The Trials of Isabella M Smugge: #IssySmuggeisback

 

#PerfectlyArrangedforEffect

Good morning Bookaholics, well, the day I have been waiting for has arrived. Everyone's favourite lifestyle blogger, #influencer and #hashtagqueen is back in her second book, The Trials of Isabella M. Smugge. When it comes to follow up books one is always worried that the book will not measure up. So, I approached this book with a great deal of excitement and some measure of trepidation - would this second book live up to the brilliance of the first?

Let me reassure you my fears were groundless. I enjoyed every well-crafted word as much as I enjoyed the first book. I can safely say Issy's return is a triumph for her author, Ruth Leigh. In this book Isabella is pregnant and her husband has ditched her and run off with the au pair. Quite frankly, Issy is in a pickle, having to manage household and kids singlehandedly, for the first time in her life. How on earth would she cope and would this have an impact on her perfect lifestyle image? These questions kept me engaged, enthralled, and entertained throughout the whole book. I loved Issy in the first book but in this one she seems somehow more relatable. I loved seeing her progression and the way she handled every 'trial' that was thrown at her. Her growth was a delight and we get to see the softer side of her. I also loved seeing the way her friendships develop and grow and she relates to people much more fully. 

The ending left me on a cliff edge yet again. Ruth Leigh is a gifted writer and this shows in the way she teases and tantalises the reader, drawing them in and keeping them reading. Throughout the book I genuinely wanted to know what would happen next. I loved the book, I loved the ending, and I can't wait for the next one. I would like to recommend this book to the gallery. It is outstanding; what more can I say.

If you would like to buy a copy you can do so through the links below. 

Thank you, Bookaholics, for joining me for another review. Watch this space and I will be back soon with another post. Until then, keep reading and keep writing.