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My Big Fat Empty Nest: A laugh-out-loud, relatable comedy for mums everywhere
Not yet published
Expected 18 Jun 26Her daughter has just flown the nest and her pensioner mum has dived headlong into internet dating - can Hattie hold on to her sanity?
Hattie is a 47-year-old mother whose daughter, Layla, is just about to head off to university. She's not coping terribly well (Hattie that is - Layla seems to be coping admirably),bursting into tears at the drop of a hat.
To add to the angst, Hattie's mother, Meredith, has started online dating -unfortunately it's Hattie who has to pick up the pieces when it all goes wrong.
With everyone around her starting new adventures, is it time for Hattie to find one of her own?
Hattie is a 47-year-old mother whose daughter, Layla, is just about to head off to university. She's not coping terribly well (Hattie that is - Layla seems to be coping admirably),bursting into tears at the drop of a hat.
To add to the angst, Hattie's mother, Meredith, has started online dating -unfortunately it's Hattie who has to pick up the pieces when it all goes wrong.
With everyone around her starting new adventures, is it time for Hattie to find one of her own?
347 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 18, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 14, 2026
My word—I consumed this relatable, realistic, and reassuring novel within 24 hours of receiving it! I’ve come to truly appreciate authors who write for “women of a certain age” because… that’s me. Stories like this reflect a season of life I’m living right now—one that often feels overlooked in favor of younger, more glamorous narratives. 💛
My Big Fat Empty Nest by Nancy Peach was a FIVE STAR read for me and my first experience with this author. I genuinely don’t know how I’ve missed her until now, but I’m so glad that’s changed—I’m already looking forward to reading more of her work!
Hattie, a forty-something on the brink of becoming an empty nester, is navigating one of life’s most emotional transitions as her daughter prepares to leave for university. At the same time, she’s stepping into a new role within her family—supporting her recently widowed mother after the loss of her father a couple of years earlier.
This “sandwich” stage of life felt incredibly familiar to me. It doesn’t arrive all at once—it builds quietly. You’re still raising your children, and suddenly you’re caring for your parents too, noticing small changes and shifting roles you weren’t quite ready for.
As Hattie moves through this shift, she begins to see her parents’ relationship more clearly than ever before—the unspoken strain, the imbalance in responsibility, and the emotional weight her mother carried for years. Now, for the first time in decades, her mother is learning how to live for herself again… and while Hattie worries, her mother is unexpectedly thriving. Her newfound independence—including a very active social life—leads to a few surprising (and at times humorous) moments along the way.
At the same time, Hattie’s own household is in transition. Her daughter struggles to find her footing at university, and her husband seems increasingly absorbed in his own world. Feeling untethered, Hattie takes a part-time job at the local library—what begins as a small step toward reclaiming herself quickly becomes something much more meaningful.
When budget cuts threaten the library, Hattie finds a renewed sense of purpose. With growing confidence and the support of a diverse and loyal community, she helps lead the effort to protect a place that has become a refuge—not just for her, but for so many others.
This was, without a doubt, a FIVE STAR read for me. I couldn’t put it down—not just because of the story, but because of how deeply it resonated. This stage of life can feel isolating at times, but this book reminded me that support is there—we just have to reach for it. And sometimes, in doing so, we find ourselves showing up for others in ways we never expected.
Thank you NetGalley, Nancy Peach, and Hera Books for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful novel ahead of its June 18, 2026 release. It was an absolute pleasure. 💛
My Big Fat Empty Nest by Nancy Peach was a FIVE STAR read for me and my first experience with this author. I genuinely don’t know how I’ve missed her until now, but I’m so glad that’s changed—I’m already looking forward to reading more of her work!
Hattie, a forty-something on the brink of becoming an empty nester, is navigating one of life’s most emotional transitions as her daughter prepares to leave for university. At the same time, she’s stepping into a new role within her family—supporting her recently widowed mother after the loss of her father a couple of years earlier.
This “sandwich” stage of life felt incredibly familiar to me. It doesn’t arrive all at once—it builds quietly. You’re still raising your children, and suddenly you’re caring for your parents too, noticing small changes and shifting roles you weren’t quite ready for.
As Hattie moves through this shift, she begins to see her parents’ relationship more clearly than ever before—the unspoken strain, the imbalance in responsibility, and the emotional weight her mother carried for years. Now, for the first time in decades, her mother is learning how to live for herself again… and while Hattie worries, her mother is unexpectedly thriving. Her newfound independence—including a very active social life—leads to a few surprising (and at times humorous) moments along the way.
At the same time, Hattie’s own household is in transition. Her daughter struggles to find her footing at university, and her husband seems increasingly absorbed in his own world. Feeling untethered, Hattie takes a part-time job at the local library—what begins as a small step toward reclaiming herself quickly becomes something much more meaningful.
When budget cuts threaten the library, Hattie finds a renewed sense of purpose. With growing confidence and the support of a diverse and loyal community, she helps lead the effort to protect a place that has become a refuge—not just for her, but for so many others.
This was, without a doubt, a FIVE STAR read for me. I couldn’t put it down—not just because of the story, but because of how deeply it resonated. This stage of life can feel isolating at times, but this book reminded me that support is there—we just have to reach for it. And sometimes, in doing so, we find ourselves showing up for others in ways we never expected.
Thank you NetGalley, Nancy Peach, and Hera Books for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful novel ahead of its June 18, 2026 release. It was an absolute pleasure. 💛
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My Big Fat Empty Nest is one of those novels that wraps you in a gentle, knowing hug while also nudging you to laugh at the sheer chaos of life’s transitions. Hattie, at forty‑seven, is teetering on the edge of a new chapter she never quite prepared for, and there’s something wonderfully relatable about the way she unravels—messily, tearfully, and with a sense of humour she doesn’t always mean to have.
Her daughter Layla’s calm, capable glide into university life only sharpens Hattie’s own wobble, and the contrast is both funny and quietly touching. And then there’s Meredith, Hattie’s mother, diving headfirst into online dating with the enthusiasm of someone who has absolutely no intention of reading the warning labels. Watching Hattie try to hold everyone else’s lives together while hers feels like it’s slipping through her fingers gives the story its warm, lived‑in charm.
What I loved most is how the book balances comedy with genuine emotional depth. Beneath the mishaps and mortifying moments is a tender exploration of identity—who we become when the roles we’ve clung to shift, and what it means to start again when everyone around you seems to be doing it better. Nancy Peach writes with a light touch, but there’s a sincerity threaded through every scene that makes the humour land even more beautifully.
It’s a cozy, heartfelt read about letting go, starting over, and finding yourself somewhere between your grown child’s independence and your mother’s romantic escapades. Warm, witty, and quietly reassuring, it’s the kind of story that leaves you smiling at the messiness of it all.
With thanks to Nancy Peach, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Her daughter Layla’s calm, capable glide into university life only sharpens Hattie’s own wobble, and the contrast is both funny and quietly touching. And then there’s Meredith, Hattie’s mother, diving headfirst into online dating with the enthusiasm of someone who has absolutely no intention of reading the warning labels. Watching Hattie try to hold everyone else’s lives together while hers feels like it’s slipping through her fingers gives the story its warm, lived‑in charm.
What I loved most is how the book balances comedy with genuine emotional depth. Beneath the mishaps and mortifying moments is a tender exploration of identity—who we become when the roles we’ve clung to shift, and what it means to start again when everyone around you seems to be doing it better. Nancy Peach writes with a light touch, but there’s a sincerity threaded through every scene that makes the humour land even more beautifully.
It’s a cozy, heartfelt read about letting go, starting over, and finding yourself somewhere between your grown child’s independence and your mother’s romantic escapades. Warm, witty, and quietly reassuring, it’s the kind of story that leaves you smiling at the messiness of it all.
With thanks to Nancy Peach, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved the title. I loved the cover. I loved the synopsis.
I didn't love the story. Sadly.
It sounded so, so promising and funny, and everything that has "My Big Fat" in the title is for me really, really worth watching/reading etc. I started this book with tons of expectations, because well... "A laugh - out - loud, relatable comedy". I've never laughed out loud and I didn't find comedy here.
The main character got so on my nerves. I thought, OK, the beginning is going to be hard, but then this not being able to stop the whingeing, controlling, not having her own life started to feel irritating and it took over the whole plot. And if we're by the plot: well, I'm not sure if there was one, to be honest.
The promise of Meredith's online dating fell short of expectations, it was just mentioned and it was nothing funny at all.
Altogether, I felt as if we were going in circles and nothing, absolutely nothing happened in this story, which is a real pity because I've had great expectations. Maybe I've expected too much? I don't know, but this book didn't gel with me and I won't be recommending it. I kept reading, because I felt obliged and yes, I was hoping all the time that something is going to save the book for me. Even the good - cause at the end wasn't able.
I didn't love the story. Sadly.
It sounded so, so promising and funny, and everything that has "My Big Fat" in the title is for me really, really worth watching/reading etc. I started this book with tons of expectations, because well... "A laugh - out - loud, relatable comedy". I've never laughed out loud and I didn't find comedy here.
The main character got so on my nerves. I thought, OK, the beginning is going to be hard, but then this not being able to stop the whingeing, controlling, not having her own life started to feel irritating and it took over the whole plot. And if we're by the plot: well, I'm not sure if there was one, to be honest.
The promise of Meredith's online dating fell short of expectations, it was just mentioned and it was nothing funny at all.
Altogether, I felt as if we were going in circles and nothing, absolutely nothing happened in this story, which is a real pity because I've had great expectations. Maybe I've expected too much? I don't know, but this book didn't gel with me and I won't be recommending it. I kept reading, because I felt obliged and yes, I was hoping all the time that something is going to save the book for me. Even the good - cause at the end wasn't able.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My Big Fat Empty Nest sounded like it would be geared perfectly toward me. I have a kid in college and another about to get married, so I understand the empty nest stage of life. Unfortunately, this book was nothing like my experience and I found it painfully boring.
Harriet claims to be an editor, but this book desperately needed one. The run-on sentences went on and on until my eyes crossed and my brain begged for oxygen. Details were constantly repeated a few paragraphs later as if the reader wouldn’t remember them the first time. Trust the reader already.
I also expected humor from the title and premise, but there was nothing funny about it for me. The story mostly centers on Harriet bemoaning her child leaving for college while seeming to have no real connection to her husband. I’m sure some empty nesters will relate to what’s written here, but I definitely was not one of them.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Hera Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
Harriet claims to be an editor, but this book desperately needed one. The run-on sentences went on and on until my eyes crossed and my brain begged for oxygen. Details were constantly repeated a few paragraphs later as if the reader wouldn’t remember them the first time. Trust the reader already.
I also expected humor from the title and premise, but there was nothing funny about it for me. The story mostly centers on Harriet bemoaning her child leaving for college while seeming to have no real connection to her husband. I’m sure some empty nesters will relate to what’s written here, but I definitely was not one of them.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Hera Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*Thank you to Net Galley for my ARC*
What I enjoyed in the books were those poignant moments between the Hattie(MC) and her Meredith (the grandma) and Hattie and her daughter Layla. These were the scenes that genuinely captured my attention and left me feeling contemplative about my own relationships with my family. As a Mum myself, I did have little moments where I wondered how I would be when I eventually become an empty nester- maybe like Hattie I would find my way of acceptance.
What I didn't find appealing was the sub stories that felt like fillers because a story needs some trajectory after all. I understood the concept of a 'slice of life' book but the premise wasn't enough to fill an entire novel and keep my full focus. Maybe this could have been revised and edited as a short story?
What I enjoyed in the books were those poignant moments between the Hattie(MC) and her Meredith (the grandma) and Hattie and her daughter Layla. These were the scenes that genuinely captured my attention and left me feeling contemplative about my own relationships with my family. As a Mum myself, I did have little moments where I wondered how I would be when I eventually become an empty nester- maybe like Hattie I would find my way of acceptance.
What I didn't find appealing was the sub stories that felt like fillers because a story needs some trajectory after all. I understood the concept of a 'slice of life' book but the premise wasn't enough to fill an entire novel and keep my full focus. Maybe this could have been revised and edited as a short story?
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity!!
This book was so unique and I'm really grateful for the opportunity to read it! I really enjoyed all of the characters but I especially loved Hattie. As a mom myself who hasn't quite reached this phase of life, it was easy to imagine how hard these moments are as parents and how hard you have to work to remember who you are as a person when your child leaves home. I think her journey was emotional but full of grace and I loved the connection her and her husband maintained throughout the book. Oh, and Granmerry Meredith is an absolute gem of a character!!!!
This book was so unique and I'm really grateful for the opportunity to read it! I really enjoyed all of the characters but I especially loved Hattie. As a mom myself who hasn't quite reached this phase of life, it was easy to imagine how hard these moments are as parents and how hard you have to work to remember who you are as a person when your child leaves home. I think her journey was emotional but full of grace and I loved the connection her and her husband maintained throughout the book. Oh, and Granmerry Meredith is an absolute gem of a character!!!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.7 A refreshing and delectable read that brilliantly captures the emotional roller coaster of motherhood, and of womanhood through a multigenerational portrait. The character arcs of the secondary characters alongside Hattie's own growth were the cherry on top.
#ARC review
#ARC review
May 17, 2026
Loved this book so totally realistic and relatable to any midlife woman myself included
Told in such a humorous witty frank down to earth way that totally epitomises the lot of a midlife woman also known as the sandwich generation
Trying to juggle elderly parents, menopause, empty nest syndrome and so much more.
Hattie demonstrates so aptly the struggles of losing your identity when your children fly the nest, parents age, relationship woes and dealing with the menopause
Letting go, managing change and enjoying the new version of yourself gives hope to the readers that you can come out the other side stronger than ever!
Thank you NetGalley for this early read
Told in such a humorous witty frank down to earth way that totally epitomises the lot of a midlife woman also known as the sandwich generation
Trying to juggle elderly parents, menopause, empty nest syndrome and so much more.
Hattie demonstrates so aptly the struggles of losing your identity when your children fly the nest, parents age, relationship woes and dealing with the menopause
Letting go, managing change and enjoying the new version of yourself gives hope to the readers that you can come out the other side stronger than ever!
Thank you NetGalley for this early read
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews