Fiona has always worked hard and planned carefully. All of that planning is paying off as her last day of work ends and her new life as a retired woman begins. But on the same day her casual, one date a week, boyfriend shows up on her doorstep with bags in tow, as his apartment has been flooded and he needs a place to stay. And then before she can get used to sharing her space with one person his collage student daughter shows up on her doorstep, pregnant with no where else to go. Fiona has kept her life controlled and her circle small and now things are spiralling out of control.
I enjoyed this book. @sallyjenkinsuk did a really good job at exploring the line between control and boundaries. I really felt for Fiona as the book progressed and loved watching her open herself up to the good that came her way.
Thank you to @netgalley and @choclituk for letting me have a copy of #outofcontrol for review.
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #readers #readersofinstagram #booksbooksbooks #readmorebooks

Out of Control is a delightful exploration of love and self-discovery, demonstrating that life’s most rewarding experiences often come from embracing the unexpected. Jenkins’ engaging prose and relatable characters make this novel a standout in the romantic comedy genre, appealing to readers who enjoy stories of second chances and new beginnings.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me a copy of this book to review.

This was a fun chick lit novel, and I enjoyed it a lot. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.

Out of Control by Sally Jenkins is a delightful and heartwarming exploration of change, love, and finding the balance between control and surrender. The story follows Fiona Ormeroyd, a woman who has meticulously planned every detail of her life. However, on the day of her retirement, Fiona’s well-ordered world begins to unravel when her boyfriend, Joe, arrives on her doorstep with an unexpected proposition: he wants to move in together after his flat floods.

Fiona, who values her independence and personal space, is caught off guard. Things get even more complicated when Joe’s pregnant daughter unexpectedly shows up with nowhere else to go, forcing Fiona to open her home to both of them. What starts as an intrusion into Fiona’s carefully constructed life quickly spirals into a chaotic, yet surprisingly meaningful, new chapter.

Jenkins masterfully blends humor, warmth, and a touch of drama as Fiona grapples with the disruptions in her life. The relationships she builds with Joe and his daughter are beautifully explored, as is Fiona’s internal struggle between maintaining control and allowing herself to be vulnerable in the face of change. When an unexpected revelation shakes Fiona’s understanding of her life and love, the story takes on deeper emotional weight, showing the complexity of family dynamics and self-discovery.

Out of Control is a charming and relatable novel that will resonate with anyone who has faced unexpected twists in life. With its rich character development and thoughtful themes, Sally Jenkins has crafted a compelling story about learning to let go and embrace the chaos that can lead to the most rewarding moments.

I had a really hard time getting into this book. I think primarily it was because I couldn’t relate to the FMC Fiona who is in her 60s. I was hoping it was funnier than it actually ended up being. Unfortunately it was a disappointment for me.

I liked this story! It was sweet and funny, had a lot going on, but in good way. I liked the feeling of chaos and disorganization. I think it was well written, I liked the way that the characters were developed and I enjoyed this book!

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

Thank you to NetGalley for this E-ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

Fiona has spent the last 30 years enjoying her independence—her space, her routines, and her freedom. But the moment she steps into early retirement, life throws her a curveball.

First, her casual, once-a-week lover, Joe, shows up unexpectedly, needing a place to stay after his home floods. He sees this as a permanent move; Fiona is hoping it’s anything but. Then, before she’s even adjusted to having him around, Joe’s pregnant daughter, Adele, arrives on her doorstep with nowhere else to go. Suddenly, Fiona’s quiet and predictable life is anything but. Add in a lonely mother demanding more of her time and a best friend acting distant, and it’s clear—Fiona is completely out of her depth.

This story takes Fiona on a journey she never saw coming, pushing her far beyond her comfort zone. But maybe that’s exactly what she needs to figure out what truly makes her happy. The twists in this book feel natural and relatable, making it an engaging, thought-provoking read. If you enjoy stories about life’s unexpected detours and personal growth, I highly recommend picking this one up!
4.25 Stars!

We love an older FMC!

I'm always partial to a girl who loves control and stability, but this is such an interesting take on rediscovery and growth.

This is a great, easy read with lovable characters!

I am not a huge fan of romance stories, but I truly enjoyed this one. As the characters are a bit older, it is a unique take on this trope. The focus is more on relationships, in general. Through Jenkins's crafting of the characters, the readers get to experience Fiona's inner struggles with new relationships, major changes in her own life, and her search for independence. You can't help but root for her. The story demonstrates that, no matter what unpredicted turns life can throw your way, you can still find happiness, just maybe not in the way you originally anticipated. Overall, this is a heartwarming and uplifting tale. I look forward to future books by this author. I have read others in the past, and they never fail to delight.

Sally Jenkins’ Out of Control is a heartwarming later-in-life romantic comedy that delves into themes of personal growth, adaptability, and the unexpected turns life can take. The story centers on Fiona Ormeroyd, a meticulous planner who, upon her retirement, envisions a tranquil and orderly life. However, her well-laid plans are disrupted when her boyfriend, Joe, arrives unannounced, explaining that his flat has been flooded and suggesting they move in together. Complicating matters further, Joe’s eight-months-pregnant daughter also seeks refuge in Fiona’s home, turning her orderly existence into a whirlwind of chaos.

Jenkins crafts a narrative that explores Fiona’s journey from a life of controlled solitude to one filled with unpredictability and emotional complexity. The characters are richly developed, with Fiona’s initial resistance to change gradually giving way to a deeper understanding of love, family, and the beauty of embracing life’s uncertainties. The chemistry between Fiona and Joe is portrayed with authenticity, capturing the nuances of a mature relationship facing unforeseen challenges.

The novel has been well-received by readers, with many highlighting its emotional depth and engaging storytelling. Readers have praised its balance of humor and emotion, noting how the book is full of heart and reminds us that it’s never too late to find happiness.

In summary, Out of Control is a delightful exploration of love and self-discovery, demonstrating that life’s most rewarding experiences often come from embracing the unexpected. Jenkins’ engaging prose and relatable characters make this novel a standout in the romantic comedy genre, appealing to readers who enjoy stories of second chances and new beginnings.

Read and reviewed in exchange for a free copy from Netgalley. This was an easy, enjoyable read. I didn't find the main character, or Tom, particularly likeable, but I loved the growing relationship between her and Adele, which was easily my favourite thread of the book.

This is a unique take on romance as the main characters are older. It's a very comforting read that just goes to show its never too late for happiness and love!

Fiona is divorced and not been in a relationship for 30 years when Joe comes along, but when he arrives on her doorstep wanting to move in, she doesn’t know how to react. She likes her once a week meetup. Her life is spiraling out of her control when his pregnant daughter turns up too.
This was an easy going read that was lovely, reading about relationships in yours 60’s was amazing and it shows us that love can be found at any age. I really like Fiona as a character, she’s quirky, but fun. She likes her routine and doesn’t want to be hurt again. She’s built a barrier. A fabulous 5 star read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy,

This is a romance💝. But because the characters are older👩🏼‍🦳, it definitely focuses on romance from a different point. This book focuses on the relationships between partners👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏽, ex or not, parents🤱🏼 and children👶🏽. This feels like a casual library📖 read for me. The type of book you see in the library and run too read it. When you read it, it's not how you expected but it's good👍🏽 and different.

I enjoyed reading as relationships changed and
Characters developed. Fiona's feelings were written well and I was quite surprised to see that she was 60.

Thanks For the ARC 🧸💝💯

3.5* - although won’t let me put the .5!

Enjoyable romance with Fiona rediscovering herself and what was important within her life upon retirement. It’s a good comfort read as you are rooting for Fiona and her love life.

It is a little predictable and there are parts that I think the relationship with Rob in the present day needed a more definitive ending. But a lovely, easy read for an afternoon with a book and a cup of tea

This is a brilliant story . Starts with retirement for Fiona and just goes from there. You get a weekly boyfriend who moves in, a pregnant daughter , a lonely elderly mother and Fiona’s world just explodes . A really good Saturday afternoon read. Ace

Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for this ARC.

When Fiona Ormeroyd was 30, life as she knew it collapsed for her. At the same time as she learnt that her husband Rob was a gambler she also suffered a miscarriage. They lost the house and divorced but something in Fiona closed off.

She is now 60, financially independent, lives in her own house and has just retired, when her boyfriend Joe who she keeps at arms length and sees once a week, moves in with her without warning due to a problem with his flat. His pregnant daughter Adele follows soon after.

Gone are her carefully controlled days of blissful solitude and breakfasting with best friend Meeko (a nickname of Michael) at the hotel he works as a yoga teacher. Now there is tension and chaos and Joe expecting cooked meals. Suddenly she has family dynamics to manage, Rob reappears and Meeko misunderstands an overheard conversation.

I found Joe a walking red flag. The way he just moves in without asking then expects Fiona to be a housewife and constantly compares her to his ex-wife Rose - I would have kicked that dead weight out way sooner than Fiona did! Thankfully Fiona's mother Dorothea who lives in a retirement complex is also not very fond of Joe and tries to push her and Meeko together. Their slow-burn was excruciatingly slow!

My heart went out to Fiona, having her peaceful retirement plans upended like that, but it was also good to see her slowly letting people back into her life. Rob had terminated her trust in men, but it's been thirty years and Adele brings feelings to the forefront about Fiona's lost pregnancy that she has to confront.

This is a well-written heartwarming later-in-life friends to lovers story about love, loss, unexpected friendships and beginning again that is uplifting and full of emotional depth and reminds you that it is never too late to change your life.

A charming and enjoyable read! The characters are thoughtfully developed, and I really appreciate how they’re more mature than the typical romance leads. It’s refreshing to see that age doesn’t mean they’re done living or no longer searching for love. A wonderful reminder that it’s never too late to find connection and happiness.

**Feedback for "Fiona Ormeroyd's Dilemma"**

Fiona Ormeroyd’s life has always been a tapestry of meticulously woven plans—until her long-awaited retirement unravels into a whirlwind of unexpected events. In this engaging and heartfelt tale, we follow Fiona as she navigates the chaos that ensues when her boyfriend Joe not only seeks to move in with her but also brings along his pregnant daughter, upending her carefully curated sanctuary.

The author brilliantly captures Fiona's inner conflict between her desire for independence and the pressures of new relationships, making her a relatable character for anyone who has ever faced change. The exploration of family dynamics, love, and the inevitable messiness of life is woven through every page, creating a rich and immersive reading experience.

The premise of a "later-in-life" romance is refreshing, and Fiona’s journey to find her footing in a suddenly crowded household is both humorous and poignant. Readers will find themselves invested in her quest for balance and self-discovery, as well as in the evolving dynamics between Fiona, Joe, and his daughter.

This delightful story reminds us that life can take unexpected turns, and sometimes, surrendering to the chaos can lead to newfound happiness. Fans of feel-good romance will undoubtedly relish this charming narrative filled with warmth, laughter, and the transformative power of love. A fantastic read that leaves you contemplating the beauty of embracing change rather than resisting it!