Today I’m taking part in the blog tour for Happiness is a Thing with Wings. Many thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the tour and sending me a copy of the book to review.
The Book:
Joanna is approaching the end of her forties and the empty nest syndrome looms. She consoles herself with gin and chocolate, realising that apart from her son Jack, she has achieved absolutely nothing in her life.
Somewhat on the plus side of plump and barely five feet tall, she finds it difficult not to envy her younger, prettier sister. Such elevated elegance seems so unfair – as does Hannah’s successful marriage. Joanna, in contrast, has remained in a loveless marriage for the past thirty years, stuck in a rut with the most miserable man on the planet but not having the impetus to get out.
It takes an embarrassing but hilarious encounter in the supermarket to make her realise what she’s been missing. It’s exactly the push she needs to make her change her life. With a little encouragement, Joanna starts to regain her independence, finally leaving her grumpy husband to enjoy life as a single woman. As she attempts to rebuild her own future, her family and friends continually surprise her with their own revelations.
Life is never dull, laughter never far away; can Joanna finally find true happiness within herself at last?
Purchase Link – https://amzn.eu/d/ftHPlMW
The Review: I really enjoyed this book. We meet Joanna, who has stayed in an unhappy marriage for too long. Having had thoughts of change, it’s not till the events of one day that she actually starts thinking seriously about doing something about it. Joanna is a great character, she is one who is trying to work out what to do for herself but who also struggles to put herself first, constantly thinking of others. So when she does finally start to do all of this it comes as a bit of a shock to those around her. I enjoyed watching her character develop over the course of the story. It was good watching her start to live the life she wanted, instead of the one other people wanted for her. I also enjoyed meeting all the other characters, including the new ones in her life.
I enjoyed the story but at times I felt it was missing a little depth. I can’t put my finger on what exactly made me feel like that but even when I think a bout the book now, I still feel there was something missing. The story deals well with the changes Joanna makes in her life, the ending of her marriage and all the new beginnings. Change can be a scary prospect, whether it’s a small change or a large one, but this story showed that when changes happen, they can bring unexpected benefits as well, and although it may not seem so at first, the grass can definitely be greener on the other side.
This is an enjoyable look at what happens when one random meeting makes you question everything you’ve known for years. It shows how stepping outside your comfort zone and facing change head on can lead to things you never expected. This is definitely a book worth considering if you’re feeling stuck, or wondering “what if”, because none of us truly knows what’s around the corner.
The Author:
For many years Susi Osborne worked in libraries, and later as a classroom assistant in a junior school. She currently runs a business selling all things vintage in an antiques centre. She also runs Northwich LitFest which she started ten years ago. Susi lives in Cheshire with her husband, her family and two dogs. Happiness is a Thing With Wings is her fifth novel.
Her previous books are –
The Ripples of Life
Grace & Disgrace
Secrets, Lies & Butterflies
Angelica Stone
Social Media Links –
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susiwritesbooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/susiosborne
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susi.osborne/
Website: susiosborne.co.uk
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