Not many fans of Sophie Kinsella realize that she is actually Madeleine Wickham. Wickham also writes novels under her own name, which have been very popular. I read her novel Cocktails for Three a while ago and enjoyed it. Wickham could still be considered "chick lit" but not nearly as light and silly as the Shopaholic series. I thoroughly enjoyed Wickham's new novel, Sleeping Arrangements.
Chloe and her family desperately need a vacation. When her friend Gerard offers his extravagant villa in Spain, she gratefully accepts. When Chloe, her husband Phililp and their two children arrive, they find that Gerard has also promised the villa to another family for the same week by mistake. Hugh and his wife Amanda, along with their two girls and nanny, have already settled in and the two families must figure out a way to share the villa. Unbeknownst to Philip and Amanada, Chloe and Hugh know each other, having had a relationship many years ago. With both of their marriages under pressure, Chloe and Hugh find the old attractions flaring up. Is it possible that Gerard's "mistake" is actually a set up?
Although Wickham's book does not have the humor of the Shopaholic series, this is a good story. It is well written with an interesting plot, good dialogue and great descriptions of the Spanish villa. The narration bounces between the vacationers, which keeps the story moving along. Great summer reading!
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