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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
Flying Solo is a novel that introduces us to the nature writer Laurie Sassalyn as she returns to her hometown of Calcasset, Maine. Due to this hometown setting, much of the book revolves around Laurie’s family and oldest friends - characters who we are introduced to against the backdrop of her elderly great-aunt’s house clearance. After Aunt Dot’s recent death, treasures, photos, momentos, souvenirs and heirlooms emerge - having been squirreled away by Dot in boxes and cupboards over many decades. The most surprising find is a carved wooden duck, which could potentially be worth a fortune - this sets Laurie off on a wild duck chase involving conmen, antique dealers, long lost loves and talented craftspeople.
Much of the book also focuses on Laurie’s love life. She recently cancelled a wedding that she couldn’t face going through with - which much of society would see as a bold, if not downright foolish, act for any woman approaching 40. But Laurie doesn’t care for convention - she’s always known that she doesn’t want children, but has just realised marriage also isn’t for her. Although, back in Calcasset, there is a reconnection with her first boyfriend, Nick - now a recently divorced librarian who, unlike adventurous Laurie, never left his hometown. Whilst there is an intense re-attraction to each other, they wonder how they can make it work with such different lives.
Regardless of this, it’s refreshing to read a novel with a romantic plot where the central female character isn’t focused on the goals of marriage (or even cohabitation, for that matter) and children. Laurie is an independent non-mother and she knows what she wants from her own life - and she isn’t going to compromise all of that for a man. And her independence is reflected in the life of her wonderful great-aunt - Dot also had lots of relationships and adventures across the years, but never settled down and had children. A story showing not just a contemporary childfree character, but women across the generations who have refused to take on society’s narrow expectations, is certainly something that all non-parents can fly with.
Much of the book also focuses on Laurie’s love life. She recently cancelled a wedding that she couldn’t face going through with - which much of society would see as a bold, if not downright foolish, act for any woman approaching 40. But Laurie doesn’t care for convention - she’s always known that she doesn’t want children, but has just realised marriage also isn’t for her. Although, back in Calcasset, there is a reconnection with her first boyfriend, Nick - now a recently divorced librarian who, unlike adventurous Laurie, never left his hometown. Whilst there is an intense re-attraction to each other, they wonder how they can make it work with such different lives.
Regardless of this, it’s refreshing to read a novel with a romantic plot where the central female character isn’t focused on the goals of marriage (or even cohabitation, for that matter) and children. Laurie is an independent non-mother and she knows what she wants from her own life - and she isn’t going to compromise all of that for a man. And her independence is reflected in the life of her wonderful great-aunt - Dot also had lots of relationships and adventures across the years, but never settled down and had children. A story showing not just a contemporary childfree character, but women across the generations who have refused to take on society’s narrow expectations, is certainly something that all non-parents can fly with.
“You don’t have to be single to be independent and you don’t have to be married to be loved.”
Absolutely loved this read. Never would have thought I would’ve gotten so invested in a wooden duck but dang I got sucked in quick. The banter in the book was really fast paced and had me chuckling hard throughout the book. Apart from the duck storyline I just really enjoyed the topic of standards set on women in their 30s/40s when it comes to marriage and how there are alternative options.
Absolutely loved this read. Never would have thought I would’ve gotten so invested in a wooden duck but dang I got sucked in quick. The banter in the book was really fast paced and had me chuckling hard throughout the book. Apart from the duck storyline I just really enjoyed the topic of standards set on women in their 30s/40s when it comes to marriage and how there are alternative options.
As soon as I saw this one, I had to pick it up. I loved Evvie Drake Starts Over. Flying Solo was just as charming and fun. I didn't even read the back cover, I just jumped right in. I had no idea what I was in for, but it was more than I expected. There's mystery, heist, self discovery, adventure, and so much more. If you are in for a cozy, fun read, this is a great choice.
Reading this book is like sitting curled up on the front porch on a fall day with an apple in your hand and maybe a neighbor stopping by to say hi. The humor snaps. The setting is comforting. The observations make you smile. This is a hard book to describe because - like most so-called "women's fiction" - it doesn't quite follow the conventions of a second chance romance or a mystery but it has elements of both. I think of Linda Holmes' novels as part of the quirky loner sub-genre and they are excellent at that. Smart and soothing at the same time. I didn't rush through this read because I savored it. (NetGalley review.)
This was an interesting book. It leaned more on a sad, and practical (?) side of life, which is relatable but not always what I want to read. Julia Whelan on audiobook again though, ofc!
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Plus-sized, middle-aged heroine who decides to live life on her own terms, set against midcoast Maine. A fun little heist, it's an enjoyable example of soft summer lit.
Easy read with a little caper mixed into it. Julia Whelan is a masterful narrator. Keep writing good books, Linda Holmes! :)
***4.5 stars***
I adored this book. It was so cozy and such a comfort read for me. This is one of my favorite books of the summer and I'm so happy that I picked it up. I haven't read Linda Holmes's first novel, but I saw that it was set in Maine and had to read it. I will read pretty much anything if the setting is a Maine small town.
I loved our main character Laurie. She just felt so realistic. Her dialogue was so funny and fresh. It was also nice to see a female main character who didn't want kids and didn't care to get married. I loved watching her stand up for herself and her beliefs.
The second-chance romance was also very sweet and heartwarming. Their banter was excellent and I love how they kept their relationship going at the end of the book. It felt refreshing to not see a couple immediately get married and have kids at the end of a romance.
The thing that made it not a complete five-star read, was that Laurie made her situation so much more complicated than it needed to be, and it started to feel a bit repetitive near the end.
Overall, I loved this book and it gave me all of the Maine-summery vibes that I was craving. I will defintely be picking up Linda Holmes's other book.
I adored this book. It was so cozy and such a comfort read for me. This is one of my favorite books of the summer and I'm so happy that I picked it up. I haven't read Linda Holmes's first novel, but I saw that it was set in Maine and had to read it. I will read pretty much anything if the setting is a Maine small town.
I loved our main character Laurie. She just felt so realistic. Her dialogue was so funny and fresh. It was also nice to see a female main character who didn't want kids and didn't care to get married. I loved watching her stand up for herself and her beliefs.
The second-chance romance was also very sweet and heartwarming. Their banter was excellent and I love how they kept their relationship going at the end of the book. It felt refreshing to not see a couple immediately get married and have kids at the end of a romance.
The thing that made it not a complete five-star read, was that Laurie made her situation so much more complicated than it needed to be, and it started to feel a bit repetitive near the end.
Overall, I loved this book and it gave me all of the Maine-summery vibes that I was craving. I will defintely be picking up Linda Holmes's other book.
Relatable, exciting and comforting. Made me want to journal and take more photos so whoever in my family is left to clean out my house once I’m gone can dig up juicy secrets I never told anyone.