Close To You

by Cary J. Hansson

‘Years ago, watching a late-night movie, in which a mother had turned to her son and said, I have never loved you, Toby had yawned, declared the film unbelievable and taken himself off to bed. But Jo had watched to the end, a morbid curiosity carrying her through, because she’d known. Sometimes parents didn’t love their children.’


Party-planner, Jo Swainson takes pride in her optimistic outlook. Nearly fifty, she has come to terms with both her childlessness and the estrangement from her cold mother, Bobbi. But after being blindsided by Bobbi’s sudden dementia diagnosis, she’s devastated when her husband announces that he’s leaving to start a family with another.

Puzzled by a photo of a newborn in Bobbi’s handbag, she is further stunned to learn her mother was once hospitalised for a psychotic breakdown. Each revelation only leads to more mysteries, and Jo soon realises her mother is a stranger she longs to know. But with dementia tightening its grip, time is running out for both of them.


Poignant and gripping, Cary J Hansson weaves a memorable tale both haunting and heartfelt. Tackling sensitive subjects in a relatable way, the reader is taken along a path of self-discovery where personal truths are challenged and enlightenment awaits at journey’s end.

Close To You, is the immersive second novel in the GenX women’s contemporary fiction series.

304 pages, Paperback

Published July 10, 2024

About the author

I'm a fifty something mum of three, an ex-dancer, actress, waitress, cleaner, TV presenter, double-glazing sales rep, fax machine operator. You name it and I’ve cleaned it, served it, sent it or sold it.

I write stories about ordinary people, living lives of extraordinary courage and I can promise only two things: no knights in shining armour and no flying cars. My fictional characters save themselves, as in the end we all must do.

A Midlife Holiday is my debut. Here's what people are saying:

“I haven’t devoured a book in one sitting for a long time but I literally could not put this down. It shouldn’t be so rare (or refreshing) to read about the lives of middle-aged women, but it is. Cary J Hansson handles her subject matter with authenticity, providing some seldom heard (yet much-needed) commentary on midlife. The book is compulsively readable ... funny, brutally honest, extremely relatable and a perfect summer read." SouthAsia Magazine

"A fantastic page-turner filled with humor, life lessons, and enlightenment. The book has a beautiful storyline interpreted by well-developed characters. It was also realistic and unpredictable. I am nowhere near fifty, but the midlife crisis is real. The author was also spot-on with friendships. Sustaining friendships isn’t easy, let alone managing them for three decades. " Readers Favorite

Reviews

[Stacy Pahl- Tichy · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful story!

I wasn’t sure that I was going to enjoy this book, but I’m so glad that I read it! The main character Joanne is in her 40s. Joanne’s life is going through many ups and downs and she has to deal with her aging mother who she is not close to.

I love how the story unfolds and you see Joanne and her mother Bobbie become close. Joanne finally realizes the mistake she made by putting distance between her and her mother.

It’s a lovely story with a lot of emotion and a lot of fun also. Everyone loves Vera and adores her sister Nikki. You can’t go wrong when you own a business called, “Party Girl.”

[Pat Dunay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty Mushy

I can’t recommend this book to anyone I know but I suspect many will love it. An easy read, pleasant ending…… nothing challenging at all.

[Mrs A M Elder · Rating 5 out of 5]

great story

Great story but really resonates with life. I felt stuff along the way with it. Made me rethink quite a bit of my own story too.

[Karis Winfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pleasant read.