Flying Solo: A Novel
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • A woman returns to her small Maine hometown, uncovering family secrets that take her on a journey of self-discovery and new love, in this warm and charming novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Evvie Drake Starts Over.
“A testament to the truth that love comes in all shapes, sizes, and situations.”—Jodi Picoult
ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: NPR, PopSugar
Smarting from her recently canceled wedding and about to turn forty, Laurie Sassalyn returns to her Maine hometown of Calcasset to handle the estate of her great-aunt Dot, a spirited adventurer who lived to be ninety-three. Alongside boxes of Polaroids and pottery, a mysterious wooden duck shows up at the bottom of a cedar chest. Laurie’s curiosity is piqued, especially after she finds a love letter to the never-married Dot that ends with the line “And anyway, if you’re ever desperate, there are always ducks, darling.”
Laurie is told that the duck has no financial value. But after it disappears under suspicious circumstances, she feels compelled to figure out why anyone would steal a wooden duck—and why Dot kept it hidden away in the first place. Suddenly Laurie finds herself swept up in a righteous caper that has her negotiating with antiques dealers and con artists, going on after-hours dates at the local library, and reconnecting with her oldest friend and her first love. Desperate to uncover her great-aunt’s secrets, Laurie must reckon with her own past and her future—and ultimately embrace her own vision of flying solo.
With a cast of unforgettable characters and a heroine you will root for from page one, Flying Solo is a wonderfully original story about growing up, coming home, and learning to make a life for yourself on your own terms.
“A testament to the truth that love comes in all shapes, sizes, and situations.”—Jodi Picoult
ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: NPR, PopSugar
Smarting from her recently canceled wedding and about to turn forty, Laurie Sassalyn returns to her Maine hometown of Calcasset to handle the estate of her great-aunt Dot, a spirited adventurer who lived to be ninety-three. Alongside boxes of Polaroids and pottery, a mysterious wooden duck shows up at the bottom of a cedar chest. Laurie’s curiosity is piqued, especially after she finds a love letter to the never-married Dot that ends with the line “And anyway, if you’re ever desperate, there are always ducks, darling.”
Laurie is told that the duck has no financial value. But after it disappears under suspicious circumstances, she feels compelled to figure out why anyone would steal a wooden duck—and why Dot kept it hidden away in the first place. Suddenly Laurie finds herself swept up in a righteous caper that has her negotiating with antiques dealers and con artists, going on after-hours dates at the local library, and reconnecting with her oldest friend and her first love. Desperate to uncover her great-aunt’s secrets, Laurie must reckon with her own past and her future—and ultimately embrace her own vision of flying solo.
With a cast of unforgettable characters and a heroine you will root for from page one, Flying Solo is a wonderfully original story about growing up, coming home, and learning to make a life for yourself on your own terms.
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Community Reviews
Another Book Club choice and while not one I was likely to pick up on my own, I'm glad I read it (that's why I belong to book clubs: they make me read books I otherwise most assuredly wouldn't but am almost always glad I did). I was certain this would be a rom-com and although it wasn't, exactly, the story and the romantic relationship was interesting and a fun, quick read. The main subject (about a duck decoy) was the reason to read the book but the relationship aspect was unique enough to make it read-worthy. Read it this summer or this winter when you can't go out. It's worth the time.
Flying Solo was a cute book. I really enjoyed the mystery aspect of the story. Laurie, the main character, goes through some wonderful self discovery towards the end of the book. It shows the reader that loves stories donât always have to follow the same stereotypical pattern.
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