I identified with Bren very much (being an empty nester myself) but I do not think that I had the withdrawal symptoms as badly as she has. She feels isolated and alone and on top of losing her children - daughter in Thailand and blissfully happy unfortunately, her eighteen year old son has also deserted her with a girl friend whom he "maybe" married to. I think any mother could be forgiven for irrational behaviour if your son is "maybe married" at eighteen!!!
Bren's husband has also hit a midlife crisis taking on hobby after hobby - the final one being working in a band with a group of equally tone deaf buddies who cannot/do not know how to sing. Listening to their camaraderie and buddy talk Bren feels that she is even more alone without even a husband's support.
The offer of teaching a cooking class with a difference seems to be the ideal alternative for Bren to settle down. Meeting up with a bunch of very interesting ladies helps Bren and surprisingly turns into an act of charity with a cantankerous, rude, ill mannered neighbour!
A story with a morale - that traditions can be redirected, that things never stay the same and that reaching out to help someone in distress is always a good thing are highlights of this book. In giving to others one does forget one's own worries and woes! old saying but still good.
This book sent to me by Edelweiss.
I'm an empty nester too so this sounds good to me. I think I have it in print.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good morale. Seems like people have stopped being kind to others because we live in such a fear-filled world. Love the cover too. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI have this one on my Kindle and look forward to reading it. Yes, when you kids are gone, you have to figure out other pursuits - like blogging. LOL
ReplyDeleteLoved your review of this one, seen it around in a few places, your review gives me a great overview of what it's about.
ReplyDeleteA great review which I enjoyed very much. Thank you for visiting my blog when I was away on vacation. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI feel sad when I think of life without my daughter, but, God willing, I have many more years with her under my roof. This sounds like such a good book and I like the message. It really is true that helping others in need often helps oneself too when facing your own troubles.
ReplyDeleteLove this review and can sympathise with the storyline - when my youngest left I floundered for something to fill the time and then I decided to blog...
ReplyDeleteI'm an empty nester too and found it difficult the first few months ... looking forward to reading this one.
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