The Model Wife by Julia Llewellyn

In Julia Llewellyn’s novel The Model Wife, the narrative explores the turbulent intersection of fame, infidelity, and domestic struggle through the lives of three women connected to news anchor Luke Norton. The story begins with Poppy Price, a young waitress and aspiring model who marries the much older Luke after an unplanned pregnancy, only to find her "fairytale" marriage crumbling under the weight of parental neglect and public scrutiny. Luke’s embittered ex-wife, Hannah Creighton, finds professional success by documenting her divorce in a popular newspaper column, where she frequently mocks Poppy as a "bimbo." Meanwhile, Thea Mackharven, a dedicated television producer and Luke’s former mistress, struggles with her lingering feelings for him while navigating a high-pressure career at the news station. As Luke’s professional life unravels following a public scandal, the characters are forced to confront the reality of their choices and the complexities of modern family dynamics. Ultimately, the text illustrates the emotional growth of these women as they seek independence and stability amidst the chaos of broken relationships.