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The Runaway Wife
One evening in early August, while mashing the potatoes for dinner, Connie McColl decides she’s had enough…
Connie is tired of solving one family crisis after another - usually involving her unruly grandchildren - while her husband Roger spends all day at his beloved golf course. Surely it must be time for her to shake off her apron and start living again?
So Connie packs a bag, gets in her little green car and drives off...
As Connie journeys from England to Scotland on an unexpected adventure, she finally begins to rediscover herself. And she starts to wonder, will she ever be ready to return home? Or will this summer change her life forever?
Connie is tired of solving one family crisis after another - usually involving her unruly grandchildren - while her husband Roger spends all day at his beloved golf course. Surely it must be time for her to shake off her apron and start living again?
So Connie packs a bag, gets in her little green car and drives off...
As Connie journeys from England to Scotland on an unexpected adventure, she finally begins to rediscover herself. And she starts to wonder, will she ever be ready to return home? Or will this summer change her life forever?
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 24, 2018
2422 people are currently reading
2296 people want to read
About the author
Dee MacDonald
16 books277 followersThe Runaway Wife is Dee’s first (published) novel but in fact she wrote her very first book – at around seven years of age! This was a love story which she duly illustrated before sewing all the pages together up one side. Writing was what she ‘was good at’ in school and she won several essay competitions, but then life got in the way and she didn’t pick up a pen again until after retirement.
Dee left Scotland and headed for London at the beginning of the swinging sixties. After typing her way round the West End she became an air stewardess on long haul routes with BA (then BOAC) for eight years. After that she did market research at Heathrow for both the government statistics and for BA, she became a sales rep and was the receptionist at the Thames Television Studios in Teddington when they had the franchise.
She then ran a small B&B for ten years in Cornwall, where she lives with her husband. Dee has one son and two grandsons who live locally.
Her second book, The Getaway Girls, will be published in July.
Dee left Scotland and headed for London at the beginning of the swinging sixties. After typing her way round the West End she became an air stewardess on long haul routes with BA (then BOAC) for eight years. After that she did market research at Heathrow for both the government statistics and for BA, she became a sales rep and was the receptionist at the Thames Television Studios in Teddington when they had the franchise.
She then ran a small B&B for ten years in Cornwall, where she lives with her husband. Dee has one son and two grandsons who live locally.
Her second book, The Getaway Girls, will be published in July.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 385 reviews
April 25, 2018
4.5 delightful Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
What a fun journey this was literally and figuratively.... Connie is tired of being took for granted... so she packs up her well loved adorable car named Kermit and hits the road..... I really need to tack up a map of the UK somewhere in my house, I read so many books that take place there and I have no idea where anything is... I kept googling places because they all seem so lovely... I am taking a trip there sometime soon, But in the meantime I will visit through books....
Connie was so likable and so real... she was all of us.... some of the characters she met along her trip were so quirky and a few situations were a little over-the-top, but that made this even more fun.... Connie added a little sunshine to everybody‘s life she met along this trip.... and she took away a little knowledge from everybody herself....
I also really love the emails between Connie and her children back home... at first her kids were super concerned.... like who’s going to babysit their kids and how is poor dad going to cope with things such as vacuuming.... connie’s answers back were perfection.... she just told them that she was having an amazing journey and she’d be back soon enough....
So does Connie returned to her family.... do things change? Do they now appreciate their lovely mother? You really need to read this book and find out! Mom if you are reading this review, you would love this book!
Absolutely recommend to anybody who has ever felt undervalued and overwhelmed... filled with fabulous quirky characters, laugh out loud moments, and some teaching moments as well....
*** thank you so much too Bookouture and Net Galley for a copy of this lovely book ***
PS: looks like my mom is going to have a Bookouture Mother’s Day 🤫
What a fun journey this was literally and figuratively.... Connie is tired of being took for granted... so she packs up her well loved adorable car named Kermit and hits the road..... I really need to tack up a map of the UK somewhere in my house, I read so many books that take place there and I have no idea where anything is... I kept googling places because they all seem so lovely... I am taking a trip there sometime soon, But in the meantime I will visit through books....
Connie was so likable and so real... she was all of us.... some of the characters she met along her trip were so quirky and a few situations were a little over-the-top, but that made this even more fun.... Connie added a little sunshine to everybody‘s life she met along this trip.... and she took away a little knowledge from everybody herself....
I also really love the emails between Connie and her children back home... at first her kids were super concerned.... like who’s going to babysit their kids and how is poor dad going to cope with things such as vacuuming.... connie’s answers back were perfection.... she just told them that she was having an amazing journey and she’d be back soon enough....
So does Connie returned to her family.... do things change? Do they now appreciate their lovely mother? You really need to read this book and find out! Mom if you are reading this review, you would love this book!
Absolutely recommend to anybody who has ever felt undervalued and overwhelmed... filled with fabulous quirky characters, laugh out loud moments, and some teaching moments as well....
*** thank you so much too Bookouture and Net Galley for a copy of this lovely book ***
PS: looks like my mom is going to have a Bookouture Mother’s Day 🤫
April 24, 2018
4 brilliantly funny runaway stars to The Runaway Wife! 🚙 🚙 🚙 🚙
The Runaway Wife came highly recommended by my friend Sherri, and this was a refreshing delight of a read!
Connie McColl is tired. Tired of being in charge of everything, tired of all of life’s overwhelming responsibilities while her husband whiles away his time on the golf course.
When she’s finally had enough, she hops in her little green car and doesn’t look back. Quite the escapade awaits her and quirky characters abound. Is Connie going to drive off into the sunset, or will she return home on her own terms?
At times silly in the best way, Connie’s story is clever and engaging. She is a love of a character, and I would be thrilled to read more books with her!
Thank you to Dee MacDonald, Bookouture, and Netgalley for the ARC! The Runaway Wife is now available!
The Runaway Wife came highly recommended by my friend Sherri, and this was a refreshing delight of a read!
Connie McColl is tired. Tired of being in charge of everything, tired of all of life’s overwhelming responsibilities while her husband whiles away his time on the golf course.
When she’s finally had enough, she hops in her little green car and doesn’t look back. Quite the escapade awaits her and quirky characters abound. Is Connie going to drive off into the sunset, or will she return home on her own terms?
At times silly in the best way, Connie’s story is clever and engaging. She is a love of a character, and I would be thrilled to read more books with her!
Thank you to Dee MacDonald, Bookouture, and Netgalley for the ARC! The Runaway Wife is now available!
April 17, 2018
Connie McColl is tired of solving one family crisis after another. It's time too take off her apron and start living again.
Connie packs her case, gets into her little green car she fondly calls kernit and drives off not really knowing where she is going. She just knows she has to get away from her family for a little while. She catches up with some old friends on her journey from England to Scotland and makes some new friends along the way. Some of the things that happen to Connie were just a little too far fetched, like the time she was the get away driver for a jewellery shop robbery. There was not one member of her family I felt sorry for, they were all a little pathetic. Does Connie return to her family? You will need to read the book to find out.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Dee MacDonald for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Connie packs her case, gets into her little green car she fondly calls kernit and drives off not really knowing where she is going. She just knows she has to get away from her family for a little while. She catches up with some old friends on her journey from England to Scotland and makes some new friends along the way. Some of the things that happen to Connie were just a little too far fetched, like the time she was the get away driver for a jewellery shop robbery. There was not one member of her family I felt sorry for, they were all a little pathetic. Does Connie return to her family? You will need to read the book to find out.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Dee MacDonald for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2018
Connie who is 66 years old has decided she’s been taking advantage of for far too long and she “needs” to get away from it all and take an adventure. Does she ever!! I was laughing out loud at several spots in this book. The characters she meets along the way are very interesting and it makes for great entertainment. Being that I’ve never been to London or Scotland, it made me feel like I was there! And I totally did not see that ending coming! Wowsers!!! I really enjoyed Connie’s travels and hope they’ll be another book with more adventures!! 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thank you for this complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
December 7, 2025
3.5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
A great easy read that I thought was hilarious and exhilarating.
Connie McColl takes us on quite the travel adventure in this book. Living in Suffix, England in a lovely home with her husband Roger of many years, she is feeling her age at sixty six. Tired, bored, unstimulated, lack of purpose, unappreciated…then “the straw that broke the camels back” happens. The anniversary of their son Ben’s death arrives and NO ONE in the family remembers to honor his life with her. Not even Roger her husband, who manages to spend days on end at the golf club. Connie questions the validity of her current life and decides to spread her wings, leaving home to sort things out, she says. Does she still love her husband? Do her kids really appreciate all the help she gives them? Does she even matter? She secretly plans an escape trip and leaves in her little green Ford with a parting note for the family. “Sorting things out, I’ll be back at some point”…That’s it, she is gone! Driving north with her little old green car toward Scotland.
The people Connie meets and the adventures she imparts are refreshing and touching to me. Quirky people and laugh out loud moments kept me smiling. She for once follows her own heart and is enjoying life. Helping those in need, enjoying the out of doors, seeing new things with new people. Even gets in a little too deep with a physical desire for a new man she meets. She feels alive and refreshed and there is a new Connie in town!
The ending was a mildly shocking revelation for me, but I was pleased with how it ended. A cute book to enjoy.
A great easy read that I thought was hilarious and exhilarating.
Connie McColl takes us on quite the travel adventure in this book. Living in Suffix, England in a lovely home with her husband Roger of many years, she is feeling her age at sixty six. Tired, bored, unstimulated, lack of purpose, unappreciated…then “the straw that broke the camels back” happens. The anniversary of their son Ben’s death arrives and NO ONE in the family remembers to honor his life with her. Not even Roger her husband, who manages to spend days on end at the golf club. Connie questions the validity of her current life and decides to spread her wings, leaving home to sort things out, she says. Does she still love her husband? Do her kids really appreciate all the help she gives them? Does she even matter? She secretly plans an escape trip and leaves in her little green Ford with a parting note for the family. “Sorting things out, I’ll be back at some point”…That’s it, she is gone! Driving north with her little old green car toward Scotland.
The people Connie meets and the adventures she imparts are refreshing and touching to me. Quirky people and laugh out loud moments kept me smiling. She for once follows her own heart and is enjoying life. Helping those in need, enjoying the out of doors, seeing new things with new people. Even gets in a little too deep with a physical desire for a new man she meets. She feels alive and refreshed and there is a new Connie in town!
The ending was a mildly shocking revelation for me, but I was pleased with how it ended. A cute book to enjoy.
April 24, 2018
Connie is my new heroine. At sixty six years of age, she shows us it’s never too late to make changes in your life.
I doubt very much that Connie is on her own with how she feels. I know I for one have wished many a time that I could just up and leave for a few days in the hope that the rest of the family may one day realise just what I do for them. I’m sure they probably feel the same also. Getting married and falling into a routine can be nice but it can get boring and people can also start taking one another for granted.
Connie being sick of this, decides to put her foot down and go off in Kermit, her brilliantly nick named green car, to clear her head and have a good think about what she wants in life.
On Connie’s travels she meets some truly wonderful people. Some old, some new. If more people were like her I think the world would be a much better place. It was a wonderful journey of which I felt I was very much on a road to self discovery also. The freedom of being able to go where you wanted was just so idyllic and my heart at times felt like it was going to burst with Connie’s selfless actions.
The Runaway Wife is one of the loveliest books I have read this year. It will make you want to make changes in your own life as well as become a better person. A heartfelt and engaging read that I never wanted to end. Highly recommended.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
I doubt very much that Connie is on her own with how she feels. I know I for one have wished many a time that I could just up and leave for a few days in the hope that the rest of the family may one day realise just what I do for them. I’m sure they probably feel the same also. Getting married and falling into a routine can be nice but it can get boring and people can also start taking one another for granted.
Connie being sick of this, decides to put her foot down and go off in Kermit, her brilliantly nick named green car, to clear her head and have a good think about what she wants in life.
On Connie’s travels she meets some truly wonderful people. Some old, some new. If more people were like her I think the world would be a much better place. It was a wonderful journey of which I felt I was very much on a road to self discovery also. The freedom of being able to go where you wanted was just so idyllic and my heart at times felt like it was going to burst with Connie’s selfless actions.
The Runaway Wife is one of the loveliest books I have read this year. It will make you want to make changes in your own life as well as become a better person. A heartfelt and engaging read that I never wanted to end. Highly recommended.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
April 24, 2018
Well if there was ever a book worthy of being called a coming of age story then this would get first prize. OK it was coming a little later in life for Connie than it did most people but at 66 years young she had finally got there. There hadn’t really been a Connie for a long time just someone who wore different hats, wife, mother, cook, cleaner, baby sitter and taxi driver for her husband. But one day Connie simply put down her tools of being ‘someone else’ and set off to look for herself.
What a wonderful inspirational and fun story this has been to get lost in, especially as I am not too many years behind Connie myself. I literally giggled and tittered at her naivety, I loved her rebellious side and delighted in her finding the woman inside her that she never knew existed. I could see her gradually changing as each chapter ended and another one began.
What I really liked about this story too was the little glimpses back of how things were going on at home. The changes that were over time taking place there. When Connie first left her family, all they could see was the inconvenience to their lives her leaving made to them, not actually missing Connie for Connie. Very sad really. But the adventures that Connie got herself caught up in changed many lives for the better as well as her own.
There was an array of characters throughout the story that open Connie’s eyes to a world that she has been blinkered to before. It is almost as if she has been in a cocoon all these years and she is finally becoming the butterfly, a very beautiful one that never loses the caring side of herself but one that knows she matters too.
Highly recommended, a light and lovely read with some punch in the air moments from this little old lady reading it.
I wish to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for an e-copy of this book which I have honestly reviewed.
What a wonderful inspirational and fun story this has been to get lost in, especially as I am not too many years behind Connie myself. I literally giggled and tittered at her naivety, I loved her rebellious side and delighted in her finding the woman inside her that she never knew existed. I could see her gradually changing as each chapter ended and another one began.
What I really liked about this story too was the little glimpses back of how things were going on at home. The changes that were over time taking place there. When Connie first left her family, all they could see was the inconvenience to their lives her leaving made to them, not actually missing Connie for Connie. Very sad really. But the adventures that Connie got herself caught up in changed many lives for the better as well as her own.
There was an array of characters throughout the story that open Connie’s eyes to a world that she has been blinkered to before. It is almost as if she has been in a cocoon all these years and she is finally becoming the butterfly, a very beautiful one that never loses the caring side of herself but one that knows she matters too.
Highly recommended, a light and lovely read with some punch in the air moments from this little old lady reading it.
I wish to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for an e-copy of this book which I have honestly reviewed.
April 27, 2018
What a beautiful adventurous book on self-discovery and finding inner happiness. I loved it from start to finish!!
A 66 year old woman Connie, suddenly realizes that she has been taken for granted by her husband and family and just decides to leave it all and run away. She packs her green car Kermit and off she travels.... From Sussex to Scotland meeting some lovely people and having her own adventures, mayhap a bit of love...
I loved Dee MacDonald's style of writing, there is humor interspersed with introspection along with various fun filled occurrences, a jewelry heist, and a movie set too. Connie sees it all and experiences it all. The author Dee MacDonald kept me laughing at the various antics, kept me thinking about my journey of discovering my creative side, kept me sighing at the idea of love.
Connie's journey down an unknown, unplanned road led her to meet some old friends, some new friends, some unusual protests, a movie set, some foxy characters. There is humor in the situations she finds herself, along with the emotions and love for her family who are initially confused about her leaving, but later understand.
She meets some wonderful people who teach her something about themselves and something about herself. An impulsive drive to freedom to revisit the places of her childhood, ultimately leads her to the decisions of her life. What a journey she has, and what a journey Dee MacDonald took me on!!
Dee's book made me realize that life begins today and there is only one shot at life, and one shot of happiness. And that is NOW!!
A 66 year old woman Connie, suddenly realizes that she has been taken for granted by her husband and family and just decides to leave it all and run away. She packs her green car Kermit and off she travels.... From Sussex to Scotland meeting some lovely people and having her own adventures, mayhap a bit of love...
I loved Dee MacDonald's style of writing, there is humor interspersed with introspection along with various fun filled occurrences, a jewelry heist, and a movie set too. Connie sees it all and experiences it all. The author Dee MacDonald kept me laughing at the various antics, kept me thinking about my journey of discovering my creative side, kept me sighing at the idea of love.
Connie's journey down an unknown, unplanned road led her to meet some old friends, some new friends, some unusual protests, a movie set, some foxy characters. There is humor in the situations she finds herself, along with the emotions and love for her family who are initially confused about her leaving, but later understand.
She meets some wonderful people who teach her something about themselves and something about herself. An impulsive drive to freedom to revisit the places of her childhood, ultimately leads her to the decisions of her life. What a journey she has, and what a journey Dee MacDonald took me on!!
Dee's book made me realize that life begins today and there is only one shot at life, and one shot of happiness. And that is NOW!!
October 1, 2021
This is my one of my book club reads. I'm now in two clubs and....we'll see how long that lasts! One club is very serious, reading Pulitzer Prize winning novels. The other reads fun books like The Runaway Wife. This was okay - a bit contrived, but an easy and quick read.
April 24, 2018
4.5* --> 5*
Now, I’m sure by now most of you know this isn’t my usual type of genre but there was something about the book description that just spoke to me. So when I was offered the opportunity to read this one early, I didn’t hesitate at all. Yes, that is my quote on the cover there. *proud moment* (Thank you, Kim!)
The Runaway Wife is a blooming’ marvellous novel that will either make you want to leave your family far behind or count your lucky stars and want to hug them all that little bit tighter because they’re brilliant and you wouldn’t want to change them for the world. Either way, Connie’s story is sure to put a smile on your face.
At a time in her life when she should be enjoying her retirement, demands from her family just seem to keep piling up on top of one another. Her husband is no help at all as he spends most of his time on the golf course and Connie increasingly feels like she’s being taken for granted. Many of us can without a doubt relate to Connie’s circumstances, no matter our ages, as we desperately try to find some “me” time.
One day, she has had more than enough and decides to live a little. Jumping into her car, Connie sets off on a road trip from England to Scotland. Catching up with old friends and meeting some new ones along the way, she has the opportunity to rediscover herself and figure out what she wants.
Connie captured my heart right from the start. She is such a delightful woman, who feels that even though she may be 66 years old, she’s still young enough to have an adventure or two. Along the way she will meet people who validate her, who will make her feel there is still more to her than just being a wife, a mother and a grandmother. She will be seen for who she is and isn’t that something we all want?
There are a few sad moments along the way, showcasing the comforting and caring personality of Connie. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting her and following her around the country, not just rooting for her but also for her wee car, hoping it would be reliable and get her through the journey safely. But equally entertaining are the glimpses into the daily life of her family members who now have to fend for themselves without the ever-present maid, cook and babysitter.
With a truly hilarious laugh-out-loud event near the end, this is a funny, uplifting and inspiring story that goes to show you’re never too old to make a change. Second chances are there if you’re willing to jump up and grab them. An absolutely delightful and fabulously heartwarming read perfect for those sunny days!
Now, I’m sure by now most of you know this isn’t my usual type of genre but there was something about the book description that just spoke to me. So when I was offered the opportunity to read this one early, I didn’t hesitate at all. Yes, that is my quote on the cover there. *proud moment* (Thank you, Kim!)
The Runaway Wife is a blooming’ marvellous novel that will either make you want to leave your family far behind or count your lucky stars and want to hug them all that little bit tighter because they’re brilliant and you wouldn’t want to change them for the world. Either way, Connie’s story is sure to put a smile on your face.
At a time in her life when she should be enjoying her retirement, demands from her family just seem to keep piling up on top of one another. Her husband is no help at all as he spends most of his time on the golf course and Connie increasingly feels like she’s being taken for granted. Many of us can without a doubt relate to Connie’s circumstances, no matter our ages, as we desperately try to find some “me” time.
One day, she has had more than enough and decides to live a little. Jumping into her car, Connie sets off on a road trip from England to Scotland. Catching up with old friends and meeting some new ones along the way, she has the opportunity to rediscover herself and figure out what she wants.
Connie captured my heart right from the start. She is such a delightful woman, who feels that even though she may be 66 years old, she’s still young enough to have an adventure or two. Along the way she will meet people who validate her, who will make her feel there is still more to her than just being a wife, a mother and a grandmother. She will be seen for who she is and isn’t that something we all want?
There are a few sad moments along the way, showcasing the comforting and caring personality of Connie. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting her and following her around the country, not just rooting for her but also for her wee car, hoping it would be reliable and get her through the journey safely. But equally entertaining are the glimpses into the daily life of her family members who now have to fend for themselves without the ever-present maid, cook and babysitter.
With a truly hilarious laugh-out-loud event near the end, this is a funny, uplifting and inspiring story that goes to show you’re never too old to make a change. Second chances are there if you’re willing to jump up and grab them. An absolutely delightful and fabulously heartwarming read perfect for those sunny days!
July 26, 2020
This is a wonderful book, it just flows along and takes you with it. It made me laugh and cry and laugh again, especially at the end. That was a little bit of genius!
The story follows Connie, a 66 year old mother and wife, who is used as a doormat by her family until one day she decides she's has enough and sets off on an adventure to find herself and work out what she wants to do with the rest of her life. She meets an array of new friends, catches up with old friends and has experiences she's never had before.
It was a joy to explore new parts of the UK through Connie's eyes, especially the wilds of Scotland and to be with her on her voyage of discovery. The book is beautifully written and the characters are lovingly drawn to make them come alive. I absolutely loved the ending, that really had me chuckling and I can't wait for the next instalment. Connie is such a lovable character, she's the sort of person you'd want to go on a road trip with!
The story follows Connie, a 66 year old mother and wife, who is used as a doormat by her family until one day she decides she's has enough and sets off on an adventure to find herself and work out what she wants to do with the rest of her life. She meets an array of new friends, catches up with old friends and has experiences she's never had before.
It was a joy to explore new parts of the UK through Connie's eyes, especially the wilds of Scotland and to be with her on her voyage of discovery. The book is beautifully written and the characters are lovingly drawn to make them come alive. I absolutely loved the ending, that really had me chuckling and I can't wait for the next instalment. Connie is such a lovable character, she's the sort of person you'd want to go on a road trip with!
March 28, 2018
Well!! This was a completely different book to my usual read
Connie aged 66 decides one night whilst mashing potatoes she needs a break from her hubby, Roger, and her 3 grown up kids and her ordered life of cooking, cleaning and babysitting.......so a few days later off she goes in Kermit, her trusted green car and leaves the security of Sussex to ‘find herself’........oh and she doesn’t tell anyone shes going, she sends them all an email later on!!!!!!
I LOVED Connie, everything about her, her narrative about her past life, her present life that had brought her to this point of needing escape and the way she described her adventures throughout the book, she was hilarious, thought provoking, at times sad and insightful and I enjoyed every aspect of her and her travels
I would love to tell you what happens but that would spoil it but if I say at one point she gets unwittingly involved in an armed robbery thats just one small thing that happens in her journey!!
The book is ‘lol’ and touching in equal parts and the characters she meets are wide ranging, exotic and wonderful
The story is cleverly interwoven with emails from her husband and children as an aside to the story and a glimpse of their reactions is a good added part to the book
Sometimes descriptions of food/meals, accommodation and scenery can be, dare I say, boring in a book and fodder to eek out a chapter but I can honestly say each one of these was described so appealingly it was all welcome
One thing I didn’t expect was a real twist to the story at the end but tbh it was a better twist than a lot of psychological books I read
I loved this book and Connie and really hope there is a second book to carry on her adventures
10/10 5 stars
Connie aged 66 decides one night whilst mashing potatoes she needs a break from her hubby, Roger, and her 3 grown up kids and her ordered life of cooking, cleaning and babysitting.......so a few days later off she goes in Kermit, her trusted green car and leaves the security of Sussex to ‘find herself’........oh and she doesn’t tell anyone shes going, she sends them all an email later on!!!!!!
I LOVED Connie, everything about her, her narrative about her past life, her present life that had brought her to this point of needing escape and the way she described her adventures throughout the book, she was hilarious, thought provoking, at times sad and insightful and I enjoyed every aspect of her and her travels
I would love to tell you what happens but that would spoil it but if I say at one point she gets unwittingly involved in an armed robbery thats just one small thing that happens in her journey!!
The book is ‘lol’ and touching in equal parts and the characters she meets are wide ranging, exotic and wonderful
The story is cleverly interwoven with emails from her husband and children as an aside to the story and a glimpse of their reactions is a good added part to the book
Sometimes descriptions of food/meals, accommodation and scenery can be, dare I say, boring in a book and fodder to eek out a chapter but I can honestly say each one of these was described so appealingly it was all welcome
One thing I didn’t expect was a real twist to the story at the end but tbh it was a better twist than a lot of psychological books I read
I loved this book and Connie and really hope there is a second book to carry on her adventures
10/10 5 stars
April 9, 2018
I really enjoyed this book the storyline is different from what I have read before.
This book was funny in places but sad in other places I like reading about the adventures Connie got up to. It makes you wonder what you would do if you wanted to runaway from the life you have this book was very well written and once you start reading you can't stop.
This book was funny in places but sad in other places I like reading about the adventures Connie got up to. It makes you wonder what you would do if you wanted to runaway from the life you have this book was very well written and once you start reading you can't stop.
April 26, 2018
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
What a wonderful little read this was! Connie is sick and tired of feeling like a housekeeper, a babysitter, and a slave to her family. She's had enough and after careful deliberation whilst bashing the potatoes for dinner into next week, Connie decides to do something for herself and live. No more being her husbands personal driver. No more having no plans to fit in with her daughter-in-law's ever-expanding social life so that she can babysit for her. No more! Instead, Connie packs a few essentials and sets off in Kermit to a destination she hasn't decided yet. You go girl!
Connie is the type of character you will pretty much fall in love with straight away. She reminds me of the sort of grandmother who, should she ever go to a posh dinner, would sit there and talk about sexual positions in great detail. Such a brilliant character.
I loved how the book mentioned Galashiels (which is where I live), and I loved how much detail the author went into when she was describing Edinburgh. It was so lovely to read a book and be all 'I'VE BEEN THERE. I KNOW THAT' like you're the local city groupie or something!
Connie's adventure had me laughing out loud, sitting with tears in my eyes, as well as becoming emotionally touched by who she met along the way. Sometimes in life we lose sight of who we are whilst other people take us for granted, with us having no confidence to tell them to shove off. I'm sure we have all been there. The fact that Connie was determined to not live the rest of her life in a shell, living life for everyone else, really did make me think. I mean, living life for YOU is in no way selfish, so why are people made to feel that way?
I disliked Roger from the get go and my opinion didn't change in a positive way, the more of him I got to know. In fact, I actually disliked him more by the time I got to the end of the book. What a self-absorbed man!! If he looked like Channing Tatum then yeah, I could see why he would think his bowel movements don't stink, but he isn't. Selfish dweeb!
For me personally, Connie was the star of the show and I was so glad she decided to go on her adventure the way that she did. At the age of 66, Connie knew fine well that she needs to live with no regrets in the time of life that she has left. Just look at Jeannie, bless her heart. It really brought home just how short life is and how we need to grab it by the Kermit before it's too late. I know that sometimes it's easier said than done, but like Connie proves, there is no wrong time to do something for you, as long as it isn't too late.
'The Runaway Wife' really warmed my soul and that ending, well, I think I snorted into my cup of tea more than once! Despite being a laugh out loud, carefree type of read, Dee MacDonald included some deep and meaningful topics along the way, making my mind think all that bit more.
I really do hope that Connie returns sooner rather than later as I cannot wait to follow her on yet another life-changing adventure. This book is truly something special, just like Connie, Jeannie and Kath. A wonderful, wonderful book that I won't be forgetting anytime soon.
What a wonderful little read this was! Connie is sick and tired of feeling like a housekeeper, a babysitter, and a slave to her family. She's had enough and after careful deliberation whilst bashing the potatoes for dinner into next week, Connie decides to do something for herself and live. No more being her husbands personal driver. No more having no plans to fit in with her daughter-in-law's ever-expanding social life so that she can babysit for her. No more! Instead, Connie packs a few essentials and sets off in Kermit to a destination she hasn't decided yet. You go girl!
Connie is the type of character you will pretty much fall in love with straight away. She reminds me of the sort of grandmother who, should she ever go to a posh dinner, would sit there and talk about sexual positions in great detail. Such a brilliant character.
I loved how the book mentioned Galashiels (which is where I live), and I loved how much detail the author went into when she was describing Edinburgh. It was so lovely to read a book and be all 'I'VE BEEN THERE. I KNOW THAT' like you're the local city groupie or something!
Connie's adventure had me laughing out loud, sitting with tears in my eyes, as well as becoming emotionally touched by who she met along the way. Sometimes in life we lose sight of who we are whilst other people take us for granted, with us having no confidence to tell them to shove off. I'm sure we have all been there. The fact that Connie was determined to not live the rest of her life in a shell, living life for everyone else, really did make me think. I mean, living life for YOU is in no way selfish, so why are people made to feel that way?
I disliked Roger from the get go and my opinion didn't change in a positive way, the more of him I got to know. In fact, I actually disliked him more by the time I got to the end of the book. What a self-absorbed man!! If he looked like Channing Tatum then yeah, I could see why he would think his bowel movements don't stink, but he isn't. Selfish dweeb!
For me personally, Connie was the star of the show and I was so glad she decided to go on her adventure the way that she did. At the age of 66, Connie knew fine well that she needs to live with no regrets in the time of life that she has left. Just look at Jeannie, bless her heart. It really brought home just how short life is and how we need to grab it by the Kermit before it's too late. I know that sometimes it's easier said than done, but like Connie proves, there is no wrong time to do something for you, as long as it isn't too late.
'The Runaway Wife' really warmed my soul and that ending, well, I think I snorted into my cup of tea more than once! Despite being a laugh out loud, carefree type of read, Dee MacDonald included some deep and meaningful topics along the way, making my mind think all that bit more.
I really do hope that Connie returns sooner rather than later as I cannot wait to follow her on yet another life-changing adventure. This book is truly something special, just like Connie, Jeannie and Kath. A wonderful, wonderful book that I won't be forgetting anytime soon.
April 2, 2018
This story is very different from what I'm used to reading, usually not many books are found that have as a main character a 66-year-old lady, but I must say that I'm surprised at how much I liked it!
Connie McColl at an advanced age takes an incredible decision that takes her on a journey that changes her perspective and the way she allowed herself to live, mediocre. Her husband takes for granted everything that she does for her family, her children assume that she has no other desire than to take care of the grandchildren all day and nobody appreciates the effort she makes to be a great wife and mother.
We started the trip a little slow, she starts to travel the UK in her car, meeting new people, living different adventures and getting into trouble, but being a long enough book, I felt that some parts were filled and the text could have survived without them.
When we reach 60% of the book the changes begin in it, she does not allow anyone to trample on it and she start living without fear. Connie is a very feminist lady as she begins to decide about her own life and does not allow people to assume things about her or what she wants for the rest of her life.
The characters we know in the last chapters make the story very real (I got a few tears, don't judge me, ok?). And we see how Connie finds a little love and is brave, it was amazing.
One of the problems I had with the book is that it is incredibly English, it is not about not understanding the language, but many phrases and sayings were too European, I may have lost things since I had no idea what they were talking about.
Besides, all of Connie's family were terrible, they only cared about themselves, they did not ask about how their mother felt, let alone Roger (uggh), I will always hate him.
If you manage to pass 50% you will find an incredible story, that regardless of age, makes us think about the way we want to live and how we want to finish our last days.
★★★ ½
Connie McColl at an advanced age takes an incredible decision that takes her on a journey that changes her perspective and the way she allowed herself to live, mediocre. Her husband takes for granted everything that she does for her family, her children assume that she has no other desire than to take care of the grandchildren all day and nobody appreciates the effort she makes to be a great wife and mother.
We started the trip a little slow, she starts to travel the UK in her car, meeting new people, living different adventures and getting into trouble, but being a long enough book, I felt that some parts were filled and the text could have survived without them.
When we reach 60% of the book the changes begin in it, she does not allow anyone to trample on it and she start living without fear. Connie is a very feminist lady as she begins to decide about her own life and does not allow people to assume things about her or what she wants for the rest of her life.
The characters we know in the last chapters make the story very real (I got a few tears, don't judge me, ok?). And we see how Connie finds a little love and is brave, it was amazing.
One of the problems I had with the book is that it is incredibly English, it is not about not understanding the language, but many phrases and sayings were too European, I may have lost things since I had no idea what they were talking about.
Besides, all of Connie's family were terrible, they only cared about themselves, they did not ask about how their mother felt, let alone Roger (uggh), I will always hate him.
If you manage to pass 50% you will find an incredible story, that regardless of age, makes us think about the way we want to live and how we want to finish our last days.
★★★ ½
"'And then you'll go home?'
'Then I'll go home'
'And life will go on as usual?'
'Oh, no, Kath! Life could not be the same again! '"
August 5, 2018
A delightfully funny debut by British author Dee MacDonald. The storyline features an older woman, Connie, who is tired of being taken for granted by her grown children and her husband who spends all his time on the golf course. She feels it's high time to discover her own joys again, so she packs up her car and goes off on a road trip from England through Scotland. She has some hilarious adventures, and the reactions of her family back home are classic. Connie is really likable, and the story is filled with quirky characters and LOL moments. It's an easy breezy read that's high on the enjoyment scale and had me bursting out in laughter several times. Worth the read/listen!
June 11, 2018
4.5*
Sixty six year old Connie McColl loves her children and grandchildren but is tired of being taken for granted. Tired of her husband spending every waking hour at the golf club. Tired of ferrying him to and fro at all hours. The final straw came when no-one, except her dear friend, remembered the anniversary of their son Ben’s death. It should have been an unforgettable date for them all and no-one had even mentioned it.
Connie pondered and deliberated then made up her mind. The next day she packed a bag and set off in Kermit, her little green car, leaving a note for her husband and emails for her children. She felt she had to rediscover the Connie she used to be, the one who wasn’t chief cook and bottle washer, wife, mother, babysitter, taxi service and solver of problems, before it was too late.
This was such a delightful read. I liked Connie from the start and more so as the story went on. She’s a very sympathetic, relatable character and it was a joy to share her adventures. With no specific destinations in mind Connie meanders through England and into Scotland. The weather is kind and, taking back roads, the countryside looks just perfect to Connie.
Written realistically and very well (I hadn’t realised this was a debut novel) with much humour, poignancy, some soul-searching and self discovery, and in such a way I couldn’t help but be behind Connie all the way. Her family was mostly only concerned about how Connie’s absence affected their own lifestyles, with one noticeable exception. Thought provoking and perceptive, it just shows how much can be hidden by those we think we know well. And also, it’s never too late to make changes.
On her travels Connie meets up with old friends, makes several new ones and has a few fun, or in one case quite unsettling, adventures, gaining some notoriety along the way. It was an enjoyable experience seeing places and people from Connie’s perspective—the sights, the food, people she meets and, most of all, her excitement and appreciation of it all.
Connie’s gradual growth and self-awareness as a person in her own right is evident as the story progresses, something I was very glad to witness. The communications between Connie and her family throughout her travels reveal much about the family dynamics and how they are slowly changing. I was quite sad when Connie’s journey came to an end—but what a corker of a twist! Looking forward to reading Dee MacDonald’s next book.
Sixty six year old Connie McColl loves her children and grandchildren but is tired of being taken for granted. Tired of her husband spending every waking hour at the golf club. Tired of ferrying him to and fro at all hours. The final straw came when no-one, except her dear friend, remembered the anniversary of their son Ben’s death. It should have been an unforgettable date for them all and no-one had even mentioned it.
Connie pondered and deliberated then made up her mind. The next day she packed a bag and set off in Kermit, her little green car, leaving a note for her husband and emails for her children. She felt she had to rediscover the Connie she used to be, the one who wasn’t chief cook and bottle washer, wife, mother, babysitter, taxi service and solver of problems, before it was too late.
This was such a delightful read. I liked Connie from the start and more so as the story went on. She’s a very sympathetic, relatable character and it was a joy to share her adventures. With no specific destinations in mind Connie meanders through England and into Scotland. The weather is kind and, taking back roads, the countryside looks just perfect to Connie.
Written realistically and very well (I hadn’t realised this was a debut novel) with much humour, poignancy, some soul-searching and self discovery, and in such a way I couldn’t help but be behind Connie all the way. Her family was mostly only concerned about how Connie’s absence affected their own lifestyles, with one noticeable exception. Thought provoking and perceptive, it just shows how much can be hidden by those we think we know well. And also, it’s never too late to make changes.
On her travels Connie meets up with old friends, makes several new ones and has a few fun, or in one case quite unsettling, adventures, gaining some notoriety along the way. It was an enjoyable experience seeing places and people from Connie’s perspective—the sights, the food, people she meets and, most of all, her excitement and appreciation of it all.
Connie’s gradual growth and self-awareness as a person in her own right is evident as the story progresses, something I was very glad to witness. The communications between Connie and her family throughout her travels reveal much about the family dynamics and how they are slowly changing. I was quite sad when Connie’s journey came to an end—but what a corker of a twist! Looking forward to reading Dee MacDonald’s next book.
April 25, 2018
OMG! What a touching and inspirational book this is!! It made me howl with laughter and it made me sob my heart out. But most importantly it introduced me to one of the bravest, passionate and magnificent characters I have read about recently. Connie is my absolute hero and I loved her to pieces from the moment I met her!
I think many of us have wanted to escape from our own lives at one time or another, just a temporary “stop the world I want to get off” getaway for most of us, so it does mean that Connie becomes a relatable character very quickly indeed here. One day whilst mashing potatoes it all becomes too much for her and she decides to take some time out from her husband and her family to have some “me time”. At the grand old age of 66 she packs up her little green car and sets off on her adventure into the unknown. And what an amazing time she has! The people she meets along the way and the situations she finds herself in were a mixture of hilarious and bittersweet moments that felt as realistic as Connie herself who was finally being appreciated for the kind, thoughtful and generous woman she is. Not being taken for granted as a wife/cook/cleaner or a mother or a grandmother/babysitter but to have the time and space to do what she pleases soon becomes a reality for Connie and I absolutely adored every single step of her journey.
I quickly found myself swept away by the captivating exploits of this mature and plucky lady but found myself slightly envious at times as well. It’s HARD to put yourself first, especially when others around you seem determined to make you feel guilty, so I was mentally cheering Connie on every step of the way!! And I have to admit to not knowing how her personal quest would end but even so, there was a huge shock for me near the end that had my jaw dropping!! Just brilliantly well played Dee MacDonald! I would love to meet Connie again to catch up with her life so I hope she has some new adventures soon.
This is definitely one of my favourite books of the year so far. A memorable, feelgood treat for the soul! Highly recommended by me!
I think many of us have wanted to escape from our own lives at one time or another, just a temporary “stop the world I want to get off” getaway for most of us, so it does mean that Connie becomes a relatable character very quickly indeed here. One day whilst mashing potatoes it all becomes too much for her and she decides to take some time out from her husband and her family to have some “me time”. At the grand old age of 66 she packs up her little green car and sets off on her adventure into the unknown. And what an amazing time she has! The people she meets along the way and the situations she finds herself in were a mixture of hilarious and bittersweet moments that felt as realistic as Connie herself who was finally being appreciated for the kind, thoughtful and generous woman she is. Not being taken for granted as a wife/cook/cleaner or a mother or a grandmother/babysitter but to have the time and space to do what she pleases soon becomes a reality for Connie and I absolutely adored every single step of her journey.
I quickly found myself swept away by the captivating exploits of this mature and plucky lady but found myself slightly envious at times as well. It’s HARD to put yourself first, especially when others around you seem determined to make you feel guilty, so I was mentally cheering Connie on every step of the way!! And I have to admit to not knowing how her personal quest would end but even so, there was a huge shock for me near the end that had my jaw dropping!! Just brilliantly well played Dee MacDonald! I would love to meet Connie again to catch up with her life so I hope she has some new adventures soon.
This is definitely one of my favourite books of the year so far. A memorable, feelgood treat for the soul! Highly recommended by me!
June 17, 2019
This was a new author to me and can't wait to read more books by her now full of fun adventure romance and making new friends. It's so hilarious and uplifting I can't recommend it enough. Worth far more than five stars.
Connie feels she's being used by her family including her husband and she's always solving one crisis after another and she's fed up of her husband always being at the golf course. She this one day has had enough and packs her bags in her old car and drives off having know idea where she is going. Connie travels all over the country making new friends and rediscovers herself will age be able to return home or not and will the summer make her change her life forever.
A fantastic read and can't recommend it enough.
Connie feels she's being used by her family including her husband and she's always solving one crisis after another and she's fed up of her husband always being at the golf course. She this one day has had enough and packs her bags in her old car and drives off having know idea where she is going. Connie travels all over the country making new friends and rediscovers herself will age be able to return home or not and will the summer make her change her life forever.
A fantastic read and can't recommend it enough.
August 5, 2018
I absolutely loved this story. As the main character, Connie is wonderful. I felt like I was with her every second of her journey, thought she was brilliant and am missing her already. It feels like such a cliche writing this as I've tutted and rolled my eyes when I've read other book reviews that gush quite so much, but here I am throwing my arms in the air, grinning, hugging myself and sighing in the warm, fuzzy afterglow of a simply lovely story, that made me feel happy. And I don't care if that sounds cheesy!
This actually reminded me very much of the Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, which I also loved. That too is about a character from an older generation looking to find himself whilst travelling the country and meeting lots of people on his journey. This is what appeals to me I think - the adventure, the random meeting of all sorts of different people along the way, the acceptance of all characters, the individual journeys each is on, the fragility of human life and the essence of goodness that is at the heart of most people (not all... but all in these stories!). I think in today's fast paced, social media driven, highly political world, with scary and often horrific global events being fed to us by the minute, everyone able to comment on everything, people hiding behind keyboards and so much nastiness and hate filled written messages targeted at others who don't even know each other... It is easy to think and feel that the whole world and all people are a threat. So reading books like this are uplifting because they are a reminder that actually there is a lot of goodness, kindness and lovely people out there, each trying to live their lives the best they can.
I enjoy these stories that involve going off on an adventure and staying away from home for an extended period of time and gradually learning more about themselves, to the point where they get to a destination of self discovery. It's the grown up version of running away from home, but with hotels, a car and money! It feels both an honour and great fun to accompany these individuals on their journeys. In this case, Connie, who feels quite trapped in her marriage, taken for granted by her husband and grown up children. She loves her children very much and feels very lucky to have her family but needs to rediscover who she is and not just be there for everyone else.
And rediscover herself she certainly does - Connie, hats off to you, 66 years young and taking control of your life. Good on you, you lovely lady.
The narration was perfect - a gentle tone and impressive range of accents. Connie's trip around the UK certainly set a challenge there... she threw down a gauntlet and Diana Croft swept it up with aplomb!
Oh and my mum loved this too - and she only usually reads crime/ psychological thrillers and horror. She said she felt like she was Connie all the way through and really identified with her. Although I'm not entirely sure how to take that!!!
I received a foc review copy of this story (as an audiobook) from the narrator via Audiobook Boom. This has in no way influenced my review.
This actually reminded me very much of the Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, which I also loved. That too is about a character from an older generation looking to find himself whilst travelling the country and meeting lots of people on his journey. This is what appeals to me I think - the adventure, the random meeting of all sorts of different people along the way, the acceptance of all characters, the individual journeys each is on, the fragility of human life and the essence of goodness that is at the heart of most people (not all... but all in these stories!). I think in today's fast paced, social media driven, highly political world, with scary and often horrific global events being fed to us by the minute, everyone able to comment on everything, people hiding behind keyboards and so much nastiness and hate filled written messages targeted at others who don't even know each other... It is easy to think and feel that the whole world and all people are a threat. So reading books like this are uplifting because they are a reminder that actually there is a lot of goodness, kindness and lovely people out there, each trying to live their lives the best they can.
I enjoy these stories that involve going off on an adventure and staying away from home for an extended period of time and gradually learning more about themselves, to the point where they get to a destination of self discovery. It's the grown up version of running away from home, but with hotels, a car and money! It feels both an honour and great fun to accompany these individuals on their journeys. In this case, Connie, who feels quite trapped in her marriage, taken for granted by her husband and grown up children. She loves her children very much and feels very lucky to have her family but needs to rediscover who she is and not just be there for everyone else.
And rediscover herself she certainly does - Connie, hats off to you, 66 years young and taking control of your life. Good on you, you lovely lady.
The narration was perfect - a gentle tone and impressive range of accents. Connie's trip around the UK certainly set a challenge there... she threw down a gauntlet and Diana Croft swept it up with aplomb!
Oh and my mum loved this too - and she only usually reads crime/ psychological thrillers and horror. She said she felt like she was Connie all the way through and really identified with her. Although I'm not entirely sure how to take that!!!
I received a foc review copy of this story (as an audiobook) from the narrator via Audiobook Boom. This has in no way influenced my review.
April 17, 2018
This was a very enjoyable story about Connie, a wife and mother who'd had enough of being taken for granted by all her family, and set off on a road trip to 'find herself'. She really needed a break from her family and wanted to figure out if she really loved her husband enough to stay with him, or whether they were just in a rut that they needed to get out of.
She didn't tell anybody, just upped and went, which was very brave of her, especially since she'd been married and started her family young and was now 66 years old and hadn't done anything on her own before. Of course (most of) her family thought she was mad and wanted to know what she was playing at, but that was more because they didn't have anyone around to cook, clean, babysit etc. Right ungrateful lot they were, apart from her eldest single daughter Diana who cheered her on and thought it was a fabulous thing to be doing.
She had no idea where she was going, but started off from Surrey and managed to get to Scotland, stopping at various places along the way. She also managed to get into a variety of situations, including being nearly arrested in a protest she wasn't really in, being an extra in a Scottish soap, and even inadvertently getting roped into being a getaway driver after a robbery - well nearly - very funny! She met some lovely people on her journey, and camped out under the stars on more than one occasion in the little tent she'd bought herself. Connie was such a lovely, caring person and it was so nice to see her enjoying herself and doing what she wanted for a change.
Very enjoyable, funny (absolutely hilarious at the end!), quite sad in places, yet thought provoking story, proving it's never too late to make a change in your life if you're not happy. I look forward to reading more by Dee MacDonald in the future.
She didn't tell anybody, just upped and went, which was very brave of her, especially since she'd been married and started her family young and was now 66 years old and hadn't done anything on her own before. Of course (most of) her family thought she was mad and wanted to know what she was playing at, but that was more because they didn't have anyone around to cook, clean, babysit etc. Right ungrateful lot they were, apart from her eldest single daughter Diana who cheered her on and thought it was a fabulous thing to be doing.
She had no idea where she was going, but started off from Surrey and managed to get to Scotland, stopping at various places along the way. She also managed to get into a variety of situations, including being nearly arrested in a protest she wasn't really in, being an extra in a Scottish soap, and even inadvertently getting roped into being a getaway driver after a robbery - well nearly - very funny! She met some lovely people on her journey, and camped out under the stars on more than one occasion in the little tent she'd bought herself. Connie was such a lovely, caring person and it was so nice to see her enjoying herself and doing what she wanted for a change.
Very enjoyable, funny (absolutely hilarious at the end!), quite sad in places, yet thought provoking story, proving it's never too late to make a change in your life if you're not happy. I look forward to reading more by Dee MacDonald in the future.
July 9, 2023
Loved this one! 👏👏
April 24, 2018
This is the first published book by Dee MacDonald. If there’s one thing I like it is discovering new authors. When I was invited to read and review ‘The Runaway Wife’, I grabbed the opportunity with both hands. It was with some excitement that I opened the front cover and began to read so to speak. I really did enjoy reading ‘The Runaway Wife’ but more about that in a bit.
I think a lot of women will identify with Connie McColl. She has been married to her husband for quite a number of years and they have three children together. The marriage appears to have gone a bit stale to say the least. Her husband Roger well and truly takes her for granted. He assumes that she will act the dutiful wife and he tells her what she will do. For instance, he tells her to pick him up from the golf club when really he should have asked if she would mind picking him up. His manners seem to have flown out of the window. Connie’s children aren’t much more considerate as they assume that she will drop everything at a moments notice to help them out. For quite a while she has gone along with it but not any more. Connie feels as though she has lost her identity and she feels that she needs to go and find herself, to discover who she really is. Connie decides that she needs to go on one bit adventure to reconnect with her true self, so she makes plans to leave and go on this adventure. Connie isn’t sure where she is going exactly but she finds herself in Scotland. Whilst she is on this big adventure, she tries new things and things that are far outside her comfort zone. I totally got how she must be feeling because on the one hand she is apprehensive about doing certain new things but she realises that if she is going to lead the life she wants to lead, then it is only her that can do something about it and if that means trying new things then so be it. Connie has a tremendous amount of fun, she gets herself into some scrapes, she meets some lovely people and she certainly has a lot of laughs along the way.
I have to say that I found this book to be a seriously funny book and it had me chuckling away right the way through. In a way I did identify with Connie- not in the sense of being taken for granted but in the sense of wanting to try new things but not being sure if you have the confidence or drive to go out and do them. Then I remembered something a therapist said to me ‘if you want to live the life you want for yourself, then it is only you who do something about it.’ So the book really did strike a chord with me. Reading ‘The Runaway Wife’ became something of an addiction to me as I just had to read on and on to see if Connie found happiness in the end. I became so wrapped up in the story and in the characters that I genuinely did not notice how quickly the page numbers and the time were flying past. I seemed to race through the book and before I knew what was happening, I had finished the book, which I was so disappointed about because I was enjoying the story, the writing style and the characters so much that I just wanted the book to continue.
In short, I really did enjoy reading ‘The Runaway Wife’ and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. It is one of those books that will stay in my mind for a long time to come. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 4* out of 5*.
I think a lot of women will identify with Connie McColl. She has been married to her husband for quite a number of years and they have three children together. The marriage appears to have gone a bit stale to say the least. Her husband Roger well and truly takes her for granted. He assumes that she will act the dutiful wife and he tells her what she will do. For instance, he tells her to pick him up from the golf club when really he should have asked if she would mind picking him up. His manners seem to have flown out of the window. Connie’s children aren’t much more considerate as they assume that she will drop everything at a moments notice to help them out. For quite a while she has gone along with it but not any more. Connie feels as though she has lost her identity and she feels that she needs to go and find herself, to discover who she really is. Connie decides that she needs to go on one bit adventure to reconnect with her true self, so she makes plans to leave and go on this adventure. Connie isn’t sure where she is going exactly but she finds herself in Scotland. Whilst she is on this big adventure, she tries new things and things that are far outside her comfort zone. I totally got how she must be feeling because on the one hand she is apprehensive about doing certain new things but she realises that if she is going to lead the life she wants to lead, then it is only her that can do something about it and if that means trying new things then so be it. Connie has a tremendous amount of fun, she gets herself into some scrapes, she meets some lovely people and she certainly has a lot of laughs along the way.
I have to say that I found this book to be a seriously funny book and it had me chuckling away right the way through. In a way I did identify with Connie- not in the sense of being taken for granted but in the sense of wanting to try new things but not being sure if you have the confidence or drive to go out and do them. Then I remembered something a therapist said to me ‘if you want to live the life you want for yourself, then it is only you who do something about it.’ So the book really did strike a chord with me. Reading ‘The Runaway Wife’ became something of an addiction to me as I just had to read on and on to see if Connie found happiness in the end. I became so wrapped up in the story and in the characters that I genuinely did not notice how quickly the page numbers and the time were flying past. I seemed to race through the book and before I knew what was happening, I had finished the book, which I was so disappointed about because I was enjoying the story, the writing style and the characters so much that I just wanted the book to continue.
In short, I really did enjoy reading ‘The Runaway Wife’ and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. It is one of those books that will stay in my mind for a long time to come. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 4* out of 5*.
October 13, 2018
I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this book. It hits the spot on so many levels. Connie McColl, wife, mother, grandmother has had enough. She's living everybody else life and doesn't seem to exist as a person worthy of living her own life. She's living in a house she doesn't like, organising and running around after her husband and at the beck and call of her children - often the main carer of her grandchildren.
One summers evening she makes the decision to leave home, the turning point was the reality of the previous day. A day that should have been significant in the calendars of the whole family but as usual, no-one remembered or acknowledged it with the exception of her friend Wendy.
Connie packed up her trusty but old car with everything she thought she might need for a prolonged trip away, left identical notes for her children and husband Roger and set off. This was a journey that took her on a route down memory lane, encountering old friends and new at the same time as enjoying new and unexpected experiences.
I absolutely loved Connie and cried with laughter throughout the whole book. It had hilarious, laugh out loud moments and at times lots of 'oh noes' and felt quite sad and emotional. I was totally absorbed and engaged in the plot, Dee MacDonald has written this novel in such a way it could be a diarised story of someone's real life - every single incident and encounter was plausible and felt right. I loved how Connie shed her inhibitions the more miles she put between herself and home. All the while making decisions and choices simply based on the opposite of what she would normally do or what would normally be expected of her.
The Runaway Wife is totally plausible in every way, I found it uplifting and I loved the idea that you could just set off and 'go with the flow' an idea so far outside of my comfort zone I found the whole premise a little daunting yet at the same time exciting and exhilarating.
As Connie journeyed between Sussex and Scotland Dee stripped away layer after layer of Connie's character to reveal a much lighter, happier person who knew her own mind and wasn't afraid to share her thoughts. Dee eludes to Connie's relationships with her husband and children and without giving the game away I don't think I have ever been quite so blindsided by an ending to a book! Little hints and clues are revealed along the journey but nothing could have prepared me for it.
I highly recommend this book, it is right up there in my top three books I've read so far this year, I enjoyed it that much. It'll make you smile, laugh and dream a little - what if............? The adventures and friends she makes along the way are equally important to the story, each and every one of them are important cogs thats propel Connie on her journey, offering friendship and support with no strings attached.
One summers evening she makes the decision to leave home, the turning point was the reality of the previous day. A day that should have been significant in the calendars of the whole family but as usual, no-one remembered or acknowledged it with the exception of her friend Wendy.
Connie packed up her trusty but old car with everything she thought she might need for a prolonged trip away, left identical notes for her children and husband Roger and set off. This was a journey that took her on a route down memory lane, encountering old friends and new at the same time as enjoying new and unexpected experiences.
I absolutely loved Connie and cried with laughter throughout the whole book. It had hilarious, laugh out loud moments and at times lots of 'oh noes' and felt quite sad and emotional. I was totally absorbed and engaged in the plot, Dee MacDonald has written this novel in such a way it could be a diarised story of someone's real life - every single incident and encounter was plausible and felt right. I loved how Connie shed her inhibitions the more miles she put between herself and home. All the while making decisions and choices simply based on the opposite of what she would normally do or what would normally be expected of her.
The Runaway Wife is totally plausible in every way, I found it uplifting and I loved the idea that you could just set off and 'go with the flow' an idea so far outside of my comfort zone I found the whole premise a little daunting yet at the same time exciting and exhilarating.
As Connie journeyed between Sussex and Scotland Dee stripped away layer after layer of Connie's character to reveal a much lighter, happier person who knew her own mind and wasn't afraid to share her thoughts. Dee eludes to Connie's relationships with her husband and children and without giving the game away I don't think I have ever been quite so blindsided by an ending to a book! Little hints and clues are revealed along the journey but nothing could have prepared me for it.
I highly recommend this book, it is right up there in my top three books I've read so far this year, I enjoyed it that much. It'll make you smile, laugh and dream a little - what if............? The adventures and friends she makes along the way are equally important to the story, each and every one of them are important cogs thats propel Connie on her journey, offering friendship and support with no strings attached.
May 18, 2018
*I received this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Yikes. I had high hopes for this book and was very disappointed, especially because it just wasn't as funny as it was hyped up to be. I actually found it fairly depressing and severely drawn out. I mean, this is a woman in her 60's trying to get back her spark for life! There's so much you could do to make her adventure engaging and fun to read! Connie McColl, the main character, was likable, but I found her road trip to be too all-over-the-place and less based on self-discovery and growth. The scenarios were just so random and involved lots of tea and wine drinking...which I guess is very British, but isn't that entertaining to read about 50 times in one book. The most entertaining bits were the reactions from Connie's family members and the emails sent back and forth during her absence. I thought the ending was ridiculous as well. It felt contrived, like Macdonald was trying to give Roger a pass for his bad behavior as a husband, when really, Roger was a selfish wanker, end of story. Really sad to say it, but I would not recommend this read :(
Yikes. I had high hopes for this book and was very disappointed, especially because it just wasn't as funny as it was hyped up to be. I actually found it fairly depressing and severely drawn out. I mean, this is a woman in her 60's trying to get back her spark for life! There's so much you could do to make her adventure engaging and fun to read! Connie McColl, the main character, was likable, but I found her road trip to be too all-over-the-place and less based on self-discovery and growth. The scenarios were just so random and involved lots of tea and wine drinking...which I guess is very British, but isn't that entertaining to read about 50 times in one book. The most entertaining bits were the reactions from Connie's family members and the emails sent back and forth during her absence. I thought the ending was ridiculous as well. It felt contrived, like Macdonald was trying to give Roger a pass for his bad behavior as a husband, when really, Roger was a selfish wanker, end of story. Really sad to say it, but I would not recommend this read :(
February 3, 2024
I don't know what book other reviewers were describing with phrases like "laugh-out-loud," "howling with laughter," and the like. There is only one scene that I found remotely funny and I had to read more than 300 pages to get there.
The book itself is interesting and entertaining. I did enjoy it. I can understand the impulse to get out of your rut and seek adventure, and I enjoyed the main character's travels vicariously. I would love to visit the U.K. and see some of the places she traveled to. I also enjoyed the assortment of characters she met along the way. As I said, it was interesting and entertaining but "laugh-out-loud"? Not for me.
The book itself is interesting and entertaining. I did enjoy it. I can understand the impulse to get out of your rut and seek adventure, and I enjoyed the main character's travels vicariously. I would love to visit the U.K. and see some of the places she traveled to. I also enjoyed the assortment of characters she met along the way. As I said, it was interesting and entertaining but "laugh-out-loud"? Not for me.
March 31, 2018
Thanks to Netgalley for my copy.
Fed up of being ignored by her husband and being used as a babysitter by two of her three children Connie packs a bag and leaves her family in her clapped out car Kermit.
With no plan or timeline she sets out on an adventure and meets a whole list of colourful characters who all in their own way show Connie there is nothing wrong in wanting more in your life even at the age of 66.
This is a light fun read with some laugh out loud moments but also some tender and sad subjects.
Fed up of being ignored by her husband and being used as a babysitter by two of her three children Connie packs a bag and leaves her family in her clapped out car Kermit.
With no plan or timeline she sets out on an adventure and meets a whole list of colourful characters who all in their own way show Connie there is nothing wrong in wanting more in your life even at the age of 66.
This is a light fun read with some laugh out loud moments but also some tender and sad subjects.
October 1, 2019
An entertaining story o f a woman who decides she will go for more than being her husband's driver & maid and her kids' kids' babysitter.
January 23, 2023
delightful!
A delightful surprise!! I love when a book crosses my path in unexpected ways and reveals such a gem!! Loved it!
A delightful surprise!! I love when a book crosses my path in unexpected ways and reveals such a gem!! Loved it!
June 30, 2023
The first 2/3 of the story were perfect. I wished the author left her off on her zany adventures.
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