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A review by mackenzierm
Mad About You by Mhairi McFarlane
5.0
MAD ABOUT YOU is an emotionally-packed read about Harriet who is an in-demand wedding photographer. She doesn't believe in love, romance, or the idea of marriage, so when her long-time partner proposes, she panics. Cal is a hopeless romantic who has also just experienced a wedding-related disaster. Harriet ends up moving in with Cal, a stranger who quickly becomes a friend. When Harriets most guarded secret (her opinions on marriage and romance) comes out, her world implodes putting her career, friendships, and reputation on the line.
This was a such a lovely and beautifully written novel. Of note: it does discuss some heavier and possibly triggering topics, so tread carefully! I've only read one other book by McFarlane (which I wrongly judged by the cover and ended up with a lackluster experience because of it)... but this read has blown my previous experience with this author's work out of the park. McFarlane displays her humour and wit within the dialogue and throughout the novel. It is so appreciated and so well-placed.
Funnily enough, this book is marketed as a contemporary romance novel which I don't quite agree with. While romance novels have their place, I think that MAD ABOUT YOU steps outside of that box and becomes so much more. A wise friend recommended this novel to me and her disclaimer was to go into it and be sure to keep in mind that it is not a romance and these words did me well to adjust my expectations. While it is a romance, it is not the type I usually read and lends itself more towards a women's fiction in my mind.
I loved Harriet in the role as the main character of this novel. She is kind, strong, courageous, brave, and caring. She has a solid story to tell with many ups and downs, but these ups and downs make for a great narrative for self-discovery. Harriet's character development is well-rounded making her feel realistic.
I loved the spark of romance that buds without fully blossoming in the way I expected it to. The connection that blooms between Cal and Harriet is so charming and genuine - I couldn't help but hope for more despite this not being the real focus of the story.
I will absolutely be keeping my eye out for more of McFarlane's work in the future!
This was a such a lovely and beautifully written novel. Of note: it does discuss some heavier and possibly triggering topics, so tread carefully! I've only read one other book by McFarlane (which I wrongly judged by the cover and ended up with a lackluster experience because of it)... but this read has blown my previous experience with this author's work out of the park. McFarlane displays her humour and wit within the dialogue and throughout the novel. It is so appreciated and so well-placed.
Funnily enough, this book is marketed as a contemporary romance novel which I don't quite agree with. While romance novels have their place, I think that MAD ABOUT YOU steps outside of that box and becomes so much more. A wise friend recommended this novel to me and her disclaimer was to go into it and be sure to keep in mind that it is not a romance and these words did me well to adjust my expectations. While it is a romance, it is not the type I usually read and lends itself more towards a women's fiction in my mind.
I loved Harriet in the role as the main character of this novel. She is kind, strong, courageous, brave, and caring. She has a solid story to tell with many ups and downs, but these ups and downs make for a great narrative for self-discovery. Harriet's character development is well-rounded making her feel realistic.
I loved the spark of romance that buds without fully blossoming in the way I expected it to. The connection that blooms between Cal and Harriet is so charming and genuine - I couldn't help but hope for more despite this not being the real focus of the story.
I will absolutely be keeping my eye out for more of McFarlane's work in the future!