The Gatecrasher by Madeleine Wickham (2007, Hardcover)

Definitely a different tone, as well as in third person all-knowing, Sophie Kinsella's alter-ego Madeleine Wickham brings us a well-written and intriguing novel.

Kinsella is one of my favorite authors and this book, as Wickham, is definitely lacking in her trademark humor. It is still fairly charming, and an interesting read; however, I found myself thinking that the wealthy widower Richard Favour could so much better than the "gatecrasher" herself, Fleur. Also, his son Antony's affection for Fleur's (neglected) daughter Zara is a little frustrating.

We watch Richard's life get better as he discovers how well he didn't know his late wife and didn't bother with his depressed sister-in-law Gillian. He experiences passion and happiness that he never has, and Fleur gets the credit for that--though I'm not sure she deserves it. Fleur also gets credit for Gillian breaking through her dismal shell of a life basically as maid and cook for the Favour family.

Fleur is self-centered and has some major issues. She needs a therapist--and we're still thinking that at the end.