Out of Control

by Sally Jenkins

Fiona Ormeroyd has always planned her life down to the last detail. But on the day of her retirement, her carefully organised world unravels when her boyfriend, Joe, arrives on her doorstep.

Instead of being there for their weekly rendezvous, Joe announces that his flat is flooded, and he thinks it is the perfect time for them to move in together.

Fiona likes her own space and this certainly wasn’t part of her plan. Then Joe’s daughter turns up eight months pregnant with nowhere to go. Fiona has no choice but to let them both stay.

Suddenly Fiona has a full house and is way out of her comfort zone.

But just as she starts to regain control, an unexpected revelation shakes everything she thought she knew about life and love.

Now Fiona must does she stay in control, or surrender to the chaos of love?

Genres: Womens Fiction, Fiction

328 pages, Paperback

First published March 4, 2025

About the author

Sally Jenkins is based in the West Midlands and writes part-time around her job as a computer programmer. She targets her short stories at a range of competitions and magazines. Sally also produces the odd article on writing-related topics.
When she is not tapping away at a keyboard, Sally enjoys Body Combat classes and church bell-ringing.
She would advise all would-be writers to join a local class or group. Writing is a frustrating, solitary pursuit and meeting other like-minded people is necessary to stop yourself going mad!

Reviews

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 4 out of 5]

✅My thoughts:
Out of Control is a wonderful later-in-life rom-com. Second chances and new beginnings is the theme of the story.
The story is about Fiona, divorced and not really looking for a relationship. But, what happens when she meets someone that wants a relationship? Fiona is use to her routine.
Things get a bit messy when Fiona ends up with more on her plate than she anticipated…..will she be able to survive the chaos in her life????

[Carley Pringle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a really hard time getting into this book. I think primarily it was because I couldn’t relate to the FMC Fiona who is in her 60s. I was hoping it was funnier than it actually ended up being. Unfortunately it was a disappointment for me.

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

The protagonist is a doormat and it really annoyed me.

[Gillian Cawte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating, Lively, Thoughtful.
Out of Control by Sally Jenkins is an engrossing and lively story about Fiona Ormeroyd who has planned her retirement as meticulously as she has planned her life so far. Fiona has worked hard and stuck to her master plan for her life in order to be able to afford early retirement. She is now looking forward to relaxing in her comfortable home and to the pleasure it will give her to carefully choose some entertaining activities in the extra time she will now have to pamper and enjoy herself.
However – Life has a way of ignoring our preferences, and Fiona’s plans quickly become not just unraveled but totally out of control. This book has a cast of well developed, completely loveable characters – even the annoying ones! The twists and turns that Fiona’s retired life takes are all completely unexpected but totally feasible. Perhaps taking our heroine way out of her comfort zone will end up improving her life, perhaps it is the path she has to take to find a future plan that will take her back to a comfort zone that makes her truly happy. I thoroughly recommend reading this book to find the answer to that! This is a captivating, turbulent, true to life story which is well written and the end is satisfactorily surprising.

[TheLisaD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sally Jenkins’ Out of Control is a heartwarming later-in-life romantic comedy that delves into themes of personal growth, adaptability, and the unexpected turns life can take. The story centers on Fiona Ormeroyd, a meticulous planner who, upon her retirement, envisions a tranquil and orderly life. However, her well-laid plans are disrupted when her boyfriend, Joe, arrives unannounced, explaining that his flat has been flooded and suggesting they move in together. Complicating matters further, Joe’s eight-months-pregnant daughter also seeks refuge in Fiona’s home, turning her orderly existence into a whirlwind of chaos.

Jenkins crafts a narrative that explores Fiona’s journey from a life of controlled solitude to one filled with unpredictability and emotional complexity. The characters are richly developed, with Fiona’s initial resistance to change gradually giving way to a deeper understanding of love, family, and the beauty of embracing life’s uncertainties. The chemistry between Fiona and Joe is portrayed with authenticity, capturing the nuances of a mature relationship facing unforeseen challenges.

The novel has been well-received by readers, with many highlighting its emotional depth and engaging storytelling. Readers have praised its balance of humor and emotion, noting how the book is full of heart and reminds us that it’s never too late to find happiness.

In summary, Out of Control is a delightful exploration of love and self-discovery, demonstrating that life’s most rewarding experiences often come from embracing the unexpected. Jenkins’ engaging prose and relatable characters make this novel a standout in the romantic comedy genre, appealing to readers who enjoy stories of second chances and new beginnings.

[Mrs C · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book starts on New Year's Eve. Fiona is setting up their home for a family party , waiting for her husband Rob and their parents to arrive so thy could announce the news that she was expecting their first child , a daughter they planned to call Amber.
The knock at the door and arrival of bailiffs to repossess their suite shocks her , then things get worse, the bailiff notices she's bleeding and phones for a ambulance but sadly the baby's gone. Her husband it transpires has gambled away their savings and there are more debts , their house ,her trust in him, Amber all gone.
Fast forward 30 years, she's now in her own home 60 years old and newly retired 7 years early on her well planned savings plan. She's been seeing Rob a divorcee for 1 year, 1 night a week , all carefully orchestrated with her other social activities in her tightly controlled life, no one knows of her life as it was 30 years before even her best friend, running partner & yoga teacher Meeko. When Rob turns up one night for their dinner date with 2 cases and invites himself to stay as his flat is flooded she reluctantly allows him to move in.
Within a very short time his daughter arrives , 8 months pregnant with nowhere else to go as her mother's gone to India on retreat.
What happens from there on is a truly emotional and uplifting story of Fiona's path to finally coming to terms with her past and learning to trust and love again while rebuilding her relationship with her mum and forming new ones with a new proxy family. A truly compelling story , I couldn't put it down.

[Debbie Southwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about it never being too late to put the past behind you. Fiona has just retired from her job where she felt in control with her lists and spreadsheets and she’s looking forward to having more time to do the things she enjoys, running, visiting her Mum more often and possibly spending more time with Joe, her once a week partner. Things take a surprise turn when Joe turns up and says he needs to stay due to a leak at his flat which results in his pregnant Daughter, who was at Uni, also needed a roof over her head. This brings back memories for Fiona as just before her marriage broke up many years ago she had a miscarriage and it then transpired that Rob, her ex, had a gambling addiction. For many years Fiona has ensured she has control in her life, not letting anyone get too close, not trusting but ensuring her life is run like clockwork so she doesn’t get hurt again.
With her ex coming back into her life and finding she has feelings for her best friend Meeko this story is about letting go and that losing control can at times make life better.
I liked the characters, Dorothea, Fiona’s Mum was brilliant, although I struggled to picture Fiona and Meeko which is unusual for me when reading a book.
An enjoyable read that I would recommend.
Thank you to Joffe books and Netgalley for this advance copy however opinion is all my own.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The heroine of this novel - Fiona – is in a situation that I’m sure many women of her age can relate to: alone, child-free and wondering ‘Is this it?’ or ‘What next?’

And although Fiona’s retired and doesn’t have work woes, she does have to manage an increasingly-needy widowed mother. (I liked Dorothea, Fiona’s mother; she was quite a character. And the scene in which she meets a man from a lonely hearts ad, who’s clearly expecting more than a cuppa and a chat, is one of the best in the book).

Fiona’s been scarred by an experience thirty years ago, as a result of which, she’s become something of a control freak. So, when Joe - her once-a-week lover – turns up on the doorstep with a couple of cases – and, later, his pregnant daughter needs a roof over her head too – Fiona’s carefully-ordered life is suddenly well… out of control.

The book certainly keeps you guessing. Will Fiona decide that Joe is, after all, ‘the one’ or will she end up with best friend Meeko, or with someone from her past who turns up unexpectedly – or will she say no to romantic entanglements and remain resolutely single and alone?

I enjoyed this uplifting story. It has lots to teach us about taking a chance, letting go … and that life really can begin at 60!

[Coco · Rating 4 out of 5]

4* Ideal for a long journey when you don't need to concentrate too much.

After being divorced and single for 30 years, Fiona is used to her independence, guarding her privacy and relying upon no-one but herself.

The first day of Fiona's long anticipated early retirement, her once-a-week lover Joe, arrives after his home is flooded and wants to move in with her. Joe expects this to be permanent. Fiona hopes it's only temporary. The following day, Joe's daughter appears, hugely pregnant and with nowhere to live. Fiona can't turn Adele away and offers her the guest bedroom. From leading a private and carefully planned life, Fiona is now sharing her home with two disorganised people. Her calm life has turned chaotic and she's feeling suffocated. Her Mother is lonely and wants more of Fiona's company, and most worryingly, her best friend Meeko (Michael) has become strangely withdrawn.

This is not what Fiona expected in her retirement.

A quick read about a later-in-life change. 3.5* bumped up to 4*, just because.....

With thanks to Choc-Lit/Joffe Books and BookFunnel for an advanced copy of this book, this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.

[Phil Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thirty years ago, Fiona Ormeroyd and her husband Rob have a perfect marriage, good jobs, a nice house, and a bright future. Fiona becomes pregnant, and she and Rob are overjoyed but put off telling their parents until week twelve.Then things start to go wrong, Rob is becoming secretive and unpredictable. Just before Christmas, Fiona's world is turned upside down when the ballifs hammer on the door. The shock causes a miscarriage, and in her grief, Fiona blames Rob and his gambling habit, and the marriage breaks up. Thirty years later and Fiona still trusts no-one. Her successful career is her life and she organises everything to a precise and rigid routine. The only thing she keeps from her previous life is her grief for the lost child. She even micromanages her retirement with strict time slots for her runs in the park and her visits to her elderly and lonely mother. All this changes when her strictly once a week boyfriend turns up on her doorstep saying that he is homeless. Unable to turn him away, she lets him move in. There follows a chain of events that force Fiona to show her true character.
This is a revealing and challenging story of selflessness, chaos, romance, and new found friendship and new beginnings.

[Carmen M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for this E-ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

Fiona has spent the last 30 years enjoying her independence—her space, her routines, and her freedom. But the moment she steps into early retirement, life throws her a curveball.

First, her casual, once-a-week lover, Joe, shows up unexpectedly, needing a place to stay after his home floods. He sees this as a permanent move; Fiona is hoping it’s anything but. Then, before she’s even adjusted to having him around, Joe’s pregnant daughter, Adele, arrives on her doorstep with nowhere else to go. Suddenly, Fiona’s quiet and predictable life is anything but. Add in a lonely mother demanding more of her time and a best friend acting distant, and it’s clear—Fiona is completely out of her depth.

This story takes Fiona on a journey she never saw coming, pushing her far beyond her comfort zone. But maybe that’s exactly what she needs to figure out what truly makes her happy. The twists in this book feel natural and relatable, making it an engaging, thought-provoking read. If you enjoy stories about life’s unexpected detours and personal growth, I highly recommend picking this one up!
4.25 Stars!

[Angela Britnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

After her marriage fell apart, and a miscarriage took her baby daughter, Fiona has spent the last 30 years leading a very controlled, some would say sterile life, her way of coping with the pain. Even now she keeps people at arms’ length, trusting no one but herself and this includes her boyfriend, Joe who she only sees a strictly prescribed once-a-week. But life throws her a curveball when Joe needs to move in with her, and next thing his pregnant teenage daughter arrives on the doorstep needing a place to stay. If that wasn’t enough her best friend, and maybe my favourite character, Meeko, has his own problems not least of which is his enduring love for Fiona. Then there’s her grumpy mother, who wants more from Fiona than her daughter feels able to give. This was a thoughtful, emotional story with mature characters whose lives are full of the ups and down, joys and sorrows that come with time. Ultimately, this is story is an uplifting celebration of the power of love.

[Erin Sparkes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fiona has always worked hard and planned carefully. All of that planning is paying off as her last day of work ends and her new life as a retired woman begins. But on the same day her casual, one date a week, boyfriend shows up on her doorstep with bags in tow, as his apartment has been flooded and he needs a place to stay. And then before she can get used to sharing her space with one person his collage student daughter shows up on her doorstep, pregnant with no where else to go. Fiona has kept her life controlled and her circle small and now things are spiralling out of control.
I enjoyed this book. Sally Jenkins did a really good job at exploring the line between control and boundaries. I really felt for Fiona as the book progressed and loved watching her open herself up to the good that came her way.
Thank you to Netgalley and Choc Lit UK for letting me have a copy of Out of Control for review.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this manuscript which I thought was well written and extremely readable.

The central character Fiona was very believable, as was the backstory of her split from her husband Rob due to his gambling and its disastrous consequences, which made her very closed off from other people.

I enjoyed how her plan for a solo and well structured early retirement was derailed by her part time lover, and his pregnant daughter who both moved in with her.

Likewise her therapist/love interest Meeko, and the story of their friendship and building of their more intimate relationship made the book very hard to put down.

I feel that most readers would relate to the narrative of how life disrupts our best efforts to control ourselves and our place in the world.

[Leslie McKee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not a huge fan of romance stories, but I truly enjoyed this one. As the characters are a bit older, it is a unique take on this trope. The focus is more on relationships, in general. Through Jenkins's crafting of the characters, the readers get to experience Fiona's inner struggles with new relationships, major changes in her own life, and her search for independence. You can't help but root for her. The story demonstrates that, no matter what unpredicted turns life can throw your way, you can still find happiness, just maybe not in the way you originally anticipated. Overall, this is a heartwarming and uplifting tale. I look forward to future books by this author. I have read others in the past, and they never fail to delight.

[Roo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fiona is divorced and not been in a relationship for 30 years when Joe comes along, but when he arrives on her doorstep wanting to move in, she doesn’t know how to react. She likes her once a week meetup. Her life is spiraling out of her control when his pregnant daughter turns up too.
This was an easy going read that was lovely, reading about relationships in yours 60’s was amazing and it shows us that love can be found at any age. I really like Fiona as a character, she’s quirky, but fun. She likes her routine and doesn’t want to be hurt again. She’s built a barrier. A fabulous 5 star read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy,

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story which is unusually a romance featuring older personalities. I thought the author gauged the responses brilliantly and made an excellent and well balanced book. However, there were so many strands which our heroine had to deal with that I had problems sorting them, so she was Superwoman! The various strands were all well integrated and at the end, as should happen in any good romance, it all came together. I found the story believable if a little over the top on problems, but the characters were well rounded and balanced. Enjoy reading it and count your blessings!
I was send an early copy by the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which this is.

[Lucy Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I really did feel for Fiona as one thing after another ambushed her perfectly planned early retirement. What a wonderful pile of chaos descended on her strictly organised life. I almost winced each time something new came along.

I love that it wasn't a straightforward cosy romance, but had some good twists & unexpected moments. It tackled emotional topics & mental health challenges.

It was lovely seeing how dealing with unexpected things & learning to talk to the people in her life helped Fiona unpack challenges she'd been dealing with for many years & gave her things she hadn't realised she was missing.

[Jade Redfern · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5* - although Goodreads won’t let me put the .5!

ARC read from NetGalley - thank you for the opportunity.

Enjoyable romance with Fiona rediscovering herself and what was important within her life upon retirement. It’s a good comfort read as you are rooting for Fiona and her love life.

It is a little predictable and there are parts that I think the relationship with Rob in the present day needed a more definitive ending. But a lovely, easy read for an afternoon with a book and a cup of tea!

[Ku.Reii.Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a romance💝. But because the characters are older👩🏼‍🦳, it definitely focuses on romance from a different point. This book focuses on the relationships between partners👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏽, ex or not, parents🤱🏼 and children👶🏽. This feels like a casual library📖 read for me. The type of book you see in the library and run too read it. When you read it, it's not how you expected but it's good👍🏽 and different.

I enjoyed reading as relationships changed and
Characters developed. Fiona's feelings were written well and I was quite surprised to see that she was 60.

Thanks For the ARC 🧸💝💯

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book

I liked that this book was about a mature woman. Fiona has just met with her financial advisor. She has saved and planned for an early retirement so that she can live well and discover new adventures. Joe, Fiona's once a week boyfriend, shows up one night wanting to stay with her because of a major ceiling disaster at his apartment. She reluctantly agrees, soon to find out that Joe wants to be controlling and is a slob. This is just the beginning of Fiona's life being out of control!

[Barbara Deeprose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy and Sad

Ever since her divorce years ago Fiona has kept friends and family at arms length, even her latest boyfriend Joe, whom she sees once a week and when his flat floods and he turns up on her doorstep with his suit cases she cannot turn him away, but when his pregnant single daughter also turns up her house suddenly feels rather over crowded. This book was a good mix of happy and sad moments which I enjoyed.

[Regina Ulmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars. The first couple of chapters didn’t grab me but then I found myself invested in Fiona’s tale. There was a small bit of suspense, a range of emotions the characters were going through, and an interesting study of human behavior. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and will be looking up other books by this author.
Thank you to Joffe Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[R Mmm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fiona’s finally retired and ready to enjoy life—until her boyfriend Joe moves in after a plumbing disaster and brings his entitled daughter with him. Suddenly, Fiona’s playing maid instead of living the dream. With her mom needing visits and her friend Meeko in the mix, she’s stretched way too thin. This story follows Fiona as she reassesses her new life, sets boundaries, and learns to let go of what’s weighing her down. A fun, relatable read about reclaiming your time and space.

[Anne Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice enough story but it's a bit repetitive and it needed cutting by about a third. The plot seems to matter more than the characters on the whole and most of them were quite bland. That said, I did like the heroine Fiona as she's sparky and difficult, which is always great news in fiction! I just think she needed a different story to really shine. The ending is a bit over-sweet but it is what you'd expect.

[Chloe Scarlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fiona kept me company on a long night awake when my baby boy was poorly and she was wonderful company.

An intimate look at love, lust, grief, growing older, becoming a mum and at making the right and wrong decisions.

I think I am going to go back to the beginning and read it again. Id love to know what happens next in Fiona's world....

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fiona has just retired and has loved living until her boyfriend Joe decides to move in followed by his pregnant daughter who also moves in as she has nowhere to go.
Fiona is finding it difficult as she lost a baby when she was younger and married and she never got over it and had not told Joe about it, but had confided in Meeko a long time friend, but he has feelings for her.
A great moving story

[Arpa Datta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out of Control is a delightful exploration of love and self-discovery, demonstrating that life’s most rewarding experiences often come from embracing the unexpected. Jenkins’ engaging prose and relatable characters make this novel a standout in the romantic comedy genre, appealing to readers who enjoy stories of second chances and new beginnings.

[Sue Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of control controlling

Loved this spin on later-in-life rom -coms. An inspiring love story for anyone who needs to let go of past trauma, find joy in life and unexpected love. Enjoyable read.

[Vera · Rating 2 out of 5]

It got very repetitive and annoying. You would think at 60-year-old woman would know how to be direct with her feelings. In the end I got really frustrated with Fiona. Do not even get me started on Joe, total wanker.