The Magnificent Mrs Mayhew by Milly Johnson
Behind every successful man is a woman.
Behind the fall of a successful man is usually another woman.
Sophie Mayhew looks like she has the perfect life. Wife of rising political star John F Mayhew, a man who is one step away from the top job in the government, her glamour matches his looks, power, breeding and money. But John has made some stupid mistakes along the way, some of which are threatening to emerge. Still, all this can still be swept under the carpet as long as Sophie 'the trophy' plays her part in front of the cameras.
But the words that come out of Sophie’s mouth one morning on the doorstep of their country house are not the words the spin doctors put in there. Bursting out of the restrictive mould she has been in since birth, Sophie flees to a place that was special to her as a child, a small village on the coast where she intends to be alone.
But once there, she finds she becomes part of a community that warms her soul and makes her feel as if she is breathing properly for the first time. Sophie knows she won't be left in peace for long. Now she must decide: where does her real future lie?
My review...
Wow where do I start? A book that superbly showcases people in all their flawed glory. From the opening page I was pulled into a backstabbing world of one-upmanship where lies, sex and scandal are the currency in play and a conscientious mind and heart have no place in the game.
Life in the upper echelons of society is succeedingly tough, but throw politics into the mix and you get devious personified actions worthy of Oscars nominations. I have never met a set of characters I disliked so much as those salaciously attached to the John F Mayhew camp of bottom feeders. 'Poor Sophie' was the thought on everyone's lips, but boy did she rise to the occasion. What a character.....complex I will grant you that but for very good reasons. Had she not had such a firm grasp on the psychological workings of the mind I'm not sure she would have been triumphant in her actions. But let me tell you she was a force to be reckoned with. Her life has been a constant broken record of saving face and doing what ought to be done, even to the determent of happiness, love and an affectionate family. So rising like a phoenix from the ashes was a joy to witness.
The story line blends two worlds in perfect harmony. The political world of fake allies, yes men, complicit wives and social climbing mistresses slides neatly across to the warmth seen from the North. Yorkshire is a safe haven of honest, genuine interest and love, these opposing levels in society are portrayed to perfection by Milly to create something extremely special. I loved each and every moment of this book....even when I was silently screaming blue murder towards several characters at their devious unfeeling actions.
The Magnificent Mrs Mayhew serves excellence on every level. It is a delivery in psychological behaviour laid bare in all its ugly glory. Life isn't perfect but I believe good will always triumph and Sophie was the epitome of strength and endurance - a sheer beacon of light in this delightful story. If you haven't added this book to your TBR pile yet then what are you waiting for? I urge you all to grab your nearest copy today you won't be disappointed in the slightest.
About the author...
Milly Johnson was born, raised and still lives in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. As well as being an author of 16 published novels, 2 short story books and 2 novellas, she is also a copywriter for the greetings card industry, a poem and joke-writer, a columnist and a seasoned after dinner speaker.
She won the RoNA for Best Romantic Comedy Novel of 2014 and 2016 and the Yorkshire Society award for Arts and Culture 2015.
She writes about love, life, friendships and the importance of community spirit. Her books champion women, their strength and resilience and celebrate her beloved Yorkshire.
Her latest book - 'The Magnificent Mrs Mayhew' deals with a woman who has been conditioned since a child to be little more than a support for an important man. But there is much more to Mrs Mayhew than anyone who knows her - even her own family - could ever believe.
Milly's website is www.millyjohnson.co.uk. She is on Twitter as @millyjohnson, Instagram as @themillyjohnson and has a Facebook page @MillyJohnsonAuthor. She also has a monthly newsletter www.millyjohnson.co.uk/newsletter with exclusive, news, offers and competitions. Book review for The Magnificent Mrs Mayhew by Milly Johnson - Thanks a lot for your visiting Books Reviews, and your reading Book review for The Magnificent Mrs Mayhew by Milly Johnson, Label book collection, Label book review, Books Review Book review for The Magnificent Mrs Mayhew by Milly Johnson, don't forget to read another books reviews.
