Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this ARC.

Carly, a librarian and husband Frank, a mechanic from Portugal, are in their early fifties. They have two daughters and a son in their early twenties, but the daughters have already flown the nest. However, Eddie, 22, is a lazy layabout and he doesn't see the need to leave the place where he gets his laundry washed and food cooked. One day though he suddenly moves in with his best friends from school in Edinburgh and finds a restaurant job, and Carly and Frank can finally walk around in their underwear at home.

The relief is short-lived though. Carly's belligerent father Kenny, 85, gives himself botulism by eating ancient pilchards from a rusty tin (They cost money, don't you dare throw them away!") and has to move in with them. Then Eddie comes back with shocking news and the number of house inhabitants goes up again. All the while, Carly longingly eyes up "The Empty-Nester’s Handbook" but its tips seem frustratingly out of reach.

I have to say, while it is funny in parts, I did not find this as funny and uplifting as the author's other books. The rapidly disintegrating marriage is sad, broken down from the strain of being in the middle and having to deal both with the younger and the older generation. It's bittersweet and realistic, and will draw you in, hoping it will all end well. There is also a sad side story with a gay colleague who feels hidden away by his partner. As is the case in a Fiona Gibson book, it's the men who cause the multi-generational drama and who can't cope while the women hold it all together. It's a well-written, easy read and if you're looking for a relatable family drama with strong women, this will be for you.