Happiness is a Thing With Wings

An absolute page turner that's funny, heartwarming and was the perfect uplifting read.

Joanna was such a relatable character for me. Although I don't have children, I too found myself pondering life and everything inbetween before I hit the big 50...and I'm on the plus side of plump too.

Ladies, however old you may be or whether you think you're past your sell by date, it's never too late to make the changes in life to make yourself happy!

Very well written, highly entertaining and definitely one to be recommended. Loved it and was sad it had to finish.

Many thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for my tour spot.

Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

3.5 Stars

This book made me think of the old adage "What are you saving the good dishes for?" You only live once, so live life to the fullest and that is what Joanna, our main character, is trying to do now that she is turning 49. Stuck in a loveless marriage for the last thirty years she decides to leave her husband, gets a new job, and moves into Bluebell cottage.

I despised David, the husband. He is everything you don't want in a significant other and I have no idea why Joanna was with him in the first place, I mean his own son didn't even like him. Her sister Hannah is a selfish, spoilt brat and I didn't like her much either. Her saving grace is her son, Jack...a mother's dream...except for his girlfriend Pixie whom Joanna calls Poxie. LOL

Joanna reminded me a lot of myself. I am a woman of a certain age and I too feel invisible at times. I really felt for her and I too have had empty nest syndrome. I liked that Joanna didn't rush into a romantic relationship right away, that happens far too often in books and I like seeing the woman find her strength and try and make it on her own. Some parts were so funny I was laughing out loud, they were so relatable and so was Joanna. The book has a lot of internal dialogue so I felt I really got into Joanna's head and got to know her and I am so glad she found her happiness and her wings.

Happiness is a Thing With Wings
by Susi Osborne
Joanna is approaching the end of her forties and the empty nest syndrome looms. She consoles herself with gin and chocolate, realizing that apart from raising her son Jack, she has achieved absolutely nothing.

Somewhat on the plus side of plump and barely five feet tall, she finds it difficult not to envy her younger, prettier sister. Such elevated elegance seems so unfair – as does Hannah’s successful marriage. Joanna, in contrast, has remained in a loveless marriage for the past thirty years, stuck in a rut with the most miserable man on the planet but not having the impetus to get out.

It takes an embarrassing but hilarious encounter in the supermarket to make her realize what she’s been missing. It’s exactly the push she needs to make her change her life. With a little encouragement, Joanna starts to regain her independence, finally leaving her grumpy husband to enjoy life as a single woman. As she attempts to rebuild her own future, her family and friends continually surprise her with their own revelations.

Life is never dull, laughter never far away; can Joanna finally find true happiness within herself at last?



Thanks to NetGalley and The Book Guild Ltd for the arc for my opinion.
I did enjoy this book. I am now 65, and I did relate to the 5OH and 6OHHHH. Humor and some real moments make me think about the big life picture. I read it and will recommend it to the people turning age, and just turning corners.

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, from The Book Guild and #NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to preview and review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.


A heartwarming page-turner that’s not only touching but entertaining too.

Happiness is a Thing With Wings by Susi Osborne is a heartfelt story about a woman fighting for happiness.

Even though it seems that our main heroine has a good life, she is well aware that her marriage leaves a lot to be desired. She is so utterly unhappy with her marriage and she realizes that she needs to do something to fix it.
It takes her on a journey of self discovery and shows us that it is never too late for a change.

I rooted for her, she is so realistic, all of us can see ourselves in some parts of her, her realationships with family and friends, in the decisions she makes, things she does. She is so charming, vulnerable and loveable.
I thoroughly despised her husband and loved the relationship she has with her sister and son.

There is also a shoking reveal that was such a suprise for me.