Author: Jessica Dettman
ISBN: 9781460755969
RRP: $32.99
Publication Date: 1st January 2019
Publisher: HarperCollins
Copy: Courtesy of the Publisher
How to Be Second Best is the debut of Jessica Dettman, a modern comedy about the way we compete in our every day lives.
Going from one child to two is never all that easy for a family, but when Emma’s husband simultaneously fathers a third child three doors up the street, things get very tricky, very fast.
No longer is it enough for Emma to be the best wife and mother – now she’s trying to be the best ex-wife, and the best part-time parent to her ex’s love child, and that’s before she even thinks about adding a new bloke to the mix.
Set in an upwardly mobile, ultra-competitive suburb, this is a funny, biting, heartwarming modern comedy that looks at the roles we play, how we compete, and what happens when we dare to strive for second-best.
Modern parenting and blended families definitely set the scene for some great comedic moments, and some tugging on the heartstrings both to warm and break. It sounds like this could be quite a relatable story and packed with entertainment. I look forward to reading it.
In the meantime, thanks to Harper Collins 30 of our Beauty and Lace Club members will be reading How to Be Second Best and you can read what they thought in the comments below. Please be aware there may be spoilers.
How to Be Second Best is published by Harper Collins and is available now where all good books are sold.
I devour books, vampires and supernatural creatures are my genre of choice but over the past couple of years, I have broadened my horizons considerably. In a nutshell – I love to write! I love interacting with a diverse range of artists to bring you interviews. Perhaps we were perfect before – I LOVE WORDS!
“How To Be Second Best” is a novel that successfully walks the fine line between realistically funny and completely disconnected from the real world. Many readers are going to recognise pieces of themselves in this book; in particular, mothers, regardless of their relationship status, will find a lot that resonates.
Emma’s second child is only a few weeks old when her husband Troy admits he’s got another daughter, also only a few weeks old, and a few suburbs away. He swiftly leaves Emma and their children for Helen and their daughter. Before long Helen and Troy move in only three doors up from Emma; and even faster than that, Emma finds she’s somehow doing most of the parenting for all three children.
Three years later, Emma is fed up, but doesn’t know how to change the situation without making things awful for the kids. The novel follows Emma as she tries to protect the kids, make the parenting arrangements fairer, re-establish her career, and tentatively re-enter the world of dating. Naturally, not much goes smoothly.
Although a fair bit of the humor is derived from the kids, I’d call this a novel about relationships rather than parenting. There’s a relatability to Emma’s insecurities and attempts to do the right thing that most people will recognise. And although I laughed a lot, I also empathised with Emma’s worries and her day to day challenges.
Although the situations in the novel are heightened, this takes a look at some of the challenges of co-parenting, new spouses, and step children. It also takes a passing interest in parenting dilemmas and extended family. Overall, though, Dettmann seems most interested in Emma’s internal life and feelings.
This was a hugely enjoyable novel. It’s well written and easy to devour; the gloss of humor doesn’t hide the fact there’s some real substance to the novel. The characters are well drawn and believable. You’ve probably met someone similar to all of them. Frankly, there was nothing I disliked about this novel – it was just a fun read with a little to think about.
I absolutely love how this book is written by Jessica Dettmann, full of gusto and humour. I cant wait for her next book.
It is definitely heart-warming, real life drama mixed with a lot of laughs as well.
This novel looks into the life of modern parenting and how we try to keep up with society and put on a brave front.
Emma, whom is the main character, is thrown in to massive turmoil and it is a matter of showing everyone how good she can be. But what she realises is that it is ok to be second best.
Thanks B&L and Harper Collins for another ripper book.
Emma is a divorced single mother of 3 years. Emma has patience and love and a strength driven by a need to do what she can for her two children, Tim and Freya. She is however in an unusual situation with her ex-husband Troy, his new wife Helen and daughter Lola. Emma does what she can to keep the new family dynamics running smoothly, however in doing this Emma is being taken advantage of and not being appreciated for all her help.
This book follows Emma’s realisation that her and Troy her ex-husband is not getting back together, and it follows her through all kinds of amusing trouble (adventures) while sorting out the mess that is her life.
Thank you to Beauty and Lace and Harper Collins Books for the opportunity to read ‘How to be second best’ By Jessica Dettmann. I loved this book. I loved the main character Emma. I loved the light, realistic and humorous approach of the book. I could see myself in both Emma’s character and I could easily relate to her story.
I also love Emma’s family. Even though it can be hard to hear the truth at times I think we all need a blunt (out of love) talking sister and a caring, but also not afraid to tell it like it is Dad.
How to be Second Best by Jessica Dettmann is a light-hearted, funny book that I could not put down. From the very first chapter where Emma finds out that her newborn daughter has a sister the same age because of her cheating husband, to where Emma ends up being the main caregiver when her ex-husband & his new wife move in 3 doors down to when Emma, 3 years later, realises that her life is actually a complete mess. The whole thing had me smiling. I’ve really enjoyed this debut novel & I look foward to upcoming books by the author.
Thanks Beauty & Lace & Harper Collins !
How to be Second Best is the first novel by Jessica Dettmann. and is a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Emma finds out her husband has fathered another child born around the same time as her daughter Freya. Her husband Troy leaves her to live with Helen and their daughter Lola. They eventually move to 3 houses away from Emma, who ends up providing an almost permanent child minding service for Lola.
The story is an amusing look at how Emma finally realises to step back from being so helpful, and takes her first steps towards making a new life for herself.
An entertaining look at modern blended families.
Thankyou to Beauty and Lace and Harper Collins for the opportunity to read How to be Second Best by Jessica Dettmann.
I thouroughly enjoyed this book. Emma tells her story in a hilarious way. Her life is in turmoil! Her husband had an affair during Emma’s second pregnancy and fathers a child. He leaves Emma for his new family. Emma has become a single mum with 2 kids.
Three years on she realises that she can’t be every thing to every body and it is OK to be second best !
The characters are likeable and entertaining. Emma herself, her children, her ex, his new wife and child. Her sister, Dad, and new male friends.
It is such fun enjoyable read, thouroughly recommend it!
Look forward to her next book, definitely a 5 star read!
Thankyou Beautyand lace and HarperCollins for the opportunity to review ‘How to be Secnd Best’ by Jessica Dettman.
This was such a funny book, wonderful humour and wit, I really, really enjoyed it.
Emma is own her own with two small children, Tim, (at school) and Freya (three). Her ex husband Troy and his new wife Helen just live a few doors away.
Troy left Emma over three years ago to be with Helen who was pregrant to him with Lola their daughter born just before Freya.
Troy and Helen have an arrangement which means Emma is practically bringing up Lola having to take her to preschool with Freya as well as ballet, gymnastics, swimming, karate and french..
Emma seems happy to have Lola and with the arrangement, however, everybody tries to tell her she’s being taken advantage of, convincing her she’s a doormat..
The humour is so clever, Emma is a delightful character, with warts and all.
5 stars from me!
Thank you Beauty & Lace and Harper Collins for the opportunity to review “How to be second best” by Jessica Dettman.
I devoured this book from beginning to end! It was so refreshing to read a chick lit that was both having me giggle and relate one minute, to feeling like I needed to wipe a tear away.
The main character ‘Emma’ is written in the first person and she comes across as very personable and the way the author uses great turns of phrases makes you connect with all of Emma’s plights, whether that be relating or feeling for her or being frustrated with her!
I absolutely loved this book and thoroughly recommend this book as a good, lovely, lighthearted read.
Jessica Dettmann has written a splendid narrative about the whacky situations families can turn into in todays world. Although the situation in the story seems super crazy and totally beyond the realm of reality it creates a fabulous backdrop for the drama that unfolds within Dettmann’s book.
Emma is a warm, bright and intetesting character who dedicates herself to her children, others children, ex partners/husbands and inlaws. She doesn’t know how to move on, how to rebuild her life and how to create her own unique family situation which does not leave her a slave go regret, psdt loves, children and doing what others believe is the right thing to do.
it was a light, funny, and charming story which pulled at my heartstrings.
A delightfully charming perspective created from emotions and chaos, a terrible divorce, betrail, changes in perspectives and adding the winding road of new relationships and moving forward into life.
Thankyou for allowing me the chance to read this delightful novel.
I feel if I write more I will give way the plot of the narrative. Read and enjoy it.
I love this novel! ‘How to be Second Best’ is anything but second best.
This story will take you through the highs and lows of parenthood and the dramas of modern relationships. Emmas story of mangled relationships, the love of her children (and her ex-husbands daughter) and her relationship with her sister and father make for an amazing read! Her journey of self discovery is heartwarming.
Some parts are so funny (the party at Troys house and the impact on the stairs made me laugh out loud) and other parts a little sad, but this novel is always entertaining.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this novel – a must read for anyone and everyone! I look forward to future novels from Jessica Dettman!