Mothers, Fathers & Lovers

by Ruby Soames

Ever wonder what it's like to date an actor who hits the big time? Intrigue, jealousy, resentment – and that’s just your closest friends. When Sarah Tyler’s boyfriend shoots from penniless waiter to Hollywood star, she sinks from city lawyer to homeless, lovesick dog walker.

Genres: Romance

Unknown Binding

First published July 21, 2014

About the author

Ruby Soames writes emotionally charged, character-driven fiction about ambition, desire, and the fallout from choices we can't take back. She's fascinated by the tension between self-preservation and self-destruction — especially when it plays out behind closed doors, in relationships that look perfect from the outside.

Her latest novel, Homewrecked, is longlisted for the Somerset (CIBA) Award for Contemporary Literature and is a finalist for the Wishing Shelf Book Awards 2025. Her previous novel, Seven Days to Tell You, won Readers' Favourite at the Hookline Novel Writers' Competition before being published by Bloodhound Books.

If you enjoy the layered domestic tension of Big Little Lies, the cool intelligence of Anne Tyler, or the emotional precision of Maggie O'Farrell, you'll find yourself in familiar territory.

Born in Chelsea to an American-Irish model and film financier, Ruby was expelled from her girls' boarding school at fifteen. With no qualifications, she got by as a model, painter and decorator, and life insurance sales rep until, in love with reading, she found her way to Bristol University to study Literature and Theology. She holds an MA in Creative Writing from Manchester Metropolitan University and an MSc in Psychology from Liverpool.

Ruby's writing has appeared in magazines, newspapers and anthologies, and her short fiction has been shortlisted in literary competitions including The Short Story Prize.

She lives in the south of France with her two children and travel writer Jon Bryant.

Fun fact: although a descendant of Nell Gwynne, she has never eaten fruit.

Reviews

[Books, Chocolate and Wine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had one of the best openings I have read in a long time, setting very high expectations, unfortunately, the rest of the book did not live up to them.

In this book we follow Sarah, who's boyfriend is Hollywood's hot new up and coming actor, the press are all over the story of his apparent romance with his new leading lady. Sarah's mother has suffered years of mental illness following her abandonment due to Sarah being the result of an illicit affair with her boss therefore, Sarah has no relationship with her father. As Sarah's own life falls into turmoil she takes a much needed holiday, where each piece of her life and issues are resolved.

This book started with a bang, the reader is thrown in at the deep end and is hooked from the first few pages. However, I then found the next part, where we learn of Sarah's background to be on the slow side. The middle of the book, although the author clearly meant this to be witty, portraying the excessive trashy behavior of Yuleka, I found this to be excessive, becoming more and more ridiculous and outlandishly unbelievable.

Although Sarah did get the happily ever after she and the reader were hoping for, it felt rushed and just too smooth. After a lifetime of mental illness, her mother makes an instant overnight recovery, and Peter? Where did he disappear to? After becoming such a prominent yet mysterious character, he simply vanishes to be forgotten three quarters of the way through the book leaving so many questions about him unanswered.

This book was full of potential, the author clearly has writing ability but for me this missed the mark, there are also a few editing issues that could be tightened. This would not put me off reading anything from this author again in the future, as she has shown us with the opening of this book, she has writing skills, they just need to be honed.

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far this has been my favorite book this year. I'd been really into 'Seven Days to Tell You' which I got in a Book Giveaway a while ago and was really interested to see what would follow. I also bought this because yeah, I have often wondered what it would be to date someone who got famous - and right from the get go, you find out it's not what you might think watching E!ntertainment! Sarah Tyler's life is turned upside down when she starts reading about her boyfriend's life in celeb stories - and what she learns effects her life too, big time. But it's not just all about boys and fame. She begins to realize that something in her past was holding her back from having a really commited relationship - and that 'something' was the fact her dad ran out on her mom when Sarah was a baby. She decides to go in search of her dad and get some answers.

The only trouble is, her dad is getting married again in Barbados - Sarah has no choice but to follow them out there and make friends with the couple. Awkward! This book is completely different from Ruby Soames' last - but really good too - I laughed out loud a few times. I was gripped by the story but also moved and inspired by the thoughts underneath, like how she deals with meeting the dad who'd abandoned her when she was a baby.

I loved going from cold London to Barbados and I found the characterisation just brilliant as well as the dialogue. All of the people in the book are hilariously colorful and real. So, overall I appreciated traveling with Sarah, not only emotionally but all the way to the Caribbean. Totally recommend. And please could someone make this a film?!

[Jake Styles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought my family was dysfunctional! I downloaded the Kindle edition of this because I'd really enjoyed Seven Days to Tell You by the same author. I was looking forward to another psychological thriller but this is different. It's probably more chick-lit than I'd normally go for but the more I got into it, the more complex, funny and multi-faceted it was. A lot of LOL moments. I never thought about what it must be like to be an unknown living with a celeb and I really got into Sarah's dilemma about entering that world. I'm definetely going to recommend this to my mum and sisters as well as girlfriends who like to escape and fantasise about having problems with gorgeous but messed up blokes!

[Jon Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really enjoyable, transporting book. The characters are well-observed and stay with you after you've read it. The dialogue is great and although it's easy to read and funny, it has a tendency to bite you with heartfelt and deep observations about relationship. It's a really good mix of social classes and locations, London and Barbados. There are some brilliantly inventive scenarios which are well-observed and very comic. I loved the ghastly wedding scene where Sarah ends up being bridesmaid to her long-lost dad! I thought it was funny, original and a super read with some touching and shocking moments.

[Rosa Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though this is a comic novel, I found myself relating to the heroine Sarah as she tries to cope with a painful breakup and chases down her absent father. I found it difficult to put down my Kindle as the suspense builds until the end. Finishing the book was like saying good-bye to a friend.

[Faye Ridpath · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free from Bloodhound Books.

This was a wonderfully written book about how being abandoned by her father affects Stella's ability to love and trust.

I enjoyed Stella's journey to confront her father.

[Morgana Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. I really enjoyed this book - found it hard to put down. Totally recommend it to anybody who loves a great story!

[Yvonne Barlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny and frustrating - funny because Sarah and her mother are not run of the mill characters; frustrating because Sarah doesn't always do what you would like her to do.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was completely chaotic, but in a good way. I really enjoyed reading about these characters, although I greatly disliked most of them. It was well written and so very enjoyable!

[Scott Parsons · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second novel by Ruby Soames that I have read.

It starts off on an interesting note, detailing the love relationship between Stella Tyler, a lawyer, and Joseph West, an actor. They had met at university where Stella supported Joseph's dramatic ventures. They are planning to get married. Then Joseph's acting gigs take him away more and more on prolonged trips. Stella hears via the media grapevine that Joseph has become involved with his latest lady co-star Sylvia. The media make much of this and pursue Stella as Joseph's forsaken girlfriend. Hounded to the law firm where she works, Stella is requested to take a leave of absence until the furor dies down. Instead Stella quits takes up dog walking. Also, she has to care for her mother who spends much of her time in and out of mental institutions.

Stella knows the name of her father but has never met him. He had been having an affair with Stella's mother but abandoned her before Stella was born. One day in the city she observes a wedding in progress. Her "father" is marrying a flighty, over-the-top socialite, who is after him only for his money. Stella overhears that they are leaving for Barbados where the nuptials will be repeated. Having acquired some money from the sale of the flat that she had shared with Joseph, Stella decides she needs a vacation in Barbados too and maybe she can confront her "father" there.

The part of the story set in Barbados is kind of over the top. They all mingle with British expats there and Stella is taken into the circle as "bridesmaid". Many of the characters there are a bit unbelievable, sort of farcical in nature. Harold, Stella's father drowns in a storm which Stella barely survives. When she recovers Stella learns that the paparazzi are hot to trot because Joseph and Sylvia are en route to Barbados to get married. Of course this is Hollywood gossip, most of which is not founded in reality. This time the paparazzi are being used to disguise what is really happening.
There is a wedding but it does not involve joseph and Sylvia.

I was somewhat disappointed in this novel, mainly because the characterization was weak and much of the plot outlandish. But if you like soap operas, this may be your cup of tea.

Thanks to Bloodhound Books for providing me with an Advance Review Copy of this novel.

[Jacqueline Moxon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Stella’s world falls apart when her film star boyfriend is romantically linked in the media to his glamorous co star. Even worse, there is talk of a wedding. Suddenly, her priorities change. She leaves the job that she has worked so hard for, argues with her best friend and finds herself suddenly forced to sell the home she shared with her boyfriend. Staying with her mum is frequently out of the question, as her mother’s mental health is volatile. By chance, she witnesses a strange wedding and recognises the name of the groom. She becomes determined to confront the father she has never known and force him acknowledge her existence. A windfall sees her travel to a luxury resort in Barbados where she begins to put her plan into practice. I started the book very optimistically. I liked the characters and the writing style. Unfortunately, the plot seemed to become far fetched and convoluted. I think that you would enjoy this if you are interested in celebrity high jinks. It reads rather like a soap opera, with lots of exaggerated and almost farcical sub plots. I am afraid that I didn’t enjoy it, but that might say more about my taste in novels than the book itself.

[Sian Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks for the opportunity to read and review this book 📚

I found it had a very slow start and can be a little confusing at times as the flashbacks are not well laid out but once you get going, it's hard to put the book down.

It follows Stella and her up and down life, she thought she was in a steady relationship with Joseph and inspiring actor who has just made it, but she reads a newspaper on her way to work that he's just got engaged to an actress, Stella who was abandoned by her father throws all caution to the wind and goes a path of self destruction little does she know she's on the path of self discovery.

Will she hear Joseph out and discover the truth behind the deadline? Will she ever know who her father is?

Such an interesting book 📖

[Alison Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book with its twists and turns through the life of Stella. She was a very likable character despite some slightly dubious life choices I rooted for a happy ending for definitely felt that was what she deserved.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. This is an interesting and engaging story that is hard to put down. I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into the story from the start. They are connectable and relateable which add to the story. I enjoyed watching their growth throughout which added to the entertainment value. This is a great story that I really enjoyed. This is one you don't want to miss. I highly recommend this book.

[Carol · Rating 1 out of 5]

When Goodreads says I finished a book it was because in this instance I was finished because I could no longer read this book. Couldn't go any further that a couple of chapters. I cannot read anything like what this author offers.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read. Stella, a lawyer is in a relationship with Joseph, a now famous actor. They have been together since meeting at university, all is well until Joseph goes to India to film, they are out of contact and then the stories appear, Joseph and his costar are in love, engaged. Stella can’t cope and leaves her job, sells their flat and cuts herself off.
Well written story with a big twist at the end.

[Nanci · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable, crazy-fun read as we follow adventures based on some far fetched happenings that make the story entertaining ! Light yet heavy, fun yet frustrating, happy yet sad, twists that keep you turning pages and routing for the main character! A delightful read!!

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! It was funny, sad & heartfelt & had me gripped the whole way through. Highly recommend.

[Rachel Chambers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Completely and utterly bonkers. This book made me dizzy. Stella’s life is in freefall and I loved the way Ruby got this over in her writing style. Ienjoyed the book up until the last 25% and then I felt it went a bit squewey to try to make a neat and tidy ending. Overall an enjoyable read.

[Caroline Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was actually quite interested in how an ordinary person deals with dating a Hollywood star -not that it's likely to be a problem for me! But it certainly was a problem for Sarah and I didn't envy her. The book starts when all the areas in Sarah's life start collapsing around her and to escape it all, she leaves London and goes to Barbados. While on holiday she becomes intrigued by a couple who are at the same hotel as her to get married...and then Sarah realises that the man is in fact her father. I was completely absorbed in how Sarah's feelings about her dad and my boyfriend intermixed and, as someone who's always been fascinated by psychology, I really intrigued by how someone in that situation deals with meeting someone who is your biological parent. The book was really well-written and easy to read but also touched on really deep and complex issues. The ending is great and I've recommended this book to loads of girlfriends who've also loved it.

[Morgana Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mothers, Fathers and Lovers follows the story of Sarah whose life falls apart when her boyfriend becomes a celebrity. I liked her immediately and was intrigued by her family, her friends and her quest to find the father she'd never met. Without spoiling the story for you, the book takes us to Barbados where she meets her father on his wedding to a lap dancer but also finds out that her boyfriend is supposed to be getting married there too. This is a chance in a lifetime to fight for what she believes in, and who she loves. This book was easy to read, full of fun and laughter. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone who's interested in relationships, families and getting lost in a really good book.

[Jane Welchman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the writing style of this author. The snappy 1st sentence. I enjoyed reading this book even though I thought the middle was long winded but this was needed to flow to the end. Some characters were annoying but again it was what was needed. This is certainly not a fluffy rom com. An enjoyable read.
I was given an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.