This heartfelt and engaging novel explores the complexities of family, highlighting how reality often differs from the seemingly perfect images portrayed on social media. The story follows Carly and Frank, two characters who occasionally frustrate but ultimately feel deeply real, making readers emotionally invested in their journey.

At its core, the book emphasizes the importance of communication, self-worth, and the ways in which we think we are helping others—sometimes without truly understanding their needs. With humor and poignant moments, it captures the messy, imperfect nature of family life while encouraging readers to appreciate and reconnect with their loved ones.

Despite some minor flaws, the story’s strong emotional pull, relatable themes, and engaging writing make it a compelling and memorable read.

Absolutly love Fionas books and this one certainly didn't disappoint. Full of humour and love it portrays so accurately the time of life when parents and children are getting older, leaving home.....then coming back again.. ..Still needing that parental support. Add to the mix grandparents that also need looking after and finding time as a couple to start that next chapter in your life....and chaos, short tempers and misunderstandings are bound to follow.

Characters that were so relatable and easy to like and understand, I highly recommend this book. Top marks from me.

I love Fiona’s books, they are funny, lighthearted and will make you smile. This one did not disappoint, Carly and hubby Frank have just got rid of their last child, he moved out at the age of 22, but when he gets a girl pregnant, looking after a grand child was not on the plans. I liked that the book shows you the hardship of an empty nest that is quickly changed to a full one again. It showed the strain it has on relationships after the kids leave, it was real yet written as fiction. Enjoyed reading about Carly and looking forward to Fiona’s next book. 5 fabulous stars. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.

Lovers of Fiona Gibson’s books will need no encouragement to read this new one

Dealing with kids leaving home, exasperated Mum’s and self unassured Dads with a good old fashioned elder relative thrown in

Life will be perfect when Carly and Frank are alone again in their home….and they are, for a few weeks….and then the fun really begins

It is as good, as funny,as real, as poignant, as nuancing clever and as honest ( even uncomfortably so at times ) as those that have gone before and again manages to offer a really good read, and sometimes thats all we need, a really good read, and this is that

Wow what a book which made me laugh till my sided hurt but also made me cry I love all the characters in this book with my favourite being Carly and without giving any spoilers away I love the dynamics of the characters and how they all work together in this book and story and fit like a jigsaw puzzle

Many thanks to Publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book and review it

I would highly recommend it

Carly manages to keep her sense of humor against steep odds in this novel about being a woman in the sandwich generation. She was all prepared to enjoy life in an empty nest with her husband Frank but then Eddie, her 22 year old son drops a big one (no spoilers). Add in that she's got her dad to deal with and it's a lot, This could be depressing but Gibson takes what is reality for some and finds light. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

I really enjoyed this book a lot. The characters were really relatable, even though I'm nowhere close to an empty nester yet. I loved the family dynamics, some good humor and really down to earth. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.
This book was perfectly fine, but it was not for me. I guess it made me understood my mother more, but it wasn’t just something I could relate to at all.
It took me a while to read beause it didn’t hook me at all.

🔹 My take: 4.5/5

🔸 Carly is in her 50s and whilst she adores her family to bits; she and Frank have been waiting for that empty nest so that they can finally have time to themselves. Their 2 daughters have made on their own and are out in the world. But their son Eddie is too comfy at home and refuses to budge from that couch. On top of this, Carly’s dad makes an entry and is ‘temporarily’ settled at their home. Carly is trying to juggle multiple responsibilities when Eddie drops a bombshell that complicates already that is over complicated. Carly’s home is no longer an empty nest and instead has become a full nest with 3 generations living together which she had never planned.

💖 Wows - This was thoroughly funny and entertaining. Carly’s internal monologues, outbursts of Frank, stubbornness of Carly’s dad, non responsiveness of Eddie - all was so so relatable. I sympathised with Carly and was equally pissed off with her as to why she was so accommodating. The inter relationships amongst different family members was endearing. The characters look and felt real and not fictional. The editing and writing are top notch.

💔 Ows - For these cozy books, I would just say that there are no new concepts or revelations that they are based on. This book is what you read about life pedestals at your pace between heavy reads and just enjoy them. You might forget later what the book was about but while you are reading it; you will have a good time.

💫 If you have read Fiona Gibson’s book previously, then you will definitely enjoy this funny banter because I have read till date 3 of her books and enjoyed this the most. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

Thanks to @avonbooks and @netgalley for sharing the DRC in exchange for honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Another easy read by Gibson. Her writing style is light and witty. Carly and Frank have an empty nest. All three children have flown the nest. So what next?. Loved Carly as a character. I felt like Carly’s son needed to man up part way through. Abit more grit than some of her previous reads but stuff a good level of fluffy and witty charm.

Great read

3.5 ⭐️

As if it were meant to be, our librarian Carly finds a book in the non-fiction section that she has never seen before: “The Empty Nester’s Handbook: Living Your Best Life When the Kids Leave Home.”

“Let’s Celebrate your fabulous second act!” It beckons…and unlike some parents-Carly and Frank can hardly wait!

If only their son 22 year old son Eddie would move out, the adventures could begin-And, then, one day it finally happens!

But, their “empty nest” doesn’t remain that way for long-as first Carly’s dad needs to move in temporarily, followed closely by Eddie returning home and this time, he doesn’t return alone.

The books spans a period of six months, with each month opening with the header of which family members are CURRENTLY living at Kilmory Cottage, and it unfolds predominately from Carly’s POV.

Will it be just Carly and Frank by the book’s end? Will they find a way to celebrate their next act?

I discovered this author this past Christmas when I stumbled upon the delightful “Tis the Damn Season”, and I was eager to read more of her work, so I was thrilled that her newest book was available to request.

Although this one didn’t score quite as high for me-I couldn’t decide whether to rate up or down-I DID enjoy it!

Fiona Gibson creates likable characters and lets them navigate tricky situations with warmth and humor-and sometimes a “feel good” story like this is exactly what I am looking for and I look forward to discovering more of her work.

“The Empty Nest” will be available on March 13th, 2025.

Thank You to Avon Books for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!

When librarian Carly finds a copy of The Empty Nester’s Handbook: Living Your Best Life When the Kids Leave Home, she thinks it will serve as a guide to the future she and her husband Frank have imagined. Actually, she could never have imagined what the future has in store for her. The problems of an overindulged 22 years old son who likes the comforts of home, the needs of her crotchety elder father, work responsibilities and some unexpected family problems (see Eddie) are enough to threaten her marriage and even her identity. While this sounds like a seriously depressing novel, it isn’t. As one setback after another changes Carly’s plans, the tone is humorous and becomes laugh-out-loud funny. Carly is a survivor and without spoilers, she goes through a lot!

The Full Nest is a delightful look at midlife problems and what happens when life does not go as expected. While at times I thought Carly was too much of a pushover, her caring spirit shines through everything she does. The Full Nest shows how families and relationships can stay strong through challenges. 5 stars.

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

A book I could definitely relate to, since my husband and I became “empty nesters” recently!

Frank and Carly have raised three kids, and are beginning to imagine what life might be like when it’s just the two of them. They never dreamed of the chaos that would ensue when their last child moved out…
At times laugh out loud hilarious, and others where the reader will possibly feel a lump in the throat; it’s a must read for anyone whose children have, or soon will, have “flown the coop.”

*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*

This is a well written story, just not for me. I am giving 3 stars because the story is perfectly fine.

I did not care for the plot since it was depressing to me. Most of the characters are taking advantage of the main character Carly and she lets them walk all over her because she accepts that their happiness is greater than hers. I know it is common now to have grown children still living in their parent’s house, but her son is treating her like a servant, and it was very difficult to read about that. Also, I was blessed with wonderful parents, and unfortunately, Carly has a grump for a dad, and that also was very difficult for me to read about.

I will stop with that since I will give away more of the plot if I keep typing. I am sure some readers will find humor in this book. I really did not. I found a sad situation, but I am happy to say I read the entire book.

Thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.

Had fan and liked it. Entertaining and heartwarming
Liked it . Due to health issues cannot will write a proper review at a later time
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mineA more extensive review will follow

"I think the worst thing we imagine often turns out to not be so bad after all."

Parenting doesn’t stop when the kids grow up—especially when they refuse to move out!

Carly and Frank were ready to enjoy the perks of an empty nest—peaceful dinners, uninterrupted conversations, and vacations that didn’t involve kids’ clubs. But life had other plans. Instead of newfound freedom, Carly finds herself managing a full house once again. Her elderly father moves in, needing more help than he’d like to admit, and her grown son Eddie seems way too comfortable living rent-free. Just when she thinks she might finally catch a break, Eddie throws in a curveball that shakes things up even more.

The writing style is easy to read and follow along with. The descriptions were just detailed enough to get a general idea, though I had a hard time picturing their cottage or Lyla's flat. It was a bit of a mix—sometimes I had to fill in the gaps myself, but it worked out. I liked the multiple perspectives, but the switch between first and third person threw me off a little. Carly’s inner dialogue, though, was a highlight—I felt every bit of her frustration at constantly having to take care of everyone.

I don’t have kids, but I imagine Carly’s feelings are exactly what my mom went through when she wasn’t sure how my brother would make it in the world. Eventually, you have to let go, and they either fail or succeed. (view spoiler) All the characters grow by the end, even Carly’s dad—who, after a questionable experience with some expired 1960s canned food, learns a thing or two himself.

While I enjoyed the book, I wasn’t a fan of some of the actions near the end and how they seemed to be brushed under the rug. It was an easy, enjoyable read, but it didn’t quite wow me enough for a five-star rating. That said, it had some great moments.

Overall, I'd give this book four out of five stars. It’s a warm, humorous take on family life, packed with relatable struggles and heartfelt moments. If you’re looking for a light but thoughtful read about the chaos of a full house, this one’s worth picking up.

"She knows I like a romantic story with a happy ending, but I realize that real life..."

"It's a bit more messy than that."

"It is."

"But it's also wonderful."

A fantastically funny and refreshing read. I really enjoyed this book. The characters are fabulous, the storyline is heart warming and the conclusion leaves you all warm and fuzzy inside. A great feel good read. I devoured this in a few hours as I could not bear to be parted from the craziness of Carly and Franks family. Great read.

Thank you Netgalley

3.5*. The Full Nest is book about a family with 3 kids who have (finally) left home leaving Mom & Dad alone. Or so they think! Realistic story with more than one happy ending.

Thank you Netgalley for this book in exchange for an honest review.

Despite being 384 pages, it was a quick, easy and fun read. Humorous to the point where I laughed out loud several times. Unexpected friendships and relationships were formed that I liked. Most of the characters I really enjoyed, and the pace was great. Nice ending, cozy sleepy, seaside town setting, which I love, overall just lovely book.

Excited to read more books by Fiona Gibson.

Absolutely brilliant, loved it. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me an advance copy, I will definitely be recommending.