Flying the Nest by Rachael Johns is a thoroughly good read. It just goes down so smoothly, I found myself flying through it! It's told from Ashling's pFlying the Nest by Rachael Johns is a thoroughly good read. It just goes down so smoothly, I found myself flying through it! It's told from Ashling's point of view. Her husband hits her with a a very tough call. He wants them to try nest parenting! What! she thinks. Oh and as well they should separate as he wants to experience relationships with other women. Now all this is not what Ashling had forseen But she's catapulted into it.
At first she is so totally blindsided she stutters around. But the thought of visiting a seaside place and doing up an old shack soon snare her.
There are difficulties and challenges. The children - ten year old Payton and teen Saxon resent the new arrangement and of course their parents separation affects them deeply.
The book has a distinctive but subtle Australian flavour. I loved Ragged Point and the little island. The people at Ragged Point were a wonderful community and Dan added a whole extra interest. My favourite was the possum. In my country they are a huge pest, but at Ragged Point the needs of one rambunctious possum are taken into account.
The book explores a marriage gone stale, the impact of separation on children, the way a person can let their needs go by the way, how loss can affect a person it different ways. It has thoughtful points to make as well as being a wonderfully good read.
Although really all that needs to be said is... I loved it.
Merged review:
Flying the Nest by Rachael Johns is a thoroughly good read. It just goes down so smoothly, I found myself flying through it! It's told from Ashling's point of view. Her husband hits her with a a very tough call. He wants them to try nest parenting! What! she thinks. Oh and as well they should separate as he wants to experience relationships with other women. Now all this is not what Ashling had forseen But she's catapulted into it.
At first she is so totally blindsided she stutters around. But the thought of visiting a seaside place and doing up an old shack soon snare her.
There are difficulties and challenges. The children - ten year old Payton and teen Saxon resent the new arrangement and of course their parents separation affects them deeply.
The book has a distinctive but subtle Australian flavour. I loved Ragged Point and the little island. The people at Ragged Point were a wonderful community and Dan added a whole extra interest. My favourite was the possum. In my country they are a huge pest, but at Ragged Point the needs of one rambunctious possum are taken into account.
The book explores a marriage gone stale, the impact of separation on children, the way a person can let their needs go by the way, how loss can affect a person it different ways. It has thoughtful points to make as well as being a wonderfully good read.
Although really all that needs to be said is... I loved it....more
4.5 stars. Firstly - this was a thoroughly good read. How do I know? Because every chance I had I returned to the story and the people of the island an4.5 stars. Firstly - this was a thoroughly good read. How do I know? Because every chance I had I returned to the story and the people of the island and Turtle Bay.
I loved the island setting, the farm and the cows, the sea and the surf (and surfing), the medical drama and the characters who populated the Australian island - with special mention to Drifter.
I liked how Dr Jennifer arrives on the island just to check out and sell up the legacy inherited from her grandfather. But her values and ideas are about to be turned upside down. With special thanks to Jack and Bridget and the rest of the gang.
Jennifer's grandmother is a rather crotchety remote kind of person, but the more we learn about Muriel the more we appreciate her.
A book I am very happy to highly recommend.
Merged review:
4.5 stars. Firstly - this was a thoroughly good read. How do I know? Because every chance I had I returned to the story and the people of the island and Turtle Bay.
I loved the island setting, the farm and the cows, the sea and the surf (and surfing), the medical drama and the characters who populated the Australian island - with special mention to Drifter.
I liked how Dr Jennifer arrives on the island just to check out and sell up the legacy inherited from her grandfather. But her values and ideas are about to be turned upside down. With special thanks to Jack and Bridget and the rest of the gang.
Jennifer's grandmother is a rather crotchety remote kind of person, but the more we learn about Muriel the more we appreciate her.
A book I am very happy to highly recommend....more
3.5 stars Beth has returned home, and at present is living with her elderly Dad, after the death of her mother. Becoming Beth by Meredith Appleyard beg3.5 stars Beth has returned home, and at present is living with her elderly Dad, after the death of her mother. Becoming Beth by Meredith Appleyard begins languidly in the post pandemic era in Miner's Ridge, Australia. It presents Beth in a bit of a rut, her marriage has fallen through, her husband left her for a younger man and now divorced Beth is forced to start asking herself a few questions.
She slowly finds herself becoming a part of the local community and makes some good friends. On the town hall committee she becomes part of a hard working team who want to keep the town hall alive so that it can be used by the community. It needs a new roof and that means a lot of fund raising.
Beth has a back story that eats away at her and it feels to her that their is at present no resolution. Step by step though she is facing it and finding the ability to share about it with some significant people. She begins to pick up her life again, finding purpose in some work and the possibility of a new relationship.
I liked the characters, although not really Beth's mother, even though at the opening of the book she has died. It is her part that has been at the root of difficult situations. Beth's dad though is someone special.
Beth is on her way to finding her feet again, I did feel the book ends rather abruptly, I felt it could have been rounded out a little more but that's probably a debatable point.
Merged review:
3.5 stars Beth has returned home, and at present is living with her elderly Dad, after the death of her mother. Becoming Beth by Meredith Appleyard begins languidly in the post pandemic era in Miner's Ridge, Australia. It presents Beth in a bit of a rut, her marriage has fallen through, her husband left her for a younger man and now divorced Beth is forced to start asking herself a few questions.
She slowly finds herself becoming a part of the local community and makes some good friends. On the town hall committee she becomes part of a hard working team who want to keep the town hall alive so that it can be used by the community. It needs a new roof and that means a lot of fund raising.
Beth has a back story that eats away at her and it feels to her that their is at present no resolution. Step by step though she is facing it and finding the ability to share about it with some significant people. She begins to pick up her life again, finding purpose in some work and the possibility of a new relationship.
I liked the characters, although not really Beth's mother, even though at the opening of the book she has died. It is her part that has been at the root of difficult situations. Beth's dad though is someone special.
Beth is on her way to finding her feet again, I did feel the book ends rather abruptly, I felt it could have been rounded out a little more but that's probably a debatable point....more
As I read Best, First, and Last of three women and their mother / daughter relationships I kept thinking, a therapist right now for them would be goodAs I read Best, First, and Last of three women and their mother / daughter relationships I kept thinking, a therapist right now for them would be good! What complicated relationships, and come on set and respect boundaries. But at least one of them can't and probably two of them. At times it was downright embarrassing to be around them.
They are all going to hike the Machu Picchu trail, but most of the book is about getting there and pulling out some of their emotional baggage. It's a story about an outer journey and an inner journey for all three. It's a story of grief, struggle and secrets. And the culmination comes as they actually get on the trail.
All three women make big gains, so very much a women's fiction book. I enjoyed it and appreciated the way their story developed. Interesting title to the book and I think by the end of the book I had made my decision as to what it refers to. A solid three stars. ...more
Beth mourns her lost marriage and her lost daughter, she had walked out of Beth's life and Beth has always searched for her.
In the meantime she comeBeth mourns her lost marriage and her lost daughter, she had walked out of Beth's life and Beth has always searched for her.
In the meantime she comes across a young girl who looks just like her daughter and some digging soon proves that is so. Done and dusted! Well not really. What about Sky's father? How does Sky cope with all this, is Beth a bit too much?
Their lives progress on, but one thing is that Beth is persistent. While somewhat overwhelmed Sky does adjust and I was happy to see where she returns to for an anchor. Beth through all the happenings that follow finds some peace of mind and it feels like some change has happened for her.
I felt the book ends a little abruptly, as we don't get to go on the rest of the journey that must follow.
The story is told by Beth and Sky in alternative chapters, the two narrators are appropriate for the two characters. I enjoyed the audio, although I've never listened to a book that had such long pauses between the end of a chapter and the start of the next. ...more
I very much enjoyed The Summer Swap Sarah Morgan. One of those books I picked up every reading moment I had.
We meet three women and the men they lov I very much enjoyed The Summer Swap Sarah Morgan. One of those books I picked up every reading moment I had.
We meet three women and the men they love. Lily is first introduced to us and she was at a crossroads in her life, wanting to do what her heart called to her to do, but she had her parents all worried.
Cecilia was in her mid 70's and she too is at a crossroads as she walks out on what is expected of her and in going to Dune Cottage meets Lily. Meanwhile Cecilia's daughter Kristen is left with the planned party and her own beliefs. And is her own marriage on the rocks?
The story unfolds at a really nice pace, it's emotional and I found it a satisfying read as the women and the men they love all come through to the best endings.
The Summer Swap has enough issues to keep the reader hanging on for what might happen next. It's a perfect summer read and as such has some happy endings. I am still thinking about the title - what was swapped? My thoughts are one way of life was swapped for a different way of being! ...more
I liked this book by Kristan Higgins, more than some of her recent books. I liked Lark, the main character and her story - back story - and going forwI liked this book by Kristan Higgins, more than some of her recent books. I liked Lark, the main character and her story - back story - and going forward steps. Poor Lorenzo, when you hear his story I just had to feel some sympathy. Of course Dante was great not that we see that much of him. Ellie - Lark's mother, I thought was a little too harsh towards her husband, but then as he says she has always found it hard to forgive! Joy was a very nice side story.
Still I do miss KH's light hearted stories but I guess I can always reread those she has written....more
The Memory Library by Kate Storey is an engaging and moving read.
It's about a mother who has waited in faith and hope for a long time. It is about heThe Memory Library by Kate Storey is an engaging and moving read.
It's about a mother who has waited in faith and hope for a long time. It is about her daughter who returns to England to dutifully care for her mother, somewhat reluctantly.
What follows is an eye opening journey for Ella as she rediscovers her roots and her mother's life back here in England. As things take place her heart begins to open and her head begins to question all that she has so long believed.
I loved Sally, Ella's mother, and all the people she has come in contact with over the years. Such a great community. Sally was a teacher and she has a great love of books. A love she has shared in the past with Ella and others.
It's best to not know too much about the book, but know you'll meet some wonderful characters, some great books and if you are like me, you'll close this book with tears in your eyes and a feeling of all is right with the world....more
I had said I would never read another book by Susan Mallery. However getting this one from the library after seeing some good reviews for it, took theI had said I would never read another book by Susan Mallery. However getting this one from the library after seeing some good reviews for it, took the risk out of it. It turned out to be good fiction with serious issues to be dealt with. The horrors of alcohol addiction in all its hardships for all in a family were well played out. Aubrey was delightful and pretty clued up for an 8 year old, but then many of them are these days. There is a little romance which was nice but not overly emphasised so that family could be explored....more
The Friendship Club is another delightful stand alone read from Robyn Carr. The story explores the friendships between women, and the support they arThe Friendship Club is another delightful stand alone read from Robyn Carr. The story explores the friendships between women, and the support they are to each other.
Marni and Ellen run a popular cooking show and have done so for the last twenty years. Both have a lot of life experience and now mid fifties and sixty years of age they are at a new stage in their lives. There is a lot of food talk so this will be very suitable for readers who love to cook.
Bella, Marnie's daughter is pregnant and dealing with all the challenges that go with that, Sophie who works part time for Marnie has some scary experiences that really rock her. Nettie - Marnie's sister is there as part of the group, bolstering up Marnie whenever she needs it.
For these women while they don't know it as we meet them, there are new beginnings about to happen in their lives . Exciting times!
I enjoyed it all, especially Ellen's neighbor Mark, retired fire fighter, coming up with a very moving way to help out in fire disasters. ...more
Explores many aspects of adoption very well. Really liked the grandfather, and oddly enough Cynthia who for much of the story is not likeable. I foundExplores many aspects of adoption very well. Really liked the grandfather, and oddly enough Cynthia who for much of the story is not likeable. I found though that it was all far too long, not that all engaging....more
3.45 stars.I expected more from this book after being delighted with Linda Holmes debut novel. In the plus side I liked the very believable characters3.45 stars.I expected more from this book after being delighted with Linda Holmes debut novel. In the plus side I liked the very believable characters and the setting. The mystery was okay and the dialogue good. Even relationship wise I could go along with it. On the minus side just a little tedious. Won't be a buy book next time but would certainly borrow another book by this author from the library....more
An extremely well written, thought provoking book about a family. Three sisters - well that's frequent in a book, but somehow this one stands out. TheAn extremely well written, thought provoking book about a family. Three sisters - well that's frequent in a book, but somehow this one stands out. They gather around as their mother faces a big change in her life. Laine is the one who returns home to help out. It is she who makes so much growth and development but in a way so do they all. ...more
A delightful book, one that is both full of love and loss, so both heart warming and tinged always with a sense of sadness. If only relationships coulA delightful book, one that is both full of love and loss, so both heart warming and tinged always with a sense of sadness. If only relationships could have worked out perfectly, but no. However what lasts, lasts and in a way in the end love wins. Plus a charming bookstore, books loved and a bookstore cat. Good reading....more
This book drew me in well at the beginning and then ensured me in the day to day lives of three women. One in her seventies, one mid life and one the This book drew me in well at the beginning and then ensured me in the day to day lives of three women. One in her seventies, one mid life and one the mother of two young children. They find themselves together and slowly some sincere and important relationships are formed. As well as that each of the three share and come to terms with what has been eating at them from the past and enables them to embrace their futures....more
How Hard Can it Be sat on my shelf for three years so good to attend to it. It is set in England and tells the story of an almost fifty year old and hHow Hard Can it Be sat on my shelf for three years so good to attend to it. It is set in England and tells the story of an almost fifty year old and her life with a husband, and two teens Ben and Emily.
The best part of this book was the relationship between Emily and her mother Kate. So full of the teen issues of today.
It's not my style of book really. It is sort of Rom Com style of writing although it's a women's fiction novel.That said it is very well written and while the style didn't appeal to me, the general premise and issues explored did.
A Mother's Heart is a beautiful bittersweet yet heartwarming read. My heart ached for the ever gracious Rachel, who was an excellent mother to 5 year A Mother's Heart is a beautiful bittersweet yet heartwarming read. My heart ached for the ever gracious Rachel, who was an excellent mother to 5 year old Dylan and 8 year old Olivia. The three of them have been through the wringer with Lorcan's death. And now one set of grandparents seem determined to take Rachel on and challenge her for the children's care and loyalty.
As the story unfolds about this blended family, some secrets are eventually revealed that shed light where there has been mystery. Eventually things work out for them all, but not before there is much tension and heartache.
I liked all the characters. Rachel is a fantastic mother, and so giving and patient with the grandparents especially Sheila who is so picky. It was easy to feel annoyed with Sheila (as the reader) but also I had sympathy for her as well. She feels threatened and fearful of losing her grandchildren. It is a very diverse blended family to negotiate.
The setting ranges between New Zealand and Ireland. Oh yes! Loved that little detail. Of course I did. Rachel is a New Zealander, I have to say I was on their side over the custard for the trifle! Rachel has family in New Zealand she is close to and her heart longs to be with them. But... her children are Irish with all their relatives in Ireland. What a dilemma.
This is a page turning, thought provoking story that encourages us to see things from all angles and to choose love and kindness and happiness, and to appreciate the wonder of family. I loved this book....more
4.5 stars. A new author to me and I was totally immersed into it. Lucy finds out she has inherited a 'cottage' from someone she has never heard of a4.5 stars. A new author to me and I was totally immersed into it. Lucy finds out she has inherited a 'cottage' from someone she has never heard of and when she turns up to claim it all kinds of unknowns await her.
The cottage isn't exactly a cottage either. Lucy has never known her father, her mother has just died and there are mysteries abundant. As well this is a dual timeline that goes back into other eras. Usually I am not so fond of that but this one was seamless.
There is mystery, complex relationships, plus a dog and a twelve year old girl all adding up to a story that kept me wanting to read. ...more
Well written and engaging. I didn't expect to really like this book, but turned out it was not mere "rom com" but something deeper than and more than Well written and engaging. I didn't expect to really like this book, but turned out it was not mere "rom com" but something deeper than and more than that. I loved Nora's journey - the witty dialogue between herself and Charlie. Plus her relationship with her sister. Sure a little predictable, but good predictable. Just loved the wisdom of this book....more
3.5 rounded to 4. Robyn is at a crossroads, she is beginning to grow in awareness of what her life is like now and a desire for something more. She vis3.5 rounded to 4. Robyn is at a crossroads, she is beginning to grow in awareness of what her life is like now and a desire for something more. She visits her Aunt Lillian across country. There she meets Mason who will inherit Lillian's house when she dies. There is immediate attraction between the pair.
The only problem is Robyn attracts all those in need of her love and support. And there is a long line of them. Eventually the house is full.
I enjoyed the family atmosphere, the way Harlow and Austin, Robyn's children made choices about their futures. Aunt Lillian was a delight and Mason someone special. I did feel by the time the last person arrived at the house it had become a little farcical.
Eventually everything is all worked out, I was surprised by the change in one character and the outcome of the relationship, possibly it needed to end, but I thought the way in which it happened was somewhat over the top.
I enjoyed the epilogue and the way everything worked out.
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