Mending the Perfect Marriage

Redefining Perfection #4

by Bella Ricks

Candace is nine years into her happily-ever-after, but it’s not quite what she expected…
There’s less candlelight and kissing, more diapers and doctor’s appointments.
Plus, Fitzwilliam, her leading man, is annoyingly absent.
Literally because he travels a lot for work. And figuratively because… well Candace isn’t sure.
But when a secret Fitz has been keeping turns her life upside down, she’s done pretending everything is perfect. As Candace picks apart their marriage, searching for the problem, Fitz reminds her of all the reasons she fell in love with him in the first place.
But is it already too late? Or is the perfect couple from their past still inside them somewhere?

Mending the Perfect Marriage is a laugh-out-loud, sweet true to life Rom Com about holding onto the happy ten years after 'happily ever after.' Full of relatable characters, it can be read as a standalone but the series is more fun if read in order.
Content Warning: Miscarriage, pregnancy issues, death of a parent. This book is about a married couple so bedroom things are discussed but never in detail or obscenely.

Genres: Second Chance, Contemporary

128 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 9, 2022

About the author

Bella Ricks has been living in a romantic comedy for as long as she can remember. In elementary school, she proposed to a classmate. He ran away.
In high school, a bully tried to cast her as his enemies-to-lovers heroine. She declined.
She took flirting lessons in college. But her tutor gave up and told her that her 'awkwardness was endearing.'
Then after living abroad and losing what remained of her social skills, she met her husband.
Their first kiss was a disaster. (I really was aiming for your cheek) A scheming ex tried to drive them apart but he wisely chose Bella.
Now, they are enjoying their HEA, as much as they can with five tiny barbarians waking then up at all hours if the night. Her husband gets up with them as often as she does. That's just one of the reasons he's her muse.

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Reviews

[Timiddy Jaymes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved it! Very relatable and an easy read. I needed something sweet to pick me up after reading gone girl and this was perfect! I’ve had a 24 week stillbirth so the part about loss was so comparable and heartfelt. I encourage all moms to read this one! Especially SAHMs, it’s just nice to see we aren’t the only ones who feel left out. True love lasts, you just have to put in the work. 3.75/5⭐️ for me!

[Sasha Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bella Ricks may have just become one of my favorite authors after ONE book! Everything about this from page 1 to the end was relatable. Even if you haven't personally gone through what Candace and Fitz did, it was so well written you FELT. I felt seen as a mom, as a wife and as a human being. I was able to relate to Candace in a way I really haven't related to a protagonist in a book and I was so relieved to see that it wasn't another "hey I messed up" "Yes you did" "forgive me" "show me" * waits 3 seconds * BAM. "Together & happily fixed" kind of tropey/love story. I liked the struggles and the need for more than just the show. Love, love, love.

Also, I finished faster than I've finished most books - I laughed, cried, mellowed out, got angry and went through it all over again with Candace. So I couldn't put it down!

*I received a review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.*

TW: pregnancy; infertility; miscarriage

[Gabby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book, perfect for a Sunday afternoon. It was a really cute light Romcom that will make you laugh and go through all the feelings. I love when books deal with real life issues that normal couples go through, and right away we get that action but it doesn’t feel heavy. It makes it so much more believable and realistic, and helps me connect to the characters. I enjoyed Candace and her group of friends and siblings, and overall she was very well written. I really felt for Candace throughout the book and wanted her to be happy. The chapters flowed well and I liked the flashbacks to really get to know Candace and Fitz. The only thing I didn’t like were the pet names that Fitz used. Not a big deal but they bothered me! I also wish it was a little longer. Definitely going to check out her other books!

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of "after the HEA" stories, and "Mending the Perfect Marriage" by Bella Ricks was one of the best ones I've ever read. Main character Candace Clark is so incredibly relatable, as are the issues she's facing in her nearly decade-long marriage to Fitz. The author did a fantastic job of presenting the subject with sympathy and humor, and the book's overall message was on point; marriage takes work, and communication with one's partner is key. While I wouldn't normally cheer for a couple to (temporarily) separate, Fitz clearly needed a wake-up call, and I loved his sweet efforts to show Candace not only that he was sorry, but that he would do better in the future.

I highly recommend this book for all sweet contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. It was the first book I've read by Bella Ricks but definitely won't be the last.

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

TW: pregnancy; infertility; miscarriage

[Sylvia Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

The prologue of the book was wonderful. I loved the soon to be husbands wedding vows. The first chapter starts off “ four kids and almost 10 years later”, beautiful! Another child might be on the way soon even though they weren’t expecting more. What could have happened ? Her husband lied to her, oh no. Why does a police officer come to her house? Lots of Drama in this book. I love the authors style of writing. I rate it 4 out of 4 stars.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by Bella Ricks and I will be back for more!
This story was super relatable as a wife and Mom. There are sweet memories, hilarious kid moments, and an overall feel good, heart melting, adorableness that just had me laughing and crying right along with the main character, Candace.
I definitely recommend checking this out!

[Dayna M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was lovely. I finished this book in one day. More like a couple of hours. It moved so fast for me and I loved their story. The funny kids that do funny things, the jokes, the siblings. Overall I’d say this was a great book and I’d definitely read more by this author.

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kallie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book. The characters literally had me laughing at their antics.

[Sarah Nguyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

9 years into her marriage she finds herself pregnant with her fifth child and an absent husband. She wants to be more then just a stay at home mom

[Camille Dayton Fostering.literacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a delightful easy read! After finding about a devastating mistake that her husband made, Candace has to really dig deep to see if she is willing to stay committed to her marriage. Don’t worry, her husband has to put in work too! Many of the stories had me laughing out loud, which meant I had to share them with my husband. He laughed a lot too. Read this book if you are looking for humor and a dose of real life in the trenches marriage and motherhood.

I was given an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a review, but all opinions expressed are my own.

[Cynthie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, cute and quick read. I liked reading the little flashbacks which was written out to be in tandem with all the text messages.