Vastly Underrated: Life Begins At Fifty

by Rachel Rafferty

Debra's life changes forever when she innocently neglects an item on her to-do list, and blames herself for the ensuing tragedy.

As a dedicated teacher, she can't forgive herself for overlooking some school admin to be with her family. In her eyes, her inaction has led to devastating consequences.

In a haze of grief and confusion (and possibly one too many brandies!), she hops on a plane. And it’s only when she leaves Ireland, her job and loving partner behind that a world of opportunity opens up.

A second chance at romance, even though it feels like the first, and a return to university thrills her beyond belief. But it’s not long before her dreams are shattered when her sister’s illness draws her away from her exciting life in Australia.

Will Debra sacrifice her ambitions to meet family demands, and succumb to the safety of a familiar, comforting relationship? Or will she defy the odds at fifty years old and follow her passion, while managing to hold on to that fleeting sense of freedom she fell in love with on her travels?

(*stand-alone read)

Genres: Fiction

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 28, 2023

About the author

Rachel Rafferty writes contemporary women's fiction set in Ireland. Her stories contain female protagonists in their thirties and forties facing life challenges with varying degrees of success. The books are lighthearted and accessible, often sprinkled with humour.

Rachel fell in love with writing during a career break when her children were young. If she could stop for one second to tidy her house, she would, but those blank pages get filled quicker than the mop bucket every time!

She lives in Dublin, Ireland, with her family of five and big dreams.

Reviews

[Lynn McClelland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is This a Mid-Life Crisis?

That's what her partner of ten years keeps telling Debra after she runs off when one of her students at Sacred Heart suddenly commits suicide on the same day her beloved sister learns she has cancer. Did she let Patricia's disturbing news distract her from doing what she supposed was her job ... to find help for the young man?

Debra packs some necessities and steals away from her home, her partner, her family, and her job in the middle of the night. Off to a foreign land where she struggles to come to terms with what has happened and the guilt she feels. It takes her several stops, befriending new people, and falling in love to make some life-changing choices that will impact her future. Is this a mid-life crisis or just following your dreams?

[Sally Crosiar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the premise of a midlife adventure that shakes up what came before, so I enjoyed some of this story, especially the part in Australia. But did I really need to know how the protagonist was going to decorate her office - down to the green striped chair? No. I did not.

[Gale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Debra is a school councilor, who is also not feeling satisfied with her personal life. When one of her favourite students commits suicide after talking to her, on the same day her sister is diagnosed with cancer, she packs up and runs away from her life. She ends up finally in Australia with a few stops along the way, and decides to stay and finish her PHD course. She meets a man who she quickly falls for. She gets a call that her sister is dying and rushes home, in the mean time her long term live in boyfriend wants to get married. Its a great story about mid life crisis and what happens when we make life decisions. I received this book for free and am happy to leave review

[Ellen Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debra is a counselor at a secondary school. Her days are organized by lists. She lives with her partner John. When a student named Callum comes to her with a problem, she doesn’t immediately try to help. So, Callum walked out and the next day they all learned that he committed suicide. This threw Debra into a tailspin. Really liked reading about Debra’s travels and the people she met. Good storyline and an interesting read.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Debra takes a step away from her life and away from grief, but she instantly regrets making that decision. She misses home and the cooler weather. But, Debra experiences new activities and meets new people, deciding whether it's worth taking a new chance at life. The story delves into Debra's character and her journey. This is a pleasant story and Debra is an endearing character.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story with older characters and the prospect of changing their lives and doing something totally different. Like the characters and following their Journey in this story. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joanne Finnerty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved the latest addition to the series.
An effortless read again couldn’t put it down the story flowed perfectly. Rachel has such a knack for realistic fiction the characters are so relatable loved it!!!!

[D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story that I could relate to. It was inspirational story with Debra. I enjoyed the fun and humor in this story as well. A great story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley Duffy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming and funny. Page turner to the end

Beautiful book about everyday struggles and the impact of sudden tragedy on throwing a spotlight on prioritising your own happiness. Life is to be lived and this fabulous book captures it so well

[Ann Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable story. Relatable- if you have the courage to live your life and if not you can go on Debra's journey with her. Kept me interested the whole way through.