I picked up The Full Next by Fiona Gibson expecting a lighthearted story with plenty of humor. Unfortunately, it was neither carefree nor amusing. I was not a fan of any of the characters especially Eddie. Carly needed to grow a backbone. She needed to tell her son to ditch that nasty robe, get off the couch, get a job, and move out. There was so much going on in the story. It flew about like the “follow the bouncing ball” in old cartoons and sing-a-longs (I am dating myself with this reference). I could have predicted Eddie’s path from the moment he said the golden words, “I’m moving out.” The story contains foul language, intimate relations, and the consumption of vast quantities of alcohol. The book seemed like it went on and on (I was starting to hope wine would appear in my fridge). The ending (I was very happy to reach the last page) felt rushed and incomplete. The Full Nest reminded me of cotton candy (all fluff with no substance). I was hoping for a diverting tale, and I ended up with an unappealing one.

Full Nest” was a good book about the complex dynamics of multi-generations. Carly has lived a full life as a mother of three with a committed partner of over 25 years, Frank. Once the oldest but final child leaves the house, Carly was trying to find her new norm. As well, Carly takes care of her cranky, stubborn Dad.

Carly wants to explore the world, have romantic dinners with Frank and enjoy more time with friends. But things quickly unravel. Her oldest has found himself in an unexpected situation. Her daughter is doubting her choice in the big city and her dad has become ill.

This book has witty conversations. As well as, in the end family is most important. This should be a 3.5 star read. Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for this advance read set to come out, March 25th.

Another great romp from Fiona Gibson, full of gorgeous and diverse characters. I loved this book - have read all of hers and would place this in my top 5!

Frank is actually annoying me. Like, how is it his wife’s fault that Eddie was learning about the talk at school? The kid obviously knows how babies are made—whether his mum tells him or the school does, it makes no difference. Frank acting all weird about it just made me roll my eyes.

There are many books that I read and though I physically can't connect to them, I feel like I relate and understand. With this book, I didn't feel like that

Honestly, I don’t have much to say about the book, which is surprising. There’s a lot going on, but it’s all just part of who the characters are—their personalities, their maturity levels, all of it. Its what builds the story, and for this book I don't really know how to go about it.

Thanks Netgalley and the author for the ARC!!

This book hit too close to home for me. I liked it but I almost felt llike my own trauma was on display. Very funny and well written. Highly emotional. I laughed and cried and cry laughed.

I have read Gibson's books in the past, and I have enjoyed them. However, this one really missed the mark for me. I found it far more depressing than I expected. Carly was frustrating because it seemed that she let everyone walk all over her. As I would expect with books by this author, the writing itself was solid. I was expecting some humorous moments, but sadly, I didn't really find any. I did enjoy the fact that it was told from multiple points of view, but it felt like there was too much going on.

Carly and Frank have raised three children and look forward to being empty nesters. Their two younger daughters are off on their own but their 22-year-old son, Eddie, spends his days on the sofa in his scruffy dressing gown. He has no desire to find a job and gets angry when Carly brings it up. But one day, he ups and says he is moving in with his two good friends and has a job in a restaurant. They are delighted for him and celebrate by taking a vacation to Paris.

Carly also cares for her father who lives alone. He's a crusty and stubborn man and doesn’t appreciate what she does for him but she plods along helping him as she can.

It’s when she gets a call from Eddie with shocking news, that things take a big turn.

Oh what a heart-warming story that reveals the real parts of life that many of us encounter. I loved all of the characters with all of their flaws and all of their good possibilities. Family is so important and it was very rewarding to read about a real family and the every day situations that they face. Do read and enjoy this delightful book.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

NOTE: I received a message from Amazon saying they couldn't post my review because it "didn't meet their guidelines." They have been doing this a lot lately and I have no intentions in changing my review. So, this will not be posted on Amazon.

This kept my interest throughout. I liked the characters, and appreciated that the main character is middle aged, dealing with a potentially empty nest, and what that means for her long marriage, while also managing an aging parent and kids who are not quite fully launched, though adult. I was pretty disappointed by the end, though - felt all the side stories were very quickly dismissed for an easy wrap-up. Thank you, NetGalley, for the arc.

Surely there's nothing wrong with a tin of pilchards that are 27 years out of date....?!

Fiona's books are funny, you can usually hear me giggling away to myself somewhere when I'm reading one, and The Full Nest was very definitely witty, with loveable characters, from Carly's eccentric Dad who's addicted to game shows, to Eddie - Carly and Frank's eldest child who finds himself having to grow up superfast.

I wanted to slap Frank around a bit for acting like papa bear and retreating to his cave when the going got tough, but on the other hand, he just needed a big hug to show him that everything will work out when you all stick together.

I didn't manage to have kids of my own and when my stepdaughter's kids stay, I love them being with me, but it's so lovely when they go home!!!

If you're in the mood for an easy-read, that'll have you laughing out loud, then grab yourself a copy of Fiona's new book, you won't be disappointed.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the opportunity to read and review The Full Nest by Fiona Gibson.

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was heartwarming, fun, relatable and kept me reading. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.

This was definitely an endearing and captivating read.
It’s well written with great characters.
Gibson has written another charming story that hooked me from the very beginning.

ARC of this book provided by NetGalley and Avon Books UK for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

The Full Nest is a contemporary adult fiction following 49-year-old Carly. Carly's birthday looms close and nothing is going the way she pictured. Her big five O was meant to be filled with Paris trips, date nights, no kids, and a peaceful sanctuary in her and Frank's family home. Problems of every shape and color rise and with a quick snap Carly has her hands full and no idea how to juggle.

I'm not the target audience, having no kids of my own. However, I felt connected to Carly. Sympathizing with her inner turmoil, but also fascinated, as she pushes through these hardships with sheer determination. I loved all the flaws in each character, the banter, and the interactions between everyone. It all felt natural and added to the drama, making them very... human.

I was hooked from the beginning and spent every free time between work and errands to continue reading, wanting to know what else Carly had to deal with now.

Another winner from this author!

With three children making for a lively household, Carly has often dreamed of a time when it'll just be her and husband Frank; a time when they can get back to a quiet, peaceful, adult household - a time when their needs come first for a change. They are almost there. With their two daughters having flown the nest, she is beginning to despair if son Eddie will ever get the impetus to begin his grown up life - he is far too comfortable at home, doing nothing and contributing even less. Then Carly's father needs more support and moves in temporarily - but for how long that is is anyone's guess ...

Fiona Gibson has come up with another winner! No matter how much we love our children, there are times when we all fantasize about the day we find ourselves with a home which stays clean, tidy and - is perhaps - peaceful. As someone who is now retired, I can still remember the teenage years when I would have sold my soul for some quiet time. This is a fun read but with more than a dollop of honesty, entertaining from first to last. Definitely worth my recommendation and all five stars.

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley.

A lighthearted story of a generational family and how they live together and the logistics behind this. A couple who thought they were empty nesters suddenly have a house full again.

The Full Nest by Fiona Gibson is a heartwarming, witty take on life’s unexpected challenges when the nest isn’t quite empty. Carly’s struggles—juggling her dad moving in, her son Eddie’s refusal to grow up, and her longing for space—are captured with humor and heartfelt honesty. The story balances laugh-out-loud moments with poignant reflections on parenting, aging, and self-discovery. With well-crafted characters and surprising twists, it’s a feel-good read about embracing life’s chaos and finding joy in family, even when it’s not what you planned.

I almost gave up on this novel but I am so happy that I completed it as it only got better the longer I read!

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I do love Fiona’s books, they make you smile.

Carly and Frank’s last child who was still living at home, has now moved out. Looking forward to having the place to themselves, they weren’t expecting to be informed by him some time later that he’s about to become a dad.

The story highlighted how life is different for parents after their children have left to how it is when their house is full again. It also showed the difficulties each situation had on their own relationship.

The story will relate to lots of readers.

I highly recommend this book.

I love a Fiona Gibson book - they are always full of characters who feel just like you, and situations that you could more than easily find yourself in. Like Carly, who should be an 'empty nester' when her grown up children move out, but finds herself a new housemate in her elderly father.

The Full Nest is another humourous, engaging read for parents of all ages (if you can find a few quiet moments to read it that is!)

2⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for an advanced copy of The Full Nest.

All of Carly and Frank’s children have finally moved out and they are finally empty nesters. They have been waiting for this time in their lives when it would be their time again. They take a trip to Paris and are having the time of their lives and when they get home reality hits and they are empty nesters no more.

This story just had so much going on and it just felt like it was all over the place jumping from one storyline to another. There was also times that I felt like the book was just about nothing. I just could not get invested in this story.

This is a riot - Fiona Gibson is so reliable in creating wonderful but chaotic characters and then throwing them into it. Luckily it all turns out well!

Carly and Frank are good together. Their three kids are grown up, and all but out of the nest - except for son Eddie, who is a bit lost. Carly's dad factors in too, he's closed minded and judgey, and hanging on to his independence. It all gets (much worse) before it gets better and we get to know them all through the multiple points of view. I almost couldn't read Eddie's chapters, they were excruciating, but even Eddie is redeemable.

Author Fiona weaves it all together so beautifully, It's comedic and everyone needs a hug, and she uses these lovely people to explore ideas about family and love, attachment, and how much caregiving is too much, or not enough. It's also about friendship and loyalty. I loved how she kept them all just back from total disaster.

A warm and funny, if spiky read - recommended!

Thank you Fiona Gibson, Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.