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Flying the Nest
They say a change is as good as a holiday...but what if you don't want either?
Is her family's happiness more important than her own?
The first time Ashling Wood realises her marriage is on the rocks is when her husband, Adrian, suggests they try nest parenting. Heartbroken, Ash suddenly finds herself living a double life - one week with her children, the next cohabiting with her happily single sister-in-law. Her friends think the modern custody solution is an exciting opportunity for her to spread her wings, but all Ash wants is her family back together.
An offer to renovate a seaside cottage seems like the perfect distraction for Ash while waiting for Adrian to come to his senses. She's determined to fix her marriage as well as the cottage, but life gets even more complicated when she meets local fisherman Dan Emerson.
Soon, each home-stay becomes more dysfunctional, while for the other week Ash enjoys the peaceful life of the beachside community. The more time Ash spends in Ragged Point, the more she questions what she really wants. Is a sea-change the fresh start she needs to move on?
When tragedy calls Ash back to the city, she's torn between the needs of her family and her future. Can her family life fit in with a permanent move to the beach or could Ash's new-found independence attract Adrian back to the nest?PRAISE
'With her typical humour, empathy and wisdom, Rachael Johns has once again created characters you can't help but fall in lovewith and wish the best for. Flying the Nest might just be her best novel yet!' - Tess Woods
'Writing with warmth and insight, Rachael Johns is brilliant at capturing the joy and sadness in all of our lives. I hope she has many more tales to tell!' - Australian author Anthea Hodgson
Is her family's happiness more important than her own?
The first time Ashling Wood realises her marriage is on the rocks is when her husband, Adrian, suggests they try nest parenting. Heartbroken, Ash suddenly finds herself living a double life - one week with her children, the next cohabiting with her happily single sister-in-law. Her friends think the modern custody solution is an exciting opportunity for her to spread her wings, but all Ash wants is her family back together.
An offer to renovate a seaside cottage seems like the perfect distraction for Ash while waiting for Adrian to come to his senses. She's determined to fix her marriage as well as the cottage, but life gets even more complicated when she meets local fisherman Dan Emerson.
Soon, each home-stay becomes more dysfunctional, while for the other week Ash enjoys the peaceful life of the beachside community. The more time Ash spends in Ragged Point, the more she questions what she really wants. Is a sea-change the fresh start she needs to move on?
When tragedy calls Ash back to the city, she's torn between the needs of her family and her future. Can her family life fit in with a permanent move to the beach or could Ash's new-found independence attract Adrian back to the nest?PRAISE
'With her typical humour, empathy and wisdom, Rachael Johns has once again created characters you can't help but fall in lovewith and wish the best for. Flying the Nest might just be her best novel yet!' - Tess Woods
'Writing with warmth and insight, Rachael Johns is brilliant at capturing the joy and sadness in all of our lives. I hope she has many more tales to tell!' - Australian author Anthea Hodgson
379 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2020
75 people are currently reading
1102 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews
December 17, 2023
Flying the Nest by Rachael Johns
Romance | Family Dynamics | Australian Author
- Ash's husband, Adrian announces he would like to nest parent. While heartbroken, Ash renovates a seaside cottage where she meets Dan. Ash begins to fall in love with her new life, but is torn between her family life back in Perth.
- One of my favourite Rachael Johns books for sure! I appreciate the raw honest truth being exposed about the complications of going through a separation. I was able to find a new level of appreciation towards my own husband. Parenting is so tough! This book makes me feel heard as a mother and I would like to thank Rachael for writing a book that has touched my heart and soul. Consider me a true Rachael Johns fan! (I may even become the leader of her fan club soon)
5/5
Romance | Family Dynamics | Australian Author
- Ash's husband, Adrian announces he would like to nest parent. While heartbroken, Ash renovates a seaside cottage where she meets Dan. Ash begins to fall in love with her new life, but is torn between her family life back in Perth.
- One of my favourite Rachael Johns books for sure! I appreciate the raw honest truth being exposed about the complications of going through a separation. I was able to find a new level of appreciation towards my own husband. Parenting is so tough! This book makes me feel heard as a mother and I would like to thank Rachael for writing a book that has touched my heart and soul. Consider me a true Rachael Johns fan! (I may even become the leader of her fan club soon)
5/5
June 9, 2021
3.5★
“It was seven o’clock in the morning and I was cutting oranges for Payton’s soccer game when Adrian casually asked if I’d heard of nest parenting.”
Welcome to your weekend, Ashling!
“And that is the exact moment the bottom fell out of my world!”
Married for eighteen years, juggling work and kids and school commitments, Ash is floored by the suggestion of a separation. If anything, she was thinking they should have a romantic getaway.
This is ‘that’ kind of book. A busy mum pulls up her socks in her sensible shoes (Adrian is a podiatrist, so the family must wear ‘proper footwear’) and tries to get her head around alternating weeks with Adrian in their family home. The kids don’t move, the parents do, but Ash can’t bear the thought of being separated from their ten-year-old daughter Payton and almost fifteen-year-old son Saxon.
Adrian’s twin sister Hayley was Ash’s best friend at school – still is, in fact – which adds another awkward element to Ash’s story. And let’s be clear, this is very much her story. This is chick lit about a not-quite forty-year-old chick who thought she was fine but is now feeling wrinkled and crinkled and a little worse for wear. What’s a girl to do? Hayley has ideas.
“‘Naked selfies.’
‘What?’ I spluttered, almost spilling my drink.
‘When was the last time you sent naughty photos to your husband?’
I blushed. ‘Never! We dated before smartphones were invented.’
Okay, not selfies then, but better than that, Hayley’s new fella (she turns them over pretty quickly, no smutty pun intended) has a family beach shack at Ragged Point where Ash can stay for free if she cleans the place up. Cue her lifelong ambition to do something creative and turn her interest in renovation into a job. Plus, she can take Charlie, the family dog with her for company.
It's no surprise that she makes an instant friend at the little coffee shop, ‘Brewed Awakening’. Jedda has a toddler and also knows what Ash needs.
“‘I still don’t have any idea what went wrong with my marriage.’
‘You know what the answer always is?’
Jedda’s eyes twinkled. ‘Wine!’
Yes, of course. Wine! And some flashy, trashy shoes as well!
The kids, meanwhile, get used to things and take advantage of their parents, Saxon with videogames and Payton with snacks.
“‘Well, I’m back now and when it’s my week, it’s my rules.’
I held out my hand for the ice-cream and soft-drink concoction. ‘You can have some fruit and cheese and crackers if you’re hungry.’
‘I don’t want stupid fruit. Daddy’s so much nicer than you,’ Payton cried, all but throwing the glass at me as she ran off.”
It's also no surprise that Ash meets a handsome (barefoot - no sensible shoes) stranger at Ragged Point, the black sheep of an influential local family.
This is not my cup of tea but I know this popular Aussie author will please fans of the genre. Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for the preview copy from which I’ve quoted.
“It was seven o’clock in the morning and I was cutting oranges for Payton’s soccer game when Adrian casually asked if I’d heard of nest parenting.”
Welcome to your weekend, Ashling!
“And that is the exact moment the bottom fell out of my world!”
Married for eighteen years, juggling work and kids and school commitments, Ash is floored by the suggestion of a separation. If anything, she was thinking they should have a romantic getaway.
This is ‘that’ kind of book. A busy mum pulls up her socks in her sensible shoes (Adrian is a podiatrist, so the family must wear ‘proper footwear’) and tries to get her head around alternating weeks with Adrian in their family home. The kids don’t move, the parents do, but Ash can’t bear the thought of being separated from their ten-year-old daughter Payton and almost fifteen-year-old son Saxon.
Adrian’s twin sister Hayley was Ash’s best friend at school – still is, in fact – which adds another awkward element to Ash’s story. And let’s be clear, this is very much her story. This is chick lit about a not-quite forty-year-old chick who thought she was fine but is now feeling wrinkled and crinkled and a little worse for wear. What’s a girl to do? Hayley has ideas.
“‘Naked selfies.’
‘What?’ I spluttered, almost spilling my drink.
‘When was the last time you sent naughty photos to your husband?’
I blushed. ‘Never! We dated before smartphones were invented.’
Okay, not selfies then, but better than that, Hayley’s new fella (she turns them over pretty quickly, no smutty pun intended) has a family beach shack at Ragged Point where Ash can stay for free if she cleans the place up. Cue her lifelong ambition to do something creative and turn her interest in renovation into a job. Plus, she can take Charlie, the family dog with her for company.
It's no surprise that she makes an instant friend at the little coffee shop, ‘Brewed Awakening’. Jedda has a toddler and also knows what Ash needs.
“‘I still don’t have any idea what went wrong with my marriage.’
‘You know what the answer always is?’
Jedda’s eyes twinkled. ‘Wine!’
Yes, of course. Wine! And some flashy, trashy shoes as well!
The kids, meanwhile, get used to things and take advantage of their parents, Saxon with videogames and Payton with snacks.
“‘Well, I’m back now and when it’s my week, it’s my rules.’
I held out my hand for the ice-cream and soft-drink concoction. ‘You can have some fruit and cheese and crackers if you’re hungry.’
‘I don’t want stupid fruit. Daddy’s so much nicer than you,’ Payton cried, all but throwing the glass at me as she ran off.”
It's also no surprise that Ash meets a handsome (barefoot - no sensible shoes) stranger at Ragged Point, the black sheep of an influential local family.
This is not my cup of tea but I know this popular Aussie author will please fans of the genre. Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for the preview copy from which I’ve quoted.
October 6, 2020
Another totally enjoyable read from this excellent Australian author.
Flying the Nest is a story about ordinary people when their lives fall apart, in this case due to a marriage break down. The way the characters deal with their issues and the damage that spreads to others involved is beautifully written and very believable. I knew it was good when I actually got really angry with one of the characters and had to remind myself it was only a book!
I really liked the setting in Western Australia. There were beautiful descriptions of the coastal scenery and a realistic account of a cyclone hitting the local town. Above all though the book was about people who manage to survive and recover from unpleasant life experiences. It is all rounded off with a reassuring little jump into the future.
A well written, interesting read. Highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Flying the Nest is a story about ordinary people when their lives fall apart, in this case due to a marriage break down. The way the characters deal with their issues and the damage that spreads to others involved is beautifully written and very believable. I knew it was good when I actually got really angry with one of the characters and had to remind myself it was only a book!
I really liked the setting in Western Australia. There were beautiful descriptions of the coastal scenery and a realistic account of a cyclone hitting the local town. Above all though the book was about people who manage to survive and recover from unpleasant life experiences. It is all rounded off with a reassuring little jump into the future.
A well written, interesting read. Highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 25, 2020
Cutting up oranges for Payton’s soccer match was interrupted by Ashling Wood’s husband Adrian as he threw a comment to her about nest parenting. Shattering Ashling’s illusion that their marriage was a happy one, he declared he wanted a trial separation. And so it began. Dealing with ten-year-old Payton and a teenage Saxon, working out where each parent would stay when not with the children – Ashling was grief stricken. But when offered a cottage to stay in for her off week, in a small town up the coast from Perth called Ragged Point, although she didn’t realise it, it was a turning point for Ash.
As life changed, Ash settled into the town, made friends with Jedda who owned the local café and ran the local newspaper, as well as parenting her small toddler, Bindi, and she found small pockets of happiness. She began renovating the cottage and met her neighbour, Dan Emerson. Her beachside life was peaceful, soothing and a far cry from the weeks she spent in Perth. When things went wrong in a catastrophic way, Ash realised it was time for decision making. She was no longer the woman she’d been a few months prior so what would be the outcome?
Flying the Nest by Aussie author Rachael Johns is a perfect example of what happens when a marriage breaks down, when kids are involved, and hearts get broken. Not knowing what to do, why it happened, who was at fault – blaming yourself, wondering why you didn’t see the writing on the wall… I had never heard of “nest parenting” before and I’m not sure I like the sound of it. Ms Johns writes about a number of topics, always intriguing, and this one was no exception. Although wanting to shake some sense into Ash on occasion, I was satisfied with the ending. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
As life changed, Ash settled into the town, made friends with Jedda who owned the local café and ran the local newspaper, as well as parenting her small toddler, Bindi, and she found small pockets of happiness. She began renovating the cottage and met her neighbour, Dan Emerson. Her beachside life was peaceful, soothing and a far cry from the weeks she spent in Perth. When things went wrong in a catastrophic way, Ash realised it was time for decision making. She was no longer the woman she’d been a few months prior so what would be the outcome?
Flying the Nest by Aussie author Rachael Johns is a perfect example of what happens when a marriage breaks down, when kids are involved, and hearts get broken. Not knowing what to do, why it happened, who was at fault – blaming yourself, wondering why you didn’t see the writing on the wall… I had never heard of “nest parenting” before and I’m not sure I like the sound of it. Ms Johns writes about a number of topics, always intriguing, and this one was no exception. Although wanting to shake some sense into Ash on occasion, I was satisfied with the ending. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
December 22, 2020
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Flying the Nest by Rachael Johns. (2020).
The first time Ashling realises her marriage is on the rocks is when her husband Adrian suggests they try nest parenting; the children stay in the family home while the parents alternate weeks. All Ash wants is her family back together. An offer to renovate a seaside cottage in Ragged Point seems like the perfect distraction for Ash while waiting for Adrian to come to his senses, but life gets more complicated when she meets local fisherman Dan. Soon, each home-stay becomes more dysfunctional while Ash loves her peaceful life at the cottage; she begins to question what she really wants. When tragedy pulls Ash back to the city, she's torn between the needs of her family and her future. Can her family life fit in with a permanent beach move or could her new-found independence attract Adrian back to the nest?
I only read my first Rachael Johns book a couple years ago, but I've since read quite a few and she has become one of my favourite authors. So maybe don't expect an unbiased review...haha. But seriously, what's not to like? I think you'd be hard pressed to find a reader of modern "women's lit"/"chick lit" who wouldn't enjoy this novel. I had heard of the notion of nest parenting, but this is the first novel I've read that actually explores it so that was interesting in itself. Can't say I warmed to Adrian dropping that bomb out of nowhere - we were never going to be friends haha. I really felt for Ash and I was so happy for her when she began to really enjoy life in Ragged Point. Actually, I kind of wanted to visit Ragged Point because the landscape sounded stunning, and the community (most of them haha) sounded fab as well. By the end of the book you'll feel like Ash and all her family/friends are also your friends.
I highly recommend this well-written, super easy to read, and just all round fantastic read.
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Flying the Nest by Rachael Johns. (2020).
The first time Ashling realises her marriage is on the rocks is when her husband Adrian suggests they try nest parenting; the children stay in the family home while the parents alternate weeks. All Ash wants is her family back together. An offer to renovate a seaside cottage in Ragged Point seems like the perfect distraction for Ash while waiting for Adrian to come to his senses, but life gets more complicated when she meets local fisherman Dan. Soon, each home-stay becomes more dysfunctional while Ash loves her peaceful life at the cottage; she begins to question what she really wants. When tragedy pulls Ash back to the city, she's torn between the needs of her family and her future. Can her family life fit in with a permanent beach move or could her new-found independence attract Adrian back to the nest?
I only read my first Rachael Johns book a couple years ago, but I've since read quite a few and she has become one of my favourite authors. So maybe don't expect an unbiased review...haha. But seriously, what's not to like? I think you'd be hard pressed to find a reader of modern "women's lit"/"chick lit" who wouldn't enjoy this novel. I had heard of the notion of nest parenting, but this is the first novel I've read that actually explores it so that was interesting in itself. Can't say I warmed to Adrian dropping that bomb out of nowhere - we were never going to be friends haha. I really felt for Ash and I was so happy for her when she began to really enjoy life in Ragged Point. Actually, I kind of wanted to visit Ragged Point because the landscape sounded stunning, and the community (most of them haha) sounded fab as well. By the end of the book you'll feel like Ash and all her family/friends are also your friends.
I highly recommend this well-written, super easy to read, and just all round fantastic read.
May 8, 2021
⭐️4.5 Stars⭐️
I literally flew through Flying the Nest by Rachael Johns, this is the perfect chick-lit with never a dull moment! The author has a wonderful talent for storytelling and this is a book you won’t be able to put down!
After twenty years of marriage and two children, Ashling Woods is blindsided when husband Adrian announces that he thinks they should give 'nest parenting' a try and at that moment her whole world falls to pieces.
Heartbroken Ashling now lives two lives, one week with her children aged ten and fourteen in the family home and the alternative week with with her single sister in law.
When an offer comes up to stay at a seaside shack at Ragged Point on her off week she finds herself determined to fix up her marriage (and the shack) and reunite her family.
In the small community of Ragged Point she makes unexpected friendships and rediscovers parts of herself she’d lost.
Ashling is a wonderful character, she is so real and I couldn’t help but love Dan also!
Written with warmth, a realistic and challenging journey of separation, second chances and discovering yourself again! An absolutely wonderful read!
I literally flew through Flying the Nest by Rachael Johns, this is the perfect chick-lit with never a dull moment! The author has a wonderful talent for storytelling and this is a book you won’t be able to put down!
After twenty years of marriage and two children, Ashling Woods is blindsided when husband Adrian announces that he thinks they should give 'nest parenting' a try and at that moment her whole world falls to pieces.
Heartbroken Ashling now lives two lives, one week with her children aged ten and fourteen in the family home and the alternative week with with her single sister in law.
When an offer comes up to stay at a seaside shack at Ragged Point on her off week she finds herself determined to fix up her marriage (and the shack) and reunite her family.
In the small community of Ragged Point she makes unexpected friendships and rediscovers parts of herself she’d lost.
Ashling is a wonderful character, she is so real and I couldn’t help but love Dan also!
Written with warmth, a realistic and challenging journey of separation, second chances and discovering yourself again! An absolutely wonderful read!
November 7, 2020
This is a great piece of Australian chick-lit. Ashling, a stay at home mum, is stunned when out of the blue her husband Adrian announces to her he wants to separate and try out nest-parenting. They will take it in turns each week to live in the family home and look after their two children.
Ashling first must find alternate accomodation for her weeks 'off' and second must come up with a fool-proof plan to win her husband back and reunite her family. Having being a pawn in her own parents vicious divorce, Ashling is determine not to let this happen to her own children.
It was a great, light read and full of humour, heart break and romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this and am keen for a lot of my friends to read it too.
Thank you Harlequin Australia and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ashling first must find alternate accomodation for her weeks 'off' and second must come up with a fool-proof plan to win her husband back and reunite her family. Having being a pawn in her own parents vicious divorce, Ashling is determine not to let this happen to her own children.
It was a great, light read and full of humour, heart break and romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this and am keen for a lot of my friends to read it too.
Thank you Harlequin Australia and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 28, 2020
I had never heard of nest parenting until I read Flying the Nest, it’s when a couple separate, one parent stays in the family home for a set time usually a week, looks after the kids and the other parent lives elsewhere for the allocated time. The children get to stay in the family home and the parents take it in turns looking after them.
Ashling Wood is happily married to Podiatrist Adrian or so she though until one morning out of the blue he suggests they try nest parenting and her whole world suddenly falls apart. You can imagine how she felt, shocked, confused, hurt, upset, and she had no idea her husband was unhappy in their marriage. The arrangement is for her to spend one week with her children Saxon and Payton, when it’s Adrian’s turn to look after the kids she stays with her sister in law and best friend Hayley. Ash is a mess, her whole life has revolved around looking after her children, being married to Adrian, she can’t imagine not seeing her children for a whole week and is her husband capable looking after them? She’s given the opportunity to stay in a cottage by the sea at Ragged Point for a week, the place has been empty for years, it’s a real mess and Ash cleans it up.
Ash begins to look at her life from another perspective, she starts to enjoy her week alone, her peaceful sea change and she’s offered a chance to renovate the cottage. Like many small towns, anyone new sticks out like a sore thumb, people notice you very quickly and that’s what happens with Ash. She finds the locals are very friendly, keen to offer her help, especially Jedda from the local café and Dan Emerson her handsome neighbor.
Flying the Nest is a story about Ashling Wood having her life suddenly turned upside down, her going through all the emotions and stages most people would feel when a long term relationship ends unexpectedly. She’s worried about how it will affect her children, she’s hurt, sad, mad, lost, bitter, embarrassed, self conscious and extremely angry. But it also gives her time to reflect on what she wants to do in the future, what skills she has, she makes new friends, maybe she can be happy without her selfish husband, still be a good mother and she rediscovers herself. Rachel John’s books never disappoint, a very interesting subject, written from a woman’s point of view, at times it’s sad, others it’s downright funny and five stars from me.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
Ashling Wood is happily married to Podiatrist Adrian or so she though until one morning out of the blue he suggests they try nest parenting and her whole world suddenly falls apart. You can imagine how she felt, shocked, confused, hurt, upset, and she had no idea her husband was unhappy in their marriage. The arrangement is for her to spend one week with her children Saxon and Payton, when it’s Adrian’s turn to look after the kids she stays with her sister in law and best friend Hayley. Ash is a mess, her whole life has revolved around looking after her children, being married to Adrian, she can’t imagine not seeing her children for a whole week and is her husband capable looking after them? She’s given the opportunity to stay in a cottage by the sea at Ragged Point for a week, the place has been empty for years, it’s a real mess and Ash cleans it up.
Ash begins to look at her life from another perspective, she starts to enjoy her week alone, her peaceful sea change and she’s offered a chance to renovate the cottage. Like many small towns, anyone new sticks out like a sore thumb, people notice you very quickly and that’s what happens with Ash. She finds the locals are very friendly, keen to offer her help, especially Jedda from the local café and Dan Emerson her handsome neighbor.
Flying the Nest is a story about Ashling Wood having her life suddenly turned upside down, her going through all the emotions and stages most people would feel when a long term relationship ends unexpectedly. She’s worried about how it will affect her children, she’s hurt, sad, mad, lost, bitter, embarrassed, self conscious and extremely angry. But it also gives her time to reflect on what she wants to do in the future, what skills she has, she makes new friends, maybe she can be happy without her selfish husband, still be a good mother and she rediscovers herself. Rachel John’s books never disappoint, a very interesting subject, written from a woman’s point of view, at times it’s sad, others it’s downright funny and five stars from me.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
October 20, 2020
Flying the Nest is a realistic portrayal of a woman separating from her husband and navigating nest parenting
Ashling is nearing 40, she has two children, a teenage boy and a 10-year-old girl. She believes herself to be happily married, nothing exciting but completely normal for a couple who have been together since high school. Out of the blue her husband drops a bomb and says he would like to try nest parenting. Ashling’s world crumbles. The story follows Ashling on her journey of separation and finding herself in the process.
This is a bit left of field of what I would usually read, and I am glad I stumbled across it! The first 70-80% of the book I was completely immersed. Then the story took a turn in a direction I was not expecting, and I was a bit disappointed that Ashling’s time in Ragged Point had come to end sooner than I was hoping. This did not detract from my overall feeling about story, it is nice not being right about a story line! I love home improvement and renovating so following Ashling to a beach side town called Ragged Point to renovate a derelict shack in a beach side town I found to be relaxing and added a realistic touch to the story.
Johns is an excellent storyteller and I felt like I was along for the journey. At times I had to remind myself that it is a fictional story because I would get quite angry at her husband Adrian. I had not even heard of nest parenting before reading this. I originally rated this 4 stars but changed my mind after writing the review. I can not fault this story and enjoyed it immensely.
Ashling is nearing 40, she has two children, a teenage boy and a 10-year-old girl. She believes herself to be happily married, nothing exciting but completely normal for a couple who have been together since high school. Out of the blue her husband drops a bomb and says he would like to try nest parenting. Ashling’s world crumbles. The story follows Ashling on her journey of separation and finding herself in the process.
This is a bit left of field of what I would usually read, and I am glad I stumbled across it! The first 70-80% of the book I was completely immersed. Then the story took a turn in a direction I was not expecting, and I was a bit disappointed that Ashling’s time in Ragged Point had come to end sooner than I was hoping. This did not detract from my overall feeling about story, it is nice not being right about a story line! I love home improvement and renovating so following Ashling to a beach side town called Ragged Point to renovate a derelict shack in a beach side town I found to be relaxing and added a realistic touch to the story.
Johns is an excellent storyteller and I felt like I was along for the journey. At times I had to remind myself that it is a fictional story because I would get quite angry at her husband Adrian. I had not even heard of nest parenting before reading this. I originally rated this 4 stars but changed my mind after writing the review. I can not fault this story and enjoyed it immensely.
September 29, 2025
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🪹Published in 2020 by HQ Fiction, Flying the Nest is a highly relatable Australian contemporary fiction novel by bestselling WA author Rachael Johns. Flying the Nest is a modern story of unexpected events, changes, rediscovery, identity, family, relationships and love.
🪹Rachael Johns brings us female lead Ashling Wood in her 2020 release. Flying the Nest looks at the pressures placed on a marriage in crisis, when Ashling is faced with a forced separation when her husband declares he wants to explore other options. Ashling finds herself wrestling with the importance of keeping her family together and rediscovering her own independence. Ashling’s separation leads her to a seaside cottage in coastal Ragged Point, which offers her a sense of solace and some new found possibilities. As Ashling balances her family life with heartbreak, a new life beacons. Ashling must decide if she should fight for her old life, or jump at the chance to start afresh.
🪹Flying the Nest was a book I selected as a buddy read with @bmichie31, which made the experience even better (if that’s possible with a Rachael Johns book and a Casey Withoos narration). ThIs buddy read allowed me to share my feelings about the book along the way. I have a physical book of this one on my bookshelves, but I chose to experience this one on audio, because it’s narrated by one of my favourite and preferred Australian narrator Casey Withoos.
🪹From the opening I found I was able to relate to Ashling, the female main protagonist. I also felt a great deal of empathy for Ashling and I must say that Johns ensures that Ashling’s journey was honest and raw. Hearing Ashling’s story, especially around the unexpected separation she faces and the idea of an alternative custody arrangement called ‘nest parenting’ gives a voice to many others who are probably facing this very same situation, it definitely felt realistic.
There were some times that I felt frustrated with Ashling. I understood that she needed to do all she possibly could to protect her marriage and to fight for her husband Adrian, as well as ensure that her family unit stayed intact. But Adrian’s utter disregard and selfishness towards his wife and family made me wish she could see that she didn’t need him back. Despite this frustration, I think it made Ashling’s overall personal growth process that occurs in the book more rewarding.
Connected to Ashling’s journey of self-discovery is the landscape featured in the novel. I really loved Ashling’s visits to the seaside cottage, the cleanup she did, and the connections she makes to the welcoming and genuinely interesting beachside community of Ragged Point, made it a joy to read. It reminded me so much of a place I’ve visited north of Perth, and it became the perfect backdrop for Ashling to rest, recoup, and rediscover herself.
The family issues, pressures, day to day lives and dynamics also appeared very authentic and I was reminded why I love Rachael Johns’ writing. In particular, I connected to the moments where Ashling had to deal with a teenage gaming son and a soccer-mad daughter. I laughed and nodded along in solidarity, as this echoes my own home life perfectly!
Beyond Ashling’s marital struggles, I loved the new friendships she forged in Ragged Point and the way these factors helped Ashling see that there is life beyond Adrian. This was truly the wake-up call she needed, and a chance to explore her own needs, interests, love life, and career options. Watching Ashling slowly begin to assert herself and put her feelings first was incredibly satisfying.
Overall this was an uplifting read about change, resilience and the courage it takes to rebuild your life in the face of unexpected change.
4.5 stars
Thank you to @hqfictionau for the copy
Thank you again @bmichie31 for this fantastic buddy read - it was a delight to share this one with you!
🪹Published in 2020 by HQ Fiction, Flying the Nest is a highly relatable Australian contemporary fiction novel by bestselling WA author Rachael Johns. Flying the Nest is a modern story of unexpected events, changes, rediscovery, identity, family, relationships and love.
🪹Rachael Johns brings us female lead Ashling Wood in her 2020 release. Flying the Nest looks at the pressures placed on a marriage in crisis, when Ashling is faced with a forced separation when her husband declares he wants to explore other options. Ashling finds herself wrestling with the importance of keeping her family together and rediscovering her own independence. Ashling’s separation leads her to a seaside cottage in coastal Ragged Point, which offers her a sense of solace and some new found possibilities. As Ashling balances her family life with heartbreak, a new life beacons. Ashling must decide if she should fight for her old life, or jump at the chance to start afresh.
🪹Flying the Nest was a book I selected as a buddy read with @bmichie31, which made the experience even better (if that’s possible with a Rachael Johns book and a Casey Withoos narration). ThIs buddy read allowed me to share my feelings about the book along the way. I have a physical book of this one on my bookshelves, but I chose to experience this one on audio, because it’s narrated by one of my favourite and preferred Australian narrator Casey Withoos.
🪹From the opening I found I was able to relate to Ashling, the female main protagonist. I also felt a great deal of empathy for Ashling and I must say that Johns ensures that Ashling’s journey was honest and raw. Hearing Ashling’s story, especially around the unexpected separation she faces and the idea of an alternative custody arrangement called ‘nest parenting’ gives a voice to many others who are probably facing this very same situation, it definitely felt realistic.
There were some times that I felt frustrated with Ashling. I understood that she needed to do all she possibly could to protect her marriage and to fight for her husband Adrian, as well as ensure that her family unit stayed intact. But Adrian’s utter disregard and selfishness towards his wife and family made me wish she could see that she didn’t need him back. Despite this frustration, I think it made Ashling’s overall personal growth process that occurs in the book more rewarding.
Connected to Ashling’s journey of self-discovery is the landscape featured in the novel. I really loved Ashling’s visits to the seaside cottage, the cleanup she did, and the connections she makes to the welcoming and genuinely interesting beachside community of Ragged Point, made it a joy to read. It reminded me so much of a place I’ve visited north of Perth, and it became the perfect backdrop for Ashling to rest, recoup, and rediscover herself.
The family issues, pressures, day to day lives and dynamics also appeared very authentic and I was reminded why I love Rachael Johns’ writing. In particular, I connected to the moments where Ashling had to deal with a teenage gaming son and a soccer-mad daughter. I laughed and nodded along in solidarity, as this echoes my own home life perfectly!
Beyond Ashling’s marital struggles, I loved the new friendships she forged in Ragged Point and the way these factors helped Ashling see that there is life beyond Adrian. This was truly the wake-up call she needed, and a chance to explore her own needs, interests, love life, and career options. Watching Ashling slowly begin to assert herself and put her feelings first was incredibly satisfying.
Overall this was an uplifting read about change, resilience and the courage it takes to rebuild your life in the face of unexpected change.
4.5 stars
Thank you to @hqfictionau for the copy
Thank you again @bmichie31 for this fantastic buddy read - it was a delight to share this one with you!
September 9, 2020
I love Rachael Johns's books for so many reasons - not the least of which is her ability to take an ubiquitous situation - like marriage breakdown - and put a fresh spin on it.
This newest title, "Flying the Nest" had me hooked from its opening page. The breath-taking cruelty of a husband who announces casually to his wife of 18 years, the mother of his two children, the keeper of his home, organiser of his life and business partner, that he wants to separate. It's a kick in the guts opening that, as a woman, had me wondering what I would do, what would I say in that same situation? What follows is an emotionally gripping story of a woman's journey to understand what went wrong in her marriage. How hadn't she seen the signs? In her efforts to win back her husband's love, Ash must reacquaint herself with the woman she once wanted to be. The woman who, before marriage and kids eclipsed her need for professional fulfilment, had dreams of her own.
I loved Rachael's exploration of the concept of "nest parenting" as a different way for families to deal with separating parents. I had never heard of it before and it certainly does add complexity to the plot.
This was a beautiful, multi-layered story filled with interesting and colourful characters that had me flipping pages frantically to find out what would happen. Would Ash win Adrian back and restore the family unit she was so desperate to maintain? Or would she forge a different path for herself?
A definite 5-star read for me. Thanks to #NetGalley for my review copy.
This newest title, "Flying the Nest" had me hooked from its opening page. The breath-taking cruelty of a husband who announces casually to his wife of 18 years, the mother of his two children, the keeper of his home, organiser of his life and business partner, that he wants to separate. It's a kick in the guts opening that, as a woman, had me wondering what I would do, what would I say in that same situation? What follows is an emotionally gripping story of a woman's journey to understand what went wrong in her marriage. How hadn't she seen the signs? In her efforts to win back her husband's love, Ash must reacquaint herself with the woman she once wanted to be. The woman who, before marriage and kids eclipsed her need for professional fulfilment, had dreams of her own.
I loved Rachael's exploration of the concept of "nest parenting" as a different way for families to deal with separating parents. I had never heard of it before and it certainly does add complexity to the plot.
This was a beautiful, multi-layered story filled with interesting and colourful characters that had me flipping pages frantically to find out what would happen. Would Ash win Adrian back and restore the family unit she was so desperate to maintain? Or would she forge a different path for herself?
A definite 5-star read for me. Thanks to #NetGalley for my review copy.
November 10, 2020
Flying The Nest is an engaging women’s fiction novel from bestselling Australian author Rachael Johns.
Ashling Wood is blindsided when her husband of twenty years casually suggests they try nest parenting while she’s busy preparing the oranges for their daughter’s soccer game. Her first instinct is to believe Adrian doesn’t understand what the term means, but he’s clear, he wants a trial separation and feels nest parenting, where the children remain in the house and the parents move in and out on an alternate schedule, is the best solution for them all.
The adjustment is difficult for a heartbroken Ashling who misses her children, ten year old Payton and fourteen year old Saxon, when she’s not with them. Taking on the renovation of a friends seaside cottage in Ragged Point during her ‘off’ weeks is a welcome distraction, and though she is certain the arrangement will not be anything but temporary, as the house undergoes a transformation, so too does Ashling.
I can’t imagine what it would be like should my husband so casually and carelessly announce one ordinary morning that he wanted a separation (touch wood). My sympathy was definitely reserved for Ashling from the start, and even though she seemed stuck in the denial phase for slightly too long, I think Johns portrayal of her character’s emotional state was sensitive and believable. There was a brutal scene in the marriage counselor’s office in particular where I really felt Ashling’s pain, and I was glad she finally got angry at Adrian, and found the impetus to take charge of her life.
The community of Ragged Point is a delightful haven for Ashling. Johns deftly creates the character of a small coastal community, and it’s there that she rediscovers, and is able to nurture, the parts of herself that have been dormant while helping her husband build their podiatry business, and raising their children. I liked the development of Ashling’s relationships with Jedda and Dan, who are great supports, but also have interesting stories of their own that add depth to the story.
Written with heart, humour, and warmth, Flying the Nest is sure to resonate with women who need to redefine their lives, whether because of a relationship breakdown, children leaving home, or other change of circumstances. Ashling’s journey is not without its challenges, but it is ultimately rewarding and inspiring, as is this novel.
Ashling Wood is blindsided when her husband of twenty years casually suggests they try nest parenting while she’s busy preparing the oranges for their daughter’s soccer game. Her first instinct is to believe Adrian doesn’t understand what the term means, but he’s clear, he wants a trial separation and feels nest parenting, where the children remain in the house and the parents move in and out on an alternate schedule, is the best solution for them all.
The adjustment is difficult for a heartbroken Ashling who misses her children, ten year old Payton and fourteen year old Saxon, when she’s not with them. Taking on the renovation of a friends seaside cottage in Ragged Point during her ‘off’ weeks is a welcome distraction, and though she is certain the arrangement will not be anything but temporary, as the house undergoes a transformation, so too does Ashling.
I can’t imagine what it would be like should my husband so casually and carelessly announce one ordinary morning that he wanted a separation (touch wood). My sympathy was definitely reserved for Ashling from the start, and even though she seemed stuck in the denial phase for slightly too long, I think Johns portrayal of her character’s emotional state was sensitive and believable. There was a brutal scene in the marriage counselor’s office in particular where I really felt Ashling’s pain, and I was glad she finally got angry at Adrian, and found the impetus to take charge of her life.
The community of Ragged Point is a delightful haven for Ashling. Johns deftly creates the character of a small coastal community, and it’s there that she rediscovers, and is able to nurture, the parts of herself that have been dormant while helping her husband build their podiatry business, and raising their children. I liked the development of Ashling’s relationships with Jedda and Dan, who are great supports, but also have interesting stories of their own that add depth to the story.
Written with heart, humour, and warmth, Flying the Nest is sure to resonate with women who need to redefine their lives, whether because of a relationship breakdown, children leaving home, or other change of circumstances. Ashling’s journey is not without its challenges, but it is ultimately rewarding and inspiring, as is this novel.
October 28, 2020
Flying the Nest by Rachael Johns is a thoroughly good read. It just goes down so smoothly, I found myself flying through it!
It's told from Ashling's point of view. Her husband hits her with a a very tough call. He wants them to try nest parenting! What! she thinks. Oh and as well they should separate as he wants to experience relationships with other women. Now all this is not what Ashling had forseen But she's catapulted into it.
At first she is so totally blindsided she stutters around. But the thought of visiting a seaside place and doing up an old shack soon snare her.
There are difficulties and challenges. The children - ten year old Payton and teen Saxon resent the new arrangement and of course their parents separation affects them deeply.
The book has a distinctive but subtle Australian flavour. I loved Ragged Point and the little island. The people at Ragged Point were a wonderful community and Dan added a whole extra interest. My favourite was the possum. In my country they are a huge pest, but at Ragged Point the needs of one rambunctious possum are taken into account.
The book explores a marriage gone stale, the impact of separation on children, the way a person can let their needs go by the way, how loss can affect a person it different ways. It has thoughtful points to make as well as being a wonderfully good read.
Although really all that needs to be said is... I loved it.
It's told from Ashling's point of view. Her husband hits her with a a very tough call. He wants them to try nest parenting! What! she thinks. Oh and as well they should separate as he wants to experience relationships with other women. Now all this is not what Ashling had forseen But she's catapulted into it.
At first she is so totally blindsided she stutters around. But the thought of visiting a seaside place and doing up an old shack soon snare her.
There are difficulties and challenges. The children - ten year old Payton and teen Saxon resent the new arrangement and of course their parents separation affects them deeply.
The book has a distinctive but subtle Australian flavour. I loved Ragged Point and the little island. The people at Ragged Point were a wonderful community and Dan added a whole extra interest. My favourite was the possum. In my country they are a huge pest, but at Ragged Point the needs of one rambunctious possum are taken into account.
The book explores a marriage gone stale, the impact of separation on children, the way a person can let their needs go by the way, how loss can affect a person it different ways. It has thoughtful points to make as well as being a wonderfully good read.
Although really all that needs to be said is... I loved it.
September 17, 2020
I follow Rachael Johns on Facebook - all her comments suggest she is a caring, authentic human with a witty sense of humor. These traits seep into all the pages of her books, her recent publication ‘Flying the Nest’ is no exception. When Ashling’s husband suggests Nest Parenting she is convinced he is confused. The nest parenting arrangements are for separated couples, who take turns living - one week on, one week off- with the kids in the family home, to give the children stability. When she realizes that her husband is actually suggesting the end of her marriage (but has jumped to the practical aspects) Ashling is devastated. While reading this book I became Ashling’s biggest cheerleader. With her life falling to pieces, she tries to maintain optimism and hope... while still trying to keep all her ducklings safe in the nest (made particularly difficult by the mess her husband leaves behind). This is an easy romantic-style read that will leave you warm and fuzzy.
November 3, 2020
4.5*
‘Despite what she said, I knew she thought I’d be an idiot to do any such thing, but I couldn’t just throw away over two decades of my life because my husband lost the plot for a while, could I? After all, we were only human. Everyone made mistakes.’
Aussie author Rachael Johns has gifted her followers with another ripper read! The stories Rachael writes are like catching up with friends for coffee and sharing all the news. On this occasion, sadly a marriage is under strain, yet the twist here is one of ‘nest parenting’. I have read another book that brokered this concept so I was keen to see Rachael’s take on it.
This tale is from the wife’s, Ashling’s, point of view and she is completely blindsided by her husband's nesting proposal. Dealing with the fallout of this news (and hoping to patch her marriage back together with as little impact upon her two children) Ash takes the opportunity to renovate a friend's seaside shack on her alternate week away from the family home in a desperate attempt to lose herself from the chaos reigning down. Rachael delves deeper still as she weaves a number of subplots throughout her story. Apart from the impact of divorce on both the couple and their children, she takes it that step further and allows the lead character to realise what this situation may present for her as a life lesson. I also appreciated her dabble into the gaming culture rampant among adolescents and the fallout of addictions. And then there is the cast of secondary characters who bring so many layers to this highly engaging tale.
I love the taste of Australia that is given through the fictional town of Ragged Point - from the beachscape, to living in small communities, to even the onset of a cyclone. At its heart, however, this story is looking at people and how they cope when life dishes out those unexpected hurdles -when someone’s seemingly ordinary day to day life is plunged into chaos. This is where Rachael is at her best - detailing the way people, much like you and me, deal with issues - and she does it in a most relatable and believable fashion.
Overall Rachael has written a very appealing book with an epilogue that will answer everyone’s wonderings about the future. Although this is a book about a marriage that may have outlasted its use by date, at its heart it offers much more than that. Yes, a loss such as that will affect people in different ways, however, it's about discovery and second chances and learning to find yourself and be true to that.
‘Life?’ It was my turn to laugh. ‘I don’t have a life without Adrian and the kids. I don’t even know who I am without them.’ ‘Then maybe it’s time you find out.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
‘Despite what she said, I knew she thought I’d be an idiot to do any such thing, but I couldn’t just throw away over two decades of my life because my husband lost the plot for a while, could I? After all, we were only human. Everyone made mistakes.’
Aussie author Rachael Johns has gifted her followers with another ripper read! The stories Rachael writes are like catching up with friends for coffee and sharing all the news. On this occasion, sadly a marriage is under strain, yet the twist here is one of ‘nest parenting’. I have read another book that brokered this concept so I was keen to see Rachael’s take on it.
This tale is from the wife’s, Ashling’s, point of view and she is completely blindsided by her husband's nesting proposal. Dealing with the fallout of this news (and hoping to patch her marriage back together with as little impact upon her two children) Ash takes the opportunity to renovate a friend's seaside shack on her alternate week away from the family home in a desperate attempt to lose herself from the chaos reigning down. Rachael delves deeper still as she weaves a number of subplots throughout her story. Apart from the impact of divorce on both the couple and their children, she takes it that step further and allows the lead character to realise what this situation may present for her as a life lesson. I also appreciated her dabble into the gaming culture rampant among adolescents and the fallout of addictions. And then there is the cast of secondary characters who bring so many layers to this highly engaging tale.
I love the taste of Australia that is given through the fictional town of Ragged Point - from the beachscape, to living in small communities, to even the onset of a cyclone. At its heart, however, this story is looking at people and how they cope when life dishes out those unexpected hurdles -when someone’s seemingly ordinary day to day life is plunged into chaos. This is where Rachael is at her best - detailing the way people, much like you and me, deal with issues - and she does it in a most relatable and believable fashion.
Overall Rachael has written a very appealing book with an epilogue that will answer everyone’s wonderings about the future. Although this is a book about a marriage that may have outlasted its use by date, at its heart it offers much more than that. Yes, a loss such as that will affect people in different ways, however, it's about discovery and second chances and learning to find yourself and be true to that.
‘Life?’ It was my turn to laugh. ‘I don’t have a life without Adrian and the kids. I don’t even know who I am without them.’ ‘Then maybe it’s time you find out.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
January 14, 2021
Another wonderful story from Rachael Johns, her story telling just gets better I love the way she can hear or read about something this time “nest Parenting” and turn that into a moving, captivating story filled with wonderful characters that are so easy to get to know. This was a subject I had heard of but didn’t really understand it and now I do thank you Rachael Johns, this story is a page turner and a must read.
Ashling Wood is a happily married woman with two great kids and all is running as it should, or is it, when suddenly out of the blue her husband Adrian drops a bombshell and suggests that they try nest parenting, needless to say Ashling is shocked and stunned she had no idea there was anything wrong but now finds herself only living in the family home with her kids Saxon and Payton every second week.
Ashling moves in with her sister-in-law and best friend Hayley on her kids free weeks but is not coping well, no matter what people think Ash is determined to get her family back the way it was, but when an offer comes her way to stay at and renovate an old beach shack at Ragged Point Ash jumps at the chance and the new friends she makes, make a very big change in Ash’s life.
Meeting Jedda who runs the café and the local paper brings new meaning to Ash’s life, oh she misses her kids terribly but soon starts to think about herself as well and when she meets her neighbour Dan Emerson she starts to feel even better. Life in Ragged Point is going really well and Ash is very at ease on her weeks there but things at home with the kids is starting to not be so good.
When tragedy happens and Ash needs to be back in Perth she struggles with the needs of her family and what lies ahead for her future, will they be happy living near the beach or will she need to leave the life and friends that she has found and now loves behind, or will she work out a way to have both and move forward into the future, happy and at peace with what has happened?
This is a story about families and what happens when they break down, people play the blame game and emotions are running high, people are hurting but out of the pain and hurt there can be happiness, new lives and a future even though different from the beginning a new life evolves, I am not sure if I am a fan of nest parenting but I am sure it suits lots of families. I loved this story so much and highly recommend it, Rachael Johns never disappoints and as always I look forward to her next one and looking forward to the subject it will be about.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my digital ARC to read and review.
Ashling Wood is a happily married woman with two great kids and all is running as it should, or is it, when suddenly out of the blue her husband Adrian drops a bombshell and suggests that they try nest parenting, needless to say Ashling is shocked and stunned she had no idea there was anything wrong but now finds herself only living in the family home with her kids Saxon and Payton every second week.
Ashling moves in with her sister-in-law and best friend Hayley on her kids free weeks but is not coping well, no matter what people think Ash is determined to get her family back the way it was, but when an offer comes her way to stay at and renovate an old beach shack at Ragged Point Ash jumps at the chance and the new friends she makes, make a very big change in Ash’s life.
Meeting Jedda who runs the café and the local paper brings new meaning to Ash’s life, oh she misses her kids terribly but soon starts to think about herself as well and when she meets her neighbour Dan Emerson she starts to feel even better. Life in Ragged Point is going really well and Ash is very at ease on her weeks there but things at home with the kids is starting to not be so good.
When tragedy happens and Ash needs to be back in Perth she struggles with the needs of her family and what lies ahead for her future, will they be happy living near the beach or will she need to leave the life and friends that she has found and now loves behind, or will she work out a way to have both and move forward into the future, happy and at peace with what has happened?
This is a story about families and what happens when they break down, people play the blame game and emotions are running high, people are hurting but out of the pain and hurt there can be happiness, new lives and a future even though different from the beginning a new life evolves, I am not sure if I am a fan of nest parenting but I am sure it suits lots of families. I loved this story so much and highly recommend it, Rachael Johns never disappoints and as always I look forward to her next one and looking forward to the subject it will be about.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my digital ARC to read and review.
November 1, 2020
4.5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 
I wasn't sure going into this newest novel by Rachael Johns whether I would be able to connect with the story never having been married or had kids, I wondered if I would really 'get' the whole nest parenting idea. But, I'm really happy to say that I loved this novel and connected with Ashling and her circumstances easily.
In the beginning, I found Ashling a little hard to like, but she definitely grew as a person as the story went on. She found out who she was and discovered what she wanted out of life.
I disliked her husband Adrian from the first page and I kept worrying that they would end up getting back together, she really was much better of without him. Ashling is completely thrown when Adrian tells her he wants to try nest parenting, it wouldn't be my idea of how to share custody and it was interesting to see how they navigated the situation and the issues they had to deal with.
I loved that this is set just up the road from me, albeit a fictional town of Ragged Point, and completely understood how healing it was for Ashling to stay in the coastal village, as I moved to what was a coastal village 22 years ago in order to heal myself and have never wanted to leave either. I really appreciated how she decided to tackle the renovation of the cottage she was staying in and didn't give in to her need to continually worry about how her children were getting on when it was her husband's week to have them. In this way, she was able to make new friends and rediscover who she was away from being a mother and a wife.
Jedda, the owner of the Café in Ragged Point, was a delightful character and their meeting provided just the kind of friendship that both Ashling and Jedda were missing.
I loved Dan, Ashling's neighbour, what a great guy, and such a contrast to her soon to be ex-husband, I wish I could meet a real-life Dan. Dan's friendship and then relationship with Ashling was another piece that helped in Ashling's journey.
This was a really wonderful read and I was totally absorbed from start to finish.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for a digital copy of this novel in return for an honest review.
I wasn't sure going into this newest novel by Rachael Johns whether I would be able to connect with the story never having been married or had kids, I wondered if I would really 'get' the whole nest parenting idea. But, I'm really happy to say that I loved this novel and connected with Ashling and her circumstances easily.
In the beginning, I found Ashling a little hard to like, but she definitely grew as a person as the story went on. She found out who she was and discovered what she wanted out of life.
I disliked her husband Adrian from the first page and I kept worrying that they would end up getting back together, she really was much better of without him. Ashling is completely thrown when Adrian tells her he wants to try nest parenting, it wouldn't be my idea of how to share custody and it was interesting to see how they navigated the situation and the issues they had to deal with.
I loved that this is set just up the road from me, albeit a fictional town of Ragged Point, and completely understood how healing it was for Ashling to stay in the coastal village, as I moved to what was a coastal village 22 years ago in order to heal myself and have never wanted to leave either. I really appreciated how she decided to tackle the renovation of the cottage she was staying in and didn't give in to her need to continually worry about how her children were getting on when it was her husband's week to have them. In this way, she was able to make new friends and rediscover who she was away from being a mother and a wife.
Jedda, the owner of the Café in Ragged Point, was a delightful character and their meeting provided just the kind of friendship that both Ashling and Jedda were missing.
I loved Dan, Ashling's neighbour, what a great guy, and such a contrast to her soon to be ex-husband, I wish I could meet a real-life Dan. Dan's friendship and then relationship with Ashling was another piece that helped in Ashling's journey.
This was a really wonderful read and I was totally absorbed from start to finish.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for a digital copy of this novel in return for an honest review.
November 8, 2020
A gorgeous Australian chick lit story filled with heart break, humour and romance. I was 110% invested in Ashling’s life and how she handled the situation from the moment her husband brought up the idea of nest-parenting casually one morning while she was cooking eggs, a subtle suggestion about separating. He wants to sleep with other women after 22 years!!
Shocked by this suggestion thinking they were in a perfectly happy marriage, Ashling must absorb the idea of her husband having sex with other women, only seeing her children Payton and Saxon every second week, figuring out where on earth she would stay when it was not her week with the children and how she could convince her husband that this is not what he really wants.
Ashling struggles with all of this in the beginning and wonders how on earth she is going to get through this. What is her life without her husband and children as a family? What is she if she is not a wife and a mother all the time? Ash’s thoughts and feelings were totally relatable in her situation and I felt every bit of anxiety that she felt.
The chance of escaping to a shack in the coastal town of Ragged Point for a week turns into an opportunity that soon sees Ashling spend week on in Perth with her children and week off renovating the shack in Ragged Point. She soon makes friends with a local woman Jedda and becomes an active part of the community which brings to light a confident, independent and brave woman.
Then there is Dan, the good-looking single neighbour at Ragged Point who stirs up emotions in Ash that she did not know existed. Dan was such a delight and perfectly gentlemanlike and it was hard not to love his character and enjoy being part of the journey in him discovering a lot about himself too.
I loved the writing style and found it completely engaging like I was actually a friend of Ashling and she was telling me all her thoughts and feelings! I fell in love with my vision of Ragged Point and can envisage living in a coastal town similar to that.
Overall, I just loved this book, the characters, the realistic storyline and I look forward to reading more of Rachael Johns in the future.
Shocked by this suggestion thinking they were in a perfectly happy marriage, Ashling must absorb the idea of her husband having sex with other women, only seeing her children Payton and Saxon every second week, figuring out where on earth she would stay when it was not her week with the children and how she could convince her husband that this is not what he really wants.
Ashling struggles with all of this in the beginning and wonders how on earth she is going to get through this. What is her life without her husband and children as a family? What is she if she is not a wife and a mother all the time? Ash’s thoughts and feelings were totally relatable in her situation and I felt every bit of anxiety that she felt.
The chance of escaping to a shack in the coastal town of Ragged Point for a week turns into an opportunity that soon sees Ashling spend week on in Perth with her children and week off renovating the shack in Ragged Point. She soon makes friends with a local woman Jedda and becomes an active part of the community which brings to light a confident, independent and brave woman.
Then there is Dan, the good-looking single neighbour at Ragged Point who stirs up emotions in Ash that she did not know existed. Dan was such a delight and perfectly gentlemanlike and it was hard not to love his character and enjoy being part of the journey in him discovering a lot about himself too.
I loved the writing style and found it completely engaging like I was actually a friend of Ashling and she was telling me all her thoughts and feelings! I fell in love with my vision of Ragged Point and can envisage living in a coastal town similar to that.
Overall, I just loved this book, the characters, the realistic storyline and I look forward to reading more of Rachael Johns in the future.
October 31, 2020
I think I've read all of West Australian author Rachael John's standalone novels. She always offers readers interesting characters. They're very real and complex. We often meet them at a time their world has been upended and they're hitting rock bottom, but she ensures they are resilient. In short they're generally women I think I'd like.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
January 15, 2021
Can I pleased move to Ragged Point? The locals and the local area sound so welcoming.
I loved the story, and I loved that Ashling was a strong, independent woman.
I loved the story, and I loved that Ashling was a strong, independent woman.
January 18, 2021
Rachael did it again. Well done Rachael for writing another awesome book.
October 5, 2020
OMG! Where do I start? So raw! So REAL! The kind of story that could literally happen to anyone.
Absolutely my favorite Rachael Johns book yet! I struggled to put book down and stayed up to the very early hours of the morning several nights in a row to finish it (who needs sleep anyway, right?)
Ashling has no idea her entire world is about to change. No clue her marriage in on the edge, or that her husband is or has ever been unhappy in any way. She has no warning that there is any big discussion coming her way (and, in fact, isn’t actually even given the opportunity of a big discussion). I literally felt her shock when her husband casually mentions his desire to try ‘nest parenting’ – his subtle way of saying he wants to separate.
In the space of just one day, Ashling’s whole world falls apart and she is left to question everything and everyone she ever knew. What is her place in her children’s life now? What is her place in Adrian’s life? Who are really her friends and where do their loyalties lay? Are they true friends she can count on for support? Or, just looking for the inside scoop on the latest gossip? And, who are only her friends because she is Adrian’s wife?
Is she being judged on the breakup of her marriage? Did she do something wrong? Did she not try hard enough? All these are questions that run through her mind, all over-ridden with the most powerful question of all (for her) – how do I fix this?
This story follows Ashling’s journey to rebuild her life better and stronger than it was before, and it’s not all smooth sailing. She starts the journey as a woman defined solely by her role as a successful wife and mother, only to have this belief pulled out from underneath her by her husband wanting a separation, then reinforced by the fact that her family actually manage to survive without her being there to take care of them all the time.
Her desire to make her family happy all the time and her reluctance to cause conflict of any kind has made her a bit of a ‘people pleaser’ over the years and she has a hard time saying no and standing up for herself. She has been so caught up in what makes everyone else happy that she has forgotten to think about what (outside her family unit) could make her happy. Suddenly, she finds she has all this free time on her hands on her week away from the children and what begins as finding ways to avoid thinking about what she is missing with them turns into a journey of discovery as she starts to learn what she is capable of and what brings her joy.
Throw in some new friends, a sexy neighbor and a bit of a local mystery and suddenly her weeks at Ragged Point become something to look forward to until a family tragedy brings her suddenly back to the city and makes her question which life she wants to lead.
So, what happens when the husband she once so desperately wanted back finally realizes what he lost and wants her back?
Guess you’ll just have to read it to find out!
Thanks to Netgalley for my ARC in return for an honest review.
Absolutely my favorite Rachael Johns book yet! I struggled to put book down and stayed up to the very early hours of the morning several nights in a row to finish it (who needs sleep anyway, right?)
Ashling has no idea her entire world is about to change. No clue her marriage in on the edge, or that her husband is or has ever been unhappy in any way. She has no warning that there is any big discussion coming her way (and, in fact, isn’t actually even given the opportunity of a big discussion). I literally felt her shock when her husband casually mentions his desire to try ‘nest parenting’ – his subtle way of saying he wants to separate.
In the space of just one day, Ashling’s whole world falls apart and she is left to question everything and everyone she ever knew. What is her place in her children’s life now? What is her place in Adrian’s life? Who are really her friends and where do their loyalties lay? Are they true friends she can count on for support? Or, just looking for the inside scoop on the latest gossip? And, who are only her friends because she is Adrian’s wife?
Is she being judged on the breakup of her marriage? Did she do something wrong? Did she not try hard enough? All these are questions that run through her mind, all over-ridden with the most powerful question of all (for her) – how do I fix this?
This story follows Ashling’s journey to rebuild her life better and stronger than it was before, and it’s not all smooth sailing. She starts the journey as a woman defined solely by her role as a successful wife and mother, only to have this belief pulled out from underneath her by her husband wanting a separation, then reinforced by the fact that her family actually manage to survive without her being there to take care of them all the time.
Her desire to make her family happy all the time and her reluctance to cause conflict of any kind has made her a bit of a ‘people pleaser’ over the years and she has a hard time saying no and standing up for herself. She has been so caught up in what makes everyone else happy that she has forgotten to think about what (outside her family unit) could make her happy. Suddenly, she finds she has all this free time on her hands on her week away from the children and what begins as finding ways to avoid thinking about what she is missing with them turns into a journey of discovery as she starts to learn what she is capable of and what brings her joy.
Throw in some new friends, a sexy neighbor and a bit of a local mystery and suddenly her weeks at Ragged Point become something to look forward to until a family tragedy brings her suddenly back to the city and makes her question which life she wants to lead.
So, what happens when the husband she once so desperately wanted back finally realizes what he lost and wants her back?
Guess you’ll just have to read it to find out!
Thanks to Netgalley for my ARC in return for an honest review.
September 26, 2020
Bluntly told her marriage was over by a flippant comment about nest parenting changes life for Ash, it was unexpected and heart breaking.
The emotional, financial and living arrangement aspects of this self-centred delivery all have their impacts for her and the children.
Life has a way of throwing curb balls and presenting new opportunities.
Ash lives for her children and now only spending one week out of two with them will present her with challenges while dealing with the reasons for the split and if reconciliation is possible.
An opportunity to stay at a run down beach shack a few hours away might just be the distraction she needs on her off weeks.
Enveloped into the small community and it’s peaceful surrounds she begins to find herself.
The sexy neighbour and community involvement lures the anchor into her heart for her new environment.
An accident on the home front throws everything into chaos and puts life back into perspective.
After finding herself and no longer grieving about the split will she relent and go back to life as it was.
Rachael tells a real and compelling story.
The first page opens with the warmth and down to earth style that follows through till the end.
The detail and accuracy of parent and child relationships, the reactions of wider social circles when a marriage splits and myriad of emotive spikes will have the reader entranced.
I absolutely loved the relationship Ash has with her sister in law and her integration into Ragged Point was beautiful.
Readers of contemporary fiction, this one you must add to your reading pile when it’s released.
October 20, 2020
Reading one of Rachael Johns’ books is like having a good old chat with a favourite friend about what’s been happening in the lives of our other friends. The believability of the situation, characters and how they manage these challenges makes for an un-put-downable read.
Flying the Nest tells the story of Ashling whose husband drops on her that they should adopt “nest parenting”. The story tells of the challenges that Ashling, Adrian and their teen son Saxon and tween Payton face as they navigate their new living arrangements and the challenges of growing up. With the help of her best friend Hayley (also Adrian’s sister), Ashling finds a solution to extra time on her hands and nowhere to live by the offer to live in and renovate an old cottage in the seaside destination of Ragged Point.
Away from the routine and challenges of being a mum, wife, assisting in her husband’s business, Ash finds herself – new friendships, a new opportunity to rediscover her journalism skills which have for many years been put on hold, involvement in the local community and perhaps a new relationship.
Flying the Nest explores the ups and downs of raising teenagers, marriage separation and new relationships – an easy to read book with lovable (mostly) and likable characters.
Thank you to Netgalley for my ARC in return for an honest review.
Flying the Nest tells the story of Ashling whose husband drops on her that they should adopt “nest parenting”. The story tells of the challenges that Ashling, Adrian and their teen son Saxon and tween Payton face as they navigate their new living arrangements and the challenges of growing up. With the help of her best friend Hayley (also Adrian’s sister), Ashling finds a solution to extra time on her hands and nowhere to live by the offer to live in and renovate an old cottage in the seaside destination of Ragged Point.
Away from the routine and challenges of being a mum, wife, assisting in her husband’s business, Ash finds herself – new friendships, a new opportunity to rediscover her journalism skills which have for many years been put on hold, involvement in the local community and perhaps a new relationship.
Flying the Nest explores the ups and downs of raising teenagers, marriage separation and new relationships – an easy to read book with lovable (mostly) and likable characters.
Thank you to Netgalley for my ARC in return for an honest review.
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October 2, 2020Rachael Johns fans will be thrilled with another heart-warming novel about family, love and the unique concept of nest-parenting. I'd never heard of nest-parenting before, and it was fun being a fly on the wall as the relationship between the main characters imploded, and the couple Ashling and Adrian wobbled their way through a shaky separation. Dan the lobster fisherman was my favourite character - men like him are definitely worth bottling. I also enjoyed the renovation and journalism sub-plots! Big thanks to Harlequin Mira for sending me an advance copy of this novel.
June 30, 2021
I love Rachael's way of writing and I wasn't disappointed!!
September 25, 2020
Rachael Johns latest book Flying the Nest follows the journey of Ashling separating from her husband and trying navigate nest parenting. It is narrated in first person by Ash, which helped me build a relationship with Ash because I was able to see events and feel emotions through her eyes. The location swaps between Perth when it’s Ash’s week on and Ragged Point when it’s her week off.
Johns is known for creating realistic, loveable and relatable characters which is shown in this book.
At first Ash came across as a little annoying and pathetic because she couldn’t let go of the fact that her husband didn’t want her anymore. But as the story unfolds her character sheds her only identities which are wife/mother, then she is reborn with the identity of a strong, brave, loving and independent woman.
I didn’t like Adrian because he came across as arrogant and selfish but I’m sure others could find find him relatable or maybe they could understand him. The children need more discipline because they act atrociously and get away with it.
I absolutely love Dan!!! There is just something about him which has something to do with the way that the character is written. I find him to be such a beautiful human being who is kind, funny and understanding. The characters of Hayley, Jedda, Bindi, Wei and the family dog Charlie add an extra sparkle into the story.
Once again Johns has managed to write a beautifully outstanding book with humour, heartbreak, romance, self discovery and new beginnings. This book shows that Johns never fails to disappoint which why she is one of my favourite authors and always leaves me wanting more.
I recieved an advanced copy for free, and this is my honest opinion.
Johns is known for creating realistic, loveable and relatable characters which is shown in this book.
At first Ash came across as a little annoying and pathetic because she couldn’t let go of the fact that her husband didn’t want her anymore. But as the story unfolds her character sheds her only identities which are wife/mother, then she is reborn with the identity of a strong, brave, loving and independent woman.
I didn’t like Adrian because he came across as arrogant and selfish but I’m sure others could find find him relatable or maybe they could understand him. The children need more discipline because they act atrociously and get away with it.
I absolutely love Dan!!! There is just something about him which has something to do with the way that the character is written. I find him to be such a beautiful human being who is kind, funny and understanding. The characters of Hayley, Jedda, Bindi, Wei and the family dog Charlie add an extra sparkle into the story.
Once again Johns has managed to write a beautifully outstanding book with humour, heartbreak, romance, self discovery and new beginnings. This book shows that Johns never fails to disappoint which why she is one of my favourite authors and always leaves me wanting more.
I recieved an advanced copy for free, and this is my honest opinion.
September 27, 2021
Flying the Nest is very much a modern day story. Nest parenting is a concept where separated parents share the parenting in the family home. Each parent takes it in turns to be the sole parent for a week and the ‘of duty parent’ lives elsewhere durning that time.
Ashling Wood had never heard of this type of parenting until her husband announces out of the blue that he wants a trial separation effective immediately. Ashling had no idea her marriage was in trouble. Her husband gets himself a flat close to his work, and Ashling moves in with her SIL for her week off. Ashling is a mess emotionally her whole life and focus has been turned around.
She is offered a beach house a few hours north of Perth - it needs doing up so she is offered free accommodation in exchange for repairs. The small friendly community, and the ocean at her front door, helps Ashling pull her life together and gradually starts to live again.
Of course a few hurdles have to be overcome before everyone settles into their new lives. There is anger, sadness, laughter, danger, rebellious children and love.
Rachael Johns is an incredible storyteller, she never disappoints me and I’d buy her shopping list if she printed and released it. Okay - maybe not her shopping list - but certainly anything else she releases.
With thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for my copy to review
Ashling Wood had never heard of this type of parenting until her husband announces out of the blue that he wants a trial separation effective immediately. Ashling had no idea her marriage was in trouble. Her husband gets himself a flat close to his work, and Ashling moves in with her SIL for her week off. Ashling is a mess emotionally her whole life and focus has been turned around.
She is offered a beach house a few hours north of Perth - it needs doing up so she is offered free accommodation in exchange for repairs. The small friendly community, and the ocean at her front door, helps Ashling pull her life together and gradually starts to live again.
Of course a few hurdles have to be overcome before everyone settles into their new lives. There is anger, sadness, laughter, danger, rebellious children and love.
Rachael Johns is an incredible storyteller, she never disappoints me and I’d buy her shopping list if she printed and released it. Okay - maybe not her shopping list - but certainly anything else she releases.
With thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for my copy to review
September 12, 2020
I couldn’t make up my mind about this book. At the beginning I found the main character, Ashling, insipid, and a bit frustrating. She improved as the story continued, but by then I was finding the writing frustrating. It just seemed shallow, some of the characters, such as the husband, Adrian and both the children, Peyton and Saxon had no depth. The plot line itself was not to bad and generally held my interest, but I found myself questioning the characters, and at times wondering why I was still reading. The story is all wrapped up at the end in a a one chapter epilogue. I’m sure Rachael Johns fans will find this book interesting. I’m personally not sold. Thanks to Harlequin publishers and Netgalley for an ARC of this novel.
November 13, 2020
I’ve never married and I don’t have kids. I wasn’t expecting to like this novel. I didn’t think I’d be able to relate at all. But from the opening scene and the casual cruelty I loved Ashling and was completely invested in the story. What a way to co-parent. What a sensitively written, completely uplit novel. I’m a huge Rachael Johns fan, and I couldn’t get enough of the friendship, renovation, seaside and Dan. I loved it
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