The Woman Who Upped and Left

by Fiona Gibson

Forget about having it all. Sometimes you just want to leave it all behind.

Audrey is often seized by the urge to walk out of her house without looking back – but she can’t possibly do that. She is a single parent. She is needed. She has a job, a home, responsibilities…and a slothful teenage son’s pants to pick up. But no one likes being taken for granted – Audrey least of all – so the time has come for drastic action. And no one’s going to stand in her way…

Genres: Chick Lit, Fiction, Contemporary, Romance, Audiobook, Womens Fiction, Comedy

400 pages, Paperback

First published February 25, 2016

About the author

Fiona is an author and journalist who has written for many UK publications including The Observer, The Guardian, Marie Claire, Red, New Woman, Top Sante and Elle. She writes a monthly column for Sainsbury’s magazine and is a Contributing Editor at Red magazine.

Fiona lives in Scotland with her husband, their twin sons and daughter. She likes to draw, run 10k races, play her saxophone and lie in the bath with a big glass of wine, although not all at once.

Reviews

[Maxine (Booklover Catlady) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meet Audrey. Middle-aged, divorced and living with her eighteen year old son who can't even make a cup of tea on his own. She also hosts his girlfriend who has kind of moved in without it being arranged. Audrey is a part-time Dinner Lady at the local school and a part-time Carer to a little old lady that lives nearby. Life could not be better...ahem...

Audrey Upped and Left!

Call it a midlife crisis, call it a stroke of genius, call it what you want but Audrey decides that she needs something pretty special in her life. Tired of taking the back seat and being second best she embarks rather hilariously into new ventures. This is the woman who is not afraid to use her tights to hold her hair up. We are talking a woman of substance. I liked Audrey a lot.

I have not read any of Fiona Gibson's other books but did enjoy the giggles that this book gave me. I did find the first half of the book was a lot stronger than the latter. My interest petered of somewhat and I did not feel as engaged in the second half. If it had galloped along at the same pace and with the same humour this would of been a 4 star read.

A fun book. I did enjoy it and would recommend to those that like chick-lit, especially with a touch of humour. A lot of everyday women will relate to Audrey and laugh along with her on her journey of self-discovery and adventures with the mini-bar. 3.5 stars from me for this jolly romp!

Thanks so much to Harper Collins UK, Avon for my copy of this book to read and review.

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[Alison Goss · Rating 2 out of 5]

Long story, with an unsurprising end.

Would be better titled "The Women Who Went For a Short Holiday, Came Back To Her Dull Life".

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like Fiona Gibson's novels. I've read quite a few of them and they've always made me chuckle, so I really look forward to her new releases every year. The Woman Who Upped and Left is her latest, and it's very enjoyable, and a little bit maddening.

Let's start with the maddening. Morgan Pepper. I understand what Fiona was trying to do with Audrey and Morgan's relationship, but it genuinely drove me to distraction because if I was his mother, I would have kicked him out of the house long ago. You can take laziness too far, and I felt Morgan took laziness way too far, he wasn't even capable of WASHING A T-SHIRT. It made my blood boil, and I wanted to snap some sense into him, because no eighteen year old can really be that dim. It's physically impossible?!?

And Audrey didn't really help, because she was always simpering to his whims, when really Morgan needed a rocket up his backside. He needed to be left alone to fend for himself, and I just wanted Audrey to just stop her mollycoddling, because it seems that's what turned him into the lazy vegetable he was. It genuinely made me mad and I felt sad for Audrey because on the one hand I understood - as a single parent, you want to do everything to make your kid happy, but Morgan really needed just something, he was a waste of space for the vast majority of the novel, and when the change came, I thought it was a little bit too late for me.

Now that I've got that out of the way - and I feel sooooooo much better, and hey! Maybe some people will like Morgan; I didn't dislike him, in fact, he just irritated me. Apart from the Morgan scenes, which made me grit my teeth, the rest of the book was really, really enjoyable. I love the idea of just upping sticks and escaping for a while, even if I'm really happy - there's just something about the idea of running away for a bit, and when Audrey gets the chance to do that, she goes. On a French cookery course, to a gorgeous sounding hotel, all expenses paid (except for the mini bar Audrey!). It sounded delightful, and while I'm not the best cook in the world (I barely pass at cooking, and can certainly not keep multiple things hot at once) I did enjoy the cookery scenes. I enjoyed seeing Audrey outside of her comfort zone and pushing herself to do more with her life.

I actually also really enjoyed Audrey's home life, especially the bits with Paul and Mrs B, as Audrey looks after Mrs B along with her other job as a dinner lady, and Mrs B was lovely. A bit too honest sometimes, a bit brisk, but lovely. I always like the old people in books, they're a gas. And Paul, Mrs B's gardener, was so sweet, bless him.

I may have had some issues with The Woman Who Upped and Left, just one issue really *cough* Morgan *cough* but this it genuinely was a lovely read. I enjoyed getting to know Audrey, and perhaps I was a bit too harsh in regards to Morgan, because maybe all mothers are like that? I don't know as I'm not a mother, which is likely part of the issue. But otherwise it was another great read from Fiona. You really can rely on her for a good novel.

[Bookread2day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fiona Gibson has the pure gift to make me relax and laugh out loud. If you like reading warm and funny books like I do then The Woman Who UPPED And Left is for you. Have you ever wanted to escape from it all? Audrey Hepburn was named after her Mum's favourite actress. Audrey's son is a right one, he is a young eighteen year old who hasn't found the linen basket. I know that problem my daughter can't seem to find my linen basket either. Then Audrey finds a thong in her son's bedroom belonging to his girlfriend, oh yuk. Should she pick them up with eyebrow tweezers perhaps and seal the thong in a clear plastic bag? hmm I bet my life that the real Audrey Hepburn never picked up a single pair of pants, not even her own exquisite little scanties. The novel is so good. I can't highly recommend enough The Woman Who Upped And Left.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on This Chick Reads


*Copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review*

I'm a huge fan of Fiona Gibson and simply adore her books. She's one of these wonderful authors that never disappoints. She's constant, and no matter the new trends and what seems to be 'in' these days, you always know what you get from her books. I love that feeling of familiarity and comfort, because I know that no matter when or where I read her book, I'm going to enjoy it and it'll be the best fun.

Of course I had expectations from her new novel as well! Once again Fiona delivered, proved and cemented her position as one of the best British chick lit authors. And not only that, but in my opinion, 'The Woman Who Upped and Left' is her best novel so far, uber fun and full of humour that will make you read it cover to cover in a single breath.

The story is centered around Audrey, a single mum in her forties, hard working woman and dedicated to her son and friends. She hasn't had the happiest childhood, but she's not a complainer and makes the best bloody lemonade whenever life gives her lemons (which is most of the time). For the last 10 years she's been working as a dinner lady in a local primary school, a job she never thought she'd still be doing, but being left by her mum when she was only 9 years old and losing her dad at 17, its obvious life made some choices for her. But she's a fighter and definitely a wonderful and caring mum. Being all by herself has taught her how to appreciate people and everything good that comes along, but at the same time she does feel like her life's one big routine where her own desires always come last. Things are about to change when she's awarded the prize for the best dinner lady and can choose between cash as a prize or a short yet expensive cookery course. It's obvious she's always broke and could use the cash, however she does need to change her life and start living for herself.

'The Woman Who Upped and Left' is a brilliant, light hearted take on motherhood and all the dreams most women sacrifice when they become wives/mothers. I'm 100% positive there are so many women out there (me included) who will connect to Audrey and who felt exactly like her at least once in their life. Juggling between two jobs (she's also a carer for Mrs B, a 84 year old woman) and motherhood, she's trying hard to keep everyone happy and of course her needs always come last. We always say it's not the way it should be, women should not stop living life to the fullest when they reach certain age or become mums, but life happens and in the blink of the eye we've transformed into this woman we don't even recognize, someone who's always tired, sleep deprived, grumpy, who worries all the time.

Audrey realizes it's time for a change, seems even her own teenage son, Morgan doesn't appreciate everything she's been doing for him. So, instead of getting the cash, she applies for the cookery course and is off on a new adventure. Meeting new people, spending more time with herself and her own thoughts, learning new delicious dishes, seems she's really starting to reinvent herself. But where's change, there are people who oppose the change and there's loads of drama.

I absolutely adored every page of this book. I loved Audrey to bits and wish she was real so we could be friends in real life. She's such an optimistic person, never crying over the spilled milk, always trying to be a good mum, friend and employee. She knows who she is, she's mature and is well aware of all the things that brought her to where she's now. She doesn't blame anyone for her 'failures', she's not bitter or angry. That's what I loved most about her, despite having millions of reasons to be angry at her parents, she doesn't hold a grudge. It's something I'm working hard on, to forgive everyone that's hurt me in a way (myself included) and I definitely applaud to Audrey for rising above all the limitations and moving on with her life.

As in every Fiona Gibson book, we get to see what real life is, real women, mature women, with real life problems. No fashion or brands references, no shoes or make up addiction, simply real life situations. And yet, the lighthearted tone in which they are told, makes these stories so fun, so funny and so addictive. It's like, you forget all about your problems when you enter her fictional worlds, you become Audrey, thinking how the hell can your teenage son microwave his T-shirt, haven't you taught him better than that? Hilarious! There were some moments that made me laugh out hard, they were just so funny!

Overall, this was a wonderful and uber fun book I recommend to everyone who loves humour and chick lit. Fiona is definitely an author who deserves all the praise and I wish she could publish at least 10 books a year. Oh and I know Mother's day is now behind us, but if you want to surprise your mum, your wife or girlfriend, this would make the perfect gift! Smiles and laughs are guaranteed, so just get it! Trust me, it's a wonderful story!

[Gabrielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Almost didn’t carry on with this book after the first few chapters but then it really picked up. Found the main character really annoying as a parent in some places.
The title suggests she ups and leaves, she goes on a cookery course for a few days, she has a missed call from her son, so rushes home again!! overall the storyline was entertaining and was a good read.

[Marc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Right then, I was prepared to write a scathing review of this book as I started it. A mousy middle aged mother of a lazy 18 year old slob and his dozy taking advantage girlfriend who just slept all day and left the house in a mess and underwear all over the place.

Audrey, our main character was initially weak, put up on and I just wanted to reach in a shake her. I was attracted to the book due to the title - it screamed quirky and fun but began to be a bit of a bore.

However, as the book developed as well as the characters I did change my mind. Audrey is just a nice woman.

I did feel cheated, however, by the title. She didn’t “up and leave”, she just went away for a few days on a residential cookery course. And came back.

Good book on the whole but not earth shattering, page turning literature.

[Grass monster · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the cover you think this book is about a housewife who has had enough of being taken for granted by her family and upped and left them. Far from it, this book centres around Audrey, who wins a course in French cookery and packs herself off leaving behind her lazy son Morgan, to fend for himself. We meet lovely Hugo, slimey Stevie and down to earth Paul. As Audrey gets down to some cooking, can her son manage not to burn the house down?. With some surprises in store and an insight to Audrey's life this is a great read. It wasnt rushed, i engaged with the characters but at times felt sorry for poor Audrey. Another great read from Fiona Gibson

[Iona Sharma]

I read a lot of this type of book and don't review them because I get through so many and they are, basically, all the same though usually enjoyable (and I've read enjoyable ones by this author). This one, however. Is it bad? yes. Incoherent? that too. Not the worst book ever written but just the all-out stupidest? quite possibly. What it is, though, is that this is a comedy novel (a "comic novel", cos that always bodes well) in which the main character is sexually assaulted twice and the author doesn't notice. It just passes her by. It's great. So funny. Such a romcom. Wow.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Fiona Gibson has done it again. Another absolutely brilliant book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I couldn’t put it down.

I absolutely loved Audrey her character is brilliantly written and I can really imagine her.

I really enjoy Fiona’s writing style it’s so easy to read. I was a little sad to finish the book and really would like a sequel.

All in all it was a brilliant book and I can’t wait to read her next book.

[Sheena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this one.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and I related to it on so many levels!
Poor Audrey looking after her 18yr old son, who doesnt do much except layabout and have attitude.
Currently having an 18yr old son at home myself, I laughed and cringed through most of the book at the same time having the greatest sympathy! Audrey is holding down 2 jobs and does a remarkable job when all said and done and I felt immensley proud of her by the end of the book. She is a really lovely person and doesnt deserve half of what happens to her but she handles it so well. There were so many hilarious parts in the story and I so get the knicker thing, having had 3 boys at home with their girlfriends hanging about. In fact, so many bits in this book could have been written about my life(even the dinner lady bit and the pregnancy)) I loved the characters in the book and had a soft spot for Mrs B and im so glad the book ended the way it did (no spoilers)
I had never read any of Fionas books before this one and now im a fan,and trawling through Amazon to find more. I love her style of writing and hated having to put the book down. I laughed, cringed, sympathised but most of all loved it. I have sent my sister a message saying “buy this, you gotta read it” Great book and I cant wait to read more of Fiona Gibson

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audrey is holding down two jobs to look after her teenage son, who takes her for granted. When she wins a national dinner lady competition she is tempted to take the cash prize. But then decides to take the alternative prize of a French cuisine course in a plush hotel.

The characters are so engaging, with their own flaws. She meets the other people on the course and they find her refreshing.

It's a really amusing read- with many familiar situations that other parents with teenagers may recognise!

She surprises her son when she goes on the course- and just what might she come home to, after leaving an 18 year old in charge of her house. We'll soon find out!

With many thanks to Net Galley and the publisher Harper Collins UK, Avon for the chance to read this one in exchange for an honest review.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for this advanced copy.

Loved this one! Had me hooked from the beginning! The story of poor Audrey Pepper who spends her life picking up after her layabout 18 year old son, holding down two jobs and travelling to service stations hotels to meet her on/off travelling salesman boyfriend Stevie. She then she wins 'Dinner Lady of the Year' and it changes her life.

It's such a nice easy read. Loved the characters, and genuinely didn't guess which bloke she would end up with!!

[Karrie Bartling · Rating 1 out of 5]

Can't take anymore !

I couldn't even finish the book. I couldn't stand to read anymore of the helicopter mom who obsessed over a lazy, disrespectful, self-absorbed child and the whiny, immature boyfriend. Jeez get a life. Her being so nieve was hard to deal with. Reading this book made me extremely irritated. I have read more enjoyable books by Ms. Gibson so was very disappointed.

[Jules (Never enough time to read) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe a 3.5* rating

It was good, it just wasn't my favourite Fiona Gibson read. I didn't really like the main character much and I thought the story was a little slow going in places, and it didn't really have as many witty or funny bits as I expected.

But, Fiona Gibson still remains one of my all time favourite authors.

[Donna · Rating 1 out of 5]

I could not bring myself to cheer for Audrey. She is a doormat. Way too much credit given to men for showing the smallest bit of kindness. I wanted to smack her so many times. Sadly I bought 2 more books by Fiona Gibson....I hope they are not as painful to read. Ugh. I feel like a battered woman after reading this one.

[Melissa Borsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's a book that makes you want to sit back, relax and put your smile on! This was my first time reading a book by this author and I am looking forward to reading more by her!

[Debra K · Rating 4 out of 5]

For my written review, please check out the link below:
Debra's Book Cafe

Debs :-)

[Cherrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5 stars*

Wasn't what I expected I was hoping it would be a lot funnier than it was, still it was a nice read I liked the characters

[Rachel Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Woman Who Upped and Left by Fiona Gibson
Genre: contemporary fiction

I can't say too much here if I want my review to remain spoiler free; but here are my thoughts in a nutshell:

- The title is misleading - Audrey "Ups and leaves" for less than a week
- She's also a helicopter parent down to a tee, and still wonders why Morgan is incapable of looking after himself
- She also gives off slight toxic boy mum vibes in the first half of the book, with her thoughts towards Jenna
- Her helicopter parenting obviously doesn't help this, but if I knew Morgan in real life, I fear I would be his number one hater. Please stay away from me.
- The ending was sweet enough but did kind of disappoint me. Justice for Hugo, I reckon
- Brad is a creep, and I didn't need that, I get the idea that FG was trying to make this a comforting read - and it was, bar that perv

I feel bad rating this one so low, as it was a wholesome read all in all. But every single character had AT LEAST one annoying personality trait, and it just became a bit headachey in places.

2☆

[Sookiri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wholesome read. Even though it was bit boring and slow at the start, it picked up the pace in the middle. I really love how some scenarios were untangled with so much suspense despite this being a normal going story. But downside, I really didn't like some of the Audrey's decisions such as going to a cookery course despite them being quite hard on money, not telling Carrie about Stevie and his doings plus coddling Morgan so much. Those felt like the things that a normal woman who was in the same situation would not do. I am kind of sad that she didn't end up with Hugo though. I really loved the ending and it felt like Audrey deserved all those things. But something I really can't understand is what is the relevance of the title to the main story. She never left from her life. I actually thought this was about a woman who leaves everything and start a new journey but nevertheless I loved how the story was formed out.

[Agi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every year I am impatiently waiting for Fiona Gibson's new release - I fell in love with her down - to - earth, normal heroines, with down - to - earth stories that are about everyday life and yet that are incredibly funny and uplifting. I also think that Fiona's covers are the most beautiful ones, and this time it's the same - it is colourful and optimistic, and I also immediately fell in love with the title of this book - it's brilliant! Also, the tagline on the cover: "Have you ever wanted to escape it all?" had me hooked, as I think that most of us wanted once or twice to leave everything behind, stop thinking and just go away. So with this brilliant, promising synopsis I started to read the book as soon as it hit on my doorstep. (But in the meantime I have cooked with Fiona :) ).

However, sadly, this time the book didn't deliver this what I am always expecting from this author. I loved the idea of the woman who upped and left and I thought we are for exciting adventures and changes generally speaking, and I've just imagined something different to this flat, lifeless heroine who was undermining herself and who was a servant to her son. I get it, this with Morgan was probably supposed to be funny, but for me it was more like a farce, and as much as I appreciate that present teenagers live with their parents till they're thirty and don't go to work, Fiona Gibson has taken Morgan to totally different level.
Sure, I think there is not a single mother who wasn't at least once like Audrey, thinking about leaving and doing something for herself only and not fretting over what she's left behind, and this was brilliantly described. However, having the title in mind, I was expecting Audrey to leave literally everything and go on the adventure of her life, and not only on a one week course in a French cuisine, only to come back home to the same old life - to her über - lazy son and picking up his pants. She was too passive with everything in my opinion, and I though that when she once more says "dear" or "love" to her son, I'm going to start to shout.

I am really sorry, but I am a little disappointed with this story, I have expected much more from this author and in my opinion it is her weakest book. But of course there are also some great things, first of all, Fiona's ability into getting in the characters' heads stayed the same. And it was like this with Audrey, I really felt I know her totally and yes, I liked her - apart from her being flat and lifeless, fussing about her lazy git of a son. I mean, I am also a mum, OK, my daughter is a little one, but I can't imagine me behaving like Audrey. NO way, sorry Sophie, you're going to be an independent, self - reliant person in the future. Audrey always tried to make best out of the situations she found herself in and she felt really realistic, with all her flaws. Like other characters in this story as well. But I think that a lot of women can identify and relate with Audrey and it's going to be one of the strength of this book. She has appreciated the smallest things and this made her really charming person. I also liked her normality, the fact that she was having two jobs just to make the ends meet, and she was great in both of them, which shows how brilliant she was around people and that she really, truly cared about them. She was also so honest and genuine in all her reactions, she was enthusiastic and yes, sometimes she just wanted to disappear under the pillow, but it only made her even more authentic.

The author also tried to add some humour through Audrey's affair with Stevie, though right now, in retrospective, I'm not sure if I should laugh or cry at our heroine, chucking everything the moment Stevie let her know he's available and they can meet - somewhere in the motel on the motorway. I mean, can a person be so desperate? But I really appreciate the fact that the romance aspect has not dominated the whole story, and forgetting about being desperate or not, it brought some great, hilarious and funny scenes to the story. The "second romance", well, this I've seen coming, but I liked how Fiona Gibson managed this subplot - not too much, not too less, and very charming - although I must admit that the author has muddled me up a little, as according to all indications Audrey was interested in someone else.

Altogether, "The Woman Who Upped and Left" was a light and relatively quick read. I liked that even though there is food in the story, it didn't overwhelm the whole plot, and I truly enjoyed Audrey's stay at the hotel, together with her mania of hiding all the chocolate truffles for her friends and with her obsession with the mini - bar. The interactions between Audrey and Morgan felt really realistic, it was just like watching a Wimbledon final, as the ball was once on Audrey's, and the second moment on Morgan's side. There is also this cosy feeling in this story that - brushing aside all the problems that I had with it - made the book a hilarious comedy of errors and I enjoyed Audrey's journey to finally, eventually find herself.

Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for a review.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

What middle aged housewife can't relate to this? A light-hearted look at the stuff we all face. Loved it.

[Lulu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everyone needs time off their busy schedule to have some adventure.

[Meg_inthecity · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5, a sweet story.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally reviewed on Becca's Books.

What an utter joy this was!

It's been such a long time since I last delved into a Fiona Gibson novel, and so I'd forgotten how absolutely wonderfully uplifting, funny and easy-to-slip-into Gibson's books are. I had a feeling, once I'd read the blurb and seen the fantastic cover of The Woman Who Upped and Left, that I'd enjoy this book. Talk of single mother Audrey, who feels she's being taken for granted despite the monumental amount of work she does , is something I'm sure the majority of women can relate to. Picking up her teenage son Morgan's pants, tidying up after him, and trying to keep out of his way as he and girlfriend Jenna lay about the house wrapped around each other made this one entertaining read. It was humorous, witty and ultimately, one of those feel-good novels that leaves you grinning as you turn the final page.

In The Woman Who Upped and Left, we're introduced to Audrey, single mother and utterly devoted to her teenage son Morgan, despite his laziness and refusal to clean up after himself. Fiona Gibson ensured that Audrey's love for her son radiated through her day-to-day grumbles. I adored the relationship between mother and son that was explored throughout this novel, the invisible thread that, no matter how far apart they were, seemed to bind them together. So, when Audrey wins an award for dinner lady of the year, she's given two choices as her price. The first is a cash prize, and the second is a French cookery course at the ridiculously luxurious hotel Wilton Grange. At first diving straight in for the cash prize, Audrey realises that what she deserves more than anything is a break, so she goes for the cookery course instead, and who can blame her?! From Fiona's incredible descriptions, I wanted to skip away to Wilton Grange myself. I could imagine it all so clearly in my mind and couldn't wait for the moment when Audrey would arrive.

What follows on from the cookery course at Wilton Grange are a number of hilarious shenanigans, brand new friendships, and not forgetting the fretting of her son Morgan. This book had me giggling away through the night, squealing in frustration at Stevie, and swooning over Hugo. The food was delicious and set my taste-buds tingling, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching Audrey take to the cookery tasks alongside her new friends. Not only this, but Fiona also includes the fabulous character who is Mrs B, adding a wonderful feel of home and heart to the story. There was so much for me to get excited about, to look forward to and wait to be revealed. Fiona's books never fail to deliver in the way that they make me feel cosy and comforted all at once. From joyful smiles to exasperated head shakes, I went through it all and couldn't have finished this book with a bigger grin on my face. It was an utter, utter treat, and already I'm hankering after the next fabulously feel-good novel from Fiona Gibson.

Becca's Books is awarding The Woman Who Upped and Left by Fiona Gibson with five of my bookish stars! I always know that with Fiona I'll be left realising that life is a roller-coaster. Everyone has their bad days and their good days, it's just how we choose to perceive them that changes everything. Hugest thanks to Avon and Fiona Gibson for providing me with a review copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Natasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book because I thought it would be an easy read. It didn’t look too serious and it looked fun. The kind of book you can read and then completely forget it existed. I’m giving it two stars because I did enjoy reading it, but does the whole plot feel weak? Yes. Is the book extremely rushed at the end? Very much so.

There really wasn’t much character development and where it appeared, it felt like the characters had just been replaced rather than actually developed. Her sons behaviour does a complete 180 spin and maybe this was due to the circumstances he found himself in, but I can’t believe someone can change that quickly.

And then there was Hugo, the charming man who obviously wasn’t going to end up with Aubrey yet we still have a couple of pages of them together before they rush forward to get Aubrey with the guy she is meant to be with.

In books like these, where there are multiple love interests, I normally struggle to pick one I like or I don’t know who the writer will pair up in the end. This was as obvious as a slap in the face. The book literally went ‘hey there’s this guy who pays special attention to her and he seems down to earth but we’re only going to focus on him a little bit as we need a book to fill’.

But as I said, i read this book as I thought it would be fun and easy. And it was. So while I enjoyed it, due it’s writing, it gets placed at the bottom of my book pile.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first Fiona Gibson book I've read as I was fortunate enough to win a copy in a Facebook competition. I'm so glad I did. From the first page when we meet Audrey picking up her eighteen year old son's discarded pants from various locations, I'm sure most women will identify. When she suddenly has the chance to escape the humdrum life of being someone's mother, ex-wife, and do something for herself then I'm there cheering her on. You could say that she brings most of it on herself by not being assertive enough but we glimpse into her consciousness to realise that not only is she somewhat downtrodden because she cares ( after all she worries about her son burning down the house when he actually has to cook for himself) but she also questions her own parenting skills. I defy anyone who is a Mum not to empathise with her. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the pace at which the romance developed. So glad the user of a boyfriend gets his comeuppance. No spoilers so you'll just have to read it yourself! By the way I have now stopped picking up pants from the bathroom floor even though my son is only eight; never too young to learn!

[What Lynsey Read · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is an easy read - I read it in a day when I was unwell. I do think that had I put it down, I may not have picked it up again.
The characters were so annoying! In first place is the 18 year old layabout son who gets away with talking to his mum like $h!t. She's in second place for letting him, and for her unbelievable levels of naivety. Surely everyone knows that you have to pay for the items in a mini-bar? And it was so obvious that Stevie was hiding something, I could barely read those parts!
She should have upped and left, as promised by the title, or just kicked her son out. Instead she went to a fancy hotel for 5 days on a cookery course, where she still managed to pander to her son.
This book holds the honour of being the most miss-titled book I have ever read. Still, I was after a bit of light relief as a change from my usual go-to genre of crime/thrillers, and that's what I got.