Becca McCulloch Reads and Writes: Review

When We Were Us

A laugh-out-loud romantic comedy that will warm your heart! Perfect for fans of Mhairi McFarlane, Marian Keyes, Kathleen Whyman and Caroline James.

Is it ever too late to start again…?

Erika Forde has always played second fiddle to her husband David, the famous novelist. But since their son, Matt, left home for university, cracks have started to show in their marriage.

Erika has long had a nagging suspicion that David may not always have been faithful, and now his latest books are starting to wane in popularity causing erratic moods that are affecting Erika.

But while David’s career starts to dip, Erika’s advertising agency is on the up.

Erika’s creative genius wins the agency a huge client in Stable Denim, but her life is thrown into turmoil when one of the models cast for the campaign turns out to be her ex-boyfriend, Enzo.

Has Enzo been sent back into Erika’s life for a reason? Is it time for her to reevaluate her marriage?

Or should some things be left in the past…?

WHEN WE WERE US is a second chance love story, that shows the ups and downs of family life with buckets of humour and wit.

Review -

The book started on a very relatable conversation for any would-be author - how to be inclusive without being disingenuous. It went on to be relatable as a wife who feels more like an appliance than a person wonders what happened to her love story and why her child is such a terrible person. Then it coalesced as a relevant commentary on the American culture wars and the unintended consequences of gentle parenting. There was a lot going on for what was, ultimately, an easy afternoon of reading.

The novel follows Erika on the path out of her marriage and into the arms of her long-lost first love. It’s a sweet fantasy-made-reality for many women who feel that their marriage has lost its shine and that young love is the truest love. There was some strong language and quite a bit of bad-mouthing marriage which lessened the romance for me but won’t for most people. Everyone was happily enjoying their sexual partnerships at the end of the book, as promised.

I’m afraid that Erika’s snark may have followed me into this review. I have to praise the author for strength of voice. Erika felt very real, very funny and very modern. Erika has aged like Parmesan - a slightly smelly food that’s never quite “the rage” but adds just the right tang to every plate. She was a fun way to spend a few hours.

Purchase Links –

https://www.amazon.co.uk/When-We-Were-Us-heart-warming-ebook/dp/B0CLKX49FM

https://www.amazon.com/When-We-Were-Us-heart-warming-ebook/dp/B0CLKX49FM

Author Bio

Patricia Caliskan's latest novel, WHEN WE WERE US, will be released in February 2024.

GIRLFRIEND, INTERRUPTED, was released by Sapere Books, June 2018.

Her debut novel, AWFUL BY COMPARISON, was released in August 2016.

Told with mischievous humour, Patricia Caliskan’s stories explore family dynamics, office politics, and the divergent roles of women throughout their lives.

Patricia began her writing career as an arts and entertainment journalist, before joining Reach PLC as commercial editor across a portfolio of magazine titles.

Patricia likes a nice, flouncy scarf, a good pair of boots, and laughter. Lots of laughter. Otherwise life feels far too grown-up for her liking.