Fly Away Home by Jennifer Weiner

When Sylvie Serfer met Richard Woodruff at college, she knew she had found her soulmate. Giving up her independence and career she stood by her husband through his political campaigns and became the perfect wife and mother to their two daughters Diana and Lizzie. She thought that they were the perfect couple but after 30 thirty years of marriage, it is revealed that her seemingly perfect husband had an affair and even managed to get his mistress a new job.

Distraught and humiliated she flees the drama and press to the security of the beach house, where she spent many of her childhood summers. Whilst staying at the house, she takes time to reflect on the last 30 years of her life, how she lost her independence and lust for life feeling content with living in her husband’s shadow. She decides it’s time for a change and begins to put herself first instead of her cheating husband. She begins to relax and discover a new found love for cooking and makes new friends who help distract her from her broken heart.

Whilst Sylvie tries to move on with her life, she is unaware that her daughters are also at a similar crossroad in their lives. Diana, the eldest daughter likes to be always to be in control and to the outside life has perfect life, the career, loving family and house, but behind closed doors she is conducting a secret affair of her own and panic’s when her life suddenly starts to unravel. Meanwhile Lizzie is trying to rebuild her own life, after leaving rehab but it seems that trouble never seems to be far away.

Oblivious to her daughter’s troubles, Sylvie asks them to join her and when they are reunited they are all shocked to discover that each of them are harbouring their own secrets and their lives are not quite as what they seem.

I have been a Jennifer Weiner fan for a number of years, particularly “In Her Shoes” that may because like Rose, I also have a love for shoes and bags. “Fly Away Home” was equally delicious. Blended with just the right amount of humour and heartbreak plus the additional recipes along the way made this book perfect for curling up to on the winter evenings. Her simple warm style of writing complimented by the creation of vibrant and interesting characters makes it an addictive read.

“Fly Away Home” is a lovely heartwarming story about a mother discovering that she has an identity and two daughters whose lives are far from perfect reconnecting after a lifetime of distance has kept them apart.

You can buy [amazon_link id=”1847390250″ target=”_blank” ] Fly Away Home on Amazon [/amazon_link] and other good bookshops.