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Even though this author has written over 20 novels, I have not read her books prior to this one, which was written in 2022. It is a delightful, funny and sometimes sad story about marriage, divorce, empty nesters and moving on. It is set in charming Cape Cod, making it a perfect summer read.
Lillie has a happy life in a small town on Cape Cod with a fulfilling career as a nurse midwife. She is happily married, or so she thinks, to Brad for almost 20 years. But first and foremost she is a loving mother to her son Dylan, who is graduating from High school and heading off to college in Montana. Lillie is not looking forward to being an empty nester but is trying to remain positive about starting a new chapter with Brad. She is in for a big surprise!
On the eve of their son’s graduation, Lillie and Brad went out for dinner to celebrate, or so Lillie thought. Her life is uprooted when her husband tells her he wants a divorce. He needs to move on and find his “joy.” Needless to say, his joy happens to be a young, beautiful, wealthy woman, Melissa. Thinking her marriage was perfect, Lillie is in disbelief. Instead of feeling heartbroken, however, she is angry as heck.
Lillie is used to taking care of other people, not caring for herself. When Dylan leaves for college and Brad moves out, she is alone for the first time and finds herself going a little rogue. She plots a bit of reveng,e conducting several pranks which include a skunk and a shrimp. These pranks are hilarious and had me laughing out loud. Brad is such a total jerk. He deserved it.
After taking a few days off to feel sorry for herself, she begins to find ways to entertain, build better friendships, and connect with her sister again. When she and her sister were young, Lillie chose to live with their father a fisherman, and her sister chose to live with their mother, a cold hearted attorney. Brad and Lillie’s mother are unlikeable characters who provide hurtful moments. Melissa is selfish and manipulative, but improves as the story progresses. She has taken in her niece Ophelia, who is likable and captured my sympathy. Readers learn about the pasts of all the characters and how their histories affect their present lives.
Lillie is a strong, courageous woman with a great sense of humor. Just when she thought she lost it all, a new chapter arrives out of the clear blue sky, full of happy surprises.
Although a little long, this is a worthwhile read. It has heart and humor. Lillie is a delightful character and I loved how she pranked her husband. After experiencing a difficult situation, she rallied and became a stronger, happier person as a result.
Put this book on your summer reading list.
REVIEW
“Out Of The Clear Blue Sky”
By: Kristen Higgins
Rating: 4.0
Jacquie O’Neil and her daughter, Times Leader Media Group Publisher Kerry Miscavage, contribute to this column.