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The Good Life #1
The Year of the Fox
"This is chick-lit at its best. Merren Tait has written a genuinely funny novel" - Readers' Favorite editorial review (5 stars).
I started My New Life with a wild leap of faith and a screw driver in my back pocket. Turns out I needed a power tool arsenal…
Nancy Myers is having a hard time. She’s broken-hearted, homeless and unemployed. And she’s just turned forty. But Nancy has a secret weapon. Desperation.
Relying solely on her finely-honed ability to make stuff up as she goes along and the battery life of her cordless drill, she’s determined to make a fresh start (one that on no account features men of the falling-in-love-with variety).
After purchasing a rural property on a whim at the foot of the Southern Alps in New Zealand, Nancy attempts to settle into country life. She finds the vista of the mountains healing. She also finds a tall, dark and gumbooted stranger (who proves to be therapeutic in other ways).
But when she discovers her precious view is about to be taken away, Nancy faces a hard choice. Should she play saboteur to protect her own happiness, even if it means losing the man who just might possibly be the key to it?
Maybe her fresh start is actually a false start. Or maybe she’s learning a thing or two about how to be a kick-arse, self-reliant woman.
I started My New Life with a wild leap of faith and a screw driver in my back pocket. Turns out I needed a power tool arsenal…
Nancy Myers is having a hard time. She’s broken-hearted, homeless and unemployed. And she’s just turned forty. But Nancy has a secret weapon. Desperation.
Relying solely on her finely-honed ability to make stuff up as she goes along and the battery life of her cordless drill, she’s determined to make a fresh start (one that on no account features men of the falling-in-love-with variety).
After purchasing a rural property on a whim at the foot of the Southern Alps in New Zealand, Nancy attempts to settle into country life. She finds the vista of the mountains healing. She also finds a tall, dark and gumbooted stranger (who proves to be therapeutic in other ways).
But when she discovers her precious view is about to be taken away, Nancy faces a hard choice. Should she play saboteur to protect her own happiness, even if it means losing the man who just might possibly be the key to it?
Maybe her fresh start is actually a false start. Or maybe she’s learning a thing or two about how to be a kick-arse, self-reliant woman.
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First published November 19, 2020
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391 people want to read
About the author
Merren Tait
7 books32 followersMERREN TAIT is the award-winning author of The Good Life series, a humorous exploration of kick-arse women changing gears and seeking a quieter life in the less-well travelled places of (a fictional) New Zealand. The first book in the series, The Year of the Fox, has been optioned for television.
Merren has lived a series of bookish lives. Her first incarnation was as a book-hungry child, then as a mildly pretentious English literature student. Her third life saw her teaching English to somewhat-willing high school students, and her fourth, sharing her love of books as a librarian. Now she has been reincarnated as a fiction creator.
She is of Scottish, English, Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, Irish and German extraction and attributes her cross-cultural comedic flair to the enthusiastic interbreeding of her ancestors.
Merren lives in a small house on a large piece of land near Raglan, New Zealand, where she dreams up fabulous names for her chickens. Like Princess Layer.
Merren has lived a series of bookish lives. Her first incarnation was as a book-hungry child, then as a mildly pretentious English literature student. Her third life saw her teaching English to somewhat-willing high school students, and her fourth, sharing her love of books as a librarian. Now she has been reincarnated as a fiction creator.
She is of Scottish, English, Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, Irish and German extraction and attributes her cross-cultural comedic flair to the enthusiastic interbreeding of her ancestors.
Merren lives in a small house on a large piece of land near Raglan, New Zealand, where she dreams up fabulous names for her chickens. Like Princess Layer.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
May 18, 2020
Like Mat Tait I need to disclose too - Merren is my awesome daughter and she's written a cleverly funny book with characters that exquisitely reflect the quirkiness of real life Kiwis - or anybody for that matter. I've read it twice and it's every bit as funny and engrossing second time around. Amazing for a first time author and I reckon she's only warming up.
October 23, 2019
This book was recommended by a friend as a perfect holiday read and I thought I'd give it a try. Yes, it's "chick-lit", but this was laugh-out-loud, snort and smirk funny chick-lit. My husband wanted to know what was so funny, but I was laughing too much to say. Nancy was very relatable and I could see myself saying/doing some of the same things.
It really is a perfect holiday read as you can't put it down. Recommended when you need a good dose of laughter.
It really is a perfect holiday read as you can't put it down. Recommended when you need a good dose of laughter.
August 9, 2019
I was lucky enough to get a signed copy of this book before the launch. I had already had a taste some months before when it was still in the writing stage and shared at a library meeting. It did not disappoint, in fact it surpassed all my expectations. Easy to read full of humour, sadness and dare I say it, sex! Well done Merren, can't wait for the next book to be written. Buying copies to give to friends Linda Alker, Raglan local.
September 27, 2019
The book starts out a little slow and initially, I wasn't sure what to make of the imagined ex-boyfriend. However by the halfway point I was totally rooting for Nancy and laughing the whole time. Hilarious book. I can't wait to read "The Songbird Plot" when it's released.
August 1, 2019
I don't usually read this genre of book but The Year of the Fox had me laughing out loud.
There are many hilarious conversations and exchanges between characters who are loveable and relatable. If you want a good raunchy read with some very funny scenes, I highly recommend The Year of the Fox. I was sad to put it down.
There are many hilarious conversations and exchanges between characters who are loveable and relatable. If you want a good raunchy read with some very funny scenes, I highly recommend The Year of the Fox. I was sad to put it down.
August 14, 2019
On a wet sunday in winter i sat down to read 'the year of the fox' ..... What a sunday avo it was...havent laughed so much to myself for years, what a read...the story unfolded with tales of ireland with funny irish humour...situations that only a kiwi could understand....took me straight back to my childhood in many places....what a truthful, funny read...loved it....cant wait for book no 2..
September 24, 2019
Ok, so, fair disclosure, the author is my beloved sister, but goddamn it if she isn't a capital 'W' Writer and a hell of a funny one at that. I congratulate her and I congratulate you if you buy this book.
October 2, 2019
This was such a fun read. I loved all of the characters, especially Gracie. The characters were all unique and none of them were dull. Very witty writing with quirky, descriptive language. I'd love to see Merren Tait win the goodreads debut author award.
August 29, 2019
Absolutely loved it! Hard to put down and perfect for an easy read when travelling. Merren is a talented storyteller and I can't wair for the next book!!
September 10, 2019
I loved this book.... lots of laughs. I couldn’t put it down! A light fun read
May 17, 2023
This was a good little read. I loved the characters, especially Nancy - she was written with with such humour and wit, very often laughing out loud. This was a lovely story about second chances and friendship.
April 10, 2020
Made me laugh out loud numerous times. So clever, well written, heartwarming and full of little surprises. Thank you!
September 4, 2019
The Year of the Fox begins with Nancy Myers having packed up and moved out of the city to some land she purchased in a rural town. She is still having issues with a breakup that left her reeling and needs a fresh start. Her plans are to build a house on the property that has a stunning view of the Southern Alps. As she starts to put her plans into motion, she is full of self-doubt. One day in particular, Nancy decides to take a little hike to explore the land around hers and comes upon a pond and decides to take a dip. It only takes a few minutes for a man, Angus, to appear to inquire what she is doing on his land and in his pond. She is mortified that she has been caught skinny dipping and tries to extricate herself from said pond with as much dignity as she can muster.
Angus is going through a lot personally, but finds his interest piqued by his new neighbor. As he and Nancy become friends, he ends up hiring her to work part time on his farm. He needs the help and she needs the money. Seems her savings is being depleted faster than she had planned for and she is desperate to see her home built. However, when she finds out that her view of the mountains will be lost due to plans that Angus and his family have for the surrounding land, she finds herself torn between being attracted to someone who has made it clear he is not looking for anything long term with her and her dreams going up in smoke.
The Year of the Fox is a nicely written story with great characters. Nancy is laugh out loud funny at times. Her dogged determination to make a new life for herself will tug at your heartstrings one minute and leave you laughing the next. She finds herself torn with decisions that have to be made and one particular realization literally caught me so off guard that I went back and read certain passages to see how in the world I could have missed something that ends up having such a huge impact not only on her life, but Angus’ as well. Angus leaves you wanting to thump his ears a couple of times, but ends up being a wonderful character as well. His loyalty to his family and the development of their land endears him to the reader. The secondary characters are very well written and leaves you wanting more. If you’re a fan of romance with a lot of steam and a lot of humor, you’ll not go wrong with this one. This is the first I’ve read by this author, but look forward to more. Well done, Merren Tait!
Angus is going through a lot personally, but finds his interest piqued by his new neighbor. As he and Nancy become friends, he ends up hiring her to work part time on his farm. He needs the help and she needs the money. Seems her savings is being depleted faster than she had planned for and she is desperate to see her home built. However, when she finds out that her view of the mountains will be lost due to plans that Angus and his family have for the surrounding land, she finds herself torn between being attracted to someone who has made it clear he is not looking for anything long term with her and her dreams going up in smoke.
The Year of the Fox is a nicely written story with great characters. Nancy is laugh out loud funny at times. Her dogged determination to make a new life for herself will tug at your heartstrings one minute and leave you laughing the next. She finds herself torn with decisions that have to be made and one particular realization literally caught me so off guard that I went back and read certain passages to see how in the world I could have missed something that ends up having such a huge impact not only on her life, but Angus’ as well. Angus leaves you wanting to thump his ears a couple of times, but ends up being a wonderful character as well. His loyalty to his family and the development of their land endears him to the reader. The secondary characters are very well written and leaves you wanting more. If you’re a fan of romance with a lot of steam and a lot of humor, you’ll not go wrong with this one. This is the first I’ve read by this author, but look forward to more. Well done, Merren Tait!
August 25, 2019
Really loved it actually, I think they call this kind of book a chick lit read. I've not read books like this for a long time, I read some really challenging books at times, so this was a welcome relief from all the serious stuff.
I bought it at Hamilton book month's Local Authors event and got to meet and chat with the author. Who knew that under that sweet exterior lurked a bit of a sex-pot! This story was laugh out loud funny and very, very steamy, a totally enjoyable read, I'm still smiling.
If you want a light hearted, romantic read set in a NZ south island rural setting, then this is for you, and if like me you were a fan of Tom & Barbara in The Good Life you'll love it all the more.
I bought it at Hamilton book month's Local Authors event and got to meet and chat with the author. Who knew that under that sweet exterior lurked a bit of a sex-pot! This story was laugh out loud funny and very, very steamy, a totally enjoyable read, I'm still smiling.
If you want a light hearted, romantic read set in a NZ south island rural setting, then this is for you, and if like me you were a fan of Tom & Barbara in The Good Life you'll love it all the more.
August 27, 2019
I'm usually a non-fiction reader, but 'The Year of the Fox' had me laughing out loud and thoroughly enjoying the change in genre.
With good character definition, set in a small town in the South Island of New Zealand it was easy to visualise the individuals and their relationships with each other. I was especially entertained by the hilarious and endearing antics of Nancy — the lead character — who could be a role model for the modern, independent and vulnerable (in a good way!) woman.
There were some raunchy, steamy scenes and the author didn't shy away from these. With underlying themes of environmental awareness and the proper — and witty — use of language I was carried along and could hardly put the book down. Can't wait for the second book in the series.
With good character definition, set in a small town in the South Island of New Zealand it was easy to visualise the individuals and their relationships with each other. I was especially entertained by the hilarious and endearing antics of Nancy — the lead character — who could be a role model for the modern, independent and vulnerable (in a good way!) woman.
There were some raunchy, steamy scenes and the author didn't shy away from these. With underlying themes of environmental awareness and the proper — and witty — use of language I was carried along and could hardly put the book down. Can't wait for the second book in the series.
February 10, 2020
Take a peek into life in New Zealand in this delightful romcom!
I’m not sure where to start with this debut novel from Merren Tait.
It hooked me in from the onset and took me on the most fascinating journey through the eyes of her protagonist, Nancy, a forty year old, single again woman with a ‘can do’ attitude and a keen eye for the knees of a handsome farmer!
Hilarious, this paragon of power tools and number eight fencing wire, battles her inner demons, a healthy dose of local male prejudice and a complicated affair with her farmer with the sought after knees.
Merren has a unique storytelling style which I adore and I can’t wait for Book 2 in this funny, quirky, romcom series.
I’m not sure where to start with this debut novel from Merren Tait.
It hooked me in from the onset and took me on the most fascinating journey through the eyes of her protagonist, Nancy, a forty year old, single again woman with a ‘can do’ attitude and a keen eye for the knees of a handsome farmer!
Hilarious, this paragon of power tools and number eight fencing wire, battles her inner demons, a healthy dose of local male prejudice and a complicated affair with her farmer with the sought after knees.
Merren has a unique storytelling style which I adore and I can’t wait for Book 2 in this funny, quirky, romcom series.
July 23, 2019
I loved The Year of the Fox, it was really funny, quite a bit saucy and had such a good story-line to it. I felt a bit sad when the book finished, I was going to miss all the characters in it and the goings on of the wee community of Pukeroa! My husband and kids were pleased to have me back once the book ended teehee. The main character Nancy Pants is awesome, I loved her woman can do anything attitude, and Margot is pretty cool too. As a debut book the author has done amazingly and I cant wait to read the next one in the Good-Life series The songbird.
September 14, 2019
wow … I really loved this novel .. Nance and Angus find their future in every day life of ups and downs! The downs can get very complicated and the ups can get euphotic … I am not quite sure whether I want to get 'hammered' and 'nailed' - pardon the puns but the author seems to allow her characters to enjoy carpentering! So this silver-foxy-lady bounds to pastures new in search of less stressful surroundings, but wow what a journey! This story makes me feel that there is hope for all of us to get out there and do things and be grateful to be alive!
July 30, 2019
I loved this book, couldn't put it down. Very funny with great characters. The heroine is very likeable in a 'girls can do anything' kind of way. Enjoyed reading about country life and the trials and tribulations of building. The antics of the various kids and adults were hilarious however the animals stole the show! Some steamy scenes and a great story line. Can't wait to read the next one!
January 24, 2020
This book sounded interesting. Unknown author, first book. So I took a gamble. And it paid off.
I thought the author's voice was fresh and it came across in the pages of this book. It's set in New Zealand and follows the 'mis'adventures of 40 year old Nancy who turns out to be a great carpenter and renovator of buses.
Pleased I decided to read this book and will watch for more books from this author.
I thought the author's voice was fresh and it came across in the pages of this book. It's set in New Zealand and follows the 'mis'adventures of 40 year old Nancy who turns out to be a great carpenter and renovator of buses.
Pleased I decided to read this book and will watch for more books from this author.
August 29, 2019
The Year of the Fox: A Good Life novel (The Good Life) by Merren Tait is a wonderful story that I have read. This is book number one in this wonderful series and it is writen by a brand new author for me to read. I highly recommend this wonderful story to all and I can not wait to read the next book.
July 10, 2019
I could not put this book down! Captivating from start to finish, I stayed up all night reading!
Laugh-out-loud hilarious, sexy, honest, and so relatable. The Year of the Fox is a feel good novel that everyone should read. 100% recommend!
Laugh-out-loud hilarious, sexy, honest, and so relatable. The Year of the Fox is a feel good novel that everyone should read. 100% recommend!
Read
September 15, 2019If you enjoy chic-lit ‘The Year of The Fox’ is a perfect holiday read. Quintessentially kiwi, it’s a great mix of cringe-worthy humour and feel good story.
A great way to relax and unwind curled up next to a fire or stretched out on the beach.
A great way to relax and unwind curled up next to a fire or stretched out on the beach.
July 4, 2019
Laugh-out-loud funny, quirky, empowering, with a generous dose of sexual tension. An endearing main character. Very hard to put down. Highly recommended.
August 29, 2019
A sweet, funny, contemporary read with great character development and satisfying ;) love scenes in a gorgeous South Island setting.
August 29, 2019
Oh such a great read, I couldnt put it down.
Such vivid characters and scenes were really brought to life for me.
I laughed out loud serval times and chuckled a lot.
A great escape!
Such vivid characters and scenes were really brought to life for me.
I laughed out loud serval times and chuckled a lot.
A great escape!
Read
September 18, 2019I just finished this classic kiwi read by a very clever kiwi chick, Merren Tait. It’s her first of more to come and I couldn’t put it down! Witty, hilarious, a modern kiwi classic!
October 19, 2019
Great red with interesting (and unpredictable) plot. Clever, witty dialogue and lovable characters. Highly recommend!
January 2, 2020
Very down-to-earth rom com set in NZ. A good read!
January 9, 2020
Fun and a little bit sexy NZ book. Looking forward to next book in the series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews