What do you think?
Rate this book
Gap Year
Not yet published
Expected 3 Feb 26Escape with Jane in a heartfelt and hilarious women’s fiction book about a woman redefining herself. 💖💫 It’s her turn to have the adventure of a lifetime…
Jane’s life is turned upside down within forty-eight her only child leaves for a year abroad, her husband abandons her for another woman, and her boss issues her an ultimatum. She makes a bold, impulsive choice—she’s leaving it all behind for an adult version of her daughter’s “gap year.”
Once a hopeful young ecologist, Jane dreams of climbing a volcano and working in the Galapagos—but life got in the way. Now, nothing stands between her and the adventure she abandoned years ago.
Sleeping in a hostel bunk bed surrounded by people at least twenty years younger, she befriends Laura, a fellow traveler determined to scale the volcano. Together, they doggedly train for the summit. Jane also meets Mark, a charming tour guide whose quick wit and sparkling eyes threaten to derail her identity quest.
As Jane pushes her physical and emotional limits, she seeks answers to the burning “What the hell should I do with the rest of my life?”
💖💖Jane navigates the world of travel to repair her broken heart.
Gap Year is a relatable and inspiring story about a resilient woman rebuilding her life in the face of empty nesting and divorce. Lindsey Goldstein’s debut novel is a breath of fresh air that will sweep you into a world of travel and self-reinvention.
Jane’s life is turned upside down within forty-eight her only child leaves for a year abroad, her husband abandons her for another woman, and her boss issues her an ultimatum. She makes a bold, impulsive choice—she’s leaving it all behind for an adult version of her daughter’s “gap year.”
Once a hopeful young ecologist, Jane dreams of climbing a volcano and working in the Galapagos—but life got in the way. Now, nothing stands between her and the adventure she abandoned years ago.
Sleeping in a hostel bunk bed surrounded by people at least twenty years younger, she befriends Laura, a fellow traveler determined to scale the volcano. Together, they doggedly train for the summit. Jane also meets Mark, a charming tour guide whose quick wit and sparkling eyes threaten to derail her identity quest.
As Jane pushes her physical and emotional limits, she seeks answers to the burning “What the hell should I do with the rest of my life?”
💖💖Jane navigates the world of travel to repair her broken heart.
Gap Year is a relatable and inspiring story about a resilient woman rebuilding her life in the face of empty nesting and divorce. Lindsey Goldstein’s debut novel is a breath of fresh air that will sweep you into a world of travel and self-reinvention.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 3, 2026
93 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Currently reading
January 21, 2026🗺️⁀જ✈︎An adventure of a lifetime🗺️⁀જ✈︎!!!!!!
November 17, 2025
This is an empowering story about a woman Jane going through some stuff. As her daughter is leaving for a gap year in Spain, her husband announces he's met another woman and is leaving her. So, Jane, suddenly on her own, quits her job and takes herself on her own gap year to Equador. This is a story of we don't always get exactly what we want, but we can do hard things and get what we need! It also made we want to pack a back for Equador -- the food, the hiking, the scenery. One minor niggle, I learned more about Jane's bodily functions than I needed to know. Would be fun to read in a book group.
October 15, 2025
Note: I received advance review copy of Gap Year: A Novel.
Gap Year: A Novel is a supremely satisfying story about rediscovering one's self and the opportunities that one has throughout their life. The story of Jane's journey is not just fun to read but also inspiring.
The story in Gap Year: A Novel follows Jane who has just sent her daughter off to live with a host family in Spain when her husband tells her that he has fallen in love with another woman. Now Jane has to figure out what all of this means to her as she has spent so many years focusing her life around her daughters. So she up and heads off to Ecuador to fulfill several lifelong ambitions of her own and try to discover who exactly she, Jane, is.
This story will take you through all manners of emotions as Jane not only learns more about herself but also makes several startling self discoveries. The fact that this story almost moves in waves makes the entire story flow in such an easy manner through bitterness, humor, heartache, and many more emotions as I empathized with Jane need for answers.
Not only is Jane a great character but the other characters in this book all feel like real people. This is not a book where you are going to get cookie cutter characters but instead characters that feel like they are all moving through their own lives that just happen to interact with Jane's story in some way. On top of that the multi-dimensional character we see in Jane, especially as the story progresses is something you rarely find in any writing.
I highly recommend reading this book. Even though I read this as an digital ARC, this is one I loved so much that I will be picking up a physical copy as soon as possible.
Gap Year: A Novel is a supremely satisfying story about rediscovering one's self and the opportunities that one has throughout their life. The story of Jane's journey is not just fun to read but also inspiring.
The story in Gap Year: A Novel follows Jane who has just sent her daughter off to live with a host family in Spain when her husband tells her that he has fallen in love with another woman. Now Jane has to figure out what all of this means to her as she has spent so many years focusing her life around her daughters. So she up and heads off to Ecuador to fulfill several lifelong ambitions of her own and try to discover who exactly she, Jane, is.
This story will take you through all manners of emotions as Jane not only learns more about herself but also makes several startling self discoveries. The fact that this story almost moves in waves makes the entire story flow in such an easy manner through bitterness, humor, heartache, and many more emotions as I empathized with Jane need for answers.
Not only is Jane a great character but the other characters in this book all feel like real people. This is not a book where you are going to get cookie cutter characters but instead characters that feel like they are all moving through their own lives that just happen to interact with Jane's story in some way. On top of that the multi-dimensional character we see in Jane, especially as the story progresses is something you rarely find in any writing.
I highly recommend reading this book. Even though I read this as an digital ARC, this is one I loved so much that I will be picking up a physical copy as soon as possible.
November 17, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
There’s something inspiring about a story that reminds you it’s never too late to start over — and The Gap Year leans into that feeling beautifully. Jane’s life shifts all at once: her child leaves, her marriage ends, and she’s suddenly stuck in a routine that no longer feels like her own. Her spur-of-the-moment decision to take an “adult gap year” and head to Ecuador sets the stage for a story about courage, vulnerability, and the messy process of putting your life back together.
What I enjoyed most were the themes of reinvention and the overall sense of place. The Ecuador setting brings such a fun, refreshing layer of adventure, and Jane’s emotional journey feels really relatable and down-to-earth. The tone stays warm and hopeful, and Goldstein’s easy, approachable writing style makes this an overall smooth, uplifting read. I really enjoyed this debut novel by Goldstein.
On the contrary, the pacing is definitely on the slower side, and the overall storyline is pretty easy to see coming. This isn’t a book packed with big conflicts or dramatic moments, so if you’re hoping for strong romantic tension or deeper emotional intensity, it might feel a little too gentle.
In the end, I appreciated the warmth, the sense of adventure, and the reminder that change doesn’t have an expiration date. The Gap Year is a gentle, inspiring read for anyone craving a fresh start.
Thank you to NetGalley and Egret Lake Books for a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
There’s something inspiring about a story that reminds you it’s never too late to start over — and The Gap Year leans into that feeling beautifully. Jane’s life shifts all at once: her child leaves, her marriage ends, and she’s suddenly stuck in a routine that no longer feels like her own. Her spur-of-the-moment decision to take an “adult gap year” and head to Ecuador sets the stage for a story about courage, vulnerability, and the messy process of putting your life back together.
What I enjoyed most were the themes of reinvention and the overall sense of place. The Ecuador setting brings such a fun, refreshing layer of adventure, and Jane’s emotional journey feels really relatable and down-to-earth. The tone stays warm and hopeful, and Goldstein’s easy, approachable writing style makes this an overall smooth, uplifting read. I really enjoyed this debut novel by Goldstein.
On the contrary, the pacing is definitely on the slower side, and the overall storyline is pretty easy to see coming. This isn’t a book packed with big conflicts or dramatic moments, so if you’re hoping for strong romantic tension or deeper emotional intensity, it might feel a little too gentle.
In the end, I appreciated the warmth, the sense of adventure, and the reminder that change doesn’t have an expiration date. The Gap Year is a gentle, inspiring read for anyone craving a fresh start.
Thank you to NetGalley and Egret Lake Books for a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 5, 2025
Lindsey Goldstein’s Gap Year channels Julia Roberts’ soul-searching in Eat Pray Love combined with Reese Witherspoon’s grit and sense of adventure in Wild with a twist. Our heroine Jane has just dropped her daughter at the airport for a gap year in Spain before attending college. Shortly after, Jane’s husband of over twenty years tells her he’s in love with someone else, and within days she is replaced at her steady, but unfulfilling CPA firm.
Down but not out, Jane decides to take her own gap year to Ecuador to fulfill her college dream of summiting the famous Cotopaxi volcano with its majestic snow-capped peak, as well as to see the amazing wildlife of the Galapagos Islands. Used to catering to everyone else’s needs—her daughter Eliza, her husband Clark, her boss Alan--Jane finally takes the time to figure out what she really wants and to become who she always wanted to be in life.
Gap Year is a truly inspirational read with a heart-warming mother-daughter story, as well as a tribute to new experiences and friendships, showing that during difficult moments in our lives, we can forge new paths, carving out a more fulfilling future.
Lindsey Goldstein’s fabulous debut novel has a cinematic writing style that makes readers feel like they are trekking up steep mountains with Jane, enjoying sumptuous local foods, and meeting nurturing new friends who rejuvenate her spirits along the way.
Fused with humor, irony, and fun romantic elements, Gap Year is perfect for book clubs and enjoyable weekend reading—so engaging I finished the book in two days. One of my favorite stories I’ve read this year. Highly recommend.
Down but not out, Jane decides to take her own gap year to Ecuador to fulfill her college dream of summiting the famous Cotopaxi volcano with its majestic snow-capped peak, as well as to see the amazing wildlife of the Galapagos Islands. Used to catering to everyone else’s needs—her daughter Eliza, her husband Clark, her boss Alan--Jane finally takes the time to figure out what she really wants and to become who she always wanted to be in life.
Gap Year is a truly inspirational read with a heart-warming mother-daughter story, as well as a tribute to new experiences and friendships, showing that during difficult moments in our lives, we can forge new paths, carving out a more fulfilling future.
Lindsey Goldstein’s fabulous debut novel has a cinematic writing style that makes readers feel like they are trekking up steep mountains with Jane, enjoying sumptuous local foods, and meeting nurturing new friends who rejuvenate her spirits along the way.
Fused with humor, irony, and fun romantic elements, Gap Year is perfect for book clubs and enjoyable weekend reading—so engaging I finished the book in two days. One of my favorite stories I’ve read this year. Highly recommend.
October 3, 2025
Jane is having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Her beloved daughter (and only child) is off to Spain for a year abroad before college, and Jane’s husband says the dreaded words: “We have to talk.” Throw existential ennui about her boring job and a snarky boss who’s always giving her a hard time into the mix, and it’s pretty understandable that she decides to get the heck out of town.
Rekindling her youthful dream to climb a volcano in Ecuador, she’s across the world before she can reconsider. It’s everything that happens next that makes this lively, adventure-filled and heartwarming novel about a middle-aged woman’s quest so fun to read. Will she make it to the top of the mountain and solve all her marital woes? Maybe. Will she get schooled by the altitude, make new friends, have a couple of epiphanies, and possibly kiss someone new? You didn’t hear it from me.
Goldstein has a way with imagery and clever turns of phrase, and the book zips along, never predictable, always vivid, consistently bringing the laughs. But depending where you are in your own life quest, you just might find Jane’s situation—and her hopes for her future--pretty relatable indeed.
September 17, 2025
Several years ago, when our youngest child left the nest, I joked with my husband that we needed a gap year in Hawaii. It was a pipe dream. There were parts of this book that resonated deeply with that desire to escape responsibility, live an adventure, and try to discover myself again--the me that had gotten lost in all of the roles I was to other people.
Full of humor, character self reflection, and awakening, Lindsey Goldstein's debut novel gorgeously captured the plight faced by many women as they age and how they not only navigate their relationships with others but how they can find ways to honor themselves.
I couldn't put this book down as I found myself riveted by Jane's journey from an empty nest and a broken marriage, to living her bucket list trip to hike Cotopaxi and learning the new boundaries of how to parent a young adult child. Jane learns some really hard lessons along the way but the core of who she is stays true to character rather than having her completely crash out and emerge as someone we don't recognize. I found this so empowering. It was like reading a beloved coming of age novel but geared toward grown ups. It was the kind of book that reminds me of why I love to be a writer.
Full of humor, character self reflection, and awakening, Lindsey Goldstein's debut novel gorgeously captured the plight faced by many women as they age and how they not only navigate their relationships with others but how they can find ways to honor themselves.
I couldn't put this book down as I found myself riveted by Jane's journey from an empty nest and a broken marriage, to living her bucket list trip to hike Cotopaxi and learning the new boundaries of how to parent a young adult child. Jane learns some really hard lessons along the way but the core of who she is stays true to character rather than having her completely crash out and emerge as someone we don't recognize. I found this so empowering. It was like reading a beloved coming of age novel but geared toward grown ups. It was the kind of book that reminds me of why I love to be a writer.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
📚Gap Year
✍🏻Lindsay Goldstein
Blurb:
Escape with Jane in a heartfelt and hilarious women’s fiction book about a woman redefining herself. 💖💫 It’s her turn to have the adventure of a lifetime…
Jane’s life is turned upside down within forty-eight her only child leaves for a year abroad, her husband abandons her for another woman, and her boss issues her an ultimatum. She makes a bold, impulsive choice—she’s leaving it all behind for an adult version of her daughter’s “gap year.”
Once a hopeful young ecologist, Jane dreams of climbing a volcano and working in the Galapagos—but life got in the way. Now, nothing stands between her and the adventure she abandoned years ago.
Sleeping in a hostel bunk bed surrounded by people at least twenty years younger, she befriends Laura, a fellow traveler determined to scale the volcano. Together, they doggedly train for the summit. Jane also meets Mark, a charming tour guide whose quick wit and sparkling eyes threaten to derail her identity quest.
As Jane pushes her physical and emotional limits, she seeks answers to the burning “What the hell should I do with the rest of my life?”
💖💖Jane navigates the world of travel to repair her broken heart.
Gap Year is a relatable and inspiring story about a resilient woman rebuilding her life in the face of empty nesting and divorce. Lindsey Goldstein’s debut novel is a breath of fresh air that will sweep you into a world of travel and self-reinvention.
My Thoughts:
Jane's life turns upside down when her daughter, Liza, leaves on a "gap year" to Spain and her husband tells her that he wants a divorce . She impulsively leaves on a "gap year" of her own to Ecuador. While there she starts a journey of self-reinvention. Jane, suddenly on her own, quits her job and takes herself on her own gap year to Equador .This story will take you through all manners of emotions as Jane not only learns more about herself but also makes several startling self discoveries. Gap Year is a truly inspirational read with a heart-warming mother-daughter story, as well as a tribute to new experiences and friendships, showing that during difficult moments in our lives, we can forge new paths, carving out a more fulfilling future.
Thanks NetGalley, Egret Lake Books and Author Lindsey Goldstein for the advanced copy of "Gap Year" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#EgretLakeBooks
#LindseyGoldstein
#GapYear
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Lindsay Goldstein
Blurb:
Escape with Jane in a heartfelt and hilarious women’s fiction book about a woman redefining herself. 💖💫 It’s her turn to have the adventure of a lifetime…
Jane’s life is turned upside down within forty-eight her only child leaves for a year abroad, her husband abandons her for another woman, and her boss issues her an ultimatum. She makes a bold, impulsive choice—she’s leaving it all behind for an adult version of her daughter’s “gap year.”
Once a hopeful young ecologist, Jane dreams of climbing a volcano and working in the Galapagos—but life got in the way. Now, nothing stands between her and the adventure she abandoned years ago.
Sleeping in a hostel bunk bed surrounded by people at least twenty years younger, she befriends Laura, a fellow traveler determined to scale the volcano. Together, they doggedly train for the summit. Jane also meets Mark, a charming tour guide whose quick wit and sparkling eyes threaten to derail her identity quest.
As Jane pushes her physical and emotional limits, she seeks answers to the burning “What the hell should I do with the rest of my life?”
💖💖Jane navigates the world of travel to repair her broken heart.
Gap Year is a relatable and inspiring story about a resilient woman rebuilding her life in the face of empty nesting and divorce. Lindsey Goldstein’s debut novel is a breath of fresh air that will sweep you into a world of travel and self-reinvention.
My Thoughts:
Jane's life turns upside down when her daughter, Liza, leaves on a "gap year" to Spain and her husband tells her that he wants a divorce . She impulsively leaves on a "gap year" of her own to Ecuador. While there she starts a journey of self-reinvention. Jane, suddenly on her own, quits her job and takes herself on her own gap year to Equador .This story will take you through all manners of emotions as Jane not only learns more about herself but also makes several startling self discoveries. Gap Year is a truly inspirational read with a heart-warming mother-daughter story, as well as a tribute to new experiences and friendships, showing that during difficult moments in our lives, we can forge new paths, carving out a more fulfilling future.
Thanks NetGalley, Egret Lake Books and Author Lindsey Goldstein for the advanced copy of "Gap Year" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#EgretLakeBooks
#LindseyGoldstein
#GapYear
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 22, 2025
Lindsey Goldstein’s *Gap Year* is a delightful, heartfelt, and refreshingly honest story about starting over when life falls apart. With warmth and wit, it explores the chaos, courage, and comedy that come with rediscovering yourself after years of putting others first.
The novel begins with **Jane**, a woman whose life unravels in spectacular fashion—her daughter leaves for a year abroad, her husband runs off with another woman, and her boss delivers a harsh ultimatum. Instead of crumbling, Jane makes a bold decision: to take her own “gap year.” It’s a premise that feels both whimsical and deeply empowering—a woman stepping out of her old identity to chase the adventure she once dreamed of.
Goldstein’s writing sparkles with humor and emotional truth. Jane isn’t portrayed as a flawless heroine but as a beautifully imperfect woman—confused, vulnerable, brave, and relatable in all the right ways. Her journey to the **Galapagos Islands** becomes more than just travel—it’s a metaphorical voyage toward self-acceptance, healing, and rediscovering joy in life’s unpredictability.
The supporting characters add texture and charm. **Laura**, her determined fellow traveler, and **Mark**, the irresistible tour guide with quick wit and warmth, both bring out different sides of Jane’s personality—her ambition, her tenderness, and her lingering fear of opening up again. Their interactions make the story as much about connection as it is about independence.
What makes *Gap Year* shine is its balance of humor and heart. There are laugh-out-loud moments of cultural mishaps and hostel chaos, but beneath the laughter lies a quiet strength—the universal struggle to find meaning when life no longer fits the script you once imagined.
By the final chapters, Jane’s transformation feels earned and real. She doesn’t return home with all the answers, but she does return with a renewed sense of self—and that’s what makes this story resonate.
A beautifully written, funny, and inspiring debut, *Gap Year* is a love letter to second chances and the art of rediscovery. Goldstein captures the messy, magical process of rebuilding yourself with empathy and grace.
The novel begins with **Jane**, a woman whose life unravels in spectacular fashion—her daughter leaves for a year abroad, her husband runs off with another woman, and her boss delivers a harsh ultimatum. Instead of crumbling, Jane makes a bold decision: to take her own “gap year.” It’s a premise that feels both whimsical and deeply empowering—a woman stepping out of her old identity to chase the adventure she once dreamed of.
Goldstein’s writing sparkles with humor and emotional truth. Jane isn’t portrayed as a flawless heroine but as a beautifully imperfect woman—confused, vulnerable, brave, and relatable in all the right ways. Her journey to the **Galapagos Islands** becomes more than just travel—it’s a metaphorical voyage toward self-acceptance, healing, and rediscovering joy in life’s unpredictability.
The supporting characters add texture and charm. **Laura**, her determined fellow traveler, and **Mark**, the irresistible tour guide with quick wit and warmth, both bring out different sides of Jane’s personality—her ambition, her tenderness, and her lingering fear of opening up again. Their interactions make the story as much about connection as it is about independence.
What makes *Gap Year* shine is its balance of humor and heart. There are laugh-out-loud moments of cultural mishaps and hostel chaos, but beneath the laughter lies a quiet strength—the universal struggle to find meaning when life no longer fits the script you once imagined.
By the final chapters, Jane’s transformation feels earned and real. She doesn’t return home with all the answers, but she does return with a renewed sense of self—and that’s what makes this story resonate.
A beautifully written, funny, and inspiring debut, *Gap Year* is a love letter to second chances and the art of rediscovery. Goldstein captures the messy, magical process of rebuilding yourself with empathy and grace.
November 10, 2025
This book could have had many titles including A Coming of Mid Life Tale. Being led step by step through the current mess of Jane’s, our protagonist’s life the author always left the door slightly open in each situation. Just a crack so the reader knew exactly where this was going and how it was going to end. It was all very predictable and while that is not necessarily a bad thing it was just so “what could you possibly think the outcome was going to be?”!
I get a person waking up and deciding to take a left turn with the remainder of their life, but having guided a child through so much and making this such a large part of the story, it makes sense to expect a modicum of self awareness and behavior. This story reinforces that bad and impulsive choices should never be ascribed to only the young and inexperienced. Does that left turn mean you throw away all the qualities that have aided and defined you. Do you so easily shed a background of planning, research and logical thought? It wasn’t that I didn’t believe in Jane’s goals, I did and applaud them but the effort, not so much.
How do you relate to a parent living for and through their child’s life, missteps, accomplishments and all the rest? Trying to relinquish control and yet grabbing it back as an ending was less bittersweet than “Really, have you learned nothing?” Feel my frustration? What could have been brilliant was left on the doorstep of I am going to have my way, achieve my goal and you are coming along like it or not.
Gap Year was equal parts mildly entertaining and annoying. The writing was solid, the emotions less so but we are each different in our sameness. Perhaps being judgmental defeats the purpose of qualifying what I found off putting about the story.
I am rounding up my rating for the writing, the basic story and execution even if getting from Point A to the end was less than satisfying. Thanks to Egret Lake Books and LibraryThing for an advance copy.
I get a person waking up and deciding to take a left turn with the remainder of their life, but having guided a child through so much and making this such a large part of the story, it makes sense to expect a modicum of self awareness and behavior. This story reinforces that bad and impulsive choices should never be ascribed to only the young and inexperienced. Does that left turn mean you throw away all the qualities that have aided and defined you. Do you so easily shed a background of planning, research and logical thought? It wasn’t that I didn’t believe in Jane’s goals, I did and applaud them but the effort, not so much.
How do you relate to a parent living for and through their child’s life, missteps, accomplishments and all the rest? Trying to relinquish control and yet grabbing it back as an ending was less bittersweet than “Really, have you learned nothing?” Feel my frustration? What could have been brilliant was left on the doorstep of I am going to have my way, achieve my goal and you are coming along like it or not.
Gap Year was equal parts mildly entertaining and annoying. The writing was solid, the emotions less so but we are each different in our sameness. Perhaps being judgmental defeats the purpose of qualifying what I found off putting about the story.
I am rounding up my rating for the writing, the basic story and execution even if getting from Point A to the end was less than satisfying. Thanks to Egret Lake Books and LibraryThing for an advance copy.
Review of advance copy
This was not for me. I found the author really annoying. The book keeps mentioning how awesome she is and “so brave”. But this is not about an independent woman. Far from it. She seemed needy. She learns that her husband has been cheating on her, so she escapes overseas to hook up with a good-looking foreigner, while also contemplating another cute guy in her life who may be flirting with her.
I travel and do a lot of hiking (usually on my own), so it was cringe-worthy to read about how she naively arrives in Ecuador unprepared and relying on people around her to support and encourage her to do her “life’s dream”. She reports that climbing Cotopaxi was her “fate” or “destiny”, (which I don’t believe in), but she doesn’t bother to properly train or acclimatize? And she claims that she is “not a hiker”, then why does she want to hike? It didn’t make sense.
And the timeline? I was surprised at one point when she mentions the “months” that she has been in Ecuador. What exactly has she been doing there all this time?
The writing includes lots of dialogue: conversations with her daughter, her dating prospects, her waitresses, her taxi drivers etc…. It was just not interesting.
This book would most likely appeal to married women who want to travel, but their husbands don’t want to – which seems to be quite common. I hate how people are held back in their relationships. It makes me so happy to be single; I do what I want to do. And I wear my big girl pants, so I don’t need pep talks or reminders of how capable I am. Just do it. (Sorry for the rant!)
This is my honest review, and I am posting it voluntarily. Thanks to the author & publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book.
I travel and do a lot of hiking (usually on my own), so it was cringe-worthy to read about how she naively arrives in Ecuador unprepared and relying on people around her to support and encourage her to do her “life’s dream”. She reports that climbing Cotopaxi was her “fate” or “destiny”, (which I don’t believe in), but she doesn’t bother to properly train or acclimatize? And she claims that she is “not a hiker”, then why does she want to hike? It didn’t make sense.
And the timeline? I was surprised at one point when she mentions the “months” that she has been in Ecuador. What exactly has she been doing there all this time?
The writing includes lots of dialogue: conversations with her daughter, her dating prospects, her waitresses, her taxi drivers etc…. It was just not interesting.
This book would most likely appeal to married women who want to travel, but their husbands don’t want to – which seems to be quite common. I hate how people are held back in their relationships. It makes me so happy to be single; I do what I want to do. And I wear my big girl pants, so I don’t need pep talks or reminders of how capable I am. Just do it. (Sorry for the rant!)
This is my honest review, and I am posting it voluntarily. Thanks to the author & publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Gap Year is a very well-written book, a sort of coming-of-age-at-middle age. It is mostly slice-of-life, also some mush, some humour, some touristiness.
The main theme of the book is the journey of self discovery that the heroine embarks on, at age 44, & quite unexpectedly for her life stage, "takes a gap year" - which people generally do between school & college. It's also about female friendship, about being physically active, & about mother-daughter relationship, esp. seeing one's reflection in one's daughter…
The writing style is very simple, & the heroine's snark, & being aware of her own snarkiness gives the story a very smart edge, & is also funny in places.
The settings is breathtaking & inspiring. It's a pleasure to read about the places & sights of Ecuador. It's a book worth reading simply for this!
The plot is strong & the peaks & dips in the life of the heroine are well-defined. Due to the nature & title of the book, we know that the heroine is ultimately going to overcome her obstacles, but apart from this, the twists are satisfying.
The characters are relateable & carefully developed, with adequate back-story. While reading, you wonder if the heroine is prepared enough… & move with her through her story. The heroine's relationship with her daughter is beautifully interwoven with her self-awareness & self-image.
The author (& the heroine) treats the characters with sympathy & understanding, & fairness, & makes the book a very peaceful read.
It's an uplifting book, meant for everyone, but, for obvious reasons, middle-aged women & young daughters of middle-aged women will find it more enjoyable.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The main theme of the book is the journey of self discovery that the heroine embarks on, at age 44, & quite unexpectedly for her life stage, "takes a gap year" - which people generally do between school & college. It's also about female friendship, about being physically active, & about mother-daughter relationship, esp. seeing one's reflection in one's daughter…
The writing style is very simple, & the heroine's snark, & being aware of her own snarkiness gives the story a very smart edge, & is also funny in places.
The settings is breathtaking & inspiring. It's a pleasure to read about the places & sights of Ecuador. It's a book worth reading simply for this!
The plot is strong & the peaks & dips in the life of the heroine are well-defined. Due to the nature & title of the book, we know that the heroine is ultimately going to overcome her obstacles, but apart from this, the twists are satisfying.
The characters are relateable & carefully developed, with adequate back-story. While reading, you wonder if the heroine is prepared enough… & move with her through her story. The heroine's relationship with her daughter is beautifully interwoven with her self-awareness & self-image.
The author (& the heroine) treats the characters with sympathy & understanding, & fairness, & makes the book a very peaceful read.
It's an uplifting book, meant for everyone, but, for obvious reasons, middle-aged women & young daughters of middle-aged women will find it more enjoyable.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 10, 2025
🎒 I recently received an e-ARC of Gap Year by Lindsey Goldstein in exchange for my honest review. The book is scheduled to be released on February 3rd, 2026, and I’m so grateful for the chance to read it early!
🎒 The story follows Jane, who finds herself in a turning point in her life: her daughter takes a gap year, flying out of the family’s nest, and her husband decides to divorce her after having an affair… Yep, not the best time.
🎒 The book really captures the social aspect of what happens when kids move out and a couple has to adjust to a completely new life. We follow Jane in her journey to reinvent herself, as she realizes she was mostly a wife and mother in the past, but not much more. Now that these roles have lost their original power, she’s not sure who she is anymore.
🎒 The book felt like a wider allegory of every crossroad moment we face in life, of the need to step up and discover our new purpose or build our new identity. It was a moving reminder that we can be anyone we want to, and that it’s never too late to be someone else! It even made me think if I maybe interpreted it like this, because of where I'm personally at the moment, and I appreciate this power it had on me.
🎒 Changes in life can be difficult. Stepping into the unknown is scary, whether it’s a new job, a break up, moving out, or retiring, people at different ages share many of the same fears and insecurities when it comes to change. I’m not a mother, and I’m not leaving my parents' house anytime soon given my country’s economy, but this book really made me think about how much more we have in common with the people around us than we often realize ♥️.
🎒 The story follows Jane, who finds herself in a turning point in her life: her daughter takes a gap year, flying out of the family’s nest, and her husband decides to divorce her after having an affair… Yep, not the best time.
🎒 The book really captures the social aspect of what happens when kids move out and a couple has to adjust to a completely new life. We follow Jane in her journey to reinvent herself, as she realizes she was mostly a wife and mother in the past, but not much more. Now that these roles have lost their original power, she’s not sure who she is anymore.
🎒 The book felt like a wider allegory of every crossroad moment we face in life, of the need to step up and discover our new purpose or build our new identity. It was a moving reminder that we can be anyone we want to, and that it’s never too late to be someone else! It even made me think if I maybe interpreted it like this, because of where I'm personally at the moment, and I appreciate this power it had on me.
🎒 Changes in life can be difficult. Stepping into the unknown is scary, whether it’s a new job, a break up, moving out, or retiring, people at different ages share many of the same fears and insecurities when it comes to change. I’m not a mother, and I’m not leaving my parents' house anytime soon given my country’s economy, but this book really made me think about how much more we have in common with the people around us than we often realize ♥️.
Review of advance copy
ARC Review*
This book felt warm and realistic, and captured the feeling of starting over again. I didn't feel super upset about most the interpersonal drama, which was nice. Most things were dealt with in a measured, adult way. There was only one instance that made me cringe a bit, which I will address.
This was 3.5 stars for me. The writing style was realistic, and not too jazzy or humorous (Some authors write lines that make me think, "… How did you even come up with that?" And thus make me feel like the book is less life-like). The humor felt real and not scripted, just as the experiences did. I was taken out of the reading experience by several spelling errors, which will likely be addressed prior to publication.
The demonization of open relationships in this book didn't sit right with me. But I do understand that the point of this book is to show that everyone is human, and make mistakes. Without informed consent, it's not a true open relationship. It is a betrayal- which was accurately depicted. However, there appeared to be quite a bit of bias shown against men and open relationships, which only serve to validate societal feelings against them. I understand that the target audience of this book is likely women wronged by men who have to start again and have a girl boss moment (I do enjoy a good comeback story). But just as Jane dealt with her ex in a measured way that didn't paint the world in black and white, so must we learn to challenge our own biases and think objectively.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you for letting me read through, and best of luck!
This book felt warm and realistic, and captured the feeling of starting over again. I didn't feel super upset about most the interpersonal drama, which was nice. Most things were dealt with in a measured, adult way. There was only one instance that made me cringe a bit, which I will address.
This was 3.5 stars for me. The writing style was realistic, and not too jazzy or humorous (Some authors write lines that make me think, "… How did you even come up with that?" And thus make me feel like the book is less life-like). The humor felt real and not scripted, just as the experiences did. I was taken out of the reading experience by several spelling errors, which will likely be addressed prior to publication.
The demonization of open relationships in this book didn't sit right with me. But I do understand that the point of this book is to show that everyone is human, and make mistakes. Without informed consent, it's not a true open relationship. It is a betrayal- which was accurately depicted. However, there appeared to be quite a bit of bias shown against men and open relationships, which only serve to validate societal feelings against them. I understand that the target audience of this book is likely women wronged by men who have to start again and have a girl boss moment (I do enjoy a good comeback story). But just as Jane dealt with her ex in a measured way that didn't paint the world in black and white, so must we learn to challenge our own biases and think objectively.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you for letting me read through, and best of luck!
November 18, 2025
As a usual reader of mysteries and thrillers, I took a chance on a different genre, and am happy to say it was well worth the trip!
Gap Year follows Jane, a forty-something accountant whose life hits a breaking point—her marriage is unraveling, her daughter is leaving for her own adventure abroad, and she suddenly realizes she’s been living on autopilot. On a whim, she decides to take a “gap year” of her own, leaving behind spreadsheets and suburbia for Ecuador, the Galápagos, and a journey that’s equal parts emotional and unexpected.
The novel blends heartfelt moments with sharp, self-aware humor. Jane’s observations about aging knees, millennial hostel-mates, and the chaos of international travel are quite humorous, while still revealing her vulnerability. Goldstein writes with an easy wit that feels natural, and Jane’s inner monologue is one of the book’s biggest charms. Her awkward encounters, impulsive decisions, and self-deprecating honesty create a heroine you can’t help but root for.
The characters around her—from her spirited daughter Liza to the hikers, hostellers, and guides she meets abroad—are sketched with vivid detail. Even brief side characters make an impression, thanks to Goldstein’s talent for crisp descriptions and comedic timing. The writing itself is polished and engaging, balancing lightness with emotional depth.
Overall: Gap Year is a warm, witty, and well-written adventure about rediscovering yourself at any age. I found it both funny and uplifting—full of heart, humor, and characters I genuinely enjoyed spending time with.
Gap Year follows Jane, a forty-something accountant whose life hits a breaking point—her marriage is unraveling, her daughter is leaving for her own adventure abroad, and she suddenly realizes she’s been living on autopilot. On a whim, she decides to take a “gap year” of her own, leaving behind spreadsheets and suburbia for Ecuador, the Galápagos, and a journey that’s equal parts emotional and unexpected.
The novel blends heartfelt moments with sharp, self-aware humor. Jane’s observations about aging knees, millennial hostel-mates, and the chaos of international travel are quite humorous, while still revealing her vulnerability. Goldstein writes with an easy wit that feels natural, and Jane’s inner monologue is one of the book’s biggest charms. Her awkward encounters, impulsive decisions, and self-deprecating honesty create a heroine you can’t help but root for.
The characters around her—from her spirited daughter Liza to the hikers, hostellers, and guides she meets abroad—are sketched with vivid detail. Even brief side characters make an impression, thanks to Goldstein’s talent for crisp descriptions and comedic timing. The writing itself is polished and engaging, balancing lightness with emotional depth.
Overall: Gap Year is a warm, witty, and well-written adventure about rediscovering yourself at any age. I found it both funny and uplifting—full of heart, humor, and characters I genuinely enjoyed spending time with.
November 13, 2025
This novel takes the classic trope of a married woman finding herself at midlife with an empty nest, a philandering husband and no job and introduces some interesting twists that make it a worthwhile read.
Jane, the protagonist, realizes that she has an opportunity to reclaim a long-lost dream. Having put aside her degree in ecology to engage in a more practical, if stultifying career of accounting, she packs her daughter off to a gap year in Spain, quits her job despite the offer of a promotion, and releases her husband to explore his newfound love interest. Several things make Jane an admirable character. First, she begins to recognize that she has been overly involved in her daughter’s life and needs to support her independence. Second, she owns up to her part in neglecting the health of her marriage, despite the hurt and betrayal she feels initially. Lastly, Jane decides to take her own gap year by traveling to Ecuador to fulfill a dormant dream of climbing a volcano.
I enjoyed Jane’s transformational journey, her courage, and her determination. The descriptions of the Ecuadorian culture and geography were vivid and engaging, and the complexity of the relationships she formed added depth and color to the storyline. Overall, this was a solid read.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review will be posted on Amazon upon publication.
Jane, the protagonist, realizes that she has an opportunity to reclaim a long-lost dream. Having put aside her degree in ecology to engage in a more practical, if stultifying career of accounting, she packs her daughter off to a gap year in Spain, quits her job despite the offer of a promotion, and releases her husband to explore his newfound love interest. Several things make Jane an admirable character. First, she begins to recognize that she has been overly involved in her daughter’s life and needs to support her independence. Second, she owns up to her part in neglecting the health of her marriage, despite the hurt and betrayal she feels initially. Lastly, Jane decides to take her own gap year by traveling to Ecuador to fulfill a dormant dream of climbing a volcano.
I enjoyed Jane’s transformational journey, her courage, and her determination. The descriptions of the Ecuadorian culture and geography were vivid and engaging, and the complexity of the relationships she formed added depth and color to the storyline. Overall, this was a solid read.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review will be posted on Amazon upon publication.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Read On NetGalley
Jane is told by her husband that he wants a divorce, the day her daughter Liza leaves for a gap year to Spain. Distraught by this, she leaves for Ecuador on her own gap year in hopes she will find the answers on what to do with her life from here on out.
This is a story of self-reflection, overcoming trials and tribulation and finding your own self-worth. It is emotional and hilarious. Jane thought she had everything figured out with her job and her family, and when her life is upended, she impulsively takes her dream trip to Ecuador to climb the volcano Cotopaxi. I love the journey she takes, the training and friendships she goes through, the motivation she finds on her own and with help from others. She struggles with things at first, being an older woman in a new country alone, surrounded by people younger than her, yet I love how she is able to learn from them and pass on her own wisdom to others. I especially like the subtle message that bad experiences are still experiences and you can learn and grow from them just like the good experiences.
Lindsey’s writing and descriptions of Ecuador and the Galapagos really come to life here. From the change in weather to the food Jane encounters, and all the places she hikes while training for Cotopaxi. The book balanced emotion with humor and I highlighted a few passages that made me laugh out loud.
Jane is told by her husband that he wants a divorce, the day her daughter Liza leaves for a gap year to Spain. Distraught by this, she leaves for Ecuador on her own gap year in hopes she will find the answers on what to do with her life from here on out.
This is a story of self-reflection, overcoming trials and tribulation and finding your own self-worth. It is emotional and hilarious. Jane thought she had everything figured out with her job and her family, and when her life is upended, she impulsively takes her dream trip to Ecuador to climb the volcano Cotopaxi. I love the journey she takes, the training and friendships she goes through, the motivation she finds on her own and with help from others. She struggles with things at first, being an older woman in a new country alone, surrounded by people younger than her, yet I love how she is able to learn from them and pass on her own wisdom to others. I especially like the subtle message that bad experiences are still experiences and you can learn and grow from them just like the good experiences.
Lindsey’s writing and descriptions of Ecuador and the Galapagos really come to life here. From the change in weather to the food Jane encounters, and all the places she hikes while training for Cotopaxi. The book balanced emotion with humor and I highlighted a few passages that made me laugh out loud.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As someone who has spent time in Ecuador, I was incredibly excited to pick up Gap Year. I really wanted to love this book because the setting is so close to my heart, and I was eager to see the landscapes and culture I know so well brought to life on the page.
Lindsey Goldstein does a lovely job capturing the atmosphere of the country—from the bustling hostels to the ambition of climbing Cotopaxi. The descriptions of and the physical challenge of the trek were definitely the highlights for me.
However, I struggled to fully connect with the story because I didn't care for the main character, Jane. While I understood her desire for a "second-act" adventure after her world was turned upside down, I found her difficult to root for as she navigated her journey. Because I couldn't quite get on board with her perspective, the emotional stakes of her self-discovery didn't resonate as much as I hoped they would.
If you are a fan of women’s fiction centered on late-in-life reinvention and travel, the setting alone makes this worth a look, but Jane’s personality may be a personal preferences situation for some readers.
Thank you to NetGalley and Egret Lake Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Lindsey Goldstein does a lovely job capturing the atmosphere of the country—from the bustling hostels to the ambition of climbing Cotopaxi. The descriptions of and the physical challenge of the trek were definitely the highlights for me.
However, I struggled to fully connect with the story because I didn't care for the main character, Jane. While I understood her desire for a "second-act" adventure after her world was turned upside down, I found her difficult to root for as she navigated her journey. Because I couldn't quite get on board with her perspective, the emotional stakes of her self-discovery didn't resonate as much as I hoped they would.
If you are a fan of women’s fiction centered on late-in-life reinvention and travel, the setting alone makes this worth a look, but Jane’s personality may be a personal preferences situation for some readers.
Thank you to NetGalley and Egret Lake Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 25, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley, for this digital ARC of 'Gap Year' by Lindsey Goldstein - expected US release date of 02/03/2026
ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of this book caught my attention, it seemed inspirational, exciting and intriguing. What middle aged mom wouldn't want to take a Gap year, especially a newly empty-nester mom who finds out that her husband has been cheating and that her job canned her. Most of the characters lacked depth and the end was predictable BUT I really like that Goldstein wrote such naivety in Jane, that seemed relatable. She had a longtime job, longtime husband, longtime history of putting her daughter first. When all that unexpectedly changed, Jane had to start new and fresh, and try to figure out how to move on and find herself. She made some mistakes along the way, overly confident in her (minimal) survival/adventure skills and trusted someone with glaring red flags (while being blinded by attraction like soooo many other women before her). In the end, it all works out for the best for Jane, as a romance novel should.
ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of this book caught my attention, it seemed inspirational, exciting and intriguing. What middle aged mom wouldn't want to take a Gap year, especially a newly empty-nester mom who finds out that her husband has been cheating and that her job canned her. Most of the characters lacked depth and the end was predictable BUT I really like that Goldstein wrote such naivety in Jane, that seemed relatable. She had a longtime job, longtime husband, longtime history of putting her daughter first. When all that unexpectedly changed, Jane had to start new and fresh, and try to figure out how to move on and find herself. She made some mistakes along the way, overly confident in her (minimal) survival/adventure skills and trusted someone with glaring red flags (while being blinded by attraction like soooo many other women before her). In the end, it all works out for the best for Jane, as a romance novel should.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2025
Loved this concept of a “gap year” for midlife! Jane’s journey is so relatable as she crosses a threshold between the pain of a failed marriage/empty nest and the promise of a new, bolder, and more confident self – one unfettered by youth’s commitments.
The story is a little bit Wild by Cheryl Strayed (finding oneself on challenging trails) and a little bit Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert (international travel, romance). Lindsey Goldstein’s writing especially shines when she evokes the sensory wonders of Ecuador’s nature, food and culture.
Jane’s smoldering attraction to two enticing suitors delivers plenty of intrigue. But the deepest love story in the book is the mother-daughter bond that grows and matures even as parallel “gap years” take Jane and her college-age daughter to opposite hemispheres.
The book got me thinking that we all need a middle-age gap year to sort ourselves out as we take stock of youthful missteps and redefine ourselves for the second half of life. In this way, Gap Year isn’t just a fun, fresh romp along unexpected trails – it’s a tender and inspirational field guide to midlife seeking.
The story is a little bit Wild by Cheryl Strayed (finding oneself on challenging trails) and a little bit Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert (international travel, romance). Lindsey Goldstein’s writing especially shines when she evokes the sensory wonders of Ecuador’s nature, food and culture.
Jane’s smoldering attraction to two enticing suitors delivers plenty of intrigue. But the deepest love story in the book is the mother-daughter bond that grows and matures even as parallel “gap years” take Jane and her college-age daughter to opposite hemispheres.
The book got me thinking that we all need a middle-age gap year to sort ourselves out as we take stock of youthful missteps and redefine ourselves for the second half of life. In this way, Gap Year isn’t just a fun, fresh romp along unexpected trails – it’s a tender and inspirational field guide to midlife seeking.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.
I am definitely in the minority here. I didn't like one thing about this book. We're constantly told how awesome Jane is, but I saw no evidence of that. I couldn't believe how unprepared she was for her bucket list trip to Ecuador. Really, Jane, you're in your mid-forties and your plan is to stay in a youth hostel?? You're a CPA, for goodness sake, you couldn't have been a LITTLE more organized about this trip? Clark was a complete jerk who just broke your heart, but let's go off with the first guy you meet and ignore the numerous red flags about him. And Liza? You call her FROM YOUR CAB when you arrive in Ecuador - while she's away in Spain for a year, mind you - to tell her what you've done and that you and her father are probably headed for divorce? Wow. I had no respect for her from that point on, and that was fairly early in the book. Oh, and you've also just quit your job, after we're told that living in California requires two incomes. How could you afford this trip? So many inconsistencies. Wish I had DNF'd this one.
I am definitely in the minority here. I didn't like one thing about this book. We're constantly told how awesome Jane is, but I saw no evidence of that. I couldn't believe how unprepared she was for her bucket list trip to Ecuador. Really, Jane, you're in your mid-forties and your plan is to stay in a youth hostel?? You're a CPA, for goodness sake, you couldn't have been a LITTLE more organized about this trip? Clark was a complete jerk who just broke your heart, but let's go off with the first guy you meet and ignore the numerous red flags about him. And Liza? You call her FROM YOUR CAB when you arrive in Ecuador - while she's away in Spain for a year, mind you - to tell her what you've done and that you and her father are probably headed for divorce? Wow. I had no respect for her from that point on, and that was fairly early in the book. Oh, and you've also just quit your job, after we're told that living in California requires two incomes. How could you afford this trip? So many inconsistencies. Wish I had DNF'd this one.
September 28, 2025
Dream, Hike, Love?
When her 18-year old daughter goes to Spain for her gap year, Jane is left at home facing a crumbling marriage and unsatisfying job. She is seized by more than ‘empty nester’ syndrome; she has what we used to call a ‘mid-life crisis.’ She takes the advice she pressed on her daughter: take a gap year. Jane travels to Ecuador to fulfill the dreams of her youth and climb 17,000 foot Mt. Cotopaxi. She’s a travel and hiking newb, but she discovers new friends, new skills, and new abilities within herself. She’ll either find her way down a new path—or learn, like Dorothy, that there’s no place like home. Maybe a little of both?
Relatable. This novel kept me turning the pages to find out where Jane would go and what would happen next. The characters are vivid and described with warmth and humor. The description and sense of place in Ecuador made me feel like I was there (again—it’s been many years). Goldstein made me chuckle—and wish I could hang with these folks down in the Galapagos!
When her 18-year old daughter goes to Spain for her gap year, Jane is left at home facing a crumbling marriage and unsatisfying job. She is seized by more than ‘empty nester’ syndrome; she has what we used to call a ‘mid-life crisis.’ She takes the advice she pressed on her daughter: take a gap year. Jane travels to Ecuador to fulfill the dreams of her youth and climb 17,000 foot Mt. Cotopaxi. She’s a travel and hiking newb, but she discovers new friends, new skills, and new abilities within herself. She’ll either find her way down a new path—or learn, like Dorothy, that there’s no place like home. Maybe a little of both?
Relatable. This novel kept me turning the pages to find out where Jane would go and what would happen next. The characters are vivid and described with warmth and humor. The description and sense of place in Ecuador made me feel like I was there (again—it’s been many years). Goldstein made me chuckle—and wish I could hang with these folks down in the Galapagos!
December 5, 2025
Many thanks to NetGalley & the Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 rounded up to 3 stars
I really liked how easy it was to get into this book. The concept felt thoughtful and original, and I enjoyed the adventures and character growth. A few things, however, did not work for me. For example, the bouncing around that happened in the last 1/3 of the book. A chapter would begin with something that happened, then pop to present day, then go on to explain the first event. This really served no purpose, and did not add to the writing or storytelling. I also couldn't become invested in the characters. I didn't like how Jane handled things with her daughter, and I wish more time had been spent on Alan than Mark.
Regardless, it's well done for a debut book and the concept is certainly interesting. Definitely a motivational book for anyone going through a divorce, or looking for inspiration for starting over.
2.5 rounded up to 3 stars
I really liked how easy it was to get into this book. The concept felt thoughtful and original, and I enjoyed the adventures and character growth. A few things, however, did not work for me. For example, the bouncing around that happened in the last 1/3 of the book. A chapter would begin with something that happened, then pop to present day, then go on to explain the first event. This really served no purpose, and did not add to the writing or storytelling. I also couldn't become invested in the characters. I didn't like how Jane handled things with her daughter, and I wish more time had been spent on Alan than Mark.
Regardless, it's well done for a debut book and the concept is certainly interesting. Definitely a motivational book for anyone going through a divorce, or looking for inspiration for starting over.
September 5, 2025
I am so lucky to have been able to read this! Such a phenomenal pool read, I was invested in Jane. The phrase "the devil is in the details" brought a whole new meaning when it came to word choice. The descriptions of what is happening in the book are so detailed and eloquent! I not only understood what was happening but I felt it, her pain, her confusion, her triumph. Without giving too much away, I feel like I got a glimpse into what my mother must have felt (to some degree) when I went to study abroad and what I may feel if I ever have the pleasure of sending my own child off. The interactions between Jane and Liza (daughter) were such a good offset to the interactions between Jane and her boss :)
Overall this was such an adventure, while Jane was climbing her mountains I felt it every step of the way. This is a perfect pool/beach read because you really can't put it down!!!
Overall this was such an adventure, while Jane was climbing her mountains I felt it every step of the way. This is a perfect pool/beach read because you really can't put it down!!!
December 7, 2025
Jane's life turns upside down when her daughter, Liza, leaves on a "gap year" to Spain and her husband tells her that he wants a divorce . She impulsively leaves on a "gap year" of her own to Ecuador. While there she starts a journey of self-reinvention.
This book was fun, entertaining, and inspiring. Getting older is hard, and sometimes we need encouragement along the way to know that we can do it!
Jane branches out and tries new things she hasn't ever attempted before… sometimes achieving them and sometimes failing. But she learns to get up and keep moving forward.
I identified with Jane even though I've never been through a divorce. Life can throw some curve balls and Jane's journey is one that is filled with lots of them!
But in the end, she comes out stronger!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was fun, entertaining, and inspiring. Getting older is hard, and sometimes we need encouragement along the way to know that we can do it!
Jane branches out and tries new things she hasn't ever attempted before… sometimes achieving them and sometimes failing. But she learns to get up and keep moving forward.
I identified with Jane even though I've never been through a divorce. Life can throw some curve balls and Jane's journey is one that is filled with lots of them!
But in the end, she comes out stronger!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 2, 2025
Ms. Goldstein is a true artist and Gap Year is her canvas! Each word paints a beautiful and vivid picture of the scene so that the reader actually feels like they experience it all with Jane. From the turmoil in her family life, to her time in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, I could almost taste Jane's favorite food, smell the ocean and feel the exhaustion of her treks.
Gap Year was easy to read and difficult to put down. You can truly curl up with this book, sink in and pass the weekend away. It's hard to believe that this was Ms. Goldstein's debut novel--she hit it out of the park and I can't wait to see what's next from her!
Gap Year was easy to read and difficult to put down. You can truly curl up with this book, sink in and pass the weekend away. It's hard to believe that this was Ms. Goldstein's debut novel--she hit it out of the park and I can't wait to see what's next from her!
Read
October 11, 2025Everything is happening to Jane at the beginning of The Gap Year by Lindsey Goldstein. Jane is a middle-aged woman whose daughter is going off to college and whose husband is leaving her after more than twenty years of marriage. She has the opportunity of a fabulous promotion at her job and the possibility of a romance with her retiring boss. Instead, she takes a gap year to climb a perilous volcano in Ecuador and to find out about herself. How will all this work out for Jane? In Lindsey Goldstein’s skillfully crafted pages, we will find out. A great read which explores the contemporary plight of many women today.
November 26, 2025
Equal parts funny, thoughtful, and entertaining, Lindsey Goldstein’s debut novel explores the realities of “new eras” for women, highlighting both shifting of relationships and a journey towards self-exploration.
As someone who lived in Ecuador many years ago, the setting filled me with so much nostalgia! The details bringing me right back to a place very dear to me. I loved reading about the food, locations and beauty of Ecuador. And made me want to plan a future trek to Cotopaxi!
Gap year is witty, well written and uplifting. It’s a charming read that will inspire you to slow down and reflect on what you really want from life.
As someone who lived in Ecuador many years ago, the setting filled me with so much nostalgia! The details bringing me right back to a place very dear to me. I loved reading about the food, locations and beauty of Ecuador. And made me want to plan a future trek to Cotopaxi!
Gap year is witty, well written and uplifting. It’s a charming read that will inspire you to slow down and reflect on what you really want from life.
November 22, 2025
Love: Jane’s life as she knew it fell apart as her daughter left to study abroad and her husband cheated on her. So she went to Ecuador to climb a volcano she’s always wanted to summit. Through lots of trials and tribulation, Jane realized her dream and more.
Didn’t Love:
There were a few parts of Jane’s conversations with various people that left me second-hand embarrassed for her. Maybe that was the point though?
Worth a read if you need some inspo in your life!
This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Didn’t Love:
There were a few parts of Jane’s conversations with various people that left me second-hand embarrassed for her. Maybe that was the point though?
Worth a read if you need some inspo in your life!
This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An amazing debut novel by Lindsey Goldstein!
I thoroughly enjoyed Jane's version of taking a gap year in her 40s to rediscover herself and her future in life. I hope this acts as inspiration for others to do the same.
Watching Jane's transformation from angry and lost to finding purpose in her life, through her own actions and relationships with others, was quite the emotional journey. I also enjoyed the bonus of seeing personal growth amongst some of Jane's biggest supporters such as Liza and Laura.
I thoroughly enjoyed Jane's version of taking a gap year in her 40s to rediscover herself and her future in life. I hope this acts as inspiration for others to do the same.
Watching Jane's transformation from angry and lost to finding purpose in her life, through her own actions and relationships with others, was quite the emotional journey. I also enjoyed the bonus of seeing personal growth amongst some of Jane's biggest supporters such as Liza and Laura.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews