it-like-it-is style, she gets right to the heart of the dilemmas people face in their lives and takes her stories to unexpected places..
From Sunday Times bestselling author Adele Parks comes a touching story about the ups and downs of love, marriage and family. Published as part of the Quick Reads series.
Don't miss Adele's gripping new novel, the Sunday Times bestseller Both of You , out now!
Lisa is forty-two, divorced and a mum of three. For the past year, she has been going out with Mark, who is five years younger than her. Lisa really likes him but she worries that one day he will leave - just like her ex-husband did.
On top of everything else, Lisa feels really tired and moody, and has put on weight. She thinks it's the menopause - but could there be another reason for how she's feeling?
Lisa's life is about to change in a big way but does she want Mark by her side? Does he even want to be there?
With the help of her family and friends, Lisa starts to believe that a second chance of love and happiness might just be possible...
From Sunday Times bestselling author Adele Parks comes a touching story about the ups and downs of love, marriage and family. Published as part of the Quick Reads series.
Don't miss Adele's gripping new novel, the Sunday Times bestseller Both of You , out now!
Lisa is forty-two, divorced and a mum of three. For the past year, she has been going out with Mark, who is five years younger than her. Lisa really likes him but she worries that one day he will leave - just like her ex-husband did.
On top of everything else, Lisa feels really tired and moody, and has put on weight. She thinks it's the menopause - but could there be another reason for how she's feeling?
Lisa's life is about to change in a big way but does she want Mark by her side? Does he even want to be there?
With the help of her family and friends, Lisa starts to believe that a second chance of love and happiness might just be possible...
130 pages, Paperback
First published February 28, 2008
21 people are currently reading
632 people want to read
About the author
Adele Parks
61 books3,464 followersAdele Parks MBE is one of the most-loved and biggest-selling women's fiction writers in the UK. She has sold over 4 million books and her work has been translated into 30 different languages.
She has published 21 novels, all of which have been London Times bestsellers.
Adele has written 19 contemporary novels and 2 historical ones, Spare Brides and If You Go Away, which are set during and after WW1. Her latest novels, Both of You, Just My Luck, Lies Lies Lies, I Invited Her In, The Image of You and The Stranger in My Home are twisty, domestic noirs. Adele likes to scrutinize our concepts of family, our theories on love, parenting and fidelity.
During her career Adele has lived in Italy, Botswana and London. Now she lives happily in Surrey, UK with her husband, son and cat.
If you want to stay in touch you can find Adele on Twitter @AdeleParks, Instagram @Adele_Parks or Facebook @OfficialAdeleParks. You can sign up to her newsletter at eepurl.com/cI0l and there’s lots more info about Adele and her books on www.adeleparks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 6, 2020
Lisa is forty-two, divorced and a mum of three. For the past year, she has been going out with Mark, who is five years younger than her. Lisa really likes him but she worries that one day he will leave - just like her ex-husband did.
On top of everything else, Lisa feels really tired and moody, and has put on weight. She thinks it's the menopause - but could there be another reason for how she's feeling?
Lisa's life is about to change in a big way but does she want Mark by her side? Does he even want to be there?
With the help of her family and friends, Lisa starts to believe that a second chance of love and happiness might just be possible.
On top of everything else, Lisa feels really tired and moody, and has put on weight. She thinks it's the menopause - but could there be another reason for how she's feeling?
Lisa's life is about to change in a big way but does she want Mark by her side? Does he even want to be there?
With the help of her family and friends, Lisa starts to believe that a second chance of love and happiness might just be possible.
March 27, 2023
This was a Quick Read, which was in the kitchen at work. Even though it was very short, it took me a while to read because I only picked it up when I was making cups of tea and coffee for the team!. Because the Quick Reads series is designed to be accessible to people, it was very readable, with short chapters and an engaging storyline. It tells the story of a divorced, 40-something woman who finds her life taking an unexpected turn andvthr reaction of her friends and family. I think that Adele Parks did a great job of creating an interesting story, realistic characters, and a degree of suspense in such a short space of time. This book is ideal for anyone getting into reading for the first time - exactly what the series is for.
April 10, 2023
So I didn’t realise when I read this that it’s intended audience is those new to reading, so my original review was rather scathing of its style. Then I found out and felt rather guilty. It was a quick read, mercifully, but I’m not the target demographic and found it frustratingly boring and predictable. Don’t bother if you’re used to reading!
April 11, 2023
Bit predictable but nice easy read. Well written.
September 27, 2025
My first experience of a “Quick Reads” book; a good concept for those wanting a quick read or those getting into reading.
I enjoyed the story but would have preferred more depth, being written in the third person I didn’t get to know the main character.
I enjoyed the story but would have preferred more depth, being written in the third person I didn’t get to know the main character.
September 5, 2011
Cute, but predictable. Another from the Quick Reads series designed for new readers, so the story was not complex at all. Took me less than an hour to read it, and I saw the ending coming from a mile away. I'd recommend sticking with the author's longer novels, which are MUCH better.
September 25, 2020
I'm not sure what I expected but I have enjoyed previous books by Adele Parks, so I guess I thought that even though this was a small book it would be good.
I was disappointed. The main character was annoying, in fact all the characters were annoying and very sterotypical. There was no substance to the story and they wasn't really a point.
I'm not a short story lover, so maybe that was my problem, but either way, this book wasn't for me and I'm glad it only took me an hour to read.
I was disappointed. The main character was annoying, in fact all the characters were annoying and very sterotypical. There was no substance to the story and they wasn't really a point.
I'm not a short story lover, so maybe that was my problem, but either way, this book wasn't for me and I'm glad it only took me an hour to read.
March 22, 2022
I've only read one other Adele Parks book (Just My Luck), and I remember it being a really good domestic thriller.
This one however is not really. At just over 100 pages - you'd think it would "crack the whip" right into a good story line. But 20 pages are at least about the family history. Like I wanted it to hurry up! Yes, a quick read. But a good one? I'll leave you to form your own opinion.
This one however is not really. At just over 100 pages - you'd think it would "crack the whip" right into a good story line. But 20 pages are at least about the family history. Like I wanted it to hurry up! Yes, a quick read. But a good one? I'll leave you to form your own opinion.
February 1, 2017
Short and sweet.
Reflections of the families in my life shone through in this story of love and forgiveness. Familiar and comforting, giving me hope for a future filled with love. X
Reflections of the families in my life shone through in this story of love and forgiveness. Familiar and comforting, giving me hope for a future filled with love. X
February 4, 2021
Written like a Ladybird book, I almost read it in a sing-songy voice.
However, the gist of the story was good but could have guessed the storyline right from the beginning.
Read in an hour so does what it says on the tin 'quick read'.
Much prefer a 'proper' book!
However, the gist of the story was good but could have guessed the storyline right from the beginning.
Read in an hour so does what it says on the tin 'quick read'.
Much prefer a 'proper' book!
December 21, 2023
This was a nice short story, might have been short but it sure packed in a good enough story with details. Very well written with some good characters.
I’ve read some of Adele full length stories, all of which have been great which is why I didn’t hesitate in picking this one up.
I’ve read some of Adele full length stories, all of which have been great which is why I didn’t hesitate in picking this one up.
March 27, 2018
I really enjoyed this book, I could relate to parts of the story and I looked forward to reading a chapter each night. I would recommend it.
September 1, 2019
Adele Parks books are okay. Chick lit for a rainy day.
Read
April 25, 2020It’s a touchy feely warm story. I loved the book.
December 27, 2020
Not my usual type of book but I really enjoyed this quick read.
January 30, 2021
Just fancied a quick read as I'm between books and my last read was a hard one. I will definitely read Adele Parks in the future. The story was a little bit predictable and I guessed the ending.
May 5, 2021
Good but predictable
September 9, 2021
I love a Quick Reads book! This one from Adele Parks is lovely!
January 16, 2022
Nicely written short read.
Predictable but pleasant story.
Predictable but pleasant story.
June 21, 2023
This was an enjoyable quick read.
Perfect for when you want something light, easy and quick to read.
Perfect for when you want something light, easy and quick to read.
October 5, 2023
Predictable but fun.
June 9, 2024
A great quick read, where Lisa a divorcee has a great 'boyfriend' and yet is reluctant to commit, two teenage children is her focus, until - the test proved there will soon be a new number 3
May 28, 2025
Hadn’t heard of quick reads until after I finished the book. But it was a quick read (lol). Lovely little story.
August 11, 2025
A short story without an actual story.
April 16, 2016
I love reading books about a happy family because I am a family woman..So when I saw the cover of this book,I immediately downloaded it on my phone and read it instantly..
This is my first book of Adele Parks,and I think I'm going to read more of her books,because I enjoyed this story even when it was only a quick read..So,I really am looking forward to her full novels!
This is a story of a 42 year old woman,named Lisa who just abandoned by her jerky,asshole husband,leaving all their three kids to her(I really hate men who leave their wives just like that,and leave everything to her,especially the responsibilities with their children).And when her husband finally divorced her over the "Big Breasted Woman",she found that controlling her family was the hard part.
And though Lisa has been going out with Mark,(a man five years younger than her)for a few months now,she isn't convinced that Mark really likes her,and that he would leave her too,just like her ex-husband did,so she simply shuts him out..poor,man.
This was an interesting read,because the story revolves around Lisa's family..And though I didn't quite believe that Lisa couldn't differentiate the pregnancy from menopausal symptoms,(she got impregnated three times already!),and even though I haven't connected well with the characters,except with Lisa,the MC who I did emotionally get and understand,I found the story amusing because there were crying and laughing moments.
It really is nice to read a book with a happy ending! So if you're looking for an easy read,this one's for you!^^
This is my first book of Adele Parks,and I think I'm going to read more of her books,because I enjoyed this story even when it was only a quick read..So,I really am looking forward to her full novels!
This is a story of a 42 year old woman,named Lisa who just abandoned by her jerky,asshole husband,leaving all their three kids to her(I really hate men who leave their wives just like that,and leave everything to her,especially the responsibilities with their children).And when her husband finally divorced her over the "Big Breasted Woman",she found that controlling her family was the hard part.
And though Lisa has been going out with Mark,(a man five years younger than her)for a few months now,she isn't convinced that Mark really likes her,and that he would leave her too,just like her ex-husband did,so she simply shuts him out..poor,man.
This was an interesting read,because the story revolves around Lisa's family..And though I didn't quite believe that Lisa couldn't differentiate the pregnancy from menopausal symptoms,(she got impregnated three times already!),and even though I haven't connected well with the characters,except with Lisa,the MC who I did emotionally get and understand,I found the story amusing because there were crying and laughing moments.
It really is nice to read a book with a happy ending! So if you're looking for an easy read,this one's for you!^^
December 3, 2012
I am not a fan of many short stories, this one was only okay. Probably would have given it a 2 1/2 but didnt like it enough for a 3. Maybe I am not big on some short stories because I feel the story isn't complete, just a piece of one and I crave more of the story. You start to get into what's going on with the characters and story, and then its done.
I have read and enjoyed books of Adele Parks. I didnt find this one to be on the same level. Maybe it's because the story was too short. Yeah, I get that it was a "quick read" therefore I knew it'd be short but while I found this one to have some of the humour of Adele Parks books, I did find some of the writing and conversation to be somewhat juvenile. I didnt find they had much of a lasting relationship, there didn't seem to be any spark to it or much to keep their relationship going, Lisa didnt really seem to have much respect or feelings for Mark. And for the 111 pages it was, not much really happened. I could have summed up the whole story in 2 minutes. Definitely still will continue to read her books though. I
I have read and enjoyed books of Adele Parks. I didnt find this one to be on the same level. Maybe it's because the story was too short. Yeah, I get that it was a "quick read" therefore I knew it'd be short but while I found this one to have some of the humour of Adele Parks books, I did find some of the writing and conversation to be somewhat juvenile. I didnt find they had much of a lasting relationship, there didn't seem to be any spark to it or much to keep their relationship going, Lisa didnt really seem to have much respect or feelings for Mark. And for the 111 pages it was, not much really happened. I could have summed up the whole story in 2 minutes. Definitely still will continue to read her books though. I
March 17, 2013
absolutely brilliant. Loved this short story. it was a proper family based book and what goes on in families. despite some bad reviews on this book I actually really enjoyed it ( although I hated the sister Carol and ex husband Keith! ) never read any books by this author but will definitely be reading more of hers! perfect ending!
August 2, 2014
Love it love it!!! 3rd quick reader I've read. And loved them all. This one is a true picture of modern families and their dynamics. I understood Lisa's fears and worries, I understood the childrens disgust at their parents having sexual relations, and I understood the two men in the story! Believable character development.
March 24, 2014
If zero stars was an option that's what this would get. I have children who write better stories. No character development and written in all stunted, repetitive phrases; a bit like Dick and Jane only less interesting.
April 18, 2019
I’ll be honest and say I picked up a “quick read” as I’ve fallen behind with my reading challenge! I have to say I loved this! Not read Adele Parks before and I’ll be reading more by her in future!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews