I managed to resist reading this in one sitting; it was late at night and I forced myself to put the book down and turn off the light. So it was two sittings. Because this is a page-turner full of characters who are flawed, as we all are, and who grab your attention and make you want to know what will happen. Will the narrator, a foster child of 14,, ever be accepted, will she ever be able to return home, what will happen to her? And to all the others - who suffer from various addictions. Alcoholism, anxiety, anorexia, adultery, addictive compulsive disorder; comfort eating and bullying and unhappiness. It's all there, and all told with sympathy and understanding, and, I believe, from something of the author's own experiences.

This book is not afraid to address people's issues, and does so in a gentle yet deeply understanding way. It is well written yet in an easily-read style, with a touch of humour, of intelligent understanding, and with an empathy that draws the reader in. Will there be a sequel, to let us know whether the narrator not just survives but hopefully thrives? I do hope so!

I'm grateful to Netgalley for allowing me to read a pre-publication edition. This is my own honest opinion of the book.

I loved this book! All the characters, from the social workers to the foster parents and even Spotless, the dalmatian, sprung to life and felt like real people/dogs and I was rooting for Jackie from the very first page. The story drew me in immediately and I could quite easily have read it in one sitting (only thing stopping me was lack of time!).

If, like me, you were a teenager in the 1970s, you'll love the book's nostalgic touches - Jackie magazine, Top of the Pops and long, hot summers. It reminded me of 'My Name is Leon' by Kit de Waal, which is also about a child in foster care but it's very much Jackie's story and knowing that it's inspired by the author's own foster care experiences, as a youngster, gave the book extra poignancy.

I loved the poetry and Jackie's clever quips and the way she sees the world of adults (and how they often let you down). It took me back to being a teenager myself and how, often, it was a pretty miserable time!

But this book is not depressing. It made me laugh and smile, and tear up and yes, I cried at the (very satisfying!) ending. A lovely story,! Well done Fran on a fabulous debut novel. I'm sure it's going to fly!

I like this story for preteens as an introduction to historical fiction and foster care and the themes that come with that. Enjoyable with a surprisingly sweet ending considering the subject matter.

Cuckoo in the Nest
by Fran Hill
Description
It’s the heatwave summer of 1976 and 14-year-old would-be poet Jackie Chadwick is newly fostered by the Walls. She desperately needs stability, but their insecure, jealous teenage daughter isn't happy about the cuckoo in the nest and sets about ousting her.
When she attempts to do so leads to near-tragedy – and the Walls’ veneer of middle-class respectability begins to crumble – everyone in the household is forced to reassess what really matters.

Funny and poignant, Cuckoo in the Nest is inspired by Fran Hill’s own experience of being fostered. A glorious coming-of-age story set in the summer of 1976.

Brilliant, funny, and Sassy, kind Jackie was a star. I loved this book so much. She chooses kindness when she could have been a rude mess. She was far older in maturity, but still, I laughed. I read this as a senior, but even a teen would love this. Bravo to Fran Hill.

This book will make you smile it’s lovely. In this jade world we love in do yourself a favour and read this. The last line melted my heart.