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The Freshman Parents by Ko Porteous #Review #EmptyNesterSeries

On 10th July, The Freshman Parents by Ko Porteous was published by All Ways Books Ltd. They’re off for the time of their lives. But are you? Book #1 in The Empty Nesters Series. Single parent Heather isn't neurotic (honest!) - she's simply dreading the day her only child leaves for university - so her meticulous checklists grow longer by the hour. When she seeks advice on a parents' forum, she clashes with They're Scott, a single dad whose "helpful" statistics and assertions about “helicopter parenting” leave her fuming. Move-in day delivers the ultimate surprise: their daughters aren’t just roommates – they are self-declared "besties for life". Suddenly, Heather and Scott are thrown into a begrudging alliance. As they navigate the new status quo, Heather's instinct to organise meets Scott's philosophy of letting go. Their practical text messages about mattress toppers and emergency supplies evolve into conversations about dream job...
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Moondance by Diane Chandler

    Moondance by Diane Chandler charts one couple's experience through the IVF process. Cat and Dominic appear to have everything. Both high flying careerists, they have arrived at a stage in their lives when the desire for a baby cannot be ignored. Diane Chandler weaves within their story, memories of how they met and how they both relate to their childhoods. This means that you really begin to feel that you understand what makes them tick, particularly Cat. Some people might find her unsympathetic at first as she seems to take success as her rightful due. As the story unfolds, you are able to empathise with her, as her situation puts strain and pressure on every aspect of both their lives. Sometimes, the reader feels to be one step ahead of her which adds a poignancy to what is happening.

    I particularly liked the way Cat and Dominic's families were contrasted and shown to be so intrinsic to their make-up. As Cat points out at some point, only those having difficulty conceiving have to question why they want a child. You do begin to wonder whether she wants to beat the process and become pregnant or whether she is really thinking of the baby. Her relationship with her mother, who she refers to by her first name, is fascinating, especially if you look out for similarities between them. 

    As an anatomy of a marriage put under the microscope, Moondance is successful. I was thoroughly involved in the story and did care at the end what the outcome was going to be for everyone.  Well written, with a skillful blending of past and present, this is an engrossing read which rings true.

In short: searingly honest and involving.

Thanks to Blackbird Digital Books for an e-copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
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