Book Review: Flying The Nest by Rachael Johns 

 

 

 

Back when I first started this blog, I remember that one of my first ever giveaways was a Rac
hael Johns novel. I have continued to enjoy her stories since, and her latest, Flying The Nest, is released today!

The story centres around a woman named Ashling Wood, who is married to Adrian and has two children, 15 year-old Saxon, and 10 year-old Payton. 
She has been with Adrian for years, and has experienced the highs and lows of life with him by her side.
So when he confronts Ashling one day with the shocking news that he wants to separate, Ashling is devastated.
He suggests that they try 'nest parenting' - keeping Saxon and Payton in the family home, while he and Ashling rotate living with them week on/week off. 
Ashling turns to her best friend Hayley for advice, who also happens to be Andrew's twin sister.
Hayley offers her to move in on the weeks that she isn't with the kids, and while Ashling appreciates her friend's generosity, she just wants to try and get her family back to how they used to be.
When Hayley's boyfriend Wei suggests Ashling spend some time in the seaside town of Ragged Point to renovate an old cottage that once belonged to his grandfather, she thinks that it will be the ideal distraction while Adrian comes to his senses.
She gets stuck into fixing up the place, and meets some of the lovely locals, including Jedda, who runs the cafe, and fisherman Dan Emerson.
Ashling finds that she is really starting to enjoy the peaceful surrounds of Rugged Point, and with each visit, she feels as though she is becoming more at home.
But the home-stay weeks with the kids are dysfunctional, and the hope of salvaging her marriage to Adrian is becoming even more slim.
Ashling is torn between what she wants for her future, and what she wants for her family. 
She has to figure out what is right, but will it come at a cost?

Flying The Nest is an easy and entertaining book. The story flows really well, and has a great cast of characters (including an adorable canine named Charlie!) 
Themes of parenting, divorce, addictions and grief are featured throughout the story and explored well.
As I was given the opportunity to read this before its release date, it was ideal read to enjoy while being in lock down; it allowed my mind to escape to the coast, if only for a while!

Flying The Nest is available through HQ, Harper Collins Australia from today.