nest of kin

Carly and Frank fell in love young and built a beautiful family. They bought a small home in Scotland, right on the sea, and that’s where they raised their three children. When the kids were old enough, Carly took a job at the local library, and Frank tried to run a series of small businesses. When those didn’t work out as expected, he took a job as a mechanic. Their children all grew up and left the nest. Bella went to London to find a job in publicity. Ana went to art school. And Eddie moved to Edinburgh to live with a couple of school friends and find a job.

Carly and Frank realize that after many years, they have their home all to themselves. They can do whatever they want. They can travel, they can sell the house and move. Or they can just stay in the home they love and enjoy quiet nights together. It’s the life they always dreamed of.

But then Carly’s father, who was living alone, opened a bad can of fish and got a life-threatening case of botulism. And Eddie gets fired from his restaurant job, where he was training to be a chef, and can’t afford to live in Edinburgh anymore. But even more dramatic, he met a woman at a party. Lyla was her name, and they barely spoke before he was following her lead and going to her place. Weeks later, Eddie finds out that because of that night, Lyla is pregnant.

Now Carly and Frank are trying to deal with her father, who moved into Eddie’s old room after getting out of the hospital. He’s taken over the television, watching only his favorite shows at a high volume, and insists on Carly making him his favorite bland meals for their dinner every night. When Eddie moves back in, he takes over the girls’ bedroom and refuses to look for a new job. And then, when Lyla decides she’s not comfortable living at her mother’s place anymore, Eddie asks if she can move in also.

And just like that, Carly and Frank find that their empty nest is full again. But this time, they are exhausted and depleted. They do their best to keep everyone else safe and happy, but at what cost? Will they be strong enough to stay together through it all, or will their full nest break Carly and Frank?

The Full Nest is the latest family novel from bestselling UK novelist Fiona Gibson. She writes stories about real people in difficult situations with heart and humor, and this is no exception. I thought The Full Nest was a heartwarming story of love and longevity. These characters showed compassion and humanity in difficult circumstances, but they also could be honest about their failings and insecurities. I thought this book celebrated the best of family relationships without being overly saccharine or unrealistic. This was a fun read, lighthearted and entertaining, and perfect for those struggling with their role as caregivers for parents and adult children.

Egalleys for The Full Nest were provided by Avon Books through NetGalley, with many thanks, but the opinions are mine. And I enjoyed the book so much I bought it myself.