A life changing break from everything

Synopsis

Tess Simpson needs a break!

Under appreciated at home, overlooked at work and now her beloved dog Bella has died. Tess has simply had enough!

So in a spur of the moment act, Tess books a holiday of a lifetime for her, her two grown up kids and useless husband Dave. Maybe they can use the break to reconnect with each other?

But when the kids refuse to go, and Dave breaks his leg, Tess’s dream holiday looks seriously in doubt. And then there’s River Romero, the glamourous LA screen writer who is supposed to be house-sitting for Tess whilst she’s away….

Everything about River sounds so much more exciting than Tess’s boring life in Stratford Upon Avon. From her beautiful LA condo and the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Tess wonders whether a bit of River’s LA life might be exactly what she needs? So when River suggests a house swap, Tess jumps at the chance!

With Dave happily ensconced in the summer house at the bottom of the garden, the kids not needing mum anymore, Tess packs her bags and heads off for the adventure of a lifetime.

But real life isn’t like the movies, and when Tess arrives in LA, things aren’t exactly as they seem. 

Will Tess find what’s she’s looking for or is getting away from it all isn’t all perhaps not all it’s cracked up to be?

My review

When Tess Simpson is not having the promotion she has been hoping to have, she needs a break, especially when also her beloved dog dies.
But when every family member is withdrawing from the planned family holiday, she decides to take the break on her own.
So swapping houses with River Romero, living in L.A. seems the perfect solution. River herself is looking for inspiration for her latest task as a screenwriter and living the English country life seems the perfect solution!
Both women are experiencing a different lifestyle, which makes them think about their own lives… But is turning your whole life upside down the answer?

Who doesn’t dream of just packing everything and leave for a while the hectic life we are all accustomed to?
So I loved reading about all the plans Tess was making after missing out her promotion.
I also understood why she wanted to make a family holiday of it, and even if it was written in the stars, I felt utterly sad when each member somehow managed to get out of this wonderful holiday.

And I was cheering when Tess decided to change her plans and just swap houses with River and spend some time in L.A. instead.

I think there are many families that have a feeling that they are just stuck and don’t feel very appreciated.
And for Tess, this holiday on her own was the perfect get out to overthink just everything.
When in L.A., I admired her determination, because if I would enter a condo like River’s, you would find me running straight back home! I surely wouldn’t do what she did!

I also admired how she just starts doing things she wouldn’t dream of. And even if sometimes it’s a  case of trial and error, she makes new friends, finds herself again and discovers a whole different world.

I have to admit, River was not the kind of character I immediately liked. Her being artistic often came to me as an excuse to be just disorganized and chaotic. But slowly her character is becoming clearer and I started to like this woman who will not accept any bullshit from other people.
She opens Dave’s eyes and shows him that his behaviour and contribution in running the household with Tess is practically non – existing.

I have to mention also Alex… because if there was something that broke my heart in this story, it’s Alex’ tale…
The author managed to tell us his feeling in a very respectful yet also eye – opening way. The feelings Alex is having and yet manages to hide it from everyone, shows us that sometimes it’s nearly impossible to see someone’s real feelings. And that we should never forget that we can take everything and everyone for granted.

I found this a beautiful, yet strong story, because sometimes stepping away is what someone needs to realize what is worth getting back to.
I loved reading how strong characters found themselves in a whole different world, and after the initial hesitation make the best of their current situation.
And even if I didn’t have a clue how our main characters would end up, I enjoyed reading this book and loved every bit of it!