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Gap Year
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.
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
First published February 3, 2026
9 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
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Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
REVIEW TO COME💗💗!!!!!!!!
🗺️⁀જ✈︎An adventure of a lifetime🗺️⁀જ✈︎!!!!!!
🗺️⁀જ✈︎An adventure of a lifetime🗺️⁀જ✈︎!!!!!!
February 4, 2026
Happy day before Release Day and debut to Lindsey Goldstein, author of Gap Year!
Gap Year is a solid contemporary with some pinches of romances and twists along the way. Instead of a traditional Gap Year, were a newly graduated from high school or university student spends a year away finding themselves, this story gallows Jane, a mom to a freshly turned adult (also on a Gap Year) and soon to be divorced accountant. Jane goes barrelling head first towards her own midlife crisis after her husband callously announces he’s in love with someone else… while at the airport watching their daughter fly to Spain. Instead of having unproductive rebound sex or buying a used Corvette, Jane takes the trip of her dreams. A summer finding herself in Ecuador: touring the Galapagos and summiting (...eventually…) Mount Cotopaxi.
To be blunt, I picked this up for two reasons… I saw my friend Cara reading it AND it mentioned the Galapagos. So I have to admit I was a bit disappointed in how delayed that setting was…I appreciated how Jane’s “coming of age” gap year connected and reflected the journey for her kiddo, Liza. Being 24, I can say Liza was more relatable and I adored how she cheerleaded her mom. It made their bond feel more mutual than one sided with the mom pouring in her love and never getting any in return. I cannot imagine the struggle of getting of the plane in Spain to find out MY DAD chose to be a dickhead and confess to having emotional (and probs physical affair) infidelity as I boarded a plane abroad. The RAGE Liza must have felt. Jane was a better woman than I by helping Liza not nuke her relationship with her dad out of spite. Jane is a phenomenal fictionalized example rebuilding your identity and individual personhood after your kids are grown. It is important that your kids can still connect and recognize you, but also you can be own again.
I found Jane pretty cringe at times; would it be mean to say she reminds me of my mom. She has been dreaming of Ecuador for years and years, but her lack of planning and prep shows. Her horrendous Spanish and drinking straight from the tap spring to mind. I can understand out of date information… as I learned when I was in highschool from trying to practice with my mom, languages change A LOT in 20 years. My mom insisted cellphone in french is un telephone cellulaire, not un portable or un telephone portable. She didn’t much appreciate when I told her it wasn’t 1992 anymore (en francais of course). This was a bit of a tangent, but I would have appreciated if Jane’s connection to Ecuador was more defined… was it something she gave up doing when she had Liza? One of her two designated goals in visiting Ecuador was to climb Mount Cotopaxi and she did no research ahead of time. Girl, Mount Cotopaxi is one of the largest active volcanos in the world! … You are a middle aged out of shape woman. Jane is sooo lucky to have met Laura and hit it off with her. This friendship was 100% necessary to help Jane improve her hiking and terrain skills.
Laura isn’t the only new person Jane connects with on her trip. If you’re afraid of spoilers, DO NOT look at my reading updates. I couldn’t control my emotions at the time and GR has fails to protect from spoilers with updates. I have calmed down since then… relatively. Mark Fleischer, guides ecotours on the Galapagos and lowkey guides Jane on a journey to reconnect to herself. Throughout the trip Jane keeps connected to her recently retired boss, Alan.
Jane’s journey was well explored, but where this story hit a snag is with the prose. The writing style is a bit odd at times; I will cite a pretty early example but it does continue throughout. I would say the writing is melodramatic in a unnecessary way. Literally from page 1 of my ARC, “Liza, my constant companion from the moment she sallied forth from my womb, had flown away the night before.” (Goldstein, pg 1). I think this would have been editable and could be improved up in Goldstein’s next book. It felt like it was being prosy, just to be prosy.
3.5 stars, which I round up to 4!
Thank you to Egret Lake Books, Lindsey Goldstein and Netgalley for an ARC copy so I could read this early!
Gap Year is a solid contemporary with some pinches of romances and twists along the way. Instead of a traditional Gap Year, were a newly graduated from high school or university student spends a year away finding themselves, this story gallows Jane, a mom to a freshly turned adult (also on a Gap Year) and soon to be divorced accountant. Jane goes barrelling head first towards her own midlife crisis after her husband callously announces he’s in love with someone else… while at the airport watching their daughter fly to Spain. Instead of having unproductive rebound sex or buying a used Corvette, Jane takes the trip of her dreams. A summer finding herself in Ecuador: touring the Galapagos and summiting (...eventually…) Mount Cotopaxi.
To be blunt, I picked this up for two reasons… I saw my friend Cara reading it AND it mentioned the Galapagos. So I have to admit I was a bit disappointed in how delayed that setting was…I appreciated how Jane’s “coming of age” gap year connected and reflected the journey for her kiddo, Liza. Being 24, I can say Liza was more relatable and I adored how she cheerleaded her mom. It made their bond feel more mutual than one sided with the mom pouring in her love and never getting any in return. I cannot imagine the struggle of getting of the plane in Spain to find out MY DAD chose to be a dickhead and confess to having emotional (and probs physical affair) infidelity as I boarded a plane abroad. The RAGE Liza must have felt. Jane was a better woman than I by helping Liza not nuke her relationship with her dad out of spite. Jane is a phenomenal fictionalized example rebuilding your identity and individual personhood after your kids are grown. It is important that your kids can still connect and recognize you, but also you can be own again.
I found Jane pretty cringe at times; would it be mean to say she reminds me of my mom. She has been dreaming of Ecuador for years and years, but her lack of planning and prep shows. Her horrendous Spanish and drinking straight from the tap spring to mind. I can understand out of date information… as I learned when I was in highschool from trying to practice with my mom, languages change A LOT in 20 years. My mom insisted cellphone in french is un telephone cellulaire, not un portable or un telephone portable. She didn’t much appreciate when I told her it wasn’t 1992 anymore (en francais of course). This was a bit of a tangent, but I would have appreciated if Jane’s connection to Ecuador was more defined… was it something she gave up doing when she had Liza? One of her two designated goals in visiting Ecuador was to climb Mount Cotopaxi and she did no research ahead of time. Girl, Mount Cotopaxi is one of the largest active volcanos in the world! … You are a middle aged out of shape woman. Jane is sooo lucky to have met Laura and hit it off with her. This friendship was 100% necessary to help Jane improve her hiking and terrain skills.
Laura isn’t the only new person Jane connects with on her trip. If you’re afraid of spoilers, DO NOT look at my reading updates. I couldn’t control my emotions at the time and GR has fails to protect from spoilers with updates. I have calmed down since then… relatively. Mark Fleischer, guides ecotours on the Galapagos and lowkey guides Jane on a journey to reconnect to herself. Throughout the trip Jane keeps connected to her recently retired boss, Alan.
Jane’s journey was well explored, but where this story hit a snag is with the prose. The writing style is a bit odd at times; I will cite a pretty early example but it does continue throughout. I would say the writing is melodramatic in a unnecessary way. Literally from page 1 of my ARC, “Liza, my constant companion from the moment she sallied forth from my womb, had flown away the night before.” (Goldstein, pg 1). I think this would have been editable and could be improved up in Goldstein’s next book. It felt like it was being prosy, just to be prosy.
3.5 stars, which I round up to 4!
Thank you to Egret Lake Books, Lindsey Goldstein and Netgalley for an ARC copy so I could read this early!
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.
February 4, 2026
Lindsey Goldstein brings a hint of middle-aged-rage to the wanderlust to this story of a woman on internal and external journeys.
The book has glorious descriptions of exotic locations, but with plenty of interpersonal drama to add a little spice. It’s a little like reading your messiest friend’s unfiltered travel blog, and I am here for it!
The book has glorious descriptions of exotic locations, but with plenty of interpersonal drama to add a little spice. It’s a little like reading your messiest friend’s unfiltered travel blog, and I am here for it!
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.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
i was immediately pulled into the story and enjoyed it in its entirety. Learning a little about Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands was a treat. looking forward to more by this author.
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.
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.
September 9, 2025
The perfect escape for the empty nester! This debut novel is full of heart and humour as it takes readers on Jane’s journey of self discovery in the Galapagos!
February 21, 2026
Gap Year by Lindsey Goldstein opens with Jane climbing Cotopaxi in Ecuador, completely out of breath, exhausted, and pushing herself up a frozen mountain. From the first scene, you can tell this climb isn’t just about the mountain — it’s about everything she’s carrying emotionally. And when the story shifts back to what led her there, it hits hard.
Within the span of a single day, Jane drops her only child, Liza, off at the airport for a year abroad in Spain… and then her husband of more than twenty years tells her he’s fallen in love with someone else. The timing is brutal. The emotional whiplash is real. And Lindsey Goldstein doesn’t rush that moment — she lets it land. Jane isn’t dramatic. She’s stunned. Disoriented. Angry. And heartbroken.
What I really appreciated is that Jane doesn’t immediately fall apart in a way that feels over-the-top. Instead, something shifts. She resigns from her stable CPA job and declares she’s taking a “gap year” — a year not for her daughter, not for her husband, not for anyone else — but for herself. She decides she’s finally going to climb Cotopaxi and travel the way she once dreamed about. It’s not impulsive; it’s a breaking point that has been building quietly for years.
Goldstein writes in a very intimate, first-person voice, so we live inside Jane’s thoughts — the self-doubt, the regret, the flashes of humor, the anger. One scene that really stood out to me is the parking garage moment after Liza goes through security. Clark delivers his confession there, and the way Jane processes it — noticing small details, feeling physically ill, trying to understand what just happened — feels painfully real. Another strong scene is when Jane resigns from her job. That moment carries so much underneath it — her history with Alan, the safety of routine, and the fear of stepping into something unknown. It’s not loud. It’s layered.
What makes this story work is that no one is written as a cartoon villain. Clark isn’t painted as evil — he’s flawed, emotionally disconnected, and dissatisfied long before his confession. Jane admits she poured everything into motherhood and let her marriage become transactional. Liza, even though she’s overseas for much of the story, remains emotionally present — and her encouragement for her mom to “spread your wings” becomes unexpectedly meaningful. Even Alan, Jane’s boss, is more complex than he first appears. Each person in Jane’s life reflects a different version of who she has been.
The Ecuador chapters are especially powerful. The turbulence on the plane into Quito, Jane’s panic, and later the physical struggle with altitude on Cotopaxi all mirror what’s happening inside her. The climb scenes are not romanticized — they’re hard. Her lungs burn. Her body strains. She questions herself. And that’s what makes them matter. The mountain isn’t about proving something to other people — it’s about proving something to herself.
At its core, Gap Year is about identity — who you are when the roles you’ve lived in for decades fall away. Wife. Mother. Employee. Provider. When those labels shift or disappear, what’s left? Goldstein doesn’t offer tidy answers. Jane’s growth is messy and sometimes contradictory, which makes it feel honest.
If you enjoyed books like Wild by Cheryl Strayed or Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, you’ll probably connect with this story — but this one feels more grounded in suburban domestic life and midlife reinvention. It’s less about spiritual enlightenment and more about emotional reckoning
Within the span of a single day, Jane drops her only child, Liza, off at the airport for a year abroad in Spain… and then her husband of more than twenty years tells her he’s fallen in love with someone else. The timing is brutal. The emotional whiplash is real. And Lindsey Goldstein doesn’t rush that moment — she lets it land. Jane isn’t dramatic. She’s stunned. Disoriented. Angry. And heartbroken.
What I really appreciated is that Jane doesn’t immediately fall apart in a way that feels over-the-top. Instead, something shifts. She resigns from her stable CPA job and declares she’s taking a “gap year” — a year not for her daughter, not for her husband, not for anyone else — but for herself. She decides she’s finally going to climb Cotopaxi and travel the way she once dreamed about. It’s not impulsive; it’s a breaking point that has been building quietly for years.
Goldstein writes in a very intimate, first-person voice, so we live inside Jane’s thoughts — the self-doubt, the regret, the flashes of humor, the anger. One scene that really stood out to me is the parking garage moment after Liza goes through security. Clark delivers his confession there, and the way Jane processes it — noticing small details, feeling physically ill, trying to understand what just happened — feels painfully real. Another strong scene is when Jane resigns from her job. That moment carries so much underneath it — her history with Alan, the safety of routine, and the fear of stepping into something unknown. It’s not loud. It’s layered.
What makes this story work is that no one is written as a cartoon villain. Clark isn’t painted as evil — he’s flawed, emotionally disconnected, and dissatisfied long before his confession. Jane admits she poured everything into motherhood and let her marriage become transactional. Liza, even though she’s overseas for much of the story, remains emotionally present — and her encouragement for her mom to “spread your wings” becomes unexpectedly meaningful. Even Alan, Jane’s boss, is more complex than he first appears. Each person in Jane’s life reflects a different version of who she has been.
The Ecuador chapters are especially powerful. The turbulence on the plane into Quito, Jane’s panic, and later the physical struggle with altitude on Cotopaxi all mirror what’s happening inside her. The climb scenes are not romanticized — they’re hard. Her lungs burn. Her body strains. She questions herself. And that’s what makes them matter. The mountain isn’t about proving something to other people — it’s about proving something to herself.
At its core, Gap Year is about identity — who you are when the roles you’ve lived in for decades fall away. Wife. Mother. Employee. Provider. When those labels shift or disappear, what’s left? Goldstein doesn’t offer tidy answers. Jane’s growth is messy and sometimes contradictory, which makes it feel honest.
If you enjoyed books like Wild by Cheryl Strayed or Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, you’ll probably connect with this story — but this one feels more grounded in suburban domestic life and midlife reinvention. It’s less about spiritual enlightenment and more about emotional reckoning
Review of advance copy
Gap Year is a great woman's' read, more specifically, better for the over 30ish crowd who is or has experienced some sort of life altering or life reflective event (pretty much all of us have by that age!).
Jane thinks her life is on a path, ready to move into the empty-nester syndrome she is met with the unexpected collapse of her marriage which significantly alters the path of her life, in a moment. If you ever thought about just walking away and doing something “crazy” with your life, this is a great read for you! Even if you didn't, but love a good women's book, Jane is a likable, and realistic woman that I think many women would be able to relate to. In the beginning I had a hard time because it seemed like she was going to be a hateful, ex-husband bashing woman who was not able to see her roll in the marital demise but she turned into someone who proved she could move on and be an adult, forgive, move forward and try new (and scary!) things. I prefer seeing that as an example of the right way to move forward so I really appreciate books where the main character behaves well (even just most of the time) and isn't all about making the other person bad (especially where the kids are involved). So for me, this was a great read! I especially like how Jane was able to take the “failures” and parts that did not work out exactly, learn from them, not allow them to stop her or get in the way, and just move forward. This is a great feel-good book about moving forward, personal growth, moving outside your comfort zone, starting over and trying new things (even when they don't seem right). A lot stood out to me but what I really enjoyed was watching how, when she first got to the hostile she didn't interact with anyone and over time she joined in, made friends and it didn't matter what the age difference was. It was about taking chances and living in the moment.
This was a really excellent read! I love the story, I love the reality and I especially LOVE the ending. That was really a super way to end the book (I am not spilling anything!! You need to read it yourself, but you will really like it!!!!!). It is very well written, flows nicely and has very realistic characters and situations. There is a romantic element to the book, but this is not romance-novel heavy in the details (which I appreciate)
This would make a great book club book. There is a lot to discuss and even better is part of the crowd is older, has experienced life changes that unexpectedly altered the course course of your life and have given you something to pause about.
Thank you to Egret Books, Lindsey Goldstein and Library Thing for giving me the opportunity to review this book (early)!
Jane thinks her life is on a path, ready to move into the empty-nester syndrome she is met with the unexpected collapse of her marriage which significantly alters the path of her life, in a moment. If you ever thought about just walking away and doing something “crazy” with your life, this is a great read for you! Even if you didn't, but love a good women's book, Jane is a likable, and realistic woman that I think many women would be able to relate to. In the beginning I had a hard time because it seemed like she was going to be a hateful, ex-husband bashing woman who was not able to see her roll in the marital demise but she turned into someone who proved she could move on and be an adult, forgive, move forward and try new (and scary!) things. I prefer seeing that as an example of the right way to move forward so I really appreciate books where the main character behaves well (even just most of the time) and isn't all about making the other person bad (especially where the kids are involved). So for me, this was a great read! I especially like how Jane was able to take the “failures” and parts that did not work out exactly, learn from them, not allow them to stop her or get in the way, and just move forward. This is a great feel-good book about moving forward, personal growth, moving outside your comfort zone, starting over and trying new things (even when they don't seem right). A lot stood out to me but what I really enjoyed was watching how, when she first got to the hostile she didn't interact with anyone and over time she joined in, made friends and it didn't matter what the age difference was. It was about taking chances and living in the moment.
This was a really excellent read! I love the story, I love the reality and I especially LOVE the ending. That was really a super way to end the book (I am not spilling anything!! You need to read it yourself, but you will really like it!!!!!). It is very well written, flows nicely and has very realistic characters and situations. There is a romantic element to the book, but this is not romance-novel heavy in the details (which I appreciate)
This would make a great book club book. There is a lot to discuss and even better is part of the crowd is older, has experienced life changes that unexpectedly altered the course course of your life and have given you something to pause about.
Thank you to Egret Books, Lindsey Goldstein and Library Thing for giving me the opportunity to review this book (early)!
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!
February 11, 2026
3.5 stars
Jane's life is about to get flipped - will it be for the better?
As Jane and her husband Clarke are dropping off their 18-year-old daughter Liza for her gap year in Spain, Jane is pondering what her future looks like. Given an ultimatum at work to either accept a promotion or resign, she's wallowing in her empty nest and career future. All that takes a back seat to Clarke telling her he's fallen in love with someone else, however.
With Liza living overseas for a year and Clarke moved in with his side piece, Jane makes a crazy leap of faith, quitting her job and booking a trip to climb the volcano in Ecuador that she's always dreamed of.
Dropping real life to travel to a new place where she doesn't speak the language is scary. And Jane's analytical accountant brain has been a huge help with planning and budgeting so she can stay open-ended. She leaves behind everyone she knows, regular life, and all inhibitions to stay in a youth hostel and play everything by ear.
Overall, this story is fun! What a relatable dream for a middle-aged woman. The biggest thing I had a problem with, is how Jane virtually stops communicating with Liza, who is struggling with her gap year experience, and decides to put herself first for once. I'm not sure 18-years-old is old enough to be shipped to a foreign country and told to just put her big girl panties on and things will get better. But, maybe that's just the mom of a less-mature 19-year-old daughter.
This was a very quick and easy read, with a great message of freedom and second chances.
I won this book from LibraryThing.
Jane's life is about to get flipped - will it be for the better?
As Jane and her husband Clarke are dropping off their 18-year-old daughter Liza for her gap year in Spain, Jane is pondering what her future looks like. Given an ultimatum at work to either accept a promotion or resign, she's wallowing in her empty nest and career future. All that takes a back seat to Clarke telling her he's fallen in love with someone else, however.
With Liza living overseas for a year and Clarke moved in with his side piece, Jane makes a crazy leap of faith, quitting her job and booking a trip to climb the volcano in Ecuador that she's always dreamed of.
Dropping real life to travel to a new place where she doesn't speak the language is scary. And Jane's analytical accountant brain has been a huge help with planning and budgeting so she can stay open-ended. She leaves behind everyone she knows, regular life, and all inhibitions to stay in a youth hostel and play everything by ear.
Overall, this story is fun! What a relatable dream for a middle-aged woman. The biggest thing I had a problem with, is how Jane virtually stops communicating with Liza, who is struggling with her gap year experience, and decides to put herself first for once. I'm not sure 18-years-old is old enough to be shipped to a foreign country and told to just put her big girl panties on and things will get better. But, maybe that's just the mom of a less-mature 19-year-old daughter.
This was a very quick and easy read, with a great message of freedom and second chances.
I won this book from LibraryThing.
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.
February 6, 2026
This book surprised me. I won an e-copy on Library Thing and don't remember entering. I didn't expect much from the book, but I was hooked almost from the beginning. I will admit there were a few times it slowed for me in the middle, but a lot of that is because I like the story to move and don't really care about descriptive landscapes. If you enjoy detailed descriptions about the surroundings, you will find the descriptions of Ecuador and the mountains very interesting.
I think this book can be described as a 'coming of age' story where the main character is not a teen, but a 46-year old woman. After some serious upheavals in her life — her daughter leaves the nest, her husband leaves her for another woman, and her boss announced major changes where she works — Jane takes off to Ecuador to find herself. One of the things I enjoy is Jane's wit and sense of humor. The book is predictable at times, and there is a lot of foreshadowing, but to be honest, I would have been unhappy had the book ended any differently. My biggest disappointment is that I wanted a little more. We do get a glimpse into Jane's life down the road a couple of years, but it is not a complete picture and I wanted to know more. Overall, I really enjoyed this one!
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
I think this book can be described as a 'coming of age' story where the main character is not a teen, but a 46-year old woman. After some serious upheavals in her life — her daughter leaves the nest, her husband leaves her for another woman, and her boss announced major changes where she works — Jane takes off to Ecuador to find herself. One of the things I enjoy is Jane's wit and sense of humor. The book is predictable at times, and there is a lot of foreshadowing, but to be honest, I would have been unhappy had the book ended any differently. My biggest disappointment is that I wanted a little more. We do get a glimpse into Jane's life down the road a couple of years, but it is not a complete picture and I wanted to know more. Overall, I really enjoyed this one!
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
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.
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January 21, 2026A welcome addition to the shelf of later-in-life rediscovery romances, this novel is about Jane, whose husband leaves for someone else the day their daughter goes off on her own. Through the power of positivity Jane quits her job and looks for fulfillment in things she wanted to do a long time ago. Much of this novel takes place in Ecuador, where she goes, hoping to climb the volcano Cotopaxi. Only temporarily daunted by failing her first attempt at the high altitude climb, Jane works through her feelings about her divorce and practices long-distance parenting of an independent young woman. By continuing to marshal her courage, she provides an inspirational template for others. Jane has a quirky personality and it's clear she's an acquired taste but luckily the right people finally do acquire it. The sections set in the Galapagos are particularly fun to read and if this book doesn't give you a little bit of travel lust mixed with contemplation about what you wanted when you were young, and if you can still reach for it now, you're not reading very closely. A satisfying story. Cover design A+
I read this book courtesy of the author, the publisher @egretlakebooks and @netgalley. Thank you. Opinions are my own.
I read this book courtesy of the author, the publisher @egretlakebooks and @netgalley. Thank you. Opinions are my own.
February 27, 2026
This was emotional, without being heavy. Transformative without being dramatic. And I absolutely loved it.
Gap Year follows Jane, a woman in her 40s navigating separation, quitting her job, and watching her daughter take a literal gap year, only to realize she might need one herself. It’s not quite coming-of-age. It’s something deeper. It’s rediscovery. Lindsey Goldstein made it so easy to connect with Jane. Every insecurity, every moment of doubt, every flicker of determination felt real and earned. You don’t just read about her growth, you experience it with her.
The romance is minimal and perfectly placed. A brief fling serves its purpose (proof she can move forward), but what truly mattered was her healing. And the genuine connection that develops later felt grounded and mature. The themes of growth, confidence, and self-trust shine throughout. This is a story about realizing you are allowed to start over, at any age. The pacing was perfect. Completely bingeable. I didn’t want to put it down.
The unexpected friendship between Jane and Laura was one of my favorite elements. It added warmth and depth in such a natural way. Zero critiques. Just a beautiful, uplifting story about finding yourself when you thought you already had. I would recommend this 100%.
Gap Year follows Jane, a woman in her 40s navigating separation, quitting her job, and watching her daughter take a literal gap year, only to realize she might need one herself. It’s not quite coming-of-age. It’s something deeper. It’s rediscovery. Lindsey Goldstein made it so easy to connect with Jane. Every insecurity, every moment of doubt, every flicker of determination felt real and earned. You don’t just read about her growth, you experience it with her.
The romance is minimal and perfectly placed. A brief fling serves its purpose (proof she can move forward), but what truly mattered was her healing. And the genuine connection that develops later felt grounded and mature. The themes of growth, confidence, and self-trust shine throughout. This is a story about realizing you are allowed to start over, at any age. The pacing was perfect. Completely bingeable. I didn’t want to put it down.
The unexpected friendship between Jane and Laura was one of my favorite elements. It added warmth and depth in such a natural way. Zero critiques. Just a beautiful, uplifting story about finding yourself when you thought you already had. I would recommend this 100%.
March 13, 2026
This book follows Jane, a middle-aged woman whose life basically gets flipped upside down within a short period of time. Her daughter leaves for a gap year abroad and then her husband suddenly asks for a divorce. In response, she decides to take her own version of a “gap year” by traveling to Ecuador to pursue a dream she’d had for a while.
Overall, I can see why this book would resonate with a lot of people. It’s really about what happens when you’ve lived your life a certain way for decades and suddenly everything changes. Instead of just sitting in the sadness of it all, Jane decides to do something bold.
However, I struggled a bit with Jane’s naivety at times. Jane lives in the LA area (not a sheltered tiny town) so some of her travel decisions and general life choices felt a little unrealistic to me. There were moments where it almost felt like the book was writing her as if she had zero life experience.
Even though I didn’t connect with Jane as much as I wanted to, I do think a lot of readers will. If you’re someone who enjoys stories about figuring out who you are after life throws you off course, this will probably resonate with you more than it did for me.
** Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ***
Overall, I can see why this book would resonate with a lot of people. It’s really about what happens when you’ve lived your life a certain way for decades and suddenly everything changes. Instead of just sitting in the sadness of it all, Jane decides to do something bold.
However, I struggled a bit with Jane’s naivety at times. Jane lives in the LA area (not a sheltered tiny town) so some of her travel decisions and general life choices felt a little unrealistic to me. There were moments where it almost felt like the book was writing her as if she had zero life experience.
Even though I didn’t connect with Jane as much as I wanted to, I do think a lot of readers will. If you’re someone who enjoys stories about figuring out who you are after life throws you off course, this will probably resonate with you more than it did for me.
** Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ***
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