What Women Want

A heartwarming and witty novel about female friendships and how they will outlast any man from the author of The Secrets Women Keep

Bea, Kate and Ellen have always known that they can depend on each other, no matter what. But as each reaches a new phase in their life, their bond is put to the test.

Recently-divorced Bea's job is in jeopardy as she grapples with a new boss and her power-hungry younger colleagues. At home she has to deal with a stroppy teenage son and the gaping hole left by her ex-husband. Feisty, impulsive and never one to give up, she throws herself back onto the dating scene. Her friends will hold her steady.

Stressed-out Kate contends with an empty nest now that her children have left home, a frantic pace at work as a GP and the growing realisation that her marriage has definitely lost its shine. Reliable, hard-working, how can she find the energy to keep going? At least her friends will lift her spirits.

Then Ellen, who has devoted herself to her two children and her small art gallery for the last ten years since her beloved husband died, falls head over heels in love with Oliver.

When Oliver forces Ellen to re-evaluate everything about herself and her future, so Bea and Kate are driven further away from their friend and from each other as they react differently to this unfamiliar stranger in their midst.

A novel about love and life and the issues that face women today as they try to decide what they want – and come to realise what they really need…

Reviews

‘What Women Want is like having a long, funny and fascinating conversation with your very best friends and becoming deeply involved in their lives, families and love affairs.’ PENNY VINCENZI

‘Women take heart. Here is a novelist who understands exactly the comedy, absurdities and frustrations of your lives. A delicious read.' ELIZABETH BUCHAN

‘A thoughtful, funny and warm read, full of wry and well-observed detail.’ DAILY MAIL

'Full of insight with a sharp wit, this is about real women in realistic situations, entertaining and thought provoking. Kept me reading far too late.' KATIE FFORDE

‘Wise, warm, funny and wonderfully observant.’ CATHY KELLY

‘Smart, funny, and uncannily like having your mind read.’ ROSIE THOMAS

About the author

Fanny Blake was a publisher for many years, editing both fiction and non-fiction before becoming a freelance journalist and writer. She has written various non-fiction titles, acted as ghost writer for a number of celebrities, and is also Books Editor of Woman & Home magazine. What Women Want is her first novel.