Flying the Nest by Rachael Johns is a thoroughly good read. It just goes down so smoothly, I found myself flying through it!
It's told from Ashling's point of view. Her husband hits her with a a very tough call. He wants them to try nest parenting! What! she thinks. Oh and as well they should separate as he wants to experience relationships with other women. Now all this is not what Ashling had forseen But she's catapulted into it.

At first she is so totally blindsided she stutters around. But the thought of visiting a seaside place and doing up an old shack soon snare her.

There are difficulties and challenges. The children - ten year old Payton and teen Saxon resent the new arrangement and of course their parents separation affects them deeply.

The book has a distinctive but subtle Australian flavour. I loved Ragged Point and the little island. The people at Ragged Point were a wonderful community and Dan added a whole extra interest. My favourite was the possum. In my country they are a huge pest, but at Ragged Point the needs of one rambunctious possum are taken into account.

The book explores a marriage gone stale, the impact of separation on children, the way a person can let their needs go by the way, how loss can affect a person it different ways. It has thoughtful points to make as well as being a wonderfully good read.

I had never heard of nest parenting until I read Flying the Nest, it’s when a couple separate, one parent stays in the family home for a set time usually a week, looks after the kids and the other parent lives elsewhere for the allocated time. The children get to stay in the family home and the parents take it in turns looking after them.

Ashling Wood is happily married to Podiatrist Adrian or so she though until one morning out of the blue he suggests they try nest parenting and her whole world suddenly falls apart. You can imagine how she felt, shocked, confused, hurt, upset, and she had no idea her husband was unhappy in their marriage. The arrangement is for her to spend one week with her children Saxon and Payton, when it’s Adrian’s turn to look after the kids she stays with her sister in law and best friend Hayley. Ash is a mess, her whole life has revolved around looking after her children, being married to Adrian, she can’t imagine not seeing her children for a whole week and is her husband capable looking after them? She’s given the opportunity to stay in a cottage by the sea at Ragged Point for a week, the place has been empty for years, it’s a real mess and Ash cleans it up.

Ash begins to look at her life from another perspective, she starts to enjoy her week alone, her peaceful sea change and she’s offered a chance to renovate the cottage. Like many small towns, anyone new sticks out like a sore thumb, people notice you very quickly and that’s what happens with Ash. She finds the locals are very friendly, keen to offer her help, especially Jedda from the local café and Dan Emerson her handsome neighbor.

Flying the Nest is a story about Ashling Wood having her life suddenly turned upside down, her going through all the emotions and stages most people would feel when a long term relationship ends unexpectedly. She’s worried about how it will affect her children, she’s hurt, sad, mad, lost, bitter, embarrassed, self conscious and extremely angry. But it also gives her time to reflect on what she wants to do in the future, what skills she has, she makes new friends, maybe she can be happy without her selfish husband, still be a good mother and she rediscovers herself. Rachel John’s books never disappoint, a very interesting subject, written from a woman’s point of view, at times it’s sad, others it’s downright funny and five stars from me.

Flying The Nest is a highly enjoyable story about a woman who thinks everything is just fine in her family and marriage and then in faced with a shock discovery: her husband wants a trial separation. Rachael Johns practically invented the sub genre of "life lit" - a phrase credited to her which she says was originally suggested by her publicist.
Life-lit tackles real life problems head on but doesn't wallow in them, searching instead for the positive outcome, and Flying The Nest provides a perfect example..
There are parallels with Elizabeth Kubler Ross' classic "grief" journey as protagonist Ash goes from shock, to denial, to a possibly mis-guided obsession with winning her husband back, to a new understanding of the dynamics of their relationship and her own role in its evolution.
It's a kind of "Coming of Age" story for mid life women, and one with which many readers will identify.
It's also a highly enjoyable read, well paced, and empathetic, concluding on a realistic but hopeful note. Yes, life does throw some nasty curveballs, but they can be caught and defused with the help of loving friends, good sense, and resilience.

Cutting up oranges for Payton’s soccer match was interrupted by Ashling Wood’s husband Adrian as he threw a comment to her about nest parenting. Shattering Ashling’s illusion that their marriage was a happy one, he declared he wanted a trial separation. And so it began. Dealing with ten-year-old Payton and a teenage Saxon, working out where each parent would stay when not with the children – Ashling was grief stricken. But when offered a cottage to stay in for her off week, in a small town up the coast from Perth called Ragged Point, although she didn’t realise it, it was a turning point for Ash.

As life changed, Ash settled into the town, made friends with Jedda who owned the local café and ran the local newspaper, as well as parenting her small toddler, Bindi, and she found small pockets of happiness. She began renovating the cottage and met her neighbour, Dan Emerson. Her beachside life was peaceful, soothing and a far cry from the weeks she spent in Perth. When things went wrong in a catastrophic way, Ash realised it was time for decision making. She was no longer the woman she’d been a few months prior so what would be the outcome?

Flying the Nest by Aussie author Rachael Johns is a perfect example of what happens when a marriage breaks down, when kids are involved, and hearts get broken. Not knowing what to do, why it happened, who was at fault – blaming yourself, wondering why you didn’t see the writing on the wall… I had never heard of “nest parenting” before and I’m not sure I like the sound of it. Ms Johns writes about a number of topics, always intriguing, and this one was no exception. Although wanting to shake some sense into Ash on occasion, I was satisfied with the ending. Recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

'Flying the Nest' is a realistic portrayal of a woman separating from her husband and navigating nest parenting.

Ashling is nearing 40, she has two children, a teenage boy and a 10-year-old girl. She believes herself to be happily married, nothing exciting but completely normal for a couple who have been together since high school. Out of the blue her husband drops a bomb and says he would like to try nest parenting. Ashling’s world crumbles. The story follows Ashling on her journey of separation and finding herself in the process.

This is a bit left of field of what I would usually read, and I am glad I stumbled across it! The first 70-80% of the book I was completely immersed. Then the story took a turn in a direction I was not expecting, and I was a bit disappointed that Ashling’s time in Ragged Point had come to end sooner than I was hoping. This did not detract from my overall feeling about story, it is nice not being right about a story line! I love home improvement and renovating so following Ashling to a beach side town called Ragged Point to renovate a derelict shack in a beach side town I found to be relaxing and added a realistic touch to the story.

Johns is an excellent storyteller and I felt like I was along for the journey. At times I had to remind myself that it is a fictional story because I would get quite angry at her husband Adrian. I had not even heard of nest parenting before reading this. I originally rated this 4 stars but changed my mind after writing the review. I can not fault this story and enjoyed it immensely.

Reading one of Rachael Johns’ books is like having a good old chat with a favourite friend about what’s been happening in the lives of our other friends. The believability of the situation, characters and how they manage these challenges makes for an un-put-downable read.
Flying the Nest tells the story of Ashling whose husband drops on her that they should adopt “nest parenting”. The story tells of the challenges that Ashling, Adrian and their teen son Saxon and tween Payton face as they navigate their new living arrangements and the challenges of growing up. With the help of her best friend Hayley (also Adrian’s sister), Ashling finds a solution to extra time on her hands and nowhere to live by the offer to live in and renovate an old cottage in the seaside destination of Ragged Point.
Away from the routine and challenges of being a mum, wife, assisting in her husband’s business, Ash finds herself – new friendships, a new opportunity to rediscover her journalism skills which have for many years been put on hold, involvement in the local community and perhaps a new relationship.
Flying the Nest explores the ups and downs of raising teenagers, marriage separation and new relationships – an easy to read book with lovable (mostly) and likable characters.
Thank you to Netgalley for my ARC in return for an honest review.

Flying The Nest, a story about life after separation. Ashlings husband Adrian decides he wants to try best parenting, forcing Ashling to adjust to a week with her two kids Saxon and Payton and a week without them. After failing to get Adrian to see the error of his ways and run back to her, she takes up a suggestion to spend her child free week cleaning up a run down shack two hours away in Ragged Point. There she meets Jedda and her daughter Bindi, neighbour Dan and other kind locals where she begins a journey of self acceptance.

This was my first Rachel Johns book and while it was a very easy read, I found the first half of the book a little too long winded in Ashlings endeavours to win back Adrian. While I could put myself in her shoes, it was the story of moving on that moved me more. I particularly enjoyed the Ragged Point chapters, though Rachel was very clever to incorporate the Perth chapters in nicely towards the end of the book.

A fantastic light read, the book was tidied up nicely in the epilogue.

Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Another totally enjoyable read from this excellent Australian author.

Flying the Nest is a story about ordinary people when their lives fall apart, in this case due to a marriage break down. The way the characters deal with their issues and the damage that spreads to others involved is beautifully written and very believable. I knew it was good when I actually got really angry with one of the characters and had to remind myself it was only a book!

I really liked the setting in Western Australia. There were beautiful descriptions of the coastal scenery and a realistic account of a cyclone hitting the local town. Above all though the book was about people who manage to survive and recover from unpleasant life experiences. It is all rounded off with a reassuring little jump into the future.

A well written, interesting read. Highly recommended.

Ashling never expects that one morning her husband, Adrian, suggests about them to try doing nest-parenting. I like other books from Rachael Johns but I found this one is too slow. There's not much to devour, I just want to finish it and be done with it. I feel it totally has no climax.

Flying the Nest by Rachael Johns was an extremely enjoyable story of Ashling Wood a devoted stay at home mum, who is blindsided by her husband, Adrian, when he suggests they take up Nest Parenting, as he had not spoken about separation before Ashling’s world is turned upside down as she didn’t see this coming.
I became so invested in Ashling and her future happiness I couldn’t stop reading and when I inevitably had to put it down I found myself eager to get back to reading more.

Throughout the book situations would pop up and Ashling would question her decisions and would even feel unwarranted guilt, it had me think about what I would do, what path I would take, I was certainly very happy with the path Ashling took.

I have enjoyed many of Rachael Johns’ books and this one definitely didn’t disappoint it had all the emotions, gave me all the feels. I totally recommend this one, so pop out and grab a copy when it hits the shelves at the end of the month.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for an advance copy of Flying the Nest.

I loved the go-girl passion in this book. Ashling will make you so proud with her go-getting ways. Ash goes through the typical stages of despair when her life falls apart. However, wallowing is quickly followed by reinvention and she begins to find her real self. I loved the alternating chapters which matched her life: home was fast paced and fuelled by Ex rage, yet full of the love of her children. While away: was peaceful and calm, full of friendship and intrigue. Such a beautiful story, with an ending that will have you racing to the last word. I couldn’t put it down.

FLYING THE NEST
I have always loved Rachael Johns so I squealed a little when I got early access thanks to NetGalley! As usual Flying The Nest didn’t disappoint. You best believe I will be running to get a physical copy as soon as I can!
Release date 28th October 🥰

Ashling Wood is a devoted, stay at home mother. Cleaning, cooking, shopping and everything in between, she thinks everyone is happy. So she is gobsmacked, when her husbands digests nest parenting. Where the parents spend one week in the family home with the children, while the other one lives somewhere else, enjoying their week of ‘freedom.’

Ash’s friends all suggest this is the time to ‘spread her wings’ but Ash just wants her old life and family, back together. An offer to renovate an old seaside cottage in the small community of Raggad Point, seems the perfect distraction. Until Ash meets local Dan. The more time she spends in the seaside town, she more she wonders is it time for a permanent change?

I’d never heard of nest parenting so was amazed to hear about this new modern parenting. Rachael has a way of getting to know each character personally. So when, each book ends it’s as if you’ve lost a friend.

I’m so glad Ash found her strength and got her own self back again.

Rachael you never disappoint. Somehow each book gets better! 4/5

Have enjoyed previous Rachel Johns books and this one was no exception. Connects to the emotions and made me smile too

Rachael Johns latest book Flying the Nest follows the journey of Ashling separating from her husband and trying navigate nest parenting. It is narrated in first person by Ash, which helped me build a relationship with Ash because I was able to see events and feel emotions through her eyes. The location swaps between Perth when it’s Ash’s week on and Ragged Point when it’s her week off.

Johns is known for creating realistic, loveable and relatable characters which is shown in this book.
At first Ash came across as a little annoying and pathetic because she couldn’t let go of the fact that her husband didn’t want her anymore. But as the story unfolds her character sheds her only identities which are wife/mother, then she is reborn with the identity of a strong, brave, loving and independent woman.

I didn’t like Adrian because he came across as arrogant and selfish but I’m sure others could find find him relatable or maybe they could understand him. The children need more discipline because they act atrociously and get away with it.

I absolutely love Dan!!! There is just something about him which has something to do with the way that the character is written. I find him to be such a beautiful human being who is kind, funny and understanding. The characters of Hayley, Jedda, Bindi, Wei and the family dog Charlie add an extra sparkle into the story.

Once again Johns has managed to write a beautifully outstanding book with humour, heartbreak, romance, self discovery and new beginnings. This book shows that Johns never fails to disappoint which why she is one of my favourite authors and always leaves me wanting more.

I recieved an advanced copy for free, and this is my honest opinion.

I follow Rachael Johns on Facebook - all her comments suggest she is a caring, authentic human with a witty sense of humor. These traits seep into all the pages of her books, her recent publication ‘Flying the Nest’ is no exception. When Ashling’s husband suggests Nest Parenting she is convinced he is confused. The nest parenting arrangements are for separated couples, who take turns living - one week on, one week off- with the kids in the family home, to give the children stability. When she realizes that her husband is actually suggesting the end of her marriage (but has jumped to the practical aspects) Ashling is devastated. While reading this book I became Ashling’s biggest cheerleader. With her life falling to pieces, she tries to maintain optimism and hope... while still trying to keep all her ducklings safe in the nest (made particularly difficult by the mess her husband leaves behind). This is an easy romantic-style read that will leave you warm and fuzzy.

I couldn’t make up my mind about this book. At the beginning I found the main character, Ashling, insipid, and a bit frustrating. She improved as the story continued, but by then I was finding the writing frustrating. It just seemed shallow, some of the characters, such as the husband, Adrian and both the children, Peyton and Saxon had no depth. The plot line itself was not to bad and generally held my interest, but I found myself questioning the characters, and at times wondering why I was still reading. The story is all wrapped up at the end in a a one chapter epilogue. I’m sure Rachael Johns fans will find this book interesting. I’m personally not sold. Thanks to Harlequin publishers and Netgalley for an ARC of this novel.

I love Rachael Johns's books for so many reasons - not the least of which is her ability to take an ubiquitous situation - like marriage breakdown - and put a fresh spin on it.

The opening paragraph of this newest title, "Flying the Nest" had me hooked from its opening page. The breath-taking cruelty of a husband who announces casually to his wife of 18 years, the mother of his two children, the keeper of his home, organiser of his life and business partner, that he doesn't want to be married to her anymore. It's a kick in the guts opening that, as a woman, had me wondering what I would do, what would I say in that same situation? What follows is an emotionally gripping story of a woman's journey to understand what went wrong in her marriage. How hadn't seen the signs? In her efforts to win back her husband's love, Ash must reacquaint herself with the woman she once wanted to be. The woman who, before marriage and kids eclipsed her need for professional fulfilment, had dreams of her own.

I loved Rachael's exploration of the concept of "nest parenting" as a different way for families to deal with separating parents. I had never heard of it before and it certainly does add another layer of complexity to the plot.

This was a beautiful, multi-layered story filled with interesting and colourful characters that had me flipping pages frantically to find out what would happen. Would Ash win Adrian back and restore the family unit she was so desperate to maintain? Or would she forge a different path for herself?

A definite 5-star read for me. Thanks to #NetGalley for my review copy.

Massive thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for an ARC of this book to read and review. I love Racheal John’s women’s fiction and this one did not disappoint ! The story centres around Ashling adjusting to ‘nest parenting ‘ after her husband Adrian tells her their marriage is over. She begins making regular trips to the beachside town of Ragged Point and becomes involved in the community . A cast of fantastic characters and some realistic issues in regards to relationships and parenting make this a fantastic read !

The story centres on a woman named Ashling Wood, who is married to Adrian and has two children, 15 year-old Saxon, and 10 year-old Payton.
She has been with Adrian for years, and has experienced the highs and lows of life with him by her side.
So when he confronts Ashling one day with the shocking news that he wants to separate, Ashling is devastated.
He suggests they try 'nest parenting' - keeping Saxon and Payton in the family home, while he and Ashling rotate living with them week on/week off.
Ashling turns to her best friend Hayley for advice, who also happens to be Andrew's twin sister.
Hayley offers her to move in on the weeks that she isn't with the kids, and while Ashling appreciates her friend's generosity, she just wants to try and get her family back to how they used to be.
When Hayley's boyfriend Wei suggests Ashling spend some time in the seaside town of Ragged Point to renovate an old cottage that once belonged to his grandfather, she thinks that it will be the ideal distraction while Adrian comes to his senses.
She gets stuck into fixing up the place, and meets some of the lovely locals, including Jedda, who runs the cafe, and fisherman Dan Emerson.
Ashling finds that she is really starting to enjoy the peaceful surrounds of Rugged Point, and with each visit, she feels as though she is becoming more at home.
But the home-stay weeks with the kids are dysfunctional, and the hope of salvaging her marriage to Adrian is becoming even more slim.
Ashling is torn between what she wants for her future, and what she wants for her family.
She has to figure out what is right, but will it come at a cost?

Flying The Nest is an easy and entertaining book. The story flows really well, and has a good cast of characters (including an adorable canine named Charlie!)
Themes of parenting, divorce, addictions and grief are featured throughout the story.
This was another ideal read to enjoy while in lock down; it allowed my mind to escape to the coast, if only for a while!

Ashling's world crumbles around her when her husband, Adrian, says he wants to try nest parenting - which is also his way of saying their marriage is over - meaning that each parent spends one week with the children and one week without them. At first Ashling doesn't know what to do with her "off" week, but then she finds herself refurbing an old cottage by the sea at Ragged Point. This newfound freedom might be just what she needs.

I found the nest parenting arrangement to be utterly fascinating, both as a concept and as a plot device. It worked really well to contrast both Ashling's new and old lives. I quickly became quite fond of Ashling and also couldn't help but fall in love with Ragged Point and its cast of characters, especially Dan! What a great reminder that it's never too late to start over.

A thoroughly enjoyable book that kept me up well past my bedtime.