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Jane's Away
Every marriage has its little secrets.
But some secrets are bigger than others ...
Roger Kurmudge is rather smug about his affluent life and happy marriage. It’s just as well his wife, Jane, doesn't know about that little indiscretion in his past. But on his retirement day, Jane disappears. Roger’s about to panic. Will he have to sell some shares or – heaven forbid! – the house in Bordeaux to pay a ransom? Worse – has Jane discovered his guilty secret? Then Jane’s emails start arriving.
Take the dog to the vet. Look after grandson Alfie for the day. Do the washing, shopping and cooking. Host Christmas for the family.
Roger doesn’t know why Jane’s gone but he’s sure he can manage her ‘women’s work’ – although it’s harder than it looks.
As the weeks go by and Jane stays away, Roger is forced to re-examine everything he thought he knew about his family, his life and himself. But even if Roger can change for the better, will Jane ever come back? Or has she been keeping secrets of her own?
But some secrets are bigger than others ...
Roger Kurmudge is rather smug about his affluent life and happy marriage. It’s just as well his wife, Jane, doesn't know about that little indiscretion in his past. But on his retirement day, Jane disappears. Roger’s about to panic. Will he have to sell some shares or – heaven forbid! – the house in Bordeaux to pay a ransom? Worse – has Jane discovered his guilty secret? Then Jane’s emails start arriving.
Take the dog to the vet. Look after grandson Alfie for the day. Do the washing, shopping and cooking. Host Christmas for the family.
Roger doesn’t know why Jane’s gone but he’s sure he can manage her ‘women’s work’ – although it’s harder than it looks.
As the weeks go by and Jane stays away, Roger is forced to re-examine everything he thought he knew about his family, his life and himself. But even if Roger can change for the better, will Jane ever come back? Or has she been keeping secrets of her own?
355 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2021
35 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 11, 2021
This book was witty and heartwarming. The author had successfully created the family life of Roger and Jane.
Roger who was an arrogant and self centred man. He always put himself first and neglected his family. But the experience he got after Jane left him was both funny and touching. I admired Jane's courage to leave Roger and to teach him a lesson. It showed that Jane was a strong and independent woman. She loved her family and sacrificed herself in many ways but she wasn't a doormat to walk all over her.
"Love not being love which alters when it alteration finds."
I loved the tiny twist at the end. Readers who love family dramas would enjoy the book.
I received an advanced review copy for free and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
Roger who was an arrogant and self centred man. He always put himself first and neglected his family. But the experience he got after Jane left him was both funny and touching. I admired Jane's courage to leave Roger and to teach him a lesson. It showed that Jane was a strong and independent woman. She loved her family and sacrificed herself in many ways but she wasn't a doormat to walk all over her.
"Love not being love which alters when it alteration finds."
I loved the tiny twist at the end. Readers who love family dramas would enjoy the book.
I received an advanced review copy for free and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
December 5, 2022
Such a funny read! I imagine women up and down the land laughing their heads off at this one!
Roger Kurmudge has done rather well for himself in life and, as he is about to retire as CEO, reflects on his life congratulating himself that his wife never found out about his past indiscretion. Roger is smugly planning his retirement but then things start to go awry; Jane isn’t to be found and he is at a loss as to what to do – has she been kidnapped? Then emails begin to arrive from his wife with brief instructions about things to be done. Roger is quite sure he can cope – after all, how hard can ‘women’s work’ be? And so the fun begins!
What a fabulous idea for a book. My husband is extremely well ‘house-trained’ – not that I take any credit; his mother ran an equal opportunities home and with six kids they all did their bit. I still found this hysterically funny, though, and I imagine ever other female on the planet will too. Grandson Alfie, who addresses his grandad as ‘Woger’ is a wee comedian in his own right and was the icing on the cake. Exactly the same age as our youngest grandson, I perhaps related to him more than most. There is a serious aspect to this novel, all told in the most entertaining manner and terrifically enjoyable. Skilfully plotted and beautifully written, it is an amazing achievement for a debut novel and one I most definitely recommend. A full five sparkling stars, and absolutely an author to watch out for!
Roger Kurmudge has done rather well for himself in life and, as he is about to retire as CEO, reflects on his life congratulating himself that his wife never found out about his past indiscretion. Roger is smugly planning his retirement but then things start to go awry; Jane isn’t to be found and he is at a loss as to what to do – has she been kidnapped? Then emails begin to arrive from his wife with brief instructions about things to be done. Roger is quite sure he can cope – after all, how hard can ‘women’s work’ be? And so the fun begins!
What a fabulous idea for a book. My husband is extremely well ‘house-trained’ – not that I take any credit; his mother ran an equal opportunities home and with six kids they all did their bit. I still found this hysterically funny, though, and I imagine ever other female on the planet will too. Grandson Alfie, who addresses his grandad as ‘Woger’ is a wee comedian in his own right and was the icing on the cake. Exactly the same age as our youngest grandson, I perhaps related to him more than most. There is a serious aspect to this novel, all told in the most entertaining manner and terrifically enjoyable. Skilfully plotted and beautifully written, it is an amazing achievement for a debut novel and one I most definitely recommend. A full five sparkling stars, and absolutely an author to watch out for!
March 14, 2022
As a first book …..
As a first book I think Clare has done well in that it certainly provoked a reaction from me but maybe not the right one. I found Jane to be quite callous and cruel considering everybody else in the book held her in the highest esteem. Her indignation at having to give up so much when becoming a mother is what largely being a mother is all about and the fact she was able to enjoy the finest things in life as a by product from her husbands successful career put her in a fortunate position. Maybe she should have attempted to address the irritations she felt about her husband’s behaviour earlier in their relationship ? Roger had a cavalier attitude to parental responsibilities but he was very quick to put things right when he had no other choice. I preferred Roger to Jane and rather wished he’d told her to stay in Paris.
Just my opinion. Well written though and pleasantly humorous.
As a first book I think Clare has done well in that it certainly provoked a reaction from me but maybe not the right one. I found Jane to be quite callous and cruel considering everybody else in the book held her in the highest esteem. Her indignation at having to give up so much when becoming a mother is what largely being a mother is all about and the fact she was able to enjoy the finest things in life as a by product from her husbands successful career put her in a fortunate position. Maybe she should have attempted to address the irritations she felt about her husband’s behaviour earlier in their relationship ? Roger had a cavalier attitude to parental responsibilities but he was very quick to put things right when he had no other choice. I preferred Roger to Jane and rather wished he’d told her to stay in Paris.
Just my opinion. Well written though and pleasantly humorous.
September 8, 2021
Overall rating: 2.5/5
Short Chapter Rating: 3/5
I think I was expecting a little more mystery based on the synopsis, and so I was a bit antsy in the first half of the book. Once I realized that was not the case and instead was more focused on the growth of the characters, then it improved for me. I didn’t care for Roger much, he was exactly as described and he irked me. I had a hard time feeling any empathy towards him. Overall, it’s a slow burn and I thought it was ok.
The author has a nice writing style that made it easy to read.
Is this book for you? If you like stories centred around character growth, marital woes, family drama, or enjoy slow burns…then give this book a go. You might love it! I sadly, did not.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Short Chapter Rating: 3/5
I think I was expecting a little more mystery based on the synopsis, and so I was a bit antsy in the first half of the book. Once I realized that was not the case and instead was more focused on the growth of the characters, then it improved for me. I didn’t care for Roger much, he was exactly as described and he irked me. I had a hard time feeling any empathy towards him. Overall, it’s a slow burn and I thought it was ok.
The author has a nice writing style that made it easy to read.
Is this book for you? If you like stories centred around character growth, marital woes, family drama, or enjoy slow burns…then give this book a go. You might love it! I sadly, did not.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 10, 2022
What a wonderful story! I loved the evolution of Roger, so well developed. It wasn't a rapid change, but a realistic one under the circumstances. The Alfie-out-of-control bits had my teeth on edge, but couldn't have been left out. I really enjoyed this one.
September 13, 2021
Jane’s Away by Clara Hawken
Green Gables Book Review’s thoughts:
First, THIS COVER! It is so eye-catching and different from most of the covers out right now. I love it and that’s what drew me to read the overview of Jane’s Away.
My favorite character is Jane and Roger’s grandson, nearly three-year-old, Alfie. I love that he can’t say his “r’s” and how he keeps everyone on their toes. BUT… he has so much energy! I needed a nap after reading about Roger’s first day with him!
Love the setting, love the idea of this book, love all the characters, love the “firmness” of Jane, love seeing Roger’s transformation through the book.
Totally 5 stars. It is “tough love” but not in the usual way that people think of those words.
About the book
Jane’s Away by Clare Hawken
Roger, is looking forward to his retirement. He is looking forward to traveling and free time to do whatever he wants. He has a good life, a commanding personality, and he and Jane have been married for nearly 40 years. That little mistake of his years ago is just a shadow in his mind.
His, wife, Jane has other plans. Jane is tired of Roger. She is tired of him not listening to her and taking advantage of her, and his smugness. Finding out his secret from years ago was the last straw.
When Roger goes to pick up Jane at the day-surgery center after she had a mole removed, he realizes he drank way too much at his retirement luncheon. So much, in fact, that he can’t figure out where Jane is. The hospital is no help, and he even gets escorted away. Confused, and intoxicated, he heads home, thinking Jane will be there waiting for him.
He gets home and the lights are not on, there’s no smell of dinner and no sound of Jane. Roger is a bit concerned but knows she will turn up soon. He must have confused the location of the place of her mole removal. His phone calls to her are not being answered. The next day, after Roger talks with their sons, he begins to worry. Has Jane been kidnapped? Will he need to sell something to get ransom money? The house? Investments? Roger, Sam, and Andy wait for a ransom message to arrive.
An email does arrive, but it is not a ransom, it is from Jane! And, it is simple a To-Do list. Roger is soon trying to navigate life. He is taking care of young Alfie, who he feels is quite messy and spoiled, and shrinking his clothes in the laundry, and cleaning up after their dog, Killer.
From here on through, the book is filled with laugh-out-loud moments as dignified Roger tries to fill Jane’s shoes. He soon finds that he had no idea about Jane’s day-to-day life. And, he starts to wonder about the real reason behind Jane’s being away.
“Jane’s Away lets you laugh in the midst of a serious topic. Laughing feels so good and I am looking forward to Hawken’s next book!”-Green Gables Book Reviews
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Green Gables Book Review’s thoughts:
First, THIS COVER! It is so eye-catching and different from most of the covers out right now. I love it and that’s what drew me to read the overview of Jane’s Away.
My favorite character is Jane and Roger’s grandson, nearly three-year-old, Alfie. I love that he can’t say his “r’s” and how he keeps everyone on their toes. BUT… he has so much energy! I needed a nap after reading about Roger’s first day with him!
Love the setting, love the idea of this book, love all the characters, love the “firmness” of Jane, love seeing Roger’s transformation through the book.
Totally 5 stars. It is “tough love” but not in the usual way that people think of those words.
About the book
Jane’s Away by Clare Hawken
Roger, is looking forward to his retirement. He is looking forward to traveling and free time to do whatever he wants. He has a good life, a commanding personality, and he and Jane have been married for nearly 40 years. That little mistake of his years ago is just a shadow in his mind.
His, wife, Jane has other plans. Jane is tired of Roger. She is tired of him not listening to her and taking advantage of her, and his smugness. Finding out his secret from years ago was the last straw.
When Roger goes to pick up Jane at the day-surgery center after she had a mole removed, he realizes he drank way too much at his retirement luncheon. So much, in fact, that he can’t figure out where Jane is. The hospital is no help, and he even gets escorted away. Confused, and intoxicated, he heads home, thinking Jane will be there waiting for him.
He gets home and the lights are not on, there’s no smell of dinner and no sound of Jane. Roger is a bit concerned but knows she will turn up soon. He must have confused the location of the place of her mole removal. His phone calls to her are not being answered. The next day, after Roger talks with their sons, he begins to worry. Has Jane been kidnapped? Will he need to sell something to get ransom money? The house? Investments? Roger, Sam, and Andy wait for a ransom message to arrive.
An email does arrive, but it is not a ransom, it is from Jane! And, it is simple a To-Do list. Roger is soon trying to navigate life. He is taking care of young Alfie, who he feels is quite messy and spoiled, and shrinking his clothes in the laundry, and cleaning up after their dog, Killer.
From here on through, the book is filled with laugh-out-loud moments as dignified Roger tries to fill Jane’s shoes. He soon finds that he had no idea about Jane’s day-to-day life. And, he starts to wonder about the real reason behind Jane’s being away.
“Jane’s Away lets you laugh in the midst of a serious topic. Laughing feels so good and I am looking forward to Hawken’s next book!”-Green Gables Book Reviews
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 16, 2021
I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Roger Kurmudge is rather smug about his affluent life and happy marriage. He’s looking forward to retiring and spending more time with his wife, Jane. She has no idea about his guilty secret – thank God! – but now he can make it up to her.
The cover of this book and the synopsis made me think it would be more mystery and less chick-lit/family saga. I was wrong.
Jane's fed up with Roger's shit - his seemingly innocent lies, his oblivion, his work-a-holic type. When she discovers a secret, she plots a plan and carries it out effectively - forcing Roger's newly retired world into absolute chaos.
I felt a lot of sympathy for Jane at the start because Roger was oafish and really rather awful. By the end, I felt more for Roger, as Jane seemed to take an gross amount of pleasure of watching her husband of 40 years squirm. Yes, he kept a secret, but did he really deserve to be treated so poorly?
Roger's sons aren't a lot better - taking advantage of their father when he is hurting from his wife leaving. Imagine leaving an absolute terror of a 2 yr old with someone they do not know? (Don't get me started on Alfie - he was wholly unlikeable throughout the book). Roger's DIL Sarah was also rather harsh and unfeeling - preferring to dish out orders rather than actually having to deal with a major upheaval.
Yes, Roger made mistakes but based on the way people treated him after Jane went away, you'd think he was a serial killer. I sure if he were one, Sarah would have still insisted he look after that horrible child of hers.
It was nice to see Roger grow - even if some of it made me cringe (like the ring he bought) - and appeared to be a way to buy his way out (although he did learn in the end).
This could have been a really good read without the 2 yr old speak, which grated on me. As I normally like books with wholly unlikeable characters, I did enjoy this book for the most part but I am sure Roger could have learnt a good lesson without a super-annoying 2 yr old in the book. Adult characters are one thing to be wholly rotten but I can't stand supposedly adult novels that seem to focus on children.
Roger Kurmudge is rather smug about his affluent life and happy marriage. He’s looking forward to retiring and spending more time with his wife, Jane. She has no idea about his guilty secret – thank God! – but now he can make it up to her.
The cover of this book and the synopsis made me think it would be more mystery and less chick-lit/family saga. I was wrong.
Jane's fed up with Roger's shit - his seemingly innocent lies, his oblivion, his work-a-holic type. When she discovers a secret, she plots a plan and carries it out effectively - forcing Roger's newly retired world into absolute chaos.
I felt a lot of sympathy for Jane at the start because Roger was oafish and really rather awful. By the end, I felt more for Roger, as Jane seemed to take an gross amount of pleasure of watching her husband of 40 years squirm. Yes, he kept a secret, but did he really deserve to be treated so poorly?
Roger's sons aren't a lot better - taking advantage of their father when he is hurting from his wife leaving. Imagine leaving an absolute terror of a 2 yr old with someone they do not know? (Don't get me started on Alfie - he was wholly unlikeable throughout the book). Roger's DIL Sarah was also rather harsh and unfeeling - preferring to dish out orders rather than actually having to deal with a major upheaval.
Yes, Roger made mistakes but based on the way people treated him after Jane went away, you'd think he was a serial killer. I sure if he were one, Sarah would have still insisted he look after that horrible child of hers.
It was nice to see Roger grow - even if some of it made me cringe (like the ring he bought) - and appeared to be a way to buy his way out (although he did learn in the end).
This could have been a really good read without the 2 yr old speak, which grated on me. As I normally like books with wholly unlikeable characters, I did enjoy this book for the most part but I am sure Roger could have learnt a good lesson without a super-annoying 2 yr old in the book. Adult characters are one thing to be wholly rotten but I can't stand supposedly adult novels that seem to focus on children.
September 18, 2021
This is a wonderful story about the hapless Woger (more on that in a mo) and his journey to becoming a better man. At the beginning of the story, Roger is a smug nightmare who has spent pretty much the whole of his working life thinking completely about himself, his work and golf. He is married to the saintly Jane who has run his houses and his life and has been glad to do it, but Roger is about to retire and on that day, Jane disappears. Once he realises that she hasn't been kidnapped, he starts his journey of discovering what has been going on around him for all these years, from getting to know his sons, realising what it was that Jane actually did when he went to work every day and building a relationship with his grandson Alfie - some of whose adventures - or should I say misadventures are the most touching and funniest parts of the book. Roger is Woger to Alfie and out of the mouths of babes - some of Rogers most powerful lessons are taught to him by this little boy. Throughout Roger's learning curve, there are sporadic emails from Jane - mainly instructions - such as taking the dog to the vet but will she ever come back? Has she discovered his secret? I couldn't put this down. It's a funny, touching and heartwarming tale and very much worth the read. I very much want to know what Woger does next..
March 12, 2022
So nearly a five star read!
The story of one couple’s relationship, and the development of the husband’s character, are joy to read. Anyone who has been in a relationship, or has thought about it, will probably recognise how the couple are together, in the good times and bad times. Some of the story is sad, and some is joyous, but all of it is engaging. Also, there is a strong cast of other characters.
After I’d read the first few chapters I unreservedly enjoyed the book, which brings me to what, for me, is the book’s flaw. The main character of the book is Roger, and the plot follows how he interacts, or rather doesn’t interact, with those around him. The development of the plot, with its various twists and turns, is well done. A central theme is how Roger develops as a better person. However, he is initially presented a one-dimensional, and highly unlikeable, character unlike anyone I have ever met, and I’ve met my fair share of plonkers. Starting the story with a central character who was so starkly drawn, and with no nuance, was a struggle to read, because I simply didn’t believe in the early narrative.
The story of one couple’s relationship, and the development of the husband’s character, are joy to read. Anyone who has been in a relationship, or has thought about it, will probably recognise how the couple are together, in the good times and bad times. Some of the story is sad, and some is joyous, but all of it is engaging. Also, there is a strong cast of other characters.
After I’d read the first few chapters I unreservedly enjoyed the book, which brings me to what, for me, is the book’s flaw. The main character of the book is Roger, and the plot follows how he interacts, or rather doesn’t interact, with those around him. The development of the plot, with its various twists and turns, is well done. A central theme is how Roger develops as a better person. However, he is initially presented a one-dimensional, and highly unlikeable, character unlike anyone I have ever met, and I’ve met my fair share of plonkers. Starting the story with a central character who was so starkly drawn, and with no nuance, was a struggle to read, because I simply didn’t believe in the early narrative.
March 12, 2023
Jane’s away
I’m a bit of a romantic and as I read this charming book I was drawn into the life of “Wodger” His struggle with emotions, the twists and turns of his life, his relationships with everyone so vividly described meant I couldn’t put this book down. A fault as I like to read a book to fall asleep, that rarely happened with this book.
The pace was just right, the characters interesting, I could read a sequel to this book.
I’m a bit of a romantic and as I read this charming book I was drawn into the life of “Wodger” His struggle with emotions, the twists and turns of his life, his relationships with everyone so vividly described meant I couldn’t put this book down. A fault as I like to read a book to fall asleep, that rarely happened with this book.
The pace was just right, the characters interesting, I could read a sequel to this book.
September 25, 2021
I wasn't expecting this to be as wonderfully humorous as it turned out to be. Honestly, the author had me when she gave the main character, Roger, the last name of Kurmudge. He is most definitely a kurmudgeon in every sense of the word. She wove a light hearted story of a man left to his own devices when his wife Jane just up and leaves him. He is ill prepared to fend for himself, but it is a growing experience that he reluctantly (actually he fights it tooth and nail) experiences. Roger thought he had the perfect life, but he wasn't really experiencing a full life. His emotional and social growing pains are quite entertaining. Due to the humor, I was able to find empathy for Roger who truly wasn't very likeable at the onset.
*I was given this book through Book Sirens to read and review. That in no way influences my opinion.
*I was given this book through Book Sirens to read and review. That in no way influences my opinion.
September 5, 2025
You know you've read a great book when the book characters stay with you once the book is finished and whilst reading it's incredibly difficult to put the book down. The Kurmudges are still very real to me days after finishing this book. It's also a must read for the reminder of a moral concept. I found Janes Away a wonderfully immersive read.
August 5, 2024
This book really warmed my cockles! The storyline is a slow burner for sure but I was so invested in the characters that I basically inhaled it, oops! Humorous, heart-warming and wholesome. Lovely read and a welcome break from my preferred genre.
November 20, 2021
Enjoyed this book I even liked roger at times this book made me laugh and cry loved Alfie and woger Jane killer Sam Andy an enjoyable read xxx
August 6, 2022
Pretty decent read. The main character grew on me and i enjoyed the ending.
October 10, 2022
Loved it
I absolutely loved this book, quite different storyline but certainly thought it was well written and really funny and emotive
I absolutely loved this book, quite different storyline but certainly thought it was well written and really funny and emotive
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews