Family For Beginners

I like making people happy, which is probably why I love to write stories with uplifting endings. I’ve often pondered on the difference between being flexible and easy-going, and people pleasing. I find myself saying yes to things I should probably say no to, and then I’m frustrated with myself and stressed because I have too much to do (do you know that feeling? I bet you do, particularly around the busy summer months!). On the surface there’s nothing wrong with trying to please the people around you of course, but when that urge comes at the expense of your own needs and energy levels, it can be a problem and it’s definitely a problem for Flora, the main character in this book. Flora hates conflict and is good at smoothing over difficult situations, so when she starts seeing a man with two children, she isn’t too concerned. Surely someone with her easy-going nature would be the perfect person to handle the challenges of a ready-made family? But it isn’t as straightforward as she hopes and soon she’s not only dealing with the sensitive issue of his daughters, she’s living with the ghost of his dead wife. Does she try and step into her shoes, or does she forge her own path? Keep things the same or shake them up and establish her own place in this ready-made family? You’ll have to read on to find out. This story is a family drama, with plenty of fun and romance. It’s particularly special to me because it’s mostly set in the Lake District which, as many of my regular readers will know, is one of my favourite places! I hope you enjoy reading it, as much as I enjoyed writing it. And if you tend to be a people pleaser, make sure you take some time to yourself this summer. Relax with a book and a cold drink and indulge in a few minutes of ‘me’ time. I’ll be doing the same.