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Mothers & Daughters
Carol married young -- to philandering Phil; and became a mother young -- to highly-strung Jaz. Carol put up with Phil's infidelities: suffer in silence and keep the family together was her mantra. Not so Jaz. The moment she discovers her own husband Ian's errant ways -- with a woman he barely knew -- she throws him out of the house, changes the locks and bans him from seeing their toddler son Matty.
In so many ways independent and strong, where her daughter is concerned Carol is a coward. When Jaz finds out that her mother has enlisted the support of Ian's father David to try to get her back together with Ian, Jaz is beyond furious and disappears with Matty.
With a deft lightness of touch -- and a dash of unexpected romance -- Kate Long takes us into the heart of this mixed-up but utterly recognisable family who fight for what they believe in, even if it puts the closest members on opposing sides.
In so many ways independent and strong, where her daughter is concerned Carol is a coward. When Jaz finds out that her mother has enlisted the support of Ian's father David to try to get her back together with Ian, Jaz is beyond furious and disappears with Matty.
With a deft lightness of touch -- and a dash of unexpected romance -- Kate Long takes us into the heart of this mixed-up but utterly recognisable family who fight for what they believe in, even if it puts the closest members on opposing sides.
454 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2010
2 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Kate Long
22 books81 followersHello! And welcome to my GoodReads author page.
New: Pinterest boards!
https://www.pinterest.com/volewriter/... - For my new novel, Something Only We Know
http://pinterest.com/volewriter/bank-... See where Charlotte, Karen and Nan actually live!
and my Bad Mothers Facebook page, with lots of background info on the characters and filming: http://www.facebook.com/BadMothersUnited
I write bittersweet novels about family drama and personal crises, especially stories involving the relationship between mothers and daughters.
I like my books to ask questions such as, What makes a parent good or bad? In what way does a family's history shape its present? How can we make the best of the hand which life has dealt us?
My characters tend to have 'ordinary' backgrounds - but actually I think no one is truly ordinary. We all have amazing tales to tell of risk and loss, survival and disaster and triumph, on whatever scale. The most intense dramas are often played out across a domestic stage, with unexpected discoveries and revelations, patterns repeated or shattered forever, bonds broken and new alliances formed.
I've found myself as a reader that meeting such issues in fiction can help me make sense of the real world around me.
Recurring themes in my books include adoption, pregnancy/fertility issues, mental health, sexuality, disability, infidelity and the breaking of family secrets. I also tend to set the action in a specific place around Lancashire, Cheshire or Shropshire.
New: Pinterest boards!
https://www.pinterest.com/volewriter/... - For my new novel, Something Only We Know
http://pinterest.com/volewriter/bank-... See where Charlotte, Karen and Nan actually live!
and my Bad Mothers Facebook page, with lots of background info on the characters and filming: http://www.facebook.com/BadMothersUnited
I write bittersweet novels about family drama and personal crises, especially stories involving the relationship between mothers and daughters.
I like my books to ask questions such as, What makes a parent good or bad? In what way does a family's history shape its present? How can we make the best of the hand which life has dealt us?
My characters tend to have 'ordinary' backgrounds - but actually I think no one is truly ordinary. We all have amazing tales to tell of risk and loss, survival and disaster and triumph, on whatever scale. The most intense dramas are often played out across a domestic stage, with unexpected discoveries and revelations, patterns repeated or shattered forever, bonds broken and new alliances formed.
I've found myself as a reader that meeting such issues in fiction can help me make sense of the real world around me.
Recurring themes in my books include adoption, pregnancy/fertility issues, mental health, sexuality, disability, infidelity and the breaking of family secrets. I also tend to set the action in a specific place around Lancashire, Cheshire or Shropshire.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 30, 2012
Contrary to the impression given by the title and book cover design, this is not chick-lit and it's not a guide in how to cheat. Instead it's a story of how a middle-aged woman deals with family problems caused by the cheating of her husband and son-in-law (and the selfish actions of her daughter). It's not a genre I normally read, and yet it kept me turning the pages and wanting to know what happened.
The characters are multi-faceted, the writing is subtle and compelling and the ending deeply satisfying.
The characters are multi-faceted, the writing is subtle and compelling and the ending deeply satisfying.
Did not finish
February 12, 2017I was bored, so of course I gave up
January 5, 2013
I really enjoyed this novel. In this one we are introduced to Carol and Jaz, mother and daughter, and the whole shebang tht goes with that relationship.
It's never a perfect relationship, Jaz has issues, Carol has issues; Carol doesn't want to hurt Jaz but sometimes Carol needs to stand up to Jaz.
When Jaz'z marriage hits a rough patch, the first person she calls is her mum and the first person she punishes when things don't go well is her mum.
Carol doesn't want to interfere but only wants what is best for Jaz and grandson Matty and if that means going behind Jaz's back a little, then she's prepared to risk it, but she's not prepared when Jaz hits back in the most cruel way imaginable.
This novel inspects quite closely, not only, the relationship between mother and daughter, but that between spouses, dads and daughters, in laws, friends and neighbours. It's a complicated world out there and things are never as they seem.
Many things resonated with me, both as a daughter, a mum and as a wife. I think Kate Long is spot on with her observations and relationsips and she doesn't make anything flowery or superfluous. Her characters are interesting and realistic, with faults and quirks. A little hint of romance goes a long way and ends the novel on just the right upnote. A fabulous read.
It's never a perfect relationship, Jaz has issues, Carol has issues; Carol doesn't want to hurt Jaz but sometimes Carol needs to stand up to Jaz.
When Jaz'z marriage hits a rough patch, the first person she calls is her mum and the first person she punishes when things don't go well is her mum.
Carol doesn't want to interfere but only wants what is best for Jaz and grandson Matty and if that means going behind Jaz's back a little, then she's prepared to risk it, but she's not prepared when Jaz hits back in the most cruel way imaginable.
This novel inspects quite closely, not only, the relationship between mother and daughter, but that between spouses, dads and daughters, in laws, friends and neighbours. It's a complicated world out there and things are never as they seem.
Many things resonated with me, both as a daughter, a mum and as a wife. I think Kate Long is spot on with her observations and relationsips and she doesn't make anything flowery or superfluous. Her characters are interesting and realistic, with faults and quirks. A little hint of romance goes a long way and ends the novel on just the right upnote. A fabulous read.
March 6, 2013
Such a shame, I've enjoyed other books by this author but I only got half way through this one before giving up, a rarity for me.
I just didn't like any of the characters, Carole was pathetic and Jaz was an annoying drama queen who needed a slap!
I know other reviews have said the ending is great, but up to the point I gave up it was all doom and gloom and I just didn't care enough to find out what happened. I hate not enjoying books but I just couldn't force myself into this one, sorry!
I just didn't like any of the characters, Carole was pathetic and Jaz was an annoying drama queen who needed a slap!
I know other reviews have said the ending is great, but up to the point I gave up it was all doom and gloom and I just didn't care enough to find out what happened. I hate not enjoying books but I just couldn't force myself into this one, sorry!
April 19, 2012
Really enjoyed this. A story that really makes you think about mother/daughter relationships and all the complex things attached to family dynamics. The story is told by 50 something Carol, and her helping grown up daughter Jaz through her husband's infedelity. It made me consider how it will be parenting my own child when he grows up, a scary thought!
January 4, 2013
Proof that in life you most hurt the ones you love. Another insight into family life and the complications that exist within them. I have loved all of Kate's books so far, each one is unique and compelling.
August 24, 2011
I really liked this book, i have read some others by the same author.
September 24, 2012
Another good title by Kate Long on family dynamics. Although I didn't like Jaz much, the story was interesting enough to keep reading.
July 17, 2012
i love this book, a must read
February 22, 2010
When Jaz discovers her husband Ian has slept with someone else – a quick fumble that meant nothing, says Ian – she kicks him out leaving Jaz’s mum Carol distraught. She thought Jaz and Ian were made for each other and thinks they should get back together for the sake of their son Matty. Carol joins forces with Ian’s dad David in a bid to reunite their children which only serves to irritate Jaz more. So much so, that Jaz tells both Ian, David and Carol they will never see Matty again. Will Jaz follow through on her threat and can this family ever repair the many shattered relationships?
Although I’ve never read any of Kate Long’s books I have actually heard of her books and I know that her debut novel, The Bad Mother’s Handbook, was made into a TV film and was enjoyed by many. Four books later and we arrive at Kate’s latest book A Mother’s Guide to Cheating. When it arrived in the mail, I thought it looked quite good and sounded fantastic so since I knew it had already been released I decided to start it as soon as I could.
The book immediately captured me, as it’s told from Carol’s point of view which makes it very easy to get into. Each chapter tells us about a photograph Carol has in her huge photograph collection and the story behind the photograph which helps to fill in a lot of gaps about the Morgan family. I thought that was an incredibly unique addition to the book and I looked forward to learning about each and every photograph picked. I say the book captured me immediately and for the first 100 or so pages I did hugely enjoy the book. The problems arose, for me, as the book progressed as little seemed to happen and I found myself getting a little bit bored with the book.
My main problem is the plot. On reading the inside cover I expected a lot more. The inside cover talks about Carol’s marriage to Phil which had a lot of ups and downs due to Phil’s constant cheating and I thought the book might have delved a bit more into that. It was interesting to learn why Carol had stayed with Phil for so many years and is a reason that is trotted out constantly: because of their child, because of Jaz. It’s a subject that is debated often: is it better to just put up with your marriage for the sake of your child or is it actually better to quit while you’re ahead and save the child listening to all of the arguments that would undoubtedly occur in a bad marriage? I personally favour the latter route but I have yet to be married or have a child so I fully appreciate a situation can change. Whereas Carol took the former route – to much criticism from Jaz, I must say – Jaz herself favoured my way of doing things and kicked Ian out as soon as he admitted to his guilt.
What really puzzled me about the entire book was why, after having such an unhappy marriage herself due to a cheating husband, Carol would want Jaz to get back with Ian. It was illogical at best. I don’t understand why Carol would want her daughter to suffer the same amount of unhappiness for twenty-ish years like she had just for the sake of her child particularly when it was abundantly clear Phil and Carol staying together did more harm to Jaz than splitting up ever really would have done. It didn’t make any sense and yet the whole plot of the book hinges on Carol’s bid to get Jaz and Ian back together.
There are other plots woven into the story – the death of Carol’s friend Eileen, Phil’s relationship with his mistress as well as Carol’s father’s failing health. The inclusion of Carol’s dad’s illness was very well handled and very sad to read about. Kate Long handled it very sensitively and I liked reading about Carol going to visit him. The other minor storyline is Jaz’s anger at Carol going behind her back about things which causes Jaz to take Matty away for quite some time. I thought that was fairly selfish of Jaz and, if I’m honest, the entire thing was quite unrealistic. After all, what father worth his salt would just let his child go off for an indeterminate length of time without no contact? It frustrated me to read of Carol’s fruitless search for her grandson. It’s obvious early on that Carol adores her grandson and for Jaz to do that to her own mum was incredibly mean and I found that I couldn’t sympathise with Jaz at all for anything.
Jaz doesn’t come across as very likeable at all. At no point did I ever begin to like Jaz because I found she was far too snippy and selfish and just plain cold-hearted. To make your own mother afraid to speak her mind said it all about Jaz. I quite liked Carol. It’s easy to like her as she narrates the book so you’d be in trouble if you didn’t find her easy to like. She does have a few faults – the biggest being afraid of your own daughter. To see how Jaz taking Matty away had changed Carol’s perception of her daughter was quite hard to read because all Carol worried about was Jaz doing it again. That’s how unpredictable Jaz was. The only man who seemed decent throughout the book from Phil, Ian and David was the latter, David. Both Phil and Ian are nothing but cheats but I liked David. He seemed very nice and although I knew where the romance from the book was coming from, I had no problem with it. Young Matty was probably my favourite character. He was the glue that kept everything together, it seems.
A Mother’s Guide to Cheating was an OK enough read. It’s not the kind of book that makes me want to rush out and buy the rest of Kate’s book but it passed the time well enough, although I did find my attention span lacking as the book drew to a close. Kate Long’s writing is OK, too. It certainly kept me reading and even had me laughing a few times. Carol isn’t like your usual chick lit heroine, which will appeal to a lot of people, and Kate Long certianly knows how to write a family drama. It just wasn’t to my taste, really.
Although I’ve never read any of Kate Long’s books I have actually heard of her books and I know that her debut novel, The Bad Mother’s Handbook, was made into a TV film and was enjoyed by many. Four books later and we arrive at Kate’s latest book A Mother’s Guide to Cheating. When it arrived in the mail, I thought it looked quite good and sounded fantastic so since I knew it had already been released I decided to start it as soon as I could.
The book immediately captured me, as it’s told from Carol’s point of view which makes it very easy to get into. Each chapter tells us about a photograph Carol has in her huge photograph collection and the story behind the photograph which helps to fill in a lot of gaps about the Morgan family. I thought that was an incredibly unique addition to the book and I looked forward to learning about each and every photograph picked. I say the book captured me immediately and for the first 100 or so pages I did hugely enjoy the book. The problems arose, for me, as the book progressed as little seemed to happen and I found myself getting a little bit bored with the book.
My main problem is the plot. On reading the inside cover I expected a lot more. The inside cover talks about Carol’s marriage to Phil which had a lot of ups and downs due to Phil’s constant cheating and I thought the book might have delved a bit more into that. It was interesting to learn why Carol had stayed with Phil for so many years and is a reason that is trotted out constantly: because of their child, because of Jaz. It’s a subject that is debated often: is it better to just put up with your marriage for the sake of your child or is it actually better to quit while you’re ahead and save the child listening to all of the arguments that would undoubtedly occur in a bad marriage? I personally favour the latter route but I have yet to be married or have a child so I fully appreciate a situation can change. Whereas Carol took the former route – to much criticism from Jaz, I must say – Jaz herself favoured my way of doing things and kicked Ian out as soon as he admitted to his guilt.
What really puzzled me about the entire book was why, after having such an unhappy marriage herself due to a cheating husband, Carol would want Jaz to get back with Ian. It was illogical at best. I don’t understand why Carol would want her daughter to suffer the same amount of unhappiness for twenty-ish years like she had just for the sake of her child particularly when it was abundantly clear Phil and Carol staying together did more harm to Jaz than splitting up ever really would have done. It didn’t make any sense and yet the whole plot of the book hinges on Carol’s bid to get Jaz and Ian back together.
There are other plots woven into the story – the death of Carol’s friend Eileen, Phil’s relationship with his mistress as well as Carol’s father’s failing health. The inclusion of Carol’s dad’s illness was very well handled and very sad to read about. Kate Long handled it very sensitively and I liked reading about Carol going to visit him. The other minor storyline is Jaz’s anger at Carol going behind her back about things which causes Jaz to take Matty away for quite some time. I thought that was fairly selfish of Jaz and, if I’m honest, the entire thing was quite unrealistic. After all, what father worth his salt would just let his child go off for an indeterminate length of time without no contact? It frustrated me to read of Carol’s fruitless search for her grandson. It’s obvious early on that Carol adores her grandson and for Jaz to do that to her own mum was incredibly mean and I found that I couldn’t sympathise with Jaz at all for anything.
Jaz doesn’t come across as very likeable at all. At no point did I ever begin to like Jaz because I found she was far too snippy and selfish and just plain cold-hearted. To make your own mother afraid to speak her mind said it all about Jaz. I quite liked Carol. It’s easy to like her as she narrates the book so you’d be in trouble if you didn’t find her easy to like. She does have a few faults – the biggest being afraid of your own daughter. To see how Jaz taking Matty away had changed Carol’s perception of her daughter was quite hard to read because all Carol worried about was Jaz doing it again. That’s how unpredictable Jaz was. The only man who seemed decent throughout the book from Phil, Ian and David was the latter, David. Both Phil and Ian are nothing but cheats but I liked David. He seemed very nice and although I knew where the romance from the book was coming from, I had no problem with it. Young Matty was probably my favourite character. He was the glue that kept everything together, it seems.
A Mother’s Guide to Cheating was an OK enough read. It’s not the kind of book that makes me want to rush out and buy the rest of Kate’s book but it passed the time well enough, although I did find my attention span lacking as the book drew to a close. Kate Long’s writing is OK, too. It certainly kept me reading and even had me laughing a few times. Carol isn’t like your usual chick lit heroine, which will appeal to a lot of people, and Kate Long certianly knows how to write a family drama. It just wasn’t to my taste, really.
March 12, 2024
Brilliant!!
It isn’t based on a ridiculously unique or unbelievable story at all. It is based on a one of the most naturally occurring things - parent child relationships, generational relationships and traumas and love and rejection and acceptance and misunderstandings and understandings.
It’s so real, raw and emotional. It feels like a life I could have lived, a life that I HAVE lived.
The writing is beautiful. It is fluid and flows perfectly. I didn’t have to reread more than a few places where I probably wasn’t paying attention on the first read.
I an absolutely recommending this!
It isn’t based on a ridiculously unique or unbelievable story at all. It is based on a one of the most naturally occurring things - parent child relationships, generational relationships and traumas and love and rejection and acceptance and misunderstandings and understandings.
It’s so real, raw and emotional. It feels like a life I could have lived, a life that I HAVE lived.
The writing is beautiful. It is fluid and flows perfectly. I didn’t have to reread more than a few places where I probably wasn’t paying attention on the first read.
I an absolutely recommending this!
October 26, 2017
I got very exasperated with some of the characters in this book. Jaz is a foul-mouthed, spoilt brat who needed someone to stand up to her long ago. Carol is a doormat who puts everyone elses needs in front of her own and is much too wrapped up in her grandson.
I liked Phil and felt quite sorry for him, despite his inability to be faithful, that is up until we found out about Eileen, I went off him after that!
Kate Long writes about realistic family dynamics and I recommend all her books.
I liked Phil and felt quite sorry for him, despite his inability to be faithful, that is up until we found out about Eileen, I went off him after that!
Kate Long writes about realistic family dynamics and I recommend all her books.
January 14, 2021
Each chapter of this book begins with the description of a photograph, which I like. The book tells the story of a lady and her grownup daughter, their relationship and how it matures. It's not a fast paced book, by any means, but I did enjoy it, especially as it is set near Chester, where my family is from.
October 29, 2017
This was one of those times that the cover should be ignored. The cover makes the book look silly and frivolous when in fact it was really good. Interesting and thought provoking.
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January 19, 2021Ok I
February 25, 2013
This is a good warm-hearted book about the bittersweet pleasures of being a grandparent. The plot is straight forward enough – Jaz, discovers her husband has had an affair and turns to mother Carol to help pick up the pieces. Carol has put up with a philandering husband for most of her adult life, but still thinks Jaz should take back her husband. The book is seen through the eyes of Carol, a kindly middle-aged woman for whom life hasn't been easy. She tries to act as a go-between between her daughter and husband, but in doing so alienates her daughter and risks losing access to the grandson she adores.
It’s a tale of families and recriminations going down through generations and how you never succeed in being quite the parent you aim to be. It’s about the secrets your children keep from you and that in the end you have to accept them flaws and all. Jaz isn’t a particularly endearing character, but then again I think that’s the point, she’s not meant to be - you can’t dictate how your children will turn out. Written in a down-to-earth way, its poignant without being overly sentimental.
The book I read was called `Mothers and Daughters’, a more appropriate title I think, I don’t know if they changed it.
It’s a tale of families and recriminations going down through generations and how you never succeed in being quite the parent you aim to be. It’s about the secrets your children keep from you and that in the end you have to accept them flaws and all. Jaz isn’t a particularly endearing character, but then again I think that’s the point, she’s not meant to be - you can’t dictate how your children will turn out. Written in a down-to-earth way, its poignant without being overly sentimental.
The book I read was called `Mothers and Daughters’, a more appropriate title I think, I don’t know if they changed it.
September 21, 2010
REally enjoyed this. Felt the title was slightly misleading, as Carole is not some man-eater romping her way through men somewhere in the north of England. Rather she has been the cheatee and now in middle age is finding a new way through life. The theme of infidelity and secrets runs through the book.
Lots of poignant moments and Long writes so well about the domestic setting, especially with reference to older people. The objects she describes as belonging to them and their homes jogged my memory of my grandparents.
The device of using photographs as a starting point for a new character, or viewpoint is effective and lets the secrets and new information come to our attention.
Lots of poignant moments and Long writes so well about the domestic setting, especially with reference to older people. The objects she describes as belonging to them and their homes jogged my memory of my grandparents.
The device of using photographs as a starting point for a new character, or viewpoint is effective and lets the secrets and new information come to our attention.
January 25, 2013
Hmmm The problem with this book was that I didn't like Carol. And since the entire story is through her eyes, I just didn't warm to it. To be honest it wasn't just Carol I didn't like, it was Jaz, Nat, Ian, Phil, Penny.......The only two characters I'd have been happy to hang out with were Matty, he is a 4 year old and Bob who doesn't even know your there. It's an okay book but nothing special. It could have done with being shorter.
January 13, 2014
As several other readers have already said, I didn't like any of the characters in this book and I almost gave up after the first chapter, but I persevered - I needn't have bothered - it didn't improve at all! Sorry but there was nothing about any of the characters that I could warm to. I felt the story was pretty weak too.
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February 20, 2015Oh dear.....very rare this happens but have given up on this at only page 40! Don't like the characters, finding the minutiae of Carol's life tedious & am really surprised in how different it seems to other books by this author - which incidentally I really enjoyed! Maybe I will go back to this but somehow I doubt it
August 6, 2011
Rather slow moving and can't really identify with Carol, who seems a bit obsessed with being a 'good' mother to her daughter, Jaz.
The parts about Jaz coming back home and how she resolves her broken marriage are rather unclear and unconvincing. I like other books of Kate Long better.
The parts about Jaz coming back home and how she resolves her broken marriage are rather unclear and unconvincing. I like other books of Kate Long better.
March 7, 2011
I enjoyed this book after struggling through the first chapter. The title is dreadful and almost put me off buying the book. Glad I read the blurb instead .
May 26, 2011
Reasonable story from Kate Long but I don't feel she has ever hit the heights of her first two books
Read
July 31, 2011An easy to read book, story didn't grip me as much as I would've liked it to, but still worth a read.
September 17, 2011
Interesting but sloow moving at times. Not as humorous as her previous books.
October 22, 2013
I enjoyed this. I liked Carol nut found Jaz very annoying and thought she should grow up. I found it interesting to read and I could have cheered when Carol finally stood up to Jaz.
Read
June 9, 2014I got a quarter way through this book and had to stop. I had just finished reading a fabulous book and this one didn't measure up. :(
January 11, 2015
Had to give up about 6 chapters in, just couldn't get into the book or the characters
February 12, 2015
Really i Tried to get in to this book but found it hard, it just not for me, I could not finish it which I hate doing but could not carry on after chapter fourteen.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews