By: Rachaele Hambleton
Happiness comes in all shapes and sizes. Jo said goodbye to peace and quiet when she got pregnant at 19, but now she has a chance to hit refresh. A partner she loves, five amazing kids and a house by the sea. But life is never simple and there is more than a little emotional baggage coming along for the ride. Starting with that tw*t of an ex-husband who doesn't pull his weight. Then there's the untrained puppy, the work/life balance, a custody battle for the children and all the everyday ups and downs and chaos of being a patchwork family. Surrounded by family dramas and mums who seem to have all their sh*t together, Jo must find a way to make friends and make it work in this new town. Barbecues on the beach and dog walks open up new conversations, but as Jo gets to know everyone better, the picture perfect families might be in need of more help than she first thought... When normal is not an option, surprises can lead to a different kind of happy family.
"A Different Kind of Happy" by Rachaele Hambleton is a debut novel that explores the complexities and joys of blended family life. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:
The novel is written in a diary format from the perspective of Jo, who is navigating her new life with her partner Jaime and their combined five children from previous marriages. They move to Cornwall, a house by the sea, after a broken marriage and a new relationship. Jo's life becomes increasingly hectic as she deals with the challenges of blending their families, managing complicated exes, and finding a part-time job. The story also introduces new friends, including Lou, who are dealing with their own personal struggles, including domestic abuse. The narrative captures the highs and lows of Jo's life, highlighting her resilience and the ways in which her new life brings both joy and stress.
The book has received mixed reviews, with some readers appreciating its relatable and warm-hearted portrayal of blended family life, while others felt that it was too similar to the author's autobiography. Here are some critical points:
Overall, "A Different Kind of Happy" offers a heartfelt and relatable exploration of blended family life, though it may not resonate equally with all readers due to its similarities to the author's autobiography and the execution of the diary style.