Synopsis from Goodreads:
A gorgeously uplifting, feel good read!
When retirement isn’t all it’s cracked up to be…
Meena Fisher is a middle-aged medical secretary with a husband, two grandchildren, a house to run, and more hobbies than you can shake a stick at. She is perfectly happy with her life just the way it is.
Her husband, Oscar, is a middle-aged workaholic who spends his days either in the office or on the golf course. With his wife looking after both him and the house, he gets on with the business of making money. He is also perfectly happy with his life just the way it is.
They share a bed, and they sometimes eat dinner together if they can both manage to be in the house at the same time. Aside from that, their paths rarely cross. The arrangement suits them both.
But when Oscar is forced to take early retirement and decides it’s only fair he takes over the running of the house, both their previously happy lives are turned upside down.
The question is, can they find a way to live together with the new status quo? And, more importantly, do they want to?
My Review
Life is good for the Fishers, a middle-aged couple, living their normal life. Meena has a full time job and a long list of hobbies that she is involved in. Oscar has his job and a love of golf, which he plays as often as he can.
Then, they get a curve ball tossed their way. Oscar loses his job and is forced to take an early retirement. As far as Oscar goes, this is the worst thing that can happen to him but he's willing to find a way to make it work. For starters, he wants to do all the housework and laundry. He quickly learns things aren’t quite that easy.
Meanwhile, Meena strongly dislikes having her husband at home. She’s even more upset when she realizes Oscar isn’t half the housekeeper she is and doesn’t do anything the way she would like. Oscar is furious at his wife's criticism, but also is determined to find his own interests in life.
This is an interesting and quite realistic read. Although Meena sometimes had me rolling my eyes, I could see where she was coming from. Oscar tried really hard, but it’s not easy for him.
It’s the first time I’ve read anything by this author, but it won’t be my last. I found this to be a realistic take on early retirement. Both characters find themselves in real-life situations, looking for a way out.
This book is a great look at an older married couple and the issues they have to tackle along with it. There were times I’d get angry with Meena and other times with Oscar. It’s almost as if they have to get to know each other all over again.
This is a new-to-me author that I will be looking for in the future.
For reading challenges:
Alphabet Soup Reading Challenge 2022
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/GoldenOldies
Author Bio
Liz Davies writes feel-good, light-hearted stories with a hefty dose of romance, a smattering of humour, and a great deal of love.
She’s married to her best friend, has one grown-up daughter, and when she isn’t scribbling away in the notepad she carries with her everywhere (just in case inspiration strikes), you’ll find her searching for that perfect pair of shoes. She loves to cook but isn’t very good at it, and loves to eat - she’s much better at that! Liz also enjoys walking (preferably on the flat), cycling (also on the flat), and lots of sitting around in the garden on warm, sunny days.
She currently lives with her family in Wales, but would ideally love to buy a camper van and travel the world in it.
Website: https://lizdaviesauthor.wixsite.com/home
Social Media Links –
Twitter https://twitter.com/lizdaviesauthor
Facebook: fb.me/LizDaviesAuthor1
We worried about being home together too, but it turned out fine. Hubby does things differently than I do, but I don't complain. I'm happy he's good at helping with all the housework. Sounds like a fun read and I'd be rolling my eyes at her too.
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous day. ♥
This is an author I haven't come across before but I really like the premise. I think it's a challenge a lot of couples face at this point in life.
ReplyDeleteSounds good, but too close to reality for me. :)
ReplyDeleteI love this type of book and just saw it on Twitter for the first time. Sounds good!
ReplyDelete