The Getaway

by Maria Duffy

Will escaping for two weeks save her marriage Or change her lifeTo the outside world, bestselling author Linda Costa has it a successful career, a wonderful marriage and two gorgeous children. But appearances can be deceiving ...The truth is Linda is not happy. She's feeling as though she's been taken for granted by her husband Rob, and her children. So, on the verge of a breakdown, she books herself a two-week holiday to Spain, determined to shake off the unsettling feeling she's been having about her marriage and her life. But as Linda relaxes by the pool, the idea of returning home to the chaos seems increasingly unappealing, especially when the handsome Kabir seems intent on showing her a good time ...Meanwhile, Linda's family soon discover that running a home isn't as easy as it looks. But will it be too late to show her just how much she means to themLinda has some decisions to make. But will she choose the life she has Or the one she thinks she wants

320 pages, Paperback

Published July 4, 2019

About the author

I grew up in the heart of Dublin with my parents and older brother. Being a professional eavesdropper from an early age, I always loved to write about the things I heard and would exaggerate them into proper stories! I spent my childhood devouring books and vowing some day I'd write one myself. But life had other things in mind and after spending 15 years working in a bank, I subsequently left to be at home with my four children. Having lost a lot of confidence in my own ability, it seemed my dream of writing a book was moving further and further away from me. When my youngest started school four years ago and I finally had some 'me' time, I decided to pursue that dream. After having a few short stories published, I eventually got myself an agent and very quickly had a two book deal. My first book, Any Dream Will Do, was published in November 2011 and my latest one, The Terrace, is out now, August 2012. I adore writing and feel like the luckiest person in the world to wake up every morning and live my dream.

Find me on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/maria.duffy.14

Reviews

[booksofallkinds · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher

Engaging, relatable, and witty, THE GETAWAY by Maria Duffy is the perfect summer read and is sure to keep you hooked from start to finish.

Linda Costa is living the dream, Happily married with two lovely kids, she has landed a two-book deal and her dreams of being a successful writer are a sure thing. Until they aren't. Her marriage is slowly falling apart as Linda and Rob seem to be on different pages, feeling more like friends than lovers these days, and Linda cannot stop worrying about her kids - her daughter who is rude and selfish, and her son who seems to have withdrawn into himself lately. And then there is her writing. With the success of her first book behind her, this should be the easy part but it is anything but. With the deadline fast approaching, Linda is beginning to fear that she doesn't have it in her anymore and will have to hand back her advance but she can't talk to Rob who doesn't understand anything about her anymore.
So when Linda gets the opportunity to visit her best friend in Spain, she jumps at the chance and leaves her family behind for two weeks which will give them all a little space. And maybe, just maybe, her family will begin to appreciate her.
Sun, sand, and relaxation are exactly what she needs but when a handsome stranger wants to get to know her, maybe Linda will never want to go home ...

There is so much to love in this book - the setting, the drama, the misunderstandings along the way - but it is the warmth and genuineness of the characters that make this story shine, and I had a soft spot for Linda's mum in particular.

THE GETAWAY by Maria Duffy is everything you want in a good story and is perfect for reading by the pool, the beach, or the back garden, and I highly recommend it.

[Robin Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly enjoyable. But it says "First published in paperback in 2020" so where does Goodreads get a 2019 paperback edition from?

Some interesting Irish idioms, e.g: "in work" means "at one's workplace"; "leave it into" means "take it into"

Page 43 says his office had a window; so was the speculation on page 130 realistic?

Too few commas, rather inconsistently, but barely a handful of other things to annoy a proofreader: congratulations to Aonghus Meaney. One doesn't clear pallets by drinking, though.

[Elizabeth King · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not for me, didn’t like the characters or the writing style. Was hoping for a more challenging read

[Joe Booth · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book about mid-life crisis, and the challenges of raising teenagers, and of being married. Also, a good insight of the hardships of being a teenager

[Catherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice read but too predictable, drawn out and at times not very believable.

[Jas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Drawn out, predictable but realistic about life/marriage/kid struggles. Needs a stronger storyline